2 Corinthians 5
New Bodies
1 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.[a] 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.
6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
2 Corinthians 4
Treasure in Fragile Clay Jars 1 Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way,[a] we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.
3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.[b] This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.
13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.”[c] 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus,[d] will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[e] being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Treasure in Fragile Clay Jars 1 Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way,[a] we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.
3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.[b] This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.
13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.”[c] 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus,[d] will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[e] being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Friday, August 29, 2008
You might or might not know that every day I pray for health care for all Americans. I did a Google search for Heath Care Options for all Americans and I came up with Obama's Plan. Let us read it together and consider it. I like the part that says guaranteed eligibility. No American will be turned away. God help us, we need medical help for everyone.
Barack Obama's Plan
Quality, Affordable and Portable Coverage for All
Obama's Plan to Cover Uninsured Americans: Obama will make available a new national health plan to all Americans, including the self-employed and small businesses, to buy affordable health coverage that is similar to the plan available to members of Congress. The Obama plan will have the following features:
Guaranteed eligibility. No American will be turned away from any insurance plan because of illness or pre-existing conditions.
Comprehensive benefits. The benefit package will be similar to that offered through Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), the plan members of Congress have. The plan will cover all essential medical services, including preventive, maternity and mental health care.
Affordable premiums, co-pays and deductibles.
Subsidies. Individuals and families who do not qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP but still need financial assistance will receive an income-related federal subsidy to buy into the new public plan or purchase a private health care plan.
Simplified paperwork and reined in health costs.
Easy enrollment. The new public plan will be simple to enroll in and provide ready access to coverage.
Portability and choice. Participants in the new public plan and the National Health Insurance Exchange (see below) will be able to move from job to job without changing or jeopardizing their health care coverage.
Quality and efficiency. Participating insurance companies in the new public program will be required to report data to ensure that standards for quality, health information technology and administration are being met.
National Health Insurance Exchange: The Obama plan will create a National Health Insurance Exchange to help individuals who wish to purchase a private insurance plan. The Exchange will act as a watchdog group and help reform the private insurance market by creating rules and standards for participating insurance plans to ensure fairness and to make individual coverage more affordable and accessible. Insurers would have to issue every applicant a policy, and charge fair and stable premiums that will not depend upon health status. The Exchange will require that all the plans offered are at least as generous as the new public plan and have the same standards for quality and efficiency. The Exchange would evaluate plans and make the differences among the plans, including cost of services, public.
Employer Contribution: Employers that do not offer or make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees will be required to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of the national plan. Small businesses will be exempt from this requirement, and will receive a new Small Business Health Tax Credit that helps reduce health care costs for small businesses.
Support for Small Businesses: Barack Obama will create a Small Business Health Tax Credit to provide small businesses with a refundable tax credit of up to 50 percent on premiums paid by small businesses on behalf of their employees. This new credit will provide a strong incentive to small businesses to offer high quality health care to their workers and help improve the competitiveness of America’s small businesses.
Mandatory Coverage of Children: Obama will require that all children have health care coverage. Obama will expand the number of options for young adults to get coverage, including allowing young people up to age 25 to continue coverage through their parents' plans.
Expansion Of Medicaid and SCHIP: Obama will expand eligibility for the Medicaid and SCHIP programs and ensure that these programs continue to serve their critical safety net function.
Flexibility for State Plans: Due to federal inaction, some states have taken the lead in health care reform. The Obama plan builds on these efforts and does not replace what states are doing. States can continue to experiment, provided they meet the minimum standards of the national plan.
Lower Costs by Modernizing The U.S. Health Care System
Reducing Costs of Catastrophic Illnesses for Employers and Their Employees: Catastrophic health expenditures account for a high percentage of medical expenses for private insurers. The Obama plan would reimburse employer health plans for a portion of the catastrophic costs they incur above a threshold if they guarantee such savings are used to reduce the cost of workers' premiums.
Helping Patients:
Support disease management programs. Seventy five percent of total health care dollars are spent on patients with one or more chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Obama will require that providers that participate in the new public plan, Medicare or the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) utilize proven disease management programs. This will improve quality of care, give doctors better information and lower costs.
Coordinate and integrate care. Over 133 million Americans have at least one chronic disease and these chronic conditions cost a staggering $1.7 trillion yearly. Obama will support implementation of programs and encourage team care that will improve coordination and integration of care of those with chronic conditions.
Require full transparency about quality and costs. Obama will require hospitals and providers to collect and publicly report measures of health care costs and quality, including data on preventable medical errors, nurse staffing ratios, hospital-acquired infections, and disparities in care. Health plans will also be required to disclose the percentage of premiums that go to patient care as opposed to administrative costs.
Ensuring Providers Deliver Quality Care:
Promote patient safety. Obama will require providers to report preventable medical errors and support hospital and physician practice improvement to prevent future occurrences.
Align incentives for excellence. Both public and private insurers tend to pay providers based on the volume of services provided, rather than the quality or effectiveness of care. Providers who see patients enrolled in the new public plan, the National Health Insurance Exchange, Medicare and FEHBP will be rewarded for achieving performance thresholds on outcome measures.
Comparative effectiveness research. Obama will establish an independent institute to guide reviews and research on comparative effectiveness, so that Americans and their doctors will have the accurate and objective information they need to make the best decisions for their health and well-being.
Tackle disparities in health care. Obama will tackle the root causes of health disparities by addressing differences in access to health coverage and promoting prevention and public health, both of which play a major role in addressing disparities. He will also challenge the medical system to eliminate inequities in health care through quality measurement and reporting, implementation of effective interventions such as patient navigation programs, and diversification of the health workforce.
Insurance reform. Obama will strengthen antitrust laws to prevent insurers from overcharging physicians for their malpractice insurance and will promote new models for addressing errors that improve patient safety, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and reduce the need for malpractice suits.
Lowering Costs Through Investment in Electronic Health Information Technology Systems: Most medical records are still stored on paper, which makes it hard to coordinate care, measure quality or reduce medical errors and which costs twice as much as electronic claims. Obama will invest $10 billion a year over the next five years to move the U.S. health care system to broad adoption of standards-based electronic health information systems, including electronic health records, and will phase in requirements for full implementation of health IT. Obama will ensure that patients' privacy is protected.
Lowering Costs by Increasing Competition in the Insurance and Drug Markets: The insurance business today is dominated by a small group of large companies that has been gobbling up their rivals. There have been over 400 health care mergers in the last 10 years, and just two companies dominate a full third of the national market. These changes were supposed to make the industry more efficient, but instead premiums have skyrocketed by over 87 percent.
Barack Obama will prevent companies from abusing their monopoly power through unjustified price increases. His plan will force insurers to pay out a reasonable share of their premiums for patient care instead of keeping exorbitant amounts for profits and administration. His new National Health Exchange will help increase competition by insurers.
Lower prescription drug costs. The second-fastest growing type of health expenses is prescription drugs. Pharmaceutical companies are selling the exact same drugs in Europe and Canada but charging Americans more than double the price. Obama will allow Americans to buy their medicines from other developed countries if the drugs are safe and prices are lower outside the U.S. Obama will also repeal the ban that prevents the government from negotiating with drug companies, which could result in savings as high as $30 billion. Finally, Obama will work to increase the use of generic drugs in Medicare, Medicaid, and FEHBP and prohibit big name drug companies from keeping generics out of markets.
Fight for New Initiatives
Advance the Biomedical Research Field: As a result of biomedical research the prevention, early detection and treatment of diseases such as cancer and heart disease is better today than any other time in history. Barack Obama has consistently supported funding for the national institutes of health and the national science foundation. Obama strongly supports investments in biomedical research, as well as medical education and training in health-related fields, because it provides the foundation for new therapies and diagnostics. Obama has been a champion of research in cancer, mental health, health disparities, global health, women and children's health, and veterans' health. As president, Obama will strengthen funding for biomedical research, and better improve the efficiency of that research by improving coordination both within government and across government/private/non-profit partnerships. An Obama administration will ensure that we translate scientific progress into improved approaches to disease prevention, early detection and therapy that is available for all Americans.
Fight AIDS Worldwide. There are 33 million people across the planet infected with HIV/AIDS. As president, Obama will continue to be a global leader in the fight against AIDS. Obama believes in working across party lines to combat this epidemic and recently joined Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) at a large California evangelical church to promote greater investment in the global AIDS battle.
Support Americans with Disabilities: As a former civil rights lawyer, Barack Obama knows firsthand the importance of strong protections for minority communities in our society. Obama is committed to strengthening and better enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so that future generations of Americans with disabilities have equal rights and opportunities. Obama believes we must restore the original legislative intent of the ADA in the wake of court decisions that have restricted the interpretation of this landmark legislation. Barack Obama is also committed to ensuring that disabled Americans receive Medicaid and Medicare benefits in a low-cost, effective and timely manner. Recognizing that many individuals with disabilities rely on Medicare, Obama worked with Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) to urge the department of health and human services to provide clear and reliable information on the Medicare prescription drug benefit and to ensure that the Medicare recipients were protected from fraudulent claims by marketers and drug plan agents.
Improve Mental Health Care. Mental illness affects approximately one in five American families. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that untreated mental illnesses cost the U.S. more than $100 billion per year. As president, Obama will support mental health parity so that coverage for serious mental illnesses are provided on the same terms and conditions as other illnesses and diseases.
Protect Our Children from Lead Poisoning. More than 430,000 American children have dangerously high levels of lead in their blood. Lead can cause irreversible brain damage, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma and death. As president, Obama will protect children from lead poisoning by requiring that child care facilities be lead-safe within five years.
Reduce Risks of Mercury Pollution. More than five million women of childbearing age have high levels of toxic mercury in their blood, and approximately 630,000 newborns are born at risk every year. Barack Obama has a plan to significantly reduce the amount of mercury that is deposited in oceans, lakes, and rivers, which in turn would reduce the amount of mercury in fish.
Support Americans with Autism. More than one million Americans have autism, a complex neurobiological condition that has a range of impacts on thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. As diagnostic criteria broaden and awareness increases, more cases of autism have been recognized across the country. Barack Obama believes that we can do more to help autistic Americans and their families understand and live with autism. He has been a strong supporter of more than $1 billion in federal funding for autism research on the root causes and treatments, and he believes that we should increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to truly ensure that no child is left behind.More than anything, autism remains a profound mystery with a broad spectrum of effects on autistic individuals, their families, loved ones, the community, and education and health care systems. Obama believes that the government and our communities should work together to provide a helping hand to autistic individuals and their families.
Barack Obama's Plan
Quality, Affordable and Portable Coverage for All
Obama's Plan to Cover Uninsured Americans: Obama will make available a new national health plan to all Americans, including the self-employed and small businesses, to buy affordable health coverage that is similar to the plan available to members of Congress. The Obama plan will have the following features:
Guaranteed eligibility. No American will be turned away from any insurance plan because of illness or pre-existing conditions.
Comprehensive benefits. The benefit package will be similar to that offered through Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), the plan members of Congress have. The plan will cover all essential medical services, including preventive, maternity and mental health care.
Affordable premiums, co-pays and deductibles.
Subsidies. Individuals and families who do not qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP but still need financial assistance will receive an income-related federal subsidy to buy into the new public plan or purchase a private health care plan.
Simplified paperwork and reined in health costs.
Easy enrollment. The new public plan will be simple to enroll in and provide ready access to coverage.
Portability and choice. Participants in the new public plan and the National Health Insurance Exchange (see below) will be able to move from job to job without changing or jeopardizing their health care coverage.
Quality and efficiency. Participating insurance companies in the new public program will be required to report data to ensure that standards for quality, health information technology and administration are being met.
National Health Insurance Exchange: The Obama plan will create a National Health Insurance Exchange to help individuals who wish to purchase a private insurance plan. The Exchange will act as a watchdog group and help reform the private insurance market by creating rules and standards for participating insurance plans to ensure fairness and to make individual coverage more affordable and accessible. Insurers would have to issue every applicant a policy, and charge fair and stable premiums that will not depend upon health status. The Exchange will require that all the plans offered are at least as generous as the new public plan and have the same standards for quality and efficiency. The Exchange would evaluate plans and make the differences among the plans, including cost of services, public.
Employer Contribution: Employers that do not offer or make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees will be required to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of the national plan. Small businesses will be exempt from this requirement, and will receive a new Small Business Health Tax Credit that helps reduce health care costs for small businesses.
Support for Small Businesses: Barack Obama will create a Small Business Health Tax Credit to provide small businesses with a refundable tax credit of up to 50 percent on premiums paid by small businesses on behalf of their employees. This new credit will provide a strong incentive to small businesses to offer high quality health care to their workers and help improve the competitiveness of America’s small businesses.
Mandatory Coverage of Children: Obama will require that all children have health care coverage. Obama will expand the number of options for young adults to get coverage, including allowing young people up to age 25 to continue coverage through their parents' plans.
Expansion Of Medicaid and SCHIP: Obama will expand eligibility for the Medicaid and SCHIP programs and ensure that these programs continue to serve their critical safety net function.
Flexibility for State Plans: Due to federal inaction, some states have taken the lead in health care reform. The Obama plan builds on these efforts and does not replace what states are doing. States can continue to experiment, provided they meet the minimum standards of the national plan.
Lower Costs by Modernizing The U.S. Health Care System
Reducing Costs of Catastrophic Illnesses for Employers and Their Employees: Catastrophic health expenditures account for a high percentage of medical expenses for private insurers. The Obama plan would reimburse employer health plans for a portion of the catastrophic costs they incur above a threshold if they guarantee such savings are used to reduce the cost of workers' premiums.
Helping Patients:
Support disease management programs. Seventy five percent of total health care dollars are spent on patients with one or more chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Obama will require that providers that participate in the new public plan, Medicare or the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) utilize proven disease management programs. This will improve quality of care, give doctors better information and lower costs.
Coordinate and integrate care. Over 133 million Americans have at least one chronic disease and these chronic conditions cost a staggering $1.7 trillion yearly. Obama will support implementation of programs and encourage team care that will improve coordination and integration of care of those with chronic conditions.
Require full transparency about quality and costs. Obama will require hospitals and providers to collect and publicly report measures of health care costs and quality, including data on preventable medical errors, nurse staffing ratios, hospital-acquired infections, and disparities in care. Health plans will also be required to disclose the percentage of premiums that go to patient care as opposed to administrative costs.
Ensuring Providers Deliver Quality Care:
Promote patient safety. Obama will require providers to report preventable medical errors and support hospital and physician practice improvement to prevent future occurrences.
Align incentives for excellence. Both public and private insurers tend to pay providers based on the volume of services provided, rather than the quality or effectiveness of care. Providers who see patients enrolled in the new public plan, the National Health Insurance Exchange, Medicare and FEHBP will be rewarded for achieving performance thresholds on outcome measures.
Comparative effectiveness research. Obama will establish an independent institute to guide reviews and research on comparative effectiveness, so that Americans and their doctors will have the accurate and objective information they need to make the best decisions for their health and well-being.
Tackle disparities in health care. Obama will tackle the root causes of health disparities by addressing differences in access to health coverage and promoting prevention and public health, both of which play a major role in addressing disparities. He will also challenge the medical system to eliminate inequities in health care through quality measurement and reporting, implementation of effective interventions such as patient navigation programs, and diversification of the health workforce.
Insurance reform. Obama will strengthen antitrust laws to prevent insurers from overcharging physicians for their malpractice insurance and will promote new models for addressing errors that improve patient safety, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and reduce the need for malpractice suits.
Lowering Costs Through Investment in Electronic Health Information Technology Systems: Most medical records are still stored on paper, which makes it hard to coordinate care, measure quality or reduce medical errors and which costs twice as much as electronic claims. Obama will invest $10 billion a year over the next five years to move the U.S. health care system to broad adoption of standards-based electronic health information systems, including electronic health records, and will phase in requirements for full implementation of health IT. Obama will ensure that patients' privacy is protected.
Lowering Costs by Increasing Competition in the Insurance and Drug Markets: The insurance business today is dominated by a small group of large companies that has been gobbling up their rivals. There have been over 400 health care mergers in the last 10 years, and just two companies dominate a full third of the national market. These changes were supposed to make the industry more efficient, but instead premiums have skyrocketed by over 87 percent.
Barack Obama will prevent companies from abusing their monopoly power through unjustified price increases. His plan will force insurers to pay out a reasonable share of their premiums for patient care instead of keeping exorbitant amounts for profits and administration. His new National Health Exchange will help increase competition by insurers.
Lower prescription drug costs. The second-fastest growing type of health expenses is prescription drugs. Pharmaceutical companies are selling the exact same drugs in Europe and Canada but charging Americans more than double the price. Obama will allow Americans to buy their medicines from other developed countries if the drugs are safe and prices are lower outside the U.S. Obama will also repeal the ban that prevents the government from negotiating with drug companies, which could result in savings as high as $30 billion. Finally, Obama will work to increase the use of generic drugs in Medicare, Medicaid, and FEHBP and prohibit big name drug companies from keeping generics out of markets.
Fight for New Initiatives
Advance the Biomedical Research Field: As a result of biomedical research the prevention, early detection and treatment of diseases such as cancer and heart disease is better today than any other time in history. Barack Obama has consistently supported funding for the national institutes of health and the national science foundation. Obama strongly supports investments in biomedical research, as well as medical education and training in health-related fields, because it provides the foundation for new therapies and diagnostics. Obama has been a champion of research in cancer, mental health, health disparities, global health, women and children's health, and veterans' health. As president, Obama will strengthen funding for biomedical research, and better improve the efficiency of that research by improving coordination both within government and across government/private/non-profit partnerships. An Obama administration will ensure that we translate scientific progress into improved approaches to disease prevention, early detection and therapy that is available for all Americans.
Fight AIDS Worldwide. There are 33 million people across the planet infected with HIV/AIDS. As president, Obama will continue to be a global leader in the fight against AIDS. Obama believes in working across party lines to combat this epidemic and recently joined Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) at a large California evangelical church to promote greater investment in the global AIDS battle.
Support Americans with Disabilities: As a former civil rights lawyer, Barack Obama knows firsthand the importance of strong protections for minority communities in our society. Obama is committed to strengthening and better enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so that future generations of Americans with disabilities have equal rights and opportunities. Obama believes we must restore the original legislative intent of the ADA in the wake of court decisions that have restricted the interpretation of this landmark legislation. Barack Obama is also committed to ensuring that disabled Americans receive Medicaid and Medicare benefits in a low-cost, effective and timely manner. Recognizing that many individuals with disabilities rely on Medicare, Obama worked with Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) to urge the department of health and human services to provide clear and reliable information on the Medicare prescription drug benefit and to ensure that the Medicare recipients were protected from fraudulent claims by marketers and drug plan agents.
Improve Mental Health Care. Mental illness affects approximately one in five American families. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that untreated mental illnesses cost the U.S. more than $100 billion per year. As president, Obama will support mental health parity so that coverage for serious mental illnesses are provided on the same terms and conditions as other illnesses and diseases.
Protect Our Children from Lead Poisoning. More than 430,000 American children have dangerously high levels of lead in their blood. Lead can cause irreversible brain damage, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma and death. As president, Obama will protect children from lead poisoning by requiring that child care facilities be lead-safe within five years.
Reduce Risks of Mercury Pollution. More than five million women of childbearing age have high levels of toxic mercury in their blood, and approximately 630,000 newborns are born at risk every year. Barack Obama has a plan to significantly reduce the amount of mercury that is deposited in oceans, lakes, and rivers, which in turn would reduce the amount of mercury in fish.
Support Americans with Autism. More than one million Americans have autism, a complex neurobiological condition that has a range of impacts on thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. As diagnostic criteria broaden and awareness increases, more cases of autism have been recognized across the country. Barack Obama believes that we can do more to help autistic Americans and their families understand and live with autism. He has been a strong supporter of more than $1 billion in federal funding for autism research on the root causes and treatments, and he believes that we should increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to truly ensure that no child is left behind.More than anything, autism remains a profound mystery with a broad spectrum of effects on autistic individuals, their families, loved ones, the community, and education and health care systems. Obama believes that the government and our communities should work together to provide a helping hand to autistic individuals and their families.
Do you know that NC is outfront in building three solar power stations near Wilmington, NC.
Here is the latest news from Sustainable NC
LOCALDurham landfill gas will generate power for DukeBurt’s Bees sets aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goal NC IDEA grant cycle opensProgress Energy reaches solar power deal with SunEdisonWith 3 solar plans, N.C. is out frontBuilding communities keeps Self-Help on trackTriangle colleges hope 'green' look attracts students
City of Lexington eyes practical 'green' initiatives
Camden eco-park plans in the works
FINANCE
The ROI of sustainabilityInvestment banker brings market finesse to conservationENERGY & CLIMATE CHANGEFirst draft of sustainable biofuels standard releasedScandinavia's lateral thinkersElectric bikes sell briskly as gas prices climbGM to finish electric car design by mid-SeptemberCSRIBM expands consulting services with 'green sigma'Retailer creates jobs with green practicesGREEN BUILDINGReport examines effectiveness green building incentive optionsLEED 2009 now open for second public comment periodSUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMSNational initiative to establish sustainable agriculture standard enters next phaseMeasuring the carbon footprint of fruit and winePRINTINGMaine company offers first soy-based toner cartridges for offices and schools
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NCSBC NEWSNominate your Sustainability Champion!This year's Sustainable North Carolina Awards will feature recognition for individual achievement for the first time. If you know someone who has worked tirelessly to promote triple bottom line approaches to a sustainable future in their organization and community, take a moment to submit a nomination. Other 2008 categories are Triple Bottom Line, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and The Greater Good. The nomination deadline for all categories is Sept. 17.
Read More & Download Forms ___________________________________Early bird discounts for Nov. 10-11 Sustainable Solutions Expo expire Aug. 31 The first-ever Sustainable Solutions Expo at the Raleigh Convention Center is shaping up to be a huge success! Reaching both a national and regional audience of 2000 institutional and business decision-makers, the tradeshow will feature a wide range of environmentally sustainable and socially responsible products and services.To reserve your space at the best rates, contact Scott Kenney today at exhibit@sustainablesolutionsexpo.org.
Read More ___________________________________Triad and Charlotte sustainable business networks growing The NC Sustainable Business Council's local networks of business professionals in the Triad and Charlotte are organizing and growing. While local Sustainability Cafes have been held in both areas over the past year, both now have formal steering committees to develop networking and educational programs tailored to those communities. If you are interested in getting involved or learning more, contact us at info@sustainnc.org.
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LOCALDurham landfill gas will generate power for DukeNews & Observer - Duke Energy said Thursday that it plans to use methane captured from the City of Durham landfill to generate electricity. Under its deal with Methane Power Inc., Duke next year will begin buying up to 2 megawatts of power generated from the landfill gas.Read More ___________________________________
Burt’s Bees sets aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goalCSRWire - Burt's Bees today announced its goal to reduce its U.S. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 35 percent per dollar sales from 2006 to 2011. Last fall, Burt's Bees joined the US EPA's Climate Leaders program and has spent the last six months working with US EPA to learn the formal GHG inventory methodology and reduction goal setting process. Burt's Bees has completed the inventory process and has formalized their reduction target, now joining a powerful collective response to climate change, bridging industry and government.Read More ___________________________________ NC IDEA grant cycle opensTriad Business Journal - Companies in information technology, medical devices, material sciences or green technologies interested in applying for an NC IDEA grant have until Sept. 12 to submit an initial proposal, according to an announcement.Read More ___________________________________Progress Energy reaches solar power deal with SunEdisonTriangle Business Journal - Progress Energy has signed an agreement to allow SunEdison, a solar energy company, to build, own and operate a 1.2-megawatt solar energy project near Progress' coal-fired power plants in Wilmington.Read More ___________________________________With 3 solar plans, N.C. is out frontNews & Observer - After years of false starts, large-scale solar power is scheduled to come to North Carolina.Read More ___________________________________Building communities keeps Self-Help on trackNews & Observer - One year into the credit crunch and mortgage meltdown, a Durham financial institution that banks on neighborhoods at risk is doing business as usual. How so? Common sense, said Martin Eakes, co-founder and CEO of Self-Help, a Main Street nonprofit organization that has, according to its Web site, provided $5.24 billion to 60,130 homeowners, small businesses and nonprofit enterprises since starting the practice in 1984.Read More ___________________________________Triangle colleges hope 'green' look attracts studentsNews & Observer - Princeton Review, publisher of a college selection guide, debuted its green rating, a measure of how environmentally friendly campuses are based on policies, building practices and academic offerings. The green rating will join other scores the review publishes about financial aid, academic selectivity and quality of life to help applicants choose among colleges. In The Princeton Review's rankings, Duke, N.C. State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill all scored 90 or higher out of a possible 99 -- placing them in the top fifth of more than 500 colleges and universities ranked.Read More ___________________________________
City of Lexington eyes practical 'green' initiativesThe Dispatch - Natural gas-powered vehicles, an innovative water reclamation system at the city's golf course and a new "green challenge" initiative have Lexington leaders thinking more about the environment.Read More
___________________________________
Camden eco-park plans in the works
The Daily Advance - Plans for an eco-park in northern Camden County appear to be taking shape with prodding from Sen. Marc Basnight. Basnight's vision of a green park would not only promote Earth-friendly industry in Camden, but it would also create a template for implementation of green parks nationwide, he said. NCSU's School of Design is working on a conceptual design for the park. A presentation will be held on Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. in the Camden Middle School auditorium.
Read More ___________________________________
FINANCEThe ROI of sustainabilityGreenBiz.com - Business is reacting to all corners of the emerging green economy by adapting to volatile energy prices and responding to the raised expectations of investors, customers and policy-makers. Companies are reassessing their operations and supplier relationships, raw material procurement methods, shipping and transportation costs, even the pricing of their goods and services -- all because the greenest companies are likely to be the most successful.Read More ___________________________________Investment banker brings market finesse to conservationEcosystem Marketplace - The new head of the Nature Conservancy is a 24-year Goldman Sachs vet who thinks big and acts globally. The Ecosystem Marketplace talks to Mark Tercek about his past success, his current challenges and his vision for TNC's future.Read More ___________________________________ENERGY & CLIMATE CHANGEFirst draft of sustainable biofuels standard releasedGreenBiz.com - A coalition of farmers, businesses, governments and nonprofits released the first draft of a biofuels global standard. The Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) created the set of principles that it hopes will guide worldwide production and processing for the controversial fuel that has recently come under fire because of environmental and food price concerns.Read More ___________________________________Scandinavia's lateral thinkersGuardian - Just outside the city of Norrköping in south-eastern Sweden, Händelö is a "cleantech" park housing only green technology industries. It is also an example of how the Nordic nation is rushing ahead in developing the green economy.Read More ___________________________________Electric bikes sell briskly as gas prices climbMSNBC - The surging cost of gasoline and a desire for a greener commute are turning more people to electric bikes as an unconventional form of transportation. They function like a typical two-wheeler but with a battery-powered assist, and bike dealers, riders and experts say they are flying off the racks.Read More ___________________________________GM to finish electric car design by mid-SeptemberReuters - General Motors Corp said on Thursday it would finalize the design of the all-electric Chevy Volt by mid-September and aims to have 50 prototypes with production-ready parts by the end of 2008.Read More ___________________________________CSRIBM expands consulting services with 'green sigma'GreenBiz.com - IBM is ramping up its consulting services targeting businesses seeking a softer environmental footprint. Dubbed Green Sigma, the service can study water and energy use wherever these resources are used, such as in transportation, data centers, IT systems, manufacturing and distribution or retail facilities. The tech giant launched a consulting service based on the Lean Six Sigma strategy at a time when companies are facing growing pressure from stakeholders to lighten their environmental impacts.Read More ___________________________________Retailer creates jobs with green practicesIPS - Seven years ago, 54 subsistence farmers in the Umbumbulu district on the KwaZulu-Natal coast of South Africa were struggling to feed their families. They could barely pay their children’s school fees. They seemed to have no hope of breaking out of the cycle of poverty. Their only source of survival was the crops they planted to feed themselves. But since forming the Ezemvelo Farmers’ Organisation (EFO) in 2001, their lives have changed dramatically. Their production practices have secured them a position as major supplier of organic foods to one of South Africa's most prominent large retailers, Woolworths Holdings (not to be confused with the UK-based Woolworths).Read More ___________________________________GREEN BUILDINGReport examines effectiveness green building incentive optionsLOHAS - State and local governments are using a variety of incentive-based techniques to encourage green building practices. These efforts have encountered challenges including the cost of new incentive programs, resource shortcomings and implementation difficulties. In order to help communities overcome these obstacles, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) commissioned a report, Local Leaders in Sustainability – Green Incentives, that defines and examines many types of incentive programs, details the inherent barriers to success and highlights best practice examples from around the country.Read More ___________________________________LEED 2009 now open for second public comment periodBuilding Design + Construction - LEED 2009 is now open for second public comment. LEED 2009 is a new version of the rating system that delivers against key environmental and human health impacts, and puts in place a transparent framework for weighting credits accordingly, based on the best available science.Read More ___________________________________SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMSNational initiative to establish sustainable agriculture standard enters next phaseCSRWire - The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process to develop a national standard for sustainable agriculture will take another important step forward this September as the newly formed Standards Committee meets to establish its work plan and form the Subcommittees that will negotiate the contents of the final standard.Read More ___________________________________Measuring the carbon footprint of fruit and wineIPS - In an effort to stay competitive in a global market where increasing demands are made by consumers for 'green' products, South African fruit and wine farmers have launched an initiative to determine the environmental impact of their industries. The research could challenge the idea that exported products from the developing world have a higher environmental cost.Read More ___________________________________PRINTINGMaine company offers first soy-based toner cartridges for offices and schoolsCSRWire - PRC Technologies, a division of Print Recovery Concepts Inc., announced today an environmental breakthrough in printing for offices, public schools and colleges. This summer, PRC will offer the first laser printer cartridges using toner powder derived from soybeans. PRC reports they will supply cartridges for the most popular laser printers under the SoyPrint brand at prices comparable to brand name versions currently available. Soy ink has been available for some time but this is the first soy toner cartridge for laser printers.Read More
Sustainable North Carolina
NC Sustainable Business Council
919.839.2111
www.sustainnc.org
info@sustainnc.org
If you wish to subscribe, change your contact information, or unsubscribe
to the Sustainable Business News Digest, send an email to SBNdigest@sustainnc.org
with the desired action in the subject line.
Here is the latest news from Sustainable NC
LOCALDurham landfill gas will generate power for DukeBurt’s Bees sets aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goal NC IDEA grant cycle opensProgress Energy reaches solar power deal with SunEdisonWith 3 solar plans, N.C. is out frontBuilding communities keeps Self-Help on trackTriangle colleges hope 'green' look attracts students
City of Lexington eyes practical 'green' initiatives
Camden eco-park plans in the works
FINANCE
The ROI of sustainabilityInvestment banker brings market finesse to conservationENERGY & CLIMATE CHANGEFirst draft of sustainable biofuels standard releasedScandinavia's lateral thinkersElectric bikes sell briskly as gas prices climbGM to finish electric car design by mid-SeptemberCSRIBM expands consulting services with 'green sigma'Retailer creates jobs with green practicesGREEN BUILDINGReport examines effectiveness green building incentive optionsLEED 2009 now open for second public comment periodSUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMSNational initiative to establish sustainable agriculture standard enters next phaseMeasuring the carbon footprint of fruit and winePRINTINGMaine company offers first soy-based toner cartridges for offices and schools
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NCSBC NEWSNominate your Sustainability Champion!This year's Sustainable North Carolina Awards will feature recognition for individual achievement for the first time. If you know someone who has worked tirelessly to promote triple bottom line approaches to a sustainable future in their organization and community, take a moment to submit a nomination. Other 2008 categories are Triple Bottom Line, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and The Greater Good. The nomination deadline for all categories is Sept. 17.
Read More & Download Forms ___________________________________Early bird discounts for Nov. 10-11 Sustainable Solutions Expo expire Aug. 31 The first-ever Sustainable Solutions Expo at the Raleigh Convention Center is shaping up to be a huge success! Reaching both a national and regional audience of 2000 institutional and business decision-makers, the tradeshow will feature a wide range of environmentally sustainable and socially responsible products and services.To reserve your space at the best rates, contact Scott Kenney today at exhibit@sustainablesolutionsexpo.org.
Read More ___________________________________Triad and Charlotte sustainable business networks growing The NC Sustainable Business Council's local networks of business professionals in the Triad and Charlotte are organizing and growing. While local Sustainability Cafes have been held in both areas over the past year, both now have formal steering committees to develop networking and educational programs tailored to those communities. If you are interested in getting involved or learning more, contact us at info@sustainnc.org.
___________________________________
LOCALDurham landfill gas will generate power for DukeNews & Observer - Duke Energy said Thursday that it plans to use methane captured from the City of Durham landfill to generate electricity. Under its deal with Methane Power Inc., Duke next year will begin buying up to 2 megawatts of power generated from the landfill gas.Read More ___________________________________
Burt’s Bees sets aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goalCSRWire - Burt's Bees today announced its goal to reduce its U.S. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 35 percent per dollar sales from 2006 to 2011. Last fall, Burt's Bees joined the US EPA's Climate Leaders program and has spent the last six months working with US EPA to learn the formal GHG inventory methodology and reduction goal setting process. Burt's Bees has completed the inventory process and has formalized their reduction target, now joining a powerful collective response to climate change, bridging industry and government.Read More ___________________________________ NC IDEA grant cycle opensTriad Business Journal - Companies in information technology, medical devices, material sciences or green technologies interested in applying for an NC IDEA grant have until Sept. 12 to submit an initial proposal, according to an announcement.Read More ___________________________________Progress Energy reaches solar power deal with SunEdisonTriangle Business Journal - Progress Energy has signed an agreement to allow SunEdison, a solar energy company, to build, own and operate a 1.2-megawatt solar energy project near Progress' coal-fired power plants in Wilmington.Read More ___________________________________With 3 solar plans, N.C. is out frontNews & Observer - After years of false starts, large-scale solar power is scheduled to come to North Carolina.Read More ___________________________________Building communities keeps Self-Help on trackNews & Observer - One year into the credit crunch and mortgage meltdown, a Durham financial institution that banks on neighborhoods at risk is doing business as usual. How so? Common sense, said Martin Eakes, co-founder and CEO of Self-Help, a Main Street nonprofit organization that has, according to its Web site, provided $5.24 billion to 60,130 homeowners, small businesses and nonprofit enterprises since starting the practice in 1984.Read More ___________________________________Triangle colleges hope 'green' look attracts studentsNews & Observer - Princeton Review, publisher of a college selection guide, debuted its green rating, a measure of how environmentally friendly campuses are based on policies, building practices and academic offerings. The green rating will join other scores the review publishes about financial aid, academic selectivity and quality of life to help applicants choose among colleges. In The Princeton Review's rankings, Duke, N.C. State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill all scored 90 or higher out of a possible 99 -- placing them in the top fifth of more than 500 colleges and universities ranked.Read More ___________________________________
City of Lexington eyes practical 'green' initiativesThe Dispatch - Natural gas-powered vehicles, an innovative water reclamation system at the city's golf course and a new "green challenge" initiative have Lexington leaders thinking more about the environment.Read More
___________________________________
Camden eco-park plans in the works
The Daily Advance - Plans for an eco-park in northern Camden County appear to be taking shape with prodding from Sen. Marc Basnight. Basnight's vision of a green park would not only promote Earth-friendly industry in Camden, but it would also create a template for implementation of green parks nationwide, he said. NCSU's School of Design is working on a conceptual design for the park. A presentation will be held on Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. in the Camden Middle School auditorium.
Read More ___________________________________
FINANCEThe ROI of sustainabilityGreenBiz.com - Business is reacting to all corners of the emerging green economy by adapting to volatile energy prices and responding to the raised expectations of investors, customers and policy-makers. Companies are reassessing their operations and supplier relationships, raw material procurement methods, shipping and transportation costs, even the pricing of their goods and services -- all because the greenest companies are likely to be the most successful.Read More ___________________________________Investment banker brings market finesse to conservationEcosystem Marketplace - The new head of the Nature Conservancy is a 24-year Goldman Sachs vet who thinks big and acts globally. The Ecosystem Marketplace talks to Mark Tercek about his past success, his current challenges and his vision for TNC's future.Read More ___________________________________ENERGY & CLIMATE CHANGEFirst draft of sustainable biofuels standard releasedGreenBiz.com - A coalition of farmers, businesses, governments and nonprofits released the first draft of a biofuels global standard. The Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) created the set of principles that it hopes will guide worldwide production and processing for the controversial fuel that has recently come under fire because of environmental and food price concerns.Read More ___________________________________Scandinavia's lateral thinkersGuardian - Just outside the city of Norrköping in south-eastern Sweden, Händelö is a "cleantech" park housing only green technology industries. It is also an example of how the Nordic nation is rushing ahead in developing the green economy.Read More ___________________________________Electric bikes sell briskly as gas prices climbMSNBC - The surging cost of gasoline and a desire for a greener commute are turning more people to electric bikes as an unconventional form of transportation. They function like a typical two-wheeler but with a battery-powered assist, and bike dealers, riders and experts say they are flying off the racks.Read More ___________________________________GM to finish electric car design by mid-SeptemberReuters - General Motors Corp said on Thursday it would finalize the design of the all-electric Chevy Volt by mid-September and aims to have 50 prototypes with production-ready parts by the end of 2008.Read More ___________________________________CSRIBM expands consulting services with 'green sigma'GreenBiz.com - IBM is ramping up its consulting services targeting businesses seeking a softer environmental footprint. Dubbed Green Sigma, the service can study water and energy use wherever these resources are used, such as in transportation, data centers, IT systems, manufacturing and distribution or retail facilities. The tech giant launched a consulting service based on the Lean Six Sigma strategy at a time when companies are facing growing pressure from stakeholders to lighten their environmental impacts.Read More ___________________________________Retailer creates jobs with green practicesIPS - Seven years ago, 54 subsistence farmers in the Umbumbulu district on the KwaZulu-Natal coast of South Africa were struggling to feed their families. They could barely pay their children’s school fees. They seemed to have no hope of breaking out of the cycle of poverty. Their only source of survival was the crops they planted to feed themselves. But since forming the Ezemvelo Farmers’ Organisation (EFO) in 2001, their lives have changed dramatically. Their production practices have secured them a position as major supplier of organic foods to one of South Africa's most prominent large retailers, Woolworths Holdings (not to be confused with the UK-based Woolworths).Read More ___________________________________GREEN BUILDINGReport examines effectiveness green building incentive optionsLOHAS - State and local governments are using a variety of incentive-based techniques to encourage green building practices. These efforts have encountered challenges including the cost of new incentive programs, resource shortcomings and implementation difficulties. In order to help communities overcome these obstacles, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) commissioned a report, Local Leaders in Sustainability – Green Incentives, that defines and examines many types of incentive programs, details the inherent barriers to success and highlights best practice examples from around the country.Read More ___________________________________LEED 2009 now open for second public comment periodBuilding Design + Construction - LEED 2009 is now open for second public comment. LEED 2009 is a new version of the rating system that delivers against key environmental and human health impacts, and puts in place a transparent framework for weighting credits accordingly, based on the best available science.Read More ___________________________________SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMSNational initiative to establish sustainable agriculture standard enters next phaseCSRWire - The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process to develop a national standard for sustainable agriculture will take another important step forward this September as the newly formed Standards Committee meets to establish its work plan and form the Subcommittees that will negotiate the contents of the final standard.Read More ___________________________________Measuring the carbon footprint of fruit and wineIPS - In an effort to stay competitive in a global market where increasing demands are made by consumers for 'green' products, South African fruit and wine farmers have launched an initiative to determine the environmental impact of their industries. The research could challenge the idea that exported products from the developing world have a higher environmental cost.Read More ___________________________________PRINTINGMaine company offers first soy-based toner cartridges for offices and schoolsCSRWire - PRC Technologies, a division of Print Recovery Concepts Inc., announced today an environmental breakthrough in printing for offices, public schools and colleges. This summer, PRC will offer the first laser printer cartridges using toner powder derived from soybeans. PRC reports they will supply cartridges for the most popular laser printers under the SoyPrint brand at prices comparable to brand name versions currently available. Soy ink has been available for some time but this is the first soy toner cartridge for laser printers.Read More
Sustainable North Carolina
NC Sustainable Business Council
919.839.2111
www.sustainnc.org
info@sustainnc.org
If you wish to subscribe, change your contact information, or unsubscribe
to the Sustainable Business News Digest, send an email to SBNdigest@sustainnc.org
with the desired action in the subject line.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Ministers of the New Covenant 14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?
17 You see, we are not like the many hucksters[a] who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.
17 You see, we are not like the many hucksters[a] who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
2 Corinthians 1
Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy.
I am writing to God’s church in Corinth and to all of his holy people throughout Greece.[a]
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
God Offers Comfort to All 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
8 We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters,[b] about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. 9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 10 And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. 11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.
Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy.
I am writing to God’s church in Corinth and to all of his holy people throughout Greece.[a]
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
God Offers Comfort to All 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
8 We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters,[b] about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. 9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 10 And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. 11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Psalm 40
For the choir director: A psalm of David. 1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. 3 He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. 5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.
6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand[a]— you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings. 7 Then I said, “Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: 8 I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”
9 I have told all your people about your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as you, O Lord, well know. 10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.
11 Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. 12 For troubles surround me— too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.
13 Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. 14 May those who try to destroy me be humiliated and put to shame. May those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace. 15 Let them be horrified by their shame, for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”
16 But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!” 17 As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.
For the choir director: A psalm of David. 1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. 3 He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. 5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.
6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand[a]— you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings. 7 Then I said, “Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: 8 I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”
9 I have told all your people about your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as you, O Lord, well know. 10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.
11 Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. 12 For troubles surround me— too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.
13 Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. 14 May those who try to destroy me be humiliated and put to shame. May those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace. 15 Let them be horrified by their shame, for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”
16 But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!” 17 As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Proverbs 22
1 Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
2 The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both.
3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
4 True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.
5 Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.
6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end.[a]
9 Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.
10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.
11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.
12 The Lord preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.
13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!”
14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap; those who make the Lord angry will fall into it.
15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.
16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.
Sayings of the Wise 17 Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. 18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips. 19 I am teaching you today—yes, you— so you will trust in the Lord. 20 I have written thirty sayings[b] for you, filled with advice and knowledge. 21 In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you.
22 Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court. 23 For the Lord is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them.
24 Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
26 Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else. 27 If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.
28 Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations.
29 Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.
1 Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
2 The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both.
3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
4 True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.
5 Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.
6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end.[a]
9 Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.
10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.
11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.
12 The Lord preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.
13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!”
14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a dangerous trap; those who make the Lord angry will fall into it.
15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.
16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.
Sayings of the Wise 17 Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. 18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips. 19 I am teaching you today—yes, you— so you will trust in the Lord. 20 I have written thirty sayings[b] for you, filled with advice and knowledge. 21 In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you.
22 Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court. 23 For the Lord is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them.
24 Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
26 Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else. 27 If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.
28 Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations.
29 Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Solutions to the world's problems again are on my mind especially in the area of affortable medical care for everyone.
I came across this article at changemakers a previous competition. Horray for Changemakers making a difference. Read it and tell me what you think.
Define the innovation: Remote expert guidance of portable ultrasound examinations has significantly improved medical care capabilities in the Space Program by allowing the diagnosis of over 300 common medical conditions by non-physicians on the International Space Station. This model was recently exported for use in professional and amateur sporting injuries in the Winter Olympic Games in Turino where the technique was used over 250 times for injured athletes. We currently have 3 portable ultrasound units in the Olympic training facilities which are used to help diagnose a variety of injures in athletes across the country. We have recently provided these capabilities to the professional sporting teams of Hockey (Detroit Red Wings), Football (Detroit Lions), and Baseball (Detroit Tigers) where the technique is used during practice and game situations in professional athletes by their trainers. We have been asked to help export these techniques to Northern Ontario, via satellite support, to help extend care to underserved populations in these remote areas. These techniques are readily scalable to almost unlimited areas via internet, cell, or satellite coverage in during routine or disaster care.
Context for Disruption: The primary focus of this innovation is the expansion of health care capabilities, developed by NASA, for use on Earth to increase diagnostic capabilities in under-served populations. The innovation involves rapid training and remote expert guidance of non-expert users in dispersed centers to perform targeted ultrasound examinations using in-expensive, portable ultrasound devices which are coupled to centers of excellence through the internet, cell, or telephone networks. The target populations of this innovation are remote, rural, or underserved populations where immediate and accurate diagnostic information concerning numerous health conditions including obstetrics, child care, musculoskeletal disease, trauma, kidney, liver, gallbladder disease, and cardiovascular health could be assessed. Currently, there is a long waiting period for a patient to obtain a radiologic test such as a CT, MRI, or ultrasound scan which are extremely expensive and site limited. The portable ultrasound devices are 1/6th the cost of previous devices, and can be placed in non-hospital, community settings, staffed by remote physicians for a fraction of the cost of a similar examination under standard conditions. Recent NASA investigations have demonstrated that ultrasound can provide similar diagnostic images to these expensive interventions and that the ultrasound examinations can be performed by non-physicians with high accuracy: this proposal will modify these techniques used successfully on the International Space Station and Winter Olympic Games to expanded health care on the Earth.
Delivery Model: This medical care innovation reaches its target population by selecting community sites which are convenient access points (schools, community centers, existing health clinics) can be quickly adapted. The access locations are readily available as the requirements are modest (comfortable, private location for scanning protocols, connectivity to a designated remote expert site via internet, cell network, or phone line). Target populations can be demographically screened (well obstetrics checks, vascular check ups in elderly, abdominal scans for pain, musculoskeletal examinations for pain or injury) or the technique can be on an as needed.Currently, we support remote medical care on the International Space Station, 3 United States Olympic Committee Training Facilities in the US, the professional sporting teams in Detroit, and are in process of developing programs for Northern Ontario and the Summer Olympic Games in China. The utilization of these services is dependent of the activity of the participants in these locations and varies from almost continuous use for the National Football League during practices, to sporadic for the baseball team.The distribution of remote expert guidance is not limited by the system and can be a dispersed skill set and asset. We currently serve as the primary center of excellence for this activity, however, we have trained additional support sites in Dallas, Texas, Houston, Texas, and Pensacola Florida with the technique. Additional sites could be added without significant monitary or time cost.
Key Operational Partnerships: NASA: Remote expert guidance was originally developed by NASA scientists to expand medical care capabilities on the Shuttle and International Space Station. Training programs and algorithms for the non-traditional uses of ultrasound were supported by 2 research grants and the technology was developed for terrestrial use. This original partnership was crucial to the success of the program and continual cooperation is ensured by a 5 year extension of this research effort with collaboration with the Russian Space Agency. This partnership is not central to this proposal, however, it provides additional resources for expansion.GE: General Electric has state of the art portable ultrasound devices which have been provided to the Olympic effort which have aided the initial trials used in this proposal. Continued corporate support with innovation of technology, and advantageous pricing is crucial to this proposal.Mediphan: This company is an essential partner in the terrestrial expansion of this technique through proprietary video compression and streaming to remote locations. Continued cooperation is ensured through a shared business vision of expansion of remote medical technology.
Financial Model: The financial model for this innovation is variable based on the intended patient population. Provision of care to underserved populations can be inexpensively provided by using existing funds to purchase the ultrasound units and connectivity options. Partnering with local/regional centers of excellence will allow the parent center to provide expert services as an intact mechanism for patients where pathology is found or as a community outreach mechanism. Funding mechanisms through community health initiatives will also allow outfitting of these diagnostic centers in designated regions.Currently, we are developing a funding model to extend these techniques to established medical facilities where these additional capabilities are required (e.g. Advanced musculoskeletal ultrasound for the Andrews Orthopedic Institute in Pensacola Fl). Earned income on this venture will be used to expand this technique (appx 15% of operating costs) to develop additional training modules for expanded ultrasound indications
What is your annual operating budget? 400K
What are your current sources of revenue? (please list any sources that are foundation grants) General Electric: 100K
NASA, National Space Biomedical Research Institute 200K
Henry Ford Hospital 100K
Effectiveness: This innovation has exponentially increased medical care capabilities for the space program and International Space Station; Astronaut Mike Fincke "this is the biggest scientific achievement we have had in the space program during my time" Over 250 Olympic athletes were treated during the Winter Olympic Games with these techniques. Numerous professional athletes were benefitted during practice and competition as well. The National Football League is in the process of adopting this innovation for care of football players across the league.
Which element of the program proved itself most effective? The most effective component of this program is enpowering non-expert users to acquire high quality diagnostic images to transmit to a remote expert for interpretation and care planning. We have utilized high school educated operators, with less than 2 hours of training, to obtain images that classically required a skilled operator or physician to complete.
Number of clients in the last year? The current clients supported by this innovation include:NASA: International Space Station and Shuttle, Johnson Space CenterRussian Space Agency: International Space Station, Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Facility, Institute for Biomedical ProblemsGE: Training centers in Wisconsin, and Field Agents crosscountryWayne State University School of Medicine: Medical School Ultrasound Training ProgramUnited States Olympic Committee: Chula Vista CA, Colorado Springs CO, Lake Placid NY, Winter Olympic Games, Turino ItalyDetroit Lions: NFL Professional teamDetroit Tigers: AL Professional Baseball teamDetroit Red Wings: NHL Professional hockeyCanadian Space Agency: Northern Ontario Health Project
What is the potential demand? There is a potential worldwide demand for this innovation in numerous areas:Underserved or rural: Obstetrics, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, injury, abdominalDisaster and triage: Trauma, injury, musculoskeletalSports: MusculoskeletalMilitary: Trauma and injury
Scaling up Strategy: The scaling up strategy is divided into educational, technologic, and economic.Educational: The education of non-expert providers for trauma, abdominal, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal uses of remote ultrasound are mature programs. Additional educational components for obstetrical care, and disaster management will need to be developed in the first year.Technologic: Current use of this innovation is based on broadband internet connectivity. Alpha testing of video compression/transmission algorithms for cellular network configurations is ongoing and will be expanded to encompass routine telephone lines within the first 2 years.Economic: Partnering with local, regional, and national funding authorities for community health and disaster managment will be explored throughout the first three years to provide funding for staffing, tech development, and equipment purchase/upkeep.
Stage of the initiative: Scaling up
Expansion plan: This innovation was only recently described in the literature as well as at scientific conferences to a limited audience. We anticipate that numerous additonal parties (military, homeland security, World Health Organization etc) will be interested in acquiring and expanding these capabilities. Furthermore, we have recently demonstrated this technique to regional hospitals which may use this techique to expand their care (and patient) base.
Origin of the Initiative: Providing medical care for astronauts in deep space and patients in many areas of the world is more similar than you might think. There isnt a doctor on the Space Station, we have no X-ray or cat scan, and health problems occur despite precautions. We do have an ultrasound machine, so we developed a way to use it for things which would require a doctor and X ray capabilities on Earth. We've been very surprised (and pleased) that non-physicans can learn to use ultrasound very rapidly following a specialized training program, coupled with remote guidance by an expert using satellite or internet communication. Ultrasound proved to be better than X ray in many uses. We've migrated this technique to the Olympics; a few months ago a speed skater went off the track and injured his shoulder. An athletic trainer called me; i opened my laptop in Starbucks, and diagnosed his injury in 5 minutes.
What are your two main challenges to finance the growth of your initiative: Purchasing the ultrasound equipment for initial deployment in disseminated centers (10 centers at 100K per center)Incentivizing remote experts to provide guidance and interpretation of the resulting examinations (cost is dependent on the useage, estimated at 50K per site)
How did you hear about this contest and what is your main incentive to participate? We have partnered with engineers at Ford Motor Company, vehicle design to fast track video transmission technology. An electrical engineer knew of this contest.
Do you have an annual financial statement? Henry Ford Health System and Hospital have a financial statement which tracks profit and loss (profit from operations in 2006 was 110$ Million dollars)
Do you currently have an annual financial statement that tracks profit/loss? Year 1 Equipment, staffing, educational development, outreach 500KYear 5 Continued expansion, equipment, staffing 250K
Contact Information:
Scott DulchavskyChairman of SurgeryHenry Ford Hospital(non profit hospital)sdulcha1@hfhs.orgDept of Surgery, CFP-12799 W Grand BoulevardDetroit, MI 48202United StatesTel: 313 916 9903Fax: 313 916 9445Website: www.henryfordimagineering.com
Submitted by: sdulcha1
I came across this article at changemakers a previous competition. Horray for Changemakers making a difference. Read it and tell me what you think.
Define the innovation: Remote expert guidance of portable ultrasound examinations has significantly improved medical care capabilities in the Space Program by allowing the diagnosis of over 300 common medical conditions by non-physicians on the International Space Station. This model was recently exported for use in professional and amateur sporting injuries in the Winter Olympic Games in Turino where the technique was used over 250 times for injured athletes. We currently have 3 portable ultrasound units in the Olympic training facilities which are used to help diagnose a variety of injures in athletes across the country. We have recently provided these capabilities to the professional sporting teams of Hockey (Detroit Red Wings), Football (Detroit Lions), and Baseball (Detroit Tigers) where the technique is used during practice and game situations in professional athletes by their trainers. We have been asked to help export these techniques to Northern Ontario, via satellite support, to help extend care to underserved populations in these remote areas. These techniques are readily scalable to almost unlimited areas via internet, cell, or satellite coverage in during routine or disaster care.
Context for Disruption: The primary focus of this innovation is the expansion of health care capabilities, developed by NASA, for use on Earth to increase diagnostic capabilities in under-served populations. The innovation involves rapid training and remote expert guidance of non-expert users in dispersed centers to perform targeted ultrasound examinations using in-expensive, portable ultrasound devices which are coupled to centers of excellence through the internet, cell, or telephone networks. The target populations of this innovation are remote, rural, or underserved populations where immediate and accurate diagnostic information concerning numerous health conditions including obstetrics, child care, musculoskeletal disease, trauma, kidney, liver, gallbladder disease, and cardiovascular health could be assessed. Currently, there is a long waiting period for a patient to obtain a radiologic test such as a CT, MRI, or ultrasound scan which are extremely expensive and site limited. The portable ultrasound devices are 1/6th the cost of previous devices, and can be placed in non-hospital, community settings, staffed by remote physicians for a fraction of the cost of a similar examination under standard conditions. Recent NASA investigations have demonstrated that ultrasound can provide similar diagnostic images to these expensive interventions and that the ultrasound examinations can be performed by non-physicians with high accuracy: this proposal will modify these techniques used successfully on the International Space Station and Winter Olympic Games to expanded health care on the Earth.
Delivery Model: This medical care innovation reaches its target population by selecting community sites which are convenient access points (schools, community centers, existing health clinics) can be quickly adapted. The access locations are readily available as the requirements are modest (comfortable, private location for scanning protocols, connectivity to a designated remote expert site via internet, cell network, or phone line). Target populations can be demographically screened (well obstetrics checks, vascular check ups in elderly, abdominal scans for pain, musculoskeletal examinations for pain or injury) or the technique can be on an as needed.Currently, we support remote medical care on the International Space Station, 3 United States Olympic Committee Training Facilities in the US, the professional sporting teams in Detroit, and are in process of developing programs for Northern Ontario and the Summer Olympic Games in China. The utilization of these services is dependent of the activity of the participants in these locations and varies from almost continuous use for the National Football League during practices, to sporadic for the baseball team.The distribution of remote expert guidance is not limited by the system and can be a dispersed skill set and asset. We currently serve as the primary center of excellence for this activity, however, we have trained additional support sites in Dallas, Texas, Houston, Texas, and Pensacola Florida with the technique. Additional sites could be added without significant monitary or time cost.
Key Operational Partnerships: NASA: Remote expert guidance was originally developed by NASA scientists to expand medical care capabilities on the Shuttle and International Space Station. Training programs and algorithms for the non-traditional uses of ultrasound were supported by 2 research grants and the technology was developed for terrestrial use. This original partnership was crucial to the success of the program and continual cooperation is ensured by a 5 year extension of this research effort with collaboration with the Russian Space Agency. This partnership is not central to this proposal, however, it provides additional resources for expansion.GE: General Electric has state of the art portable ultrasound devices which have been provided to the Olympic effort which have aided the initial trials used in this proposal. Continued corporate support with innovation of technology, and advantageous pricing is crucial to this proposal.Mediphan: This company is an essential partner in the terrestrial expansion of this technique through proprietary video compression and streaming to remote locations. Continued cooperation is ensured through a shared business vision of expansion of remote medical technology.
Financial Model: The financial model for this innovation is variable based on the intended patient population. Provision of care to underserved populations can be inexpensively provided by using existing funds to purchase the ultrasound units and connectivity options. Partnering with local/regional centers of excellence will allow the parent center to provide expert services as an intact mechanism for patients where pathology is found or as a community outreach mechanism. Funding mechanisms through community health initiatives will also allow outfitting of these diagnostic centers in designated regions.Currently, we are developing a funding model to extend these techniques to established medical facilities where these additional capabilities are required (e.g. Advanced musculoskeletal ultrasound for the Andrews Orthopedic Institute in Pensacola Fl). Earned income on this venture will be used to expand this technique (appx 15% of operating costs) to develop additional training modules for expanded ultrasound indications
What is your annual operating budget? 400K
What are your current sources of revenue? (please list any sources that are foundation grants) General Electric: 100K
NASA, National Space Biomedical Research Institute 200K
Henry Ford Hospital 100K
Effectiveness: This innovation has exponentially increased medical care capabilities for the space program and International Space Station; Astronaut Mike Fincke "this is the biggest scientific achievement we have had in the space program during my time" Over 250 Olympic athletes were treated during the Winter Olympic Games with these techniques. Numerous professional athletes were benefitted during practice and competition as well. The National Football League is in the process of adopting this innovation for care of football players across the league.
Which element of the program proved itself most effective? The most effective component of this program is enpowering non-expert users to acquire high quality diagnostic images to transmit to a remote expert for interpretation and care planning. We have utilized high school educated operators, with less than 2 hours of training, to obtain images that classically required a skilled operator or physician to complete.
Number of clients in the last year? The current clients supported by this innovation include:NASA: International Space Station and Shuttle, Johnson Space CenterRussian Space Agency: International Space Station, Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Facility, Institute for Biomedical ProblemsGE: Training centers in Wisconsin, and Field Agents crosscountryWayne State University School of Medicine: Medical School Ultrasound Training ProgramUnited States Olympic Committee: Chula Vista CA, Colorado Springs CO, Lake Placid NY, Winter Olympic Games, Turino ItalyDetroit Lions: NFL Professional teamDetroit Tigers: AL Professional Baseball teamDetroit Red Wings: NHL Professional hockeyCanadian Space Agency: Northern Ontario Health Project
What is the potential demand? There is a potential worldwide demand for this innovation in numerous areas:Underserved or rural: Obstetrics, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, injury, abdominalDisaster and triage: Trauma, injury, musculoskeletalSports: MusculoskeletalMilitary: Trauma and injury
Scaling up Strategy: The scaling up strategy is divided into educational, technologic, and economic.Educational: The education of non-expert providers for trauma, abdominal, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal uses of remote ultrasound are mature programs. Additional educational components for obstetrical care, and disaster management will need to be developed in the first year.Technologic: Current use of this innovation is based on broadband internet connectivity. Alpha testing of video compression/transmission algorithms for cellular network configurations is ongoing and will be expanded to encompass routine telephone lines within the first 2 years.Economic: Partnering with local, regional, and national funding authorities for community health and disaster managment will be explored throughout the first three years to provide funding for staffing, tech development, and equipment purchase/upkeep.
Stage of the initiative: Scaling up
Expansion plan: This innovation was only recently described in the literature as well as at scientific conferences to a limited audience. We anticipate that numerous additonal parties (military, homeland security, World Health Organization etc) will be interested in acquiring and expanding these capabilities. Furthermore, we have recently demonstrated this technique to regional hospitals which may use this techique to expand their care (and patient) base.
Origin of the Initiative: Providing medical care for astronauts in deep space and patients in many areas of the world is more similar than you might think. There isnt a doctor on the Space Station, we have no X-ray or cat scan, and health problems occur despite precautions. We do have an ultrasound machine, so we developed a way to use it for things which would require a doctor and X ray capabilities on Earth. We've been very surprised (and pleased) that non-physicans can learn to use ultrasound very rapidly following a specialized training program, coupled with remote guidance by an expert using satellite or internet communication. Ultrasound proved to be better than X ray in many uses. We've migrated this technique to the Olympics; a few months ago a speed skater went off the track and injured his shoulder. An athletic trainer called me; i opened my laptop in Starbucks, and diagnosed his injury in 5 minutes.
What are your two main challenges to finance the growth of your initiative: Purchasing the ultrasound equipment for initial deployment in disseminated centers (10 centers at 100K per center)Incentivizing remote experts to provide guidance and interpretation of the resulting examinations (cost is dependent on the useage, estimated at 50K per site)
How did you hear about this contest and what is your main incentive to participate? We have partnered with engineers at Ford Motor Company, vehicle design to fast track video transmission technology. An electrical engineer knew of this contest.
Do you have an annual financial statement? Henry Ford Health System and Hospital have a financial statement which tracks profit and loss (profit from operations in 2006 was 110$ Million dollars)
Do you currently have an annual financial statement that tracks profit/loss? Year 1 Equipment, staffing, educational development, outreach 500KYear 5 Continued expansion, equipment, staffing 250K
Contact Information:
Scott DulchavskyChairman of SurgeryHenry Ford Hospital(non profit hospital)sdulcha1@hfhs.orgDept of Surgery, CFP-12799 W Grand BoulevardDetroit, MI 48202United StatesTel: 313 916 9903Fax: 313 916 9445Website: www.henryfordimagineering.com
Submitted by: sdulcha1
Today I woke up and checked my e-mail. Saw one from Ashoka aka Changemakers. What really caught my attention is a challenge to solve one of the world's biggest problems, money! Check out their competetion and comment.
Here is a taste of what it is all about from the link above.
Banking on Social Change – Seeking Financial Solutions for All
Enter by: Oct 1, 2008 Voting begins: Nov 10, 2008 Winners Announced: Dec 1, 2008
How can I get involved?
Enter the competition
Read all 57 entries received from 13 countries
Discuss this competition(47 discussion comments)
Nominate your favorite innovation!
View nominations
Join Changemakers and Citi in the search for innovative and cutting-edge methods that allow financial security to become a reality for everyone. Enter and showcase your work to key decision-makers and investors.
Use the Media Center to market and share your innovation.
Nominate a project that inspires you!
Submit your entries by October 1, 2008 6:00 pm EST (21:00 GMT)
Here is a taste of what it is all about from the link above.
Banking on Social Change – Seeking Financial Solutions for All
Enter by: Oct 1, 2008 Voting begins: Nov 10, 2008 Winners Announced: Dec 1, 2008
How can I get involved?
Enter the competition
Read all 57 entries received from 13 countries
Discuss this competition(47 discussion comments)
Nominate your favorite innovation!
View nominations
Join Changemakers and Citi in the search for innovative and cutting-edge methods that allow financial security to become a reality for everyone. Enter and showcase your work to key decision-makers and investors.
Use the Media Center to market and share your innovation.
Nominate a project that inspires you!
Submit your entries by October 1, 2008 6:00 pm EST (21:00 GMT)
1 Corinthians 14
Tongues and Prophecy 1 Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. 2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues,[a] you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. 3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. 4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.
5 I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened.
6 Dear brothers and sisters,[b] if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language,[c] how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful. 7 Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody. 8 And if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle?
9 It’s the same for you. If you speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what you are saying? You might as well be talking into empty space.
10 There are many different languages in the world, and every language has meaning. 11 But if I don’t understand a language, I will be a foreigner to someone who speaks it, and the one who speaks it will be a foreigner to me. 12 And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.
13 So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said. 14 For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying.
15 Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit,[d] and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. 16 For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? 17 You will be giving thanks very well, but it won’t strengthen the people who hear you.
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you. 19 But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language.
20 Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind. 21 It is written in the Scriptures[e]:
“I will speak to my own people through strange languages and through the lips of foreigners. But even then, they will not listen to me,”[f] says the Lord.
22 So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers. 23 Even so, if unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your church meeting and hear everyone speaking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy. 24 But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. 25 As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.”
Tongues and Prophecy 1 Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. 2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues,[a] you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. 3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. 4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.
5 I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened.
6 Dear brothers and sisters,[b] if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language,[c] how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful. 7 Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody. 8 And if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle?
9 It’s the same for you. If you speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what you are saying? You might as well be talking into empty space.
10 There are many different languages in the world, and every language has meaning. 11 But if I don’t understand a language, I will be a foreigner to someone who speaks it, and the one who speaks it will be a foreigner to me. 12 And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.
13 So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said. 14 For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying.
15 Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit,[d] and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. 16 For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? 17 You will be giving thanks very well, but it won’t strengthen the people who hear you.
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you. 19 But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language.
20 Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind. 21 It is written in the Scriptures[e]:
“I will speak to my own people through strange languages and through the lips of foreigners. But even then, they will not listen to me,”[f] says the Lord.
22 So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers. 23 Even so, if unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your church meeting and hear everyone speaking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy. 24 But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. 25 As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.”
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
1 Corinthians 13
Love Is the Greatest
1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;[a] but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[b] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless.
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[c] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Love Is the Greatest
1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;[a] but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[b] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless.
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[c] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Amplified Bible Today
1 Corinthians 12
1NOW ABOUT the spiritual gifts (the special endowments of supernatural energy), brethren, I do not want you to be misinformed.
2You know that when you were heathen, you were led off after idols that could not speak [habitually] as impulse directed and whenever the occasion might arise.
3Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking under the power and influence of the [Holy] Spirit of God can [ever] say, Jesus be cursed! And no one can [really] say, Jesus is [my] Lord, except by and under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit.
4Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments (gifts, [a]extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit) and they vary, but the [Holy] Spirit remains the same.
5And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [Who is served].
6And there are distinctive varieties of operation [of working to accomplish things], but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all.
7But to each one is given the manifestation of the [Holy] Spirit [the evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit] for good and profit.
8To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit;
9To another [[b]wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit;
10To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight ([c]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues.
11All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses.
12For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
13For by [[d]means of the personal agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and [e]by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit.
14For the body does not consist of one limb or organ but of many.
15If the foot should say, Because I am not the hand, I do not belong to the body, would it be therefore not [a part] of the body?
16If the ear should say, Because I am not the eye, I do not belong to the body, would it be therefore not [a part] of the body?
17If the whole body were an eye, where [would be the sense of] hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where [would be the sense of] smell?
18But as it is, God has placed and arranged the limbs and organs in the body, each [particular one] of them, just as He wished and saw fit and with the best adaptation.
19But if [the whole] were all a single organ, where would the body be?
20And now there are [certainly] many limbs and organs, but a single body.
21And the eye is not able to say to the hand, I have no need of you, nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22But instead, there is [absolute] necessity for the parts of the body that are considered the more weak.
23And those [parts] of the body which we consider rather ignoble are [the very parts] which we invest with additional honor, and our unseemly parts and those unsuitable for exposure are treated with seemliness (modesty and decorum),
24Which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so adjusted (mingled, harmonized, and subtly proportioned the parts of) the whole body, giving the greater honor and richer endowment to the inferior parts which lack [apparent importance],
25So that there should be no division or discord or lack of adaptation [of the parts of the body to each other], but the members all alike should have a mutual interest in and care for one another.
26And if one member suffers, all the parts [share] the suffering; if one member is honored, all the members [share in] the enjoyment of it.
27Now you [collectively] are Christ's body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function].
28So God has appointed some in the church [[f]for His own use]: first apostles (special messengers); second prophets (inspired preachers and expounders); third teachers; then wonder-workers; then those with ability to heal the sick; helpers; administrators; [speakers in] different (unknown) tongues.
29Are all apostles (special messengers)? Are all prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God)? Are all teachers? Do all have the power of performing miracles?
30Do all possess extraordinary powers of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
31But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all--love].
1 Corinthians 12
1NOW ABOUT the spiritual gifts (the special endowments of supernatural energy), brethren, I do not want you to be misinformed.
2You know that when you were heathen, you were led off after idols that could not speak [habitually] as impulse directed and whenever the occasion might arise.
3Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking under the power and influence of the [Holy] Spirit of God can [ever] say, Jesus be cursed! And no one can [really] say, Jesus is [my] Lord, except by and under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit.
4Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments (gifts, [a]extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit) and they vary, but the [Holy] Spirit remains the same.
5And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [Who is served].
6And there are distinctive varieties of operation [of working to accomplish things], but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all.
7But to each one is given the manifestation of the [Holy] Spirit [the evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit] for good and profit.
8To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit;
9To another [[b]wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit;
10To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight ([c]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues.
11All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses.
12For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
13For by [[d]means of the personal agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and [e]by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit.
14For the body does not consist of one limb or organ but of many.
15If the foot should say, Because I am not the hand, I do not belong to the body, would it be therefore not [a part] of the body?
16If the ear should say, Because I am not the eye, I do not belong to the body, would it be therefore not [a part] of the body?
17If the whole body were an eye, where [would be the sense of] hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where [would be the sense of] smell?
18But as it is, God has placed and arranged the limbs and organs in the body, each [particular one] of them, just as He wished and saw fit and with the best adaptation.
19But if [the whole] were all a single organ, where would the body be?
20And now there are [certainly] many limbs and organs, but a single body.
21And the eye is not able to say to the hand, I have no need of you, nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22But instead, there is [absolute] necessity for the parts of the body that are considered the more weak.
23And those [parts] of the body which we consider rather ignoble are [the very parts] which we invest with additional honor, and our unseemly parts and those unsuitable for exposure are treated with seemliness (modesty and decorum),
24Which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so adjusted (mingled, harmonized, and subtly proportioned the parts of) the whole body, giving the greater honor and richer endowment to the inferior parts which lack [apparent importance],
25So that there should be no division or discord or lack of adaptation [of the parts of the body to each other], but the members all alike should have a mutual interest in and care for one another.
26And if one member suffers, all the parts [share] the suffering; if one member is honored, all the members [share in] the enjoyment of it.
27Now you [collectively] are Christ's body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function].
28So God has appointed some in the church [[f]for His own use]: first apostles (special messengers); second prophets (inspired preachers and expounders); third teachers; then wonder-workers; then those with ability to heal the sick; helpers; administrators; [speakers in] different (unknown) tongues.
29Are all apostles (special messengers)? Are all prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God)? Are all teachers? Do all have the power of performing miracles?
30Do all possess extraordinary powers of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
31But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all--love].
Monday, August 18, 2008
Proverbs 21
1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
3 The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.[a]
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.
9 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
10 Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
12 The Righteous One[b] knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.
13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
14 A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
15 Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.
16 The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.
17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18 The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.
19 It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.
25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.
26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
3 The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.[a]
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.
9 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
10 Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
12 The Righteous One[b] knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.
13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
14 A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
15 Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.
16 The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.
17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18 The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.
19 It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.
25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.
26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Proverbs 21
1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
3 The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.[a]
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.
9 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
10 Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
12 The Righteous One[b] knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.
13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
14 A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
15 Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.
16 The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.
17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18 The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.
19 It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.
25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.
26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
3 The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.[a]
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.
9 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
10 Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
12 The Righteous One[b] knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.
13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
14 A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
15 Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.
16 The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.
17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18 The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.
19 It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.
25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.
26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Psalm 34
[a]A psalm of David, regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who sent him away. 1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. 2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. 3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! 9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. 12 Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? 13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! 14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. 16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. 17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. 20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!
21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. 22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
[a]A psalm of David, regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who sent him away. 1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. 2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. 3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! 9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. 12 Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? 13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! 14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. 16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. 17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. 20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!
21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. 22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Friday, August 15, 2008
1 Corinthians 10
Lessons from Israel’s Idolatry 1 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters,[a] about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
6 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 7 or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.”[b] 8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day.
9 Nor should we put Christ[c] to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.
12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
14 So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. 15 You are reasonable people. Decide for yourselves if what I am saying is true. 16 When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ? 17 And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body. 18 Think about the people of Israel. Weren’t they united by eating the sacrifices at the altar?
19 What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols has some significance, or that idols are real gods? 20 No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to participate with demons. 21 You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. 22 What? Do we dare to rouse the Lord’s jealousy? Do you think we are stronger than he is?
23 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”[d]—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
25 So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”[e]
27 If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience. 28 (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 29 It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? 30 If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it?
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles[f] or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.
Lessons from Israel’s Idolatry 1 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters,[a] about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
6 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 7 or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.”[b] 8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day.
9 Nor should we put Christ[c] to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.
12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
14 So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. 15 You are reasonable people. Decide for yourselves if what I am saying is true. 16 When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ? 17 And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body. 18 Think about the people of Israel. Weren’t they united by eating the sacrifices at the altar?
19 What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols has some significance, or that idols are real gods? 20 No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to participate with demons. 21 You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. 22 What? Do we dare to rouse the Lord’s jealousy? Do you think we are stronger than he is?
23 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”[d]—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
25 So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”[e]
27 If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience. 28 (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 29 It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? 30 If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it?
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles[f] or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Psalm 33
1 Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise him. 2 Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. 3 Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. 4 For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. 5 He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.
6 The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. 7 He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. 8 Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. 9 For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.
10 The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. 11 But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.
12 What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.
13 The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. 14 From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. 15 He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. 16 The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. 17 Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory— for all its strength, it cannot save you.
18 But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. 19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.
20 We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
1 Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise him. 2 Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. 3 Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. 4 For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. 5 He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.
6 The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. 7 He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. 8 Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. 9 For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.
10 The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. 11 But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.
12 What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.
13 The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. 14 From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. 15 He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. 16 The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. 17 Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory— for all its strength, it cannot save you.
18 But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. 19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.
20 We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
1 Corinth 6:12-20
Avoiding Sexual Sin
12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. 14 And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.
15 Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 16 And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.”[d] 17 But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.
18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Avoiding Sexual Sin
12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. 14 And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.
15 Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 16 And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.”[d] 17 But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.
18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Monday, August 11, 2008
1 Corinthians 6
Avoiding Lawsuits with Christians 1 When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers[a]! 2 Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? 3 Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. 4 If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? 5 I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? 6 But instead, one believer[b] sues another—right in front of unbelievers!
7 Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers.[c]
9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Avoiding Sexual Sin
12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. 14 And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.
15 Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 16 And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.”[d] 17 But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.
18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Avoiding Lawsuits with Christians 1 When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers[a]! 2 Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? 3 Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. 4 If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? 5 I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? 6 But instead, one believer[b] sues another—right in front of unbelievers!
7 Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers.[c]
9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Avoiding Sexual Sin
12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. 14 And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.
15 Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 16 And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.”[d] 17 But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.
18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Alexandra and her group are staying at the Eden Roc Hotel in Malindi Kenya. Go to their website and check out the pictures and music, it's wonderful.
1 Corinthians 5
Paul Condemns Spiritual Pride
1 I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother.[a] 2 You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man from your fellowship.
3 Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit.[b] And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man 4 in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church.[c] I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus. 5 Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed[d] and he himself[e] will be saved on the day the Lord[f] returns.
6 Your boasting about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.[g] 8 So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread[h] of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread[i] of sincerity and truth.
9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer[j] yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.
12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”[k]
Paul Condemns Spiritual Pride
1 I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother.[a] 2 You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man from your fellowship.
3 Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit.[b] And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man 4 in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church.[c] I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus. 5 Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed[d] and he himself[e] will be saved on the day the Lord[f] returns.
6 Your boasting about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.[g] 8 So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread[h] of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread[i] of sincerity and truth.
9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer[j] yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.
12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”[k]
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Alexandra and the team from Calvary are off today at 11:00 am. I am so excited for them as they travel to Kenya to share the Good News. I really wanted post Alexandra's letter. She is so gifted in the area of writing. She inspires me to go and to help as well. I know that God can use that gift to inspire others.
May God bless you all as you travel today and each and everyday until you come back safely. Know I'll be praying for you all. God gets the glory, faithful servants of the LORD.
May God bless you all as you travel today and each and everyday until you come back safely. Know I'll be praying for you all. God gets the glory, faithful servants of the LORD.
1 Corinthians 3
Paul and Apollos, Servants of Christ 1 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people.[b] I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life.[c] 2 I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, 3 for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? 4 When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world?
5 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.
10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in[d] you? 17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
18 Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say,
“He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.”[e]
20 And again,
“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless.”[f]
21 So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you—22 whether Paul or Apollos or Peter,[g] or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
Paul and Apollos, Servants of Christ 1 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people.[b] I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life.[c] 2 I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, 3 for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? 4 When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world?
5 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.
10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in[d] you? 17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
18 Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say,
“He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.”[e]
20 And again,
“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless.”[f]
21 So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you—22 whether Paul or Apollos or Peter,[g] or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
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