Friday, November 21, 2008

Character and Reputation

Probably a working definition of the terms with which this article is titled would be: "Character refers to what a person is; reputation is what people in general think he is." Often they may be about the same, for the old saying that you can fool some of the people all the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all the people all of the time is probably true.

All of us are probably aware of persons whom we have considered as "honest as the day is long." But when some situation arose that was revealing, we discovered that the night came all too soon.

It is sad that throughout the brotherhood there are those who can fly 1000 miles to speak on a lecture program about the value of personal evangelism, but have never been known to walk across the street to set up a Bible study. There are those who write excellent articles for what we think are some of the best papers in the brotherhood, but whose moral qualities are such that those who know them best trust them the least.

There are those who seem to float around like buzzards looking for something rotten to feast on, and when they can not find anything rotten, try to make it that way with innuendo, perversions, and sometimes outright lies. We have not yet discovered why they seem to fit so well into the description given in Romans 1:29-30, "full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things," and perhaps we would have to be able to judge men's motives to discover why, but although we do not know why they invent evil things, we do know they invent them.

We know men who seem to be opposed to good works that they did not begin, or were begun by those for whom they had little regard. They are unable to offer any scriptural reason for their opposition, but they are full of hints, suggestions, doubts and questions about which they apparently want no answers.

If it is Jones, Smith and Brown whom they wish to destroy, they make no allegations, in many cases. They simply raise such questions as this, "Have you heard Mr. Jones attempt to make any defense of the charges of homosexuality which have been raised about him?" "We are not charging Mr. Smith of anything wrong (at this time), but it is reported that he is associating with Mr. Jones, about whom we have reservations, and until he disproves the charges that are leveled against him, we are simply going to say that it our observation that 'birds of a feather flock together' and leave it at that." But they seldom leave it at that. They proceed with something like this, "I have not heard of Mr. Brown getting drunk at all for the last two weeks, and he is apparently not now being unfaithful to his wife. I have great hopes for him, except for the fact that he associates with Smith and Jones."

The truth of the matter is that they never heard of Mr. Brown ever getting drunk, and he has never been unfaithful to his wife. If pressed on the matter, they can piously say, "I never accused him of anything."

It is perfectly legitimate, scriptural, proper and good for us to ask questions for information about any program, doctrine, activity or person with whom we have to deal. We have supposedly "sound" brethren who seem to specialize in such questions as "Have you stopped beating your wife?" and sometimes, "When did you stop beating your wife?" under the guise of obeying the scripture in 1 Thess. 5:21, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." It is very sad, for there are enough cases of verified false teaching and ungodly living without having to manufacture some.

Perhaps a buzzard can be sprayed with cologne and think, "I am really a butterfly or hummingbird," and he may even smell that way for a while. But if one watches closely where he always lands, one will discover that flowers are not his interest or concern, but something vile, even if he has to make it himself.

In all probability, if a man's reputation is not able to stand on its own feet, so to speak, with those who know him best, his reputation may not be worth much in the first place. But when a person who claims to be a gospel preacher starts spreading bad rumors, innuendoes and doubtful things about another person whom you may not know personally, but whom you have had no reason to doubt, you would do well to do some close checking on those who know them both before you start believing and reacting to those evil reports.

If each of us will make sure we take care of our character, our reputation will probably eventually take care of itself, even though it may come under attack by some jealous or ungodly person. Perhaps we should better understand and appreciate Luke 6:26, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!" However, we have a right to expect brothers in Christ to speak well of us until we have actually been proven to be false in doctrine or practice.

T. Pierce Brown

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

'Loaves and Fishes' Miracle

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
'Loaves and Fishes' Miracle Reported in Egypt
By Paul Steven Ghiringhelli

Bible teacher and evangelist Marilyn Hickey's recent 10-day trip to Cairo, Egypt—described by organizers afterward as the largest gathering of Christians to ever assemble in the ancient city— included a report of something more astounding than the several hundred who claimed healing and salvation: 2,400 meals from Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) apparently appeared out of thin air.

The reported incident, which if true is a miracle nearly unheard of in modern times, occurred during Hickey's citywide leaders conference in May, attended by nearly 10,000 pastors and local leaders—from curious Muslims to orthodox Coptic Christians.

According to Hickey, 77, whose ministry organized the meetings in conjunction with the Egyptian Evangelical Association, 3,500 boxed-lunches from KFC were ordered and accounted for. "There were tickets distributed for the lunches," she said. "The boxes were given out, leaving none in the room."

After the food was completely distributed, and after the crowd swelled to about 5,000, she said volunteers were astonished to return to what should've been a room of empty tables to discover 1,200 more lunches. She said after they handed out the mysterious extras, another 1,200 appeared, leaving a surplus of food and dumbfounded witnesses. Hickey's staff called it a "loaves and fishes" miracle.

"I am fully convinced that this was a supernatural occurrence," Hickey told Charisma. "It is something I have believed to see on my ministry and am overjoyed that it happened."

She said she feels confident in promoting the miracle because independent Egyptian and non-Christians sources verified the mysterious incident, which apparently occurred sans the hype and exaggeration normally associated with wild miracle claims. "It happened in such a way that [my ministry] was not at all associated with it, which left local volunteers and non-Christians marveling at what had happened."

Though the unusual miracle was one of the main highlights of her trip, Hickey said her favorite memory was of Father Samaan, a Coptic Christian who ministers to the outcasts of Cairo's slum settlement called Garbage City. Because of his work, Hickey said more than 90 percent of the poor inhabitants of Garbage City are born-again. "What Father Samaan has done there is nothing short of a miracle itself," she said. "It was humbling and inspiring to witness such an unusual place and unusual work of God."

Hickey has spread the gospel in more than 100 nations during her four decades of ministry. She often travels overseas with her daughter, Sarah Bowling, who just returned last week from ministering in Ethiopia. The two also have a TV program together—Today with Marilyn & Sarah—and they are planning a trip for India this fall.

(Source: Charisma on-line)

Our God is Alive and still doing the Impossible for His people. Glory to His Holy Name!!

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Friendship Day History


Friendship Day History

The National Friendship Day is celebrated every year on the first Sunday in August. There is not much history that can be garnered for this day except the fact that the US Congress proclaimed this day as the Friendship Day in the year 1935.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

“Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13-15

Thus speaks The Bible about the warmest of all bonds—friendship. The Bible, the most primary text of the western civilization, reflects upon friendship as the bond that forms the foundation to human faith, trust and companionship. There are innumerable tales from the Old Testament as well as the New Testament about the value of friendship and how true friendship is a treasure to unearth. Both the versions make a difference between the two broad meanings of friendship—one is a mere acquaintance, the other is a more affectionate relation. These stories and examples have passed into western literary and cultural realms. In the Old Testament Abraham is called the “friend of God” because of the intimacy of his relations. God speaks to Moses face to face “as a man…unto his friend” (Ex 33:11). The romantic friendship of Ruth and Naomi, the devotion of the subordinate Hushai for David, or the mutual relation between David and Jonathan—the Old Testament is replete with these interesting tales of friendship.

In the New Testament, the relationship between Jesus and his disciples is the most primal example of how human friendship can constantly grow. From being teacher and disciple to lord and servant their relationship finally grew to an unparalleled friendship.

WWW.FRIENDSHIPDAY.COM

Find A True Friend In Jesus!!




At times, we may feel the way that is described here in the video and feel that our world has come to an end while the devil is trying constantly to get us bitter with God and Man and destroy our confidence in Christ. Remember there is a True Friend who sticks closer than a Brother and who has given His Very Life for You. Confide in Jesus everything and He will fill you with His divine love, grace, strength, kindness, and Goodness. Let your tears be known to Him only who truely wipes your tears and crown you with everlasting Joy. What A friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!! What a privilege to carry everything to God in Prayer!!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Amy Carmichael


Amy Carmichael who was lovingly called "Amma" or mother in the local language by the people of South India was born on December 16, 1867 in Northern Ireland in an Irish Christian Family as the oldest of the seven children. Amy was considered as a rebellious, mischievous girl, but when she was 13 she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and that made a roundabout change in her life.

As a prelude to Amy Carmichael's ministry, a breakthrough incident took place on a rainy, Sunday morning when Amy and her two brothers were returning home from church. They saw an elderly, frail, ragged woman struggling to carry a heavy load. Amy instantaneously helped her although with a feeling of disgrace, with all the church people walking home looking down on her. At that moment, a verse from the Bible came alive -"Gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives " - I Cor 3:12-14. The last part of the verse was so audible that she stopped a while to look for the owner of the voice, but she could not find anyone. The rest of the day she spent in prayer, and was pondering over the mysterious event that had changed her values. Thereafter, she started involving herself in various services to the downtrodden and the needy.

In 1892, she was called to the mission field. She initially thought that her mission field was Japan, and so served there for 15 months. However, she realized that God had a different destination for her, and eventually she landed on the Indian subcontinent in 1895, where God established her ministry.

One of her remarkable service is among the abused female children of South India. She rescued the children from a horrible life of being destined to temple prostitution. She reared them, taught them the Word of God and showed them the wonderful love of Jesus in obedience to the Lord who said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them." - Matthew 19:14. Amy Carmichael opened a refuge for children in Dohnavur, a town named after the German Christian Count Dohna. She also started Dohnavur Fellowship, which became famous worldwide in later years.

Amy Carmichael exhibited the qualities of Jesus and followed his footsteps all through her life. Some Christian pastors of that time commented that the rearing of children was "demeaning work" but this did not stop Amy, as she had in mind that Jesus once washed the feet of his disciples.“He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” - John 13:4. She also had a conviction that bringing up Indian children in the love of Christ would cause greater results than what a foreigner could do to evangelize India.

Amy Carmichael does not fail to remind us that we Christians are appointed unto afflictions, “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.” {there unto: or, to sufferings, or, to persecution} - I Thessalonians 3:3 through her poems –

Onward Christian soldiers
Sitting on the mats;
Nice and warm and cozy
Like little pussy cats.

Onward Christian soldiers,
Oh, how brave are we,
Don't we do our fighting
Very comfortably?


Also, the Spirit of God encourages us by bringing to our remembrance that "our light affliction is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." - II Cor 4:17.

Amy Carmichael was a woman of faith, and she looked only to God for all her needs and the needs of her ministry for "without faith it is impossible to please God” - Heb11:6 and “everything that is not from faith is sin” - Roman 14:23. "Faith never wonders why." This she often quoted, practiced, and led others to practice it.

Amy became ill and was confined to bed after an accident. Nevertheless, she was a channel of blessing to many through a number of books that she wrote in her bedridden state. Her life revealed that if a person is dedicated unto the Lord whatsoever be the state of the person or situation, his/her life would surely be a blessing to others. Through her dedicated, devoted, sacrificial life, she exhibited true discipleship to the nations of the world.

It is not important how much we do for the Lord, but how we do, for the fire of God will test the work of every man. In his great love, God has designed wonderful plans for each and every one of us. If we keep our hearts open before Him and completely surrender our lives to His sovereign will, He will unfold His plans to us. The Love of Jesus helps us to become dead to self and world, and enables us to obey Him with joyful willingness. His eternal, infinite, earthly, and heavenly blessings are upon them that love Him and serve Him.

Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my namesake shall receive hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. - Matthew 19:29

Written By: Shanta S. Daniel

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Quest for Acceptance

My life has been a quest for recognition and acceptance. A mid-childhood immigration experience left me at a cultural disadvantage in Canadian sports. I found solace in the army cadet corps and “nerd-like” achievements. Family finances and positive experiences in the Canadian militia reduced higher education options to one: enroll in the Regular Officer Training Program. I joined the Canadian Army in 1965.

The quest begins
Ever since arriving in Canada, I responded to recognition from my friends. My security and happiness was based on acceptance—from friends, from my achievements and from being considered a good man. I longed for a university degree, an officer’s commission and a beautiful wife. All these fueled my desire for acceptance.

The competition
I was later selected for regimental exchange (where one nation sends one of its officers to a regiment in another allied nation in exchange for one of their officers for a period of time). Upon arrival in Germany, I was perplexed to discover that my immediate commander was not a British officer, but an on-fire-for-Jesus American. He excelled academically, athletically and militarily, making me feel less worthy of recognition in comparison. I was determined not to be like this American.

My commander took me to hear a speaker who explained who Jesus is. It was explained that by believing in Jesus, I would be considered a child of God. This was very significant and healing to me as I had a huge deprivation in my father-son relationships. I cannot fully explain it, but I felt like a wind was constantly blowing behind me, as if it was revealing the presence of God.

Acceptance
Very soon after, my boss came over to my home. I agreed to pray the prayer to accept Jesus into my life. I confessed each of my sins specifically and as I did, the physical dimensions of our living room seemed to disappear. It was like a glorious light that gradually grew in intensity filled the room. Not everyone must go through the same experience in order to believe, but for some reason, God decided to reveal his presence to me in such a way. It consumed any doubt I ever had. Jesus did indeed die for me and my sins on the cross and rose from the dead after three days. Jesus is the son of God. The whole Bible is true. I believe that through Jesus, I can have a relationship with God, and full acceptance.

The next twenty years of my life would be considered a success story in the way the world measures success. Although I was eager and active about serving God, in all honesty, success and advancement emerged as an idol. God loved me so much that he gave me a corrective crisis. It taught me to always depend on God first above everything else.

In 1995 I underwent surgery for a brain tumor. The doctors were not very positive and told me that I had a 30% chance of living. Prayers of faith gave me the assurance that I would survive, and I did, though I did not like my post-operative condition. It is a miracle that my talking, swallowing, walking, seeing, and dexterity have been restored. My recovery was so rapid that I managed to pass the military fitness standard and later retired.

Truly in Christ there is no fear of death. Best of all, my God loves me. I am a child of God. My quest for acceptance is over. There is more than enough recognition and acceptance for the rest of my life.

Your quest
If you have been looking for acceptance and recognition but seem to fall short of everyone’s changing expectations, you are not alone. Everyone longs to be accepted and loved. We all know what rejection feels like and try everything we can to avoid that feeling. God has accepted you for who you are, no matter how unworthy you feel. He sent his son Jesus Christ to die for your sins. The quest is over. Christ offers you a relationship with God and full acceptance as God’s child.

You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here’s a suggested prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.  Amen!

An article by Howard Marsh 

If this short testimony has touched you, please feel free to share your thoughts or if you would like to share yours please go ahead without any hesitancy.  May God Bless You!! 

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Six-Sigma in Medical Transcription Industry

As you all know, Six-Sigma is recommended to be adopted as it ensures quality, customer satisfaction, and increased business and money.

Six-sigma involves the statistical way of identifying the defects, frequency of defects, analysis of the defects to achieve the goal of reduction of the defects. The word defect is best suited for manufacturing units. However, for the field I am in "Medical Transcription" where the manufactured products are reports that are highly important and confidential medico-legal documents, the defects can be called here as errors. We have measures or metrics to grade each document as per the international standards and per the six-sigma concept the allowed errors are to be less than 15 per 1000 lines.

Customer Satisfaction = Less than 15 errors per thousand lines (EPT)

So keeping the customer satisfaction as the GOAL, we get into work of minimizing the errors to less than 15 per 1000 lines.

1. We study the root cause of the errors. Eg. Skills of the individual, accent of the dictator, technical reasons if any, lack of comprehension/judgment, omission of process steps (eg. failure to proofread), lack of researching and referencing, wrongly classified as error, so on and so forth.

2. After identifying the root cause, we go on to implement the countermeasures to arrest the errors. It is to be noted that we cannot achieve the "Less than 15 EPT lines" status at the very first step itself. It is a process of testing and implementation. Initially, the errors may be more but with the analysis of the errors, root cause, and the implementation of the countermeasures, the errors would progressively reduce to reach LESS THAN 15 EPT lines.
This phase involves education and training of the MTs and QAs. Involves ensure of entire process steps completion, judgment training, knowledge sharing, motivation, and eliminating technical set-backs and issues that contribute to the errors.

3. Control measures: This step is to sustain the quality. This involves monitoring of the quality, tracking of the progress of quality through charts and metrics to ensure that process steps are not omitted. The compilation of metamorphosis of quality is submitted to the Top Management for their perusal. Also, comparative study is involved to analyze the progress.

This is in brief how Six-Sigma concept can be implemented in medical transcription industry.


- Shanta Daniel

[Copyright@ Permission is granted to duplicate this article in its entirety, but only without additions, alterations or omissions of any kind, including the author and ministry name at the end]

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Worship on The Go!!!

God doesn't desire more of our time sometimes; He desires more of our attention all the time.!!!

Ever felt frustrated because you hear messages about getting closer to God and you definitely desire this for yourself, but you are inundated with so much to do already that this only makes you feel guilty because you are too busy for God?

I think we all feel this at one time or another.

We may need to carve some time out of our busy schedule for more specific time to be with God, but that isn't necessarily the only answer to this question.

Look at the following Scriptures:

"I have set the Lord always before me." Psalm 16:8
 "My eyes are ever on the Lord ." Psalm 25:15
"I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34:1

Reading these words makes you wonder if these are the words of a monk who had nothing else to do but devote himself to God.

Actually, they are the words of David, king of Israel , a great ruler and warrior. How did he manage to run a nation and keep his eyes on the Lord at all times? The only conclusion is that he did this while he did everything else.

It's a continual awareness of God that we are talking about here, not necessarily more time devoted to spiritual pursuits.

I once saw a sign that read: "Your god is what you pay attention to."

You see, I believe you can pay attention to God while you are doing everything else. It's all about doing everything for God and seeing God in everything we do. It's about bringing God into the boardroom, the exercise room, the living room, and the bedroom.

Now, of course, He's already in all these places but we're talking about being aware of His being there at all times. That's what it means to set the Lord always before us. Worship is a frame of mind that always has God in the picture. We don't need church, or Bible study, or devotions to remind us about the Lord if we're already aware of Him all the time. But then, these opportunities become more precious to us because we can devote all our attention to that which we have been aware of all along.

(This is an wonderful article received through an email) - God Bless the Writer

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