Karma vs. Grace

Found something interesting about Karma. How Karma is a system of beliefs which if you believe in Karma, you must believe all aspects of what it stands for. In other words, reincarnation and what you give in this life, is how well you’ll come back. Check this out from www.hinduism.about.com about Karma..

The law of cause and effect forms an integral part of Hindu philosophy. This law is termed as ‘karma’, which means to ‘act’. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English defines it as the “sum of person’s actions in one of his successive states of existence, viewed as deciding his fate for the next”. In Sanskrit karma means “volitional action that is undertaken deliberately or knowingly”. This also dovetails self-determination and a strong will power to abstain from inactivity. Karma is the differentia that characterizes human beings and distinguishes him from other creatures of the world.

The Natural Law

The theory of karma harps on the Newtonian principle that every action produces an equal and opposite reaction. Every time we think or do something, we create a cause, which in time will bear its corresponding effects. And this cyclical cause and effect generates the concepts of samsara (or the world) and birth and reincarnation. It is the personality of a human being or the jivatman- with its positive and negative actions – that causes karma.

Karma could be both the activities of the body or the mind, irrespective of the consideration whether the performance brings fruition immediately or at a later stage. However, the involuntary or the reflex actions of the body cannot be called karma.

Didn’t realize the difference in between Karma and Grace there truly is. Let’s face it, we run around and say “karma” all the time towards certain things but in reality-Christians/Christ-followers can’t believe in Grace and Karma at the same time. Karma says your return to this life or reincarnation wealth will be based on your deeds here yet God’s Grace says you don’t get what you deserve and there is no second chance to do things “over”. Karma is not just about reaping what you sow, but reaping what you sow and in the second life, you’ll get what you deserve and return to this life according to your works. I’m SO glad to have God’s Grace!! Let’s see a clearer picture of what I’m trying to reveal from talkjesus.com.

“Karma is a theological concept found in the Buddhist and Hindu religions. It is the idea that how one lives one’s life will determine the quality of life one will have when one is reincarnated. In other words, if one is unselfish, kind, and holy during their lifetime, one will be rewarded by being reincarnated (born again into a new earthly body) into a pleasant life. However, if one lives a life of selfishness and evil, one will be reincarnated into a less than pleasant lifestyle.

The entire concept of karma is based on the theological belief in reincarnation. It is sort of a “you reap what you sow” idea with the reaping to take place in your reincarnated life. The Bible does not agree with the idea of reincarnation, so therefore, it does not support the idea of karma.

In Hebrews 9:27 it states, “And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this (cometh) judgment.” This Bible verse makes clear two important points which, for Christians, negate the possibility of reincarnation and karma. First, it states that it is “appointed unto men once to die…” Meaning that humans are only born once and only die once. There is no endless cycle of life and death and rebirth that is promoted in the reincarnation theory. Second, it states that “after this (cometh) judgment…” Meaning that there is no second chance, like there is in reincarnation and karma, to live a better life. You get one shot at life and living it according to God’s plan, and that’s it.

The Bible talks a lot about reaping and sowing. In Job 4:8 it says, “Even as I have seen they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.” And in Psalms 126:5 it says, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” And in Luke 12:24 it says, “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?”

In each of these instances, as well as all the other references to reaping and sowing, the act of receiving the rewards of one’s actions (reaping) takes place in this life, not in some future life. It is a present-day activity and the references make it clear that the fruit one reaps will be commensurate with the actions one has performed. In addition, the actions or sowing one performs in this life will affect one’s reward or punishment in the afterlife.

This afterlife is not a rebirth or a reincarnation into another body here on earth. It is either eternal suffering in hell (Matthew 25:46), or eternal life in Heaven with Jesus, who died so that we might live eternally with Him. And it is this life that our actions of sowing should be oriented towards. The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:8-9, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Finally, we must always remember that it was Jesus whose death on the cross resulted in the reaping of eternal life for us, and that it is faith in Jesus that will gain for us this eternal life. It says in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Therefore, we see that the concept of reincarnation and karma is incompatible with what the Bible teaches about life, death, and the sowing and reaping of eternal life.”

Reference:

www.talkjesus.com

Blog Posting..

Ok, so here’s the deal. My sister has taken a small detour of getting better to struggling and little bit. She’s ok for the most part but we had a slight scare. She was rushed back into surgery for what they thought was leaking intestines or a hole in her intestines/colon. What they found was nothing but air pockets floating around, her stomach nor or intestines had emptied either. Therefore, they cleaned her out and for now, she’s stable and hopefully will begin making a full recovery. God tells us to believe in Him and ask and His will shall be done. We’re praying His will is for Amy to come out of this better and stronger than before. We will honor and praise Him in any decision or any outcome we may have. God is in control and He created Amy, therefore  He knows what Amy needs right now.. Thanks for all the encouragement, prayers and kind words.. Keep them coming as she has a long road of recovery up ahead. I’ll return to blogging pretty soon so stay tuned..

Thoughts and Interests..

Well, I’ve been so “serious” here lately posting about attitude, marriage and all, I thought I would take a break and just write some thoughts.

It’s been a good couple of weeks so far. We’ve spent a lot of family time together and it’s been great. Normally we’re so busy with school, things at work or get home so late, it’s suffered I guess you could say. This week was a pretty slow week. I was able to get out over last weekend and this week and do some yard work..Makes me feel weird because I’m not use to doing summer work–in the winter.  Luckily I hadn’t put my lawnmower in the shop in preparation for the summer so much to my chagrin, I got it out and started cutting and cleaning. Matter of fact, I have a big task of a back yard to clear for a friend and it’ll be challenging but hard work never hurt anyone. Matter of fact, with the help of a former life group member, that’s how I cleaned by backyard; one piece at a time and if it wasn’t for him and his John Deere tractor, I’d still be cleaning!

New things have come up in the life of the Goswick’s. We’ve gotten involved back at “The Ridge” near our home, taking Financial Peace University, I have 2 classes until I finish and Kim has 8 left. We’ve also found some new friends within our financial group, lost a few and gained a lot more family time. Truthfully, we’ve always had to depend on each other along our road. Some of it hasn’t been by choice and when it’s mattered the most, there were people who surrounded us with love, acceptance and selfishness during that time in our life. God placed them right where they needed to be when they needed to be.

3 years ago my sister, who’s about to turn 30, was diagnosed with rectal cancer. She had lapricscopic surgery to remove the places and has been living a very normal life other than a few complications. She went to a check up to the doctor because she was experiencing some trouble and they found a gene which makes her prone to early heart problems. So with medicine and strict diet she began a new walk only to be slowed again. She went back about a week and a half for her normal checkup with the cancer doctor and they spotted 3 places. A week ago Friday, she received the call she would have to have surgery to remove the places this time but they would go back in to see what they needed to do. Long story short, Tuesday after they went back in, they found they needed to go in a little deeper and take a different look. Amy will have surgery on March 15th and theyll have to begin at her sternum instead of her belly button so please say a prayer for our family as this has become a major surgery. We’re praying God’s will be done and that God will give the doctors the eyes and mind they need to have in order to get this stuff out of her body. She’s been through so much and is such a fighter, she’s become my hero in sorts.. She’s been through 3 car wrecks-1 which almost killed her, cancer at 27, walked most of the 3 day walk and continues to fight so hard. God has given her a heart of tremendous porportion and I’m so proud of my little sister. I’ve been so regretful of all the things in the past I’ve done towards her and never been the role model I should have been. However, the past is the past and I can’t go back and change things. I can watch her become the “big” sister to me and I totally look up to her-I love you Amy.

Otherwise, our lives are like everyone elses-work, church, school, family etc. We are and have been so blessed with everything going on and so thankful. My truck after being paid off, now needs a new radiator but ya know, it’s only 8 years old! Some things are bound to begin to give trouble but hey, it is what it is.. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my blogs and I’ve decided to blog a couple of days on “serious” subjects like I have been recently but as things come up or otherwise, I may just blog about life in general.. I mean, why not get a little bit of everything right? Love you guys and remember to comment if you’d like on the blog or on FB-also check our FB for our e-mail and Mary Kay information. Thanks for reading and hope to see ya soon!!

“Vow Of Purity”

This is the last series in the Vow series. I hope you’ve enjoyed it, learned and trusted God more with your marriage than when you started. Remember, marriage is work and you must work together, communicate and love each other through the bad and the good. On that note, let’s dive right in.

Vow of Purity.

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
Genesis 2:24-25

shame: buwsh (boosh); to be ashamed; to feel completely worthless.

See, the last thing satan wants is for you, your spouse and your marriage to be successful. He tries anything, everyone and will not stop to make your marriage fail. Sometimes it’s because of our own doing or choices, while other times it’s abuse-physical, emotional or other.

So, here’s the game satan plays and he’s good at it-do NOT underestimate him for any reason. One of the first thing he does is remind you of an experience which was very painful or sinful. He brings up those things which are buried deep down inside which rarely shows its face. Then, he reminds you of that experience which leads you to connect what happened with who you are. Satan brings the “perception” of who you are in connection with what has happened to you in the past. He’ll also bring up those things which you’ve done which were very painful and therefore, you’re affected through your past. Last but not least, satan reminds you or tells you the only way to be safe is to hide. Too many times satan reminds us of our past and we forget to remind him of his future. He tells you the only way to be safe to yourself or those around you, is to hide it. We tend to hide it inside and keep it bottled. It’s no one’s business right and Lord knows we’ll be judged if we tell anyone. We think if we don’t see it, it doesn’t exist but rather is suppressed for “personal reasons.” We tend to hide our feelings, our emotions and think “no one else is going through this problem.” Truth be known, there are hundreds of people who need your assitance and help on how to make it through, how to be strong and be married for a lifetime; covenant.

Here’s the thing:

WHEREVER SECRETS LIVE, INTIMACY DIES.
WHEREVER INTIMACY LIVES, SECRETS DIE.

In conclusion, let’s take a look at the vows one more time.

THE VOWS

VOW #1:  I PROMISE THAT GOD WILL BE MY #1 PRIORITY AND MY SPOUSE WILL BE MY #2.

VOW #2:  I PROMISE I WILL ALWAYS PURSUE MY TWO.

VOW #3:  I PROMISE OUR MARRIAGE WILL BE ABOUT “WE” AND NOT “ME”.

VOW #4: I PROMISE TO CONFIDE IN YOU AND NOT HIDE FROM YOU.
WHAT ARE YOU HIDING?

What do you think? Can you handle it, make marriage work no matter what the situation or are you going to walk away and make excuses..which you try and justify? It’s up to you but I know if it wasn’t for God in our lives, our marriage may have been over a long time ago. Thank you Jesus for saving our marriage, our life and our friendship. I know have a beautiful wife, handsome son and a wonderful life here in Dallas, Ga. I look forward for Kim and I to grow old together, create more memories and follow God the best we can. The choice is yours my friend and I hope and pray you make the right one.

Love you guys and look for the NEXT upcoming series, “Letdown.” 1st series is “When People Let You Down” and the 2nd, “When God Let’s You Down.”What does it feel like when the people you trust the most, speak with and share intimate thoughts let you down? What happens when you think GOD has let you down, has He really?? Hopefully I’ll be able to answer some of those questions starting tomorrow night as we look at the 1st series, “When People Let You Down.”

Hello, it’s me again…

We’ve heard that saying many times and probably used it in our life a time or too. What does it mean? Is it re-introducing ourself or is it just some words of introduction? Why and when do we use it?  Is it just when we’ve seen somone, left and then return or what? What about those times again when you pray or miss out on things around you? Do you ever tell God, it’s you again or maybe your family or colleagues? There are many ways to use this saying but here lately, it’s having new meaning.

You’ve been there or maybe you haven’t, when you are involved in church, activities, life group etc. and then it slowly or abruptly comes to a stop. You find yourself looking around for a church or maybe you just miss church a couple of times and you find it hard to begin again. Whatever the case, it’s tough trying to find the right church or should I say, the right “place” to attend services and be involved.  Some say look for biblical based services, others say go where you “fit in” and yet some tell you what you’re already doing; just pray and God will lead you to where you need to be. All of that is true but there are others factors such as family, beliefs align to what God says and God gave us the gift of discernment. It’s where we can decide and make that conscious choice along with the other factors in play and at work. Other words, church to our family isn’t about where we necessarily fit in, but 1st and foremost, is the preacher teaching biblical principles based on the Bible and what is true according to God’s Word, how is the environment; is it one of, “we’ve already established something but if you wanna join, sure-conform and join our church,” or is it a welcoming environment where the people are active in the community, in the church and are the people real.  To us, it’s a very very careful process in which God has #1 place but also we’re entrusted as His children, He gives us the discernment to make our own decision accordingly.

So, when I say, “Hello, it’s me again,” I’m speaking to the church as our family is in search of the next chapter in our lives.  We miss it, we need it and we enjoy the company and friendship. It’s tough but everything will work out as God and us work it out together with Him leading the way. So, what are you saying this quote too?  Family, church, God, your job or who/what? Be honest with yourself-that’s when clarity begins to enlighten your heart and soul.

“Hello Church, it’s me again…..”

Marriage.. It’s work, a challenge and a treasure to treasure..

Here’s the latest sermon from Lifechurch.tv on marriage. I love to listen to their messages every Monday night at 9:00, it’s personal, close and in the confines of my home. If you wanna check them out, go to Lifechurch.tv and give them a run.. Great resources, great messages, great place to be all around.. Check back for more posts..

ONCE UPON A MARRIAGE—1
JACOB & LEAH (AND RACHEL)

-NEVER SATISFIED-

16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful. Gen 29:16-17

WHEN MARRIAGE IS YOUR ANSWER
1) YOU COMPROMISE MORE THAN YOU SHOULD.
18 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel…” Gen 29:18

2) BECOME DEMANDING.
21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to lie with her.” Gen 29:21

3) ALWAYS END UP DISSATISFIED.
23 But when evening came, (Laban) took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob lay with her… 25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?” Gen 29:23, 25

31 When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. 32 Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.” Gen 29:31-32

SEARCHING FOR THE WRONG ONE
· TO REALLY BE FULFILLED IN LIFE, YOU HAVE TO FIND THE ONE.

· GOD IS YOUR ONE AND YOUR SPOUSE IS YOUR TWO.

35 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children. Gen 29:35

Note: Leah (not Rachel) was the mother of Judah. Through him, Jesus, the Savior of the world would one day be born.

Our Son’s 4th birthday party and man how time flies….

Whoa that's cool!!!

Man how time flies and it does.. Kim and I were just talking about “when Jayden was little”-it hasn’t been long ago.. He goes from barely speaking to telling Kim the following:

“Mom, can we go by Ole’ McDonald’s and get me chicken nuggets, french fries, chocolate milk and a toy?” (Kim) Well baby, we have to see if you’re good and then maybe we’ll stop. You don’t get something just for being good all the time.  (Jayden) But mommy it’s ok, you can buy it and if I’m not good, put it where I can’t see it. Then you can give it to me later when I’m good. (Kim) Awestruck face…..

This is our son…what we’re dealing with here is a hidden genuis I do believe. He’s so precious, yet challenging, yet frustrating, yet delightful, yet joyful, yet aggravating, yet loving, sweet and such a gentlemen.. What we have here folks, is the way God sees us.. How do I know? Because He created us-that’s why. He created us in His own image and He loves us for who and what we are.. Think about it, those with kids you feel all these emotions inside towards your husband and kid(s), yet have we thought that maybe the way God feels towards us? He IS our Father…

So the next time your spouse, friends or kid(s) truly upset you, ruffle your feathers, aggravate the stew out of you or other, think about how you would want God to treat you during the same time..  If He treated you the same way you treat others, would you be ok with that?? Hmmmm, I would hate for Him to treat me the same way I treat others sometimes…what about you??

Relief Pitchers….

They have a tough job if you will. They are called upon at a moments notice and they are usually called upon to win the game or prevent any further damage from occurring.. They’re usually nervous obviously and their nerves are shot waiting to get into the game; they never know.. Finally they are called upon, nervous and awaiting instructions and do what they do; relieve the pitcher.. In that waiting, alot of things go through the mind of the pitcher and it’s important though he stays focused. If not, it has devastating effects.

In that “waiting,” is where I am now.. I know what and the things I’m suppose to do, marriage/financial/life is going great and I have no complaints.. So….what’s wrong?? Does God have something in store for me and He has me in the “waiting?” I dunno and I wish I could explain it, but I can’t.. I can’t pinpoint it but it’s driving me nuts and someone with ADHD/Analism/perfection, it’s not good.. Lol..

I don’t know but I do know I’ll get back to my “normal” self for me, in a bit.. I mean, you have to come out of the “waiting” sometime.. Just have to be patient and do my best to stay calm and do nothing rash.. Lol. We tend to do that when things get weird, change or we have to “wait.” What do you do in the waiting??

Role Models

You know when I was growing up, we had some people to look up too. Mind you, they weren’t perfect either, they made mistakes and all, but those people were real, had morals, values and stood by them. Who were they?? My Dad. Yep, all of him to tell you the truth hence the plural tense of “they.” My dad made mistakes and wasn’t perfect but more than once would he say things and then have the actions to back it up.  When mistakes were made, apologies were in order and admittance to error was as well. I watched my dad pay for meals for people-whether they needed it or not-he’d pay for them just “because.” I watched him let people borrow a shovel, a pick or an axe only to either never return it or return it broken. They’d offer excuses and then dad would say, “That’s ok, I’ll get another one.” Even when they’d come back, dad would let them have it again. I often wondered why in the heck would dad do that?? Why let someone borrow stuff he knew would never come back or return broken?? His simple response was: “Well, because they need it.” Because they need it….wow.. as I grew up, I learned more about my dad.. He felt like God said to help others and if he had it, you could too.. Over and over he continued to help others, never asking anything in return, over and over I watched him do things for people and never asking one time, for a favor. Matter of fact, Dad rarely asked for favors, he just loved helping others. Even to this day, my dad/mom still buys us dinner, things for our home and enjoys every bit of it. I even told dad/mom it’s our turn to help them since they’ve done so much and their response: “No son, we enjoy doing it and there will be a time you need to help others, you do that instead. We love to help you guys and we want your families, (Amy and myself) to be able to have more than what we had so you can give your kids what they need. We’ll help as long as we can and we love you guys.”  Wow, that’s really all I can say..

My beliefs, morals, values and actions are trying to follow in my Dad’s step-a true role model for our family. I help others and even when we have a little money, Kim gets upset sometimes because I’ll give my money away to someone, go buy something for someone or anything to help others.. I love helping others and I’ve always said: “If I ever won the lottery, I’d be broke not only for taking care of my family, my son and our parents, but eventually I’d go broke because I’d buy/help others. I don’t want pat on the backs, good job or thank you for what you’ve done-I just want others to be blessed as our family is today, for others to see Christ through me the best I can portray, for my son to have a true role model growing up so he too one day, can say his role model is his Dad..

The whole reason of this blog was because of a flash of videos on VH1; I wondered what some of these guys/gals were thinking when they made these videos. Young ladies/men are looking up to some of these people for a role model. They look to them for what they need to do, how they need to act, how to treat others etc.. It just really bothered me to see people kissing and caressing a guy at the most spectacular well-rounded award ceremony, videos of ladies who were all but naked; one of which they were and they too were dancing with other women/men caressing and touching their bodies.. These are the people are daughters or sons are growing up idolizing.. Sport stars shooting birds to the audience, acting ugly, cussing violently and being a terrible role model on/off the field. Let me get something straight however, I’m not judging anyone but myself.. I am giving an opinion based on facts and on my morals and values. Truth and facts hurt and some people get passing judgement and calling facts construed.. All I’m saying is: Who do you want YOUR son/daughter growing up as a role model? Looking up to for good morals and values and wanting to exemplify their actions. All I’m saying…..Christ tells us to do ALL things to honor and glorify HIS name; we are HIS hands and feets, HIS mouth to a lost people and HIS example of what to do, say and how to act.  Will we make mistakes? Sure. Will we fail? Sure. Do we give up, toss in the towel and make excuses? NEVER..