Be Imitators of God

Ephesians 5 starts with a task that is really impossible for us as sinful beings. We are called to "be imitators of God, as beloved children." Verse 2 goes on to tell us to "walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us." Now I say these things are impossible but the Bible is telling me to do it. So how do I?

Well, with the Holy Spirit, God's promised helper, we can. With God's help we can. It has absolutely NOTHING to do with our own ability to be successful in this. It will take the help of God. But, if we are not imitating God and loving like Christ, we are not following the command set forth here in Ephesians, and therefore we are not doing the will of God.

Check out Jarrett's blog about change. It's great. And here's another Blog for your readers. Jarrett Tonn is a good friend of mine, who has a really great ability to write about God's truths. Casey and Jay Hobbs also write on the blog. Check out Reckless Raging Fury.

GM is Led By Morons...and so is Ford...and Others

I am a reader of automotive blogs and news. And I’m a complainer on how incredibly stupid the auto industry seems to be. For example, a story completely unrelated to the story that sparked this entry, Ford was rumored to be working on a diesel engine for their F-150 back in 2004. Why do I know this? I was in a job position where I was responsible for purchasing work trucks for a small construction company that only bought Ford’s and preferred diesel due to a longer engine life expectancy. But back to the story I’ve been hearing about for the last few days. GM or General Motors, the world’s largest automobile manufacturer, recently told the press at the inauguration of the company's new Powertrain Engineering Development Center they are ready to provide smaller engines IF the consumers indicate that’s what they want. Ah, hello?!?!?!?!?!? Don’t you people spend BILLIONS of dollars on research and development? Shouldn’t you know the answer to that by now? I mean, a few minutes on the blogs and you can get a pulse on what people want. Not only do all the blogs agree with each other, but the millions of readers that comment to these blogs on a daily basis agree with the blogs. Give us a car with a powerful yet economic engine, something that moves the vehicle with power and efficiency. I mean, how long has the automotive industry been around, and all we get it the crap that GM and Ford are producing? Let’s look at my recent purchase. My 2008 Nissan Altima was priced lower than the cars I compared it to (Camry and Accord) and was more powerful and more efficient than the two. Where is the Chevy Malibu? NOWHERE!!!!!! It’s priced decent but it’s gutless and sucks down the gas. What is wrong with the automotive industry? Are the big companies too big? Why is it so hard to fill the needs of the consumer? I’m done. This makes me upset. Check out the original story at here.

Just a Quick Update for Excuse Sake

I got promoted at the bank and I'm responsible for all of the daily operations of the branch. Lots of work, earlier start time, and a complete lack of time management are my current excuses for why the blog has been neglected the last few weeks.

Lame, I know.

Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit..Be Kind

Ephesians 4 ends with some powerful and applicable verses. Verses 30-32 really bring me back to looking at myself and seeing areas of struggle in my life as a Christian. I fear I do grieve the Holy Spirit, as verse 30 tells me not to do. I am a bitter and angry person. I am not kind to others, and it can be hard for me to forgive.

But the power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit are the only chance for change. It interesting for me to think about the phrase "do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God" because I am truly affected by that. I genuinely do not want to grieve God or the Spirit. This reminder that my sins do grieve the Holy Spirit help me realize my lack of comprehension of God's love for me.

Today, a Monday, my goal is to start this week with the goal of being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. I will work on not being bitter or angry. Only by the grace of God am I saved from these sins, not because I've earned it. I obviously have not. The grace of God is so amazing and should not be taken for granted. I must work hard to live a life that pleases God and brings glory to His name. Only a better understanding of this grace can do that.

Praise God for His Grace.
Praise God for His Power Over Sin.

Yeah, I Helped

July's numbers show Nissan as the only Major Brand with a profit. Nice. I helped with my purchase of a 2008 Nissan Altima. It's a great car. Check it out here.

The iPhone Apps

There are a number of apps for the new iPhone 2.0 software. They're
available for both the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G. Also, for a
fee of $9.95, you can upgrade an iPod Touch to the 2.0 software and
download apps. This picture is just some of the icons of programs I
use on my phone.