Bimethyls

Loud thunders. Powerful lightning. A dark cloud. The loud sound of a trumpet. The House of Israel heard and saw these things and trembled with fear. It was on the Feast of Weeks after their journey out of Egypt when Jesus Christ gave the 10 Commandments (Exodus 19:16).

However, there is no mention of rain. Water often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and God did not give them the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, they did not have the heart to keep God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 5:29).

They sinned greatly by building a golden calf and an altar before it. They attempted to use it to declare a Feast to God. Moses ordered the execution of those who had committed such sin, and about 3,000 people died at the hands of the Levites (Exodus 32:5, 26-28).

On the Feast of Weeks called Pentecost in the New Testament when God gave the Holy Spirit to the Church of God, the apostles heard a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind as described in Acts 2:2.

They would receive the Holy Spirit, which is the comforter that Jesus Christ had promised. The Holy Spirit would also give them the power to keep God’s commandments in their spiritual intent and to do the work that God had given them.

The apostle Peter would preach a sermon about repentance and about 3,000 people were added to the church (Acts 2:41). In the days that followed, many more people repented and were added to the church, including a large number of priests (Acts 6:7). The priests were Cohanim. They were of the lineage of Aaron, who was a Levite.

The apostle Peter gave a sermon about repentance on the Day of Pentecost when God gave the church the Holy Spirit. However, the Day of Pentecost was not the first time Peter and the other apostles had experienced the sound of a mighty wind or received comfort from Christ.

The purpose of this article is to describe the lessons we can learn from Peter’s walk on the water.

Peter Walks on the Water

The disciples were in a boat during a bad storm as recorded in Matthew 14:22-31:

“22And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (KJV)

Jesus Christ came to them in the fourth watch of the night, which would be about 3:00 a.m. The disciples were afraid and thought that they might have seen a demon. Yet, Jesus Christ was near to them, and they did not even recognize him.

Notice that Jesus Christ was not physically present in the boat with the disciples because he was praying to his Father. The ship is symbolic of the Church of God. The Church of God is relatively small in the midst of many waters, which represent the nations of the world (Revelation 17:15). Likewise, Jesus Christ is not physically present with us today, but he makes intercession for us as our high priest before the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16). And Jesus Christ dwells within Christians today through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ placed the disciples in the boat together, but he sent the multitudes away. Likewise, the Holy Spirit has placed Christians in the Church of God, and we are to be separate from the multitudes in the world. The world is under the influence of Satan (II Corinthians 4:4). Pure religion includes keeping ourselves unspotted from the world (James 1:27). We are to be led by the Holy Spirit.

The wind was strong, which caused the boat to be tossed by the waves even as trials often toss us about in life’s stormy seas. However, Jesus Christ came to the disciples to comfort them even as God has given the Holy Spirit to comfort us. God comforts us in our trials through the Holy Spirit so that we can know better how to comfort others in their trials (II Corinthians 1:3-4).

The disciples reacted with fear. However, Jesus Christ instructed the disciples not to be afraid. We may react with fear to our sore trials, but God comforts us and pours out his love on us through the Holy Spirit. Perfect love casts out fear because it is a sacrificial love. We are called to be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)

Peter had some doubt if the one whom he saw walking on the water were really Jesus Christ. We may often doubt if God is really with us and if the Holy Spirit is guiding us. He wanted to come to Jesus Christ, but he asked permission first.

Jesus Christ told Peter to come to him on the water. We often have to show our faith by taking bold steps with the aid of the Holy Spirit, which is often symbolized by water.

Peter was bold enough to do so when Jesus Christ bid him to come. We are often bold enough to take the initial steps of faith.

As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus Christ, he was able to walk on the water and go toward him. As long as we keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, we can make spiritual progress regardless of the trials and difficult circumstances that surround us. We know that all things work together for good to those whom God has called and who love God and keep his commandments (Romans 8:26).

However, when Peter took his eyes off Jesus Christ and began to see the effects of the boisterous wind, he began to sink. Although Peter’s name means “rock,” he did not sink as the proverbial rock. Jesus Christ allowed Peter to begin to sink. The soles of his feet began to go below the surface of the water. If we take our eyes off Jesus Christ and begin to focus on negative conditions surrounding our lives, we begin to sink spiritually.

Peter was an experienced fisherman and probably could swim. Yet, he was in danger because of the severity of the storm. He needed the strength of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit to survive this storm. Likewise, we cannot rely on our own strength alone to survive the storms and trials of life. We need God’s help through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As soon as he began to sink, Peter called out to Jesus Christ to save him. Likewise, as soon as we begin to sink in our walk of faith, we should cry out to God to deliver us from our trials with the power of the Holy Spirit. We should not wait until we have sunk to the depths of despair to cry out to God. Just as Jesus Christ saved Peter from sinking in the sea, God rescues us with the Holy Spirit when we begin to sink in the storms of life.

Duty to Help Others

Jesus Christ told Peter that when he was converted to strengthen his brethren as recorded in Luke 22:31-32:

“31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (KJV)

We see in the book of Job how Satan goes to God and asks for permission to try God’s servants (Job 1:9-12). The fact that Satan wanted to sift Peter as wheat is interesting because the Feast of Weeks, which is also known as Pentecost, celebrates the firstfruits of the wheat harvest (Exodus 34:22).

Jesus Christ had already been praying for Peter because he knew how badly that Satan wanted to cause him to sin. According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, the word sift can figuratively mean “to try one’s faith to the verge of overthrow.”

Yes, Jesus Christ knew of Peter’s weaknesses. He knew that Peter would likely yield to Satan’s temptation. Yet, Jesus Christ also had confidence in Peter that he would repent. Peter would stumble, but his faith would not fail.

Avoid Sinking Spiritually

Peter knew fear and doubt as he began to sink while walking on the water. He would again display such fear and doubt when he denied Jesus Christ three times (Matthew 26:69-75). Yet, he learned to cry out to God and repent. He tells us what we must do to avoid falling spiritually in II Peter 1:1-10:

“1Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,” 3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (KJV)

We are partakers of the divine nature through the Holy Spirit.

“5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” (KJV)

We must see the big picture. Remembering how we have been cleansed from our old sins helps to keep us humble even as we gain more knowledge about the Bible and the plan of God. We must grow in character as we are led by the Holy Spirit.

“10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” (KJV)

Yes, if we do these things, we will never fall in our Christian walk as Peter began to sink while he walked on the water.

Conclusion

We can learn important lessons from Peter’s walk on the water. We must use the power of the Holy Spirit in our walk in this life with all of its storms and trials. We must have a vision for the Kingdom of God. If we take our eyes off Jesus Christ and begin to sink during a trial, we should cry out to God immediately. God will comfort us through the Holy Spirit and lift us up before we sink spiritually.

As we grow in the character traits that Peter listed, our vision becomes more focused. We must keep our eyes on Jesus Christ during our walk through the stormy trials of this life. Our vision must be clear and focused as we walk toward our goal of meeting Jesus Christ at his coming and entering the Kingdom of God.

Alan D. Campbell lives in Brandon, Florida. For more good news, please see his blog The Good News of the Kingdom of God at http://goodnewsofthekingdomofgod.blogspot.com

After the video production is ended the editing segment initiates. Normally editing control units stay largely with the editing corporations and the technically specialised professionals provide a high level of ingenuity at some stage through the editing process. Typically during the editing procedure the good phases of the video recordings are set aside & unwanted pieces are got rid of. There is a number of sophisticated software that are in enormous demand for the job. The purpose of the video is analyzed and subtle revisions are completed too. Audio clips and background music are also used through editing process. There remains Special Effect Generators (SPG) which makes the specific video clips more professional. Most of the corporate businesses offer the footages and the editing services.

At the moment numerous online video production businesses operate to satisfy requirements of different businesses. In addition to corporate presentations, videos are also employed to capture very important events of life for example wedding anniversaries, birthdays, special celebrations; family holidays and so on. Portable camcorders with digital chips are currently commonly available on the market. Short films have happened to become all the rage besides being quite educational and hilarious. In reality online videos allow individuals to relate better with the subject than any other form of media communications.

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In July of 1995, the United States Department of Agriculture officially published research information, which acknowledges Selenium as “an essential trace element known for its antioxidant prowess.”

In addition to this, the mineral has been recognized for its ability to lift the spirits, and prevent mood swings of those who take it as a nutritional supplement. In a 15-week clinical study, 30 men reported significant changes in their moods, as judged by a standard questionnaire. The study indicated that after taking selenium for an extended period of time, the men who took the highest dosages of selenium felt more elated than depressed, more agreeable than hostile, more clearheaded than confused, more confident than unsure, more composed than anxious, and more energetic than tired. These powerful results indicate that Selenium has many other benefits in addition to its most obvious purpose as an antioxidant.

In the years since this study took place, more and more evidence has surfaced supporting Selenium as playing an essential role in the maintenance of a healthy immune system, and good general wellness. Selenium is one of those supplements that not only improves your health, but also has the added bonus of making you feel good at the same time. In short, you can actually feel it working.

Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of Immune Wellness, your source for high quality information about Selenium and other health products.

Over the past years I have performed at many, many wedding receptions. From my experiences I’ve come up with some keys to help insure a smooth, enjoyable and trouble-free day. I’d like to share them with you.

DJ Location and Setup
Since your entertainer will need to be heard by all attending, he/she needs to be in an area that is open and visible to all. Do not hide your entertainer in a corner or in the back of the room. The music levels required to reach the dancers and guests would be most uncomfortable for those near the DJ. If you must have your entertainer in the back or corner see if the hall can provide a stage, this will help with visibility and sound quality.

The Seating Plan
Make an effort to seat older guests and young children away from the DJ area. The sound levels needed to cover the entire hall will be too loud at the source for your older guests. Young children tend to run around and could trip on equipment, wires, video light setups, etc. Seat the young adults to middle aged guests by the DJ area, they are typically not upset by the music nearby.

Most halls, without prior word from you, will set up the entertainers, videographer, and photographer in a separate room for dinner, this is inadvisable. The DJ needs to be in the hall to keep the music going during dinner and to interact with your guests. The videographer and photographer should be there as well to capture any spontaneous acts by you and your guests. If you are going to provide a meal for your professionals I recommend setting up a smaller cocktail style table (to save space) next to the DJ area for the entertainers. If a separate table is not possible then seat them at the closest table to the DJ area.

The Plan of Events
Your entertainer should finalize your plan of events in a reference style format for you and your event professionals. This reference sheet should also be shared with your wedding party during your rehearsal dinner. This way everyone in the wedding party will have an idea of what will be happening the next day.

Party On!
With any wedding the main focus will be on the bride, groom, and wedding party. It is imperative that these key players are in the room, and together at all times. Should the bar be located far from the dance floor, or in another room more often than not the groom and ushers will congregate there. This leaves bridesmaids without dance partners (which is sometimes how they like it!). Keep this in mind if your hall gives you an option as to the location of a mobile bar. Position the bar as close to the dance floor area as possible.

Everyone loves children, however children’s behavior (running, sliding, jumping) can effect your dance floor environment. Ask your function hall if there is an area (photo room, separate room) that is available to you. Ask a friend, family member or even a baby sitter to monitor the kids, help them with their meals, and entertain them with games, stories, and activities. This will give their parents a chance to relax and really enjoy the evening knowing their children are being taken care of. Plus you’ll be saving the dance floor for the dancers!

It’s great to give your DJ a list of your favorite selections to play. However, sometimes your favorites are not the ones that will move your dance floor. Give your DJ the flexibility he/she needs to work in your guest’s requests, sure hit selections, and your personal favorites. Have confidence in your entertainer. Since they have played to many audiences they are best qualified to find the right mix to motivate you and your guests.

The night is a success and there is only one hour left. This is the time to let the entertainer know that you wish to extend the services. This way they can tailor the music accordingly. Also, be sure to check with your function coordinator and other professionals on their charges and requirements for time extensions.

Changing At The End
Should you decided to change clothes before your last dance, you should determine ahead of time how long it will take, then plan to be changed and ready 15 minutes before the end of the event. This will give you time for your last song (4-6 minutes) and time to say good-bye and thank you to your friends and guests (9-11 minutes).

Article Written by Ron Carpenito, DJ and owner of http://www.WeddingMusicUSA.com – a Nationwide Web Directory of Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Classical Ensembles, and Wedding Soloists/Vocalists.

I was meditating the other day and contemplating the thousands of folks in the cemeteries who lived and died without making any impression upon anybody. No one hated them and no one loved them. They are not missed because no one ever knew they existed. They touched no one’s life in any memorable way. How sad.

There is such a wondrous power in the gift of human kindness. New life emerges in hearts longing for tenderness, compassion and understanding. When you reach out and lovingly touch someone, you infuse something priceless of yourself into the very soul and essence of another. When we touch others in empathetic, kind, gentle ways, we may be incognizant of the lasting impressions we are imprinting upon their mind screen with each word, hug, or glance. Yet, the power of your kindness will be warmly remembered long after you have departed the scene. There is something subtle, magnetic, redemptive that mysteriously transmit to others in a positive, healthy and permanent way. It is the ministry of absence; the most lasting and meaningful kind of ministry. The influence you make on the lives you touch continues to minister even when you are no longer physically present.

And, let me hasten to add that it does not have a lot to do with what you say. It has even less to do with what you do. But it is who you are when you are not saying anything or doing anything. It is who you are when no one is looking or listening. It is who you are as you go about the business of just living. No artificial device of the will of man, no trick, no ingenuity can produce a healing influence from a dissolute life. But for the life wrapped in the garment of love and human compassion, it is a certain atmosphere you generate and carry with you which somehow registers its impression upon other lives. During special moments of remembrance and intervals of recollection, you will miraculously reappear in the lives of those you have touched, even though you are absent.

It is the silent, holy, and powerful contagion of a Christian’s life. You are present even when you are absent.

My Prayer
Holy God, may I never be too busy, too occupied, and too selfish with my time, to reach out in love to my fellow man. Grant gracious Lord, that the influence of your Holy Spirit be reflected through my life in such a way that it registers a positive, holy, and lasting impression upon the lives of others. Enable me to live so great a faith life that others may be drawn to you. In the blessed name of Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns forever, I pray. Amen.

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. http://www.clergyservices4u.org She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: A Grief Healing Workbook, will be available soon.