Steps to Lead a Holy Life

 

We are in a world of evil influence. In the beginning, it was not like that. God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden to rule and rain. Then Satan came and he told that "your eyes will be opened and know good and evil". It means that Satan already had his eyes opened. From that time onwards he started to affect Adam and Eve and their offsprings through negative thoughts.  

That is what is happening even today. But Jesus came to liberate us from his evil schemes. Jesus opened a way for forgiveness of Sin and live a victorious life.

When a man sees a woman, he may start to think of her body which brings some impulses and chemical reactions in his body which are orchestrated by Satan or his evil spirits.  We should not react to that thought or impulses. Drive out them immediately. If we entertain such thoughts and impulses, it may lead us to sin. That is why Jesus said do not look at a woman lustfully. You are sinning in your heart. Some words of songs that we sing may bring some evil thoughts into our minds.  

We must be careful about what we sing or speak. Do not sit with evildoers or enjoy their company. Separate yourself and keep your mind on the things above. In this way, we can be clean and focus on our Lord and lead a holy life.  

When we hear bad words of accusations, evil spirits bring thoughts to retaliate with such people. We must be careful on such occasions to avoid sinning. They try to make us angry and say something evil against others. Satan who tempted Adam and Eve is around us. Always tempting one or other way to commit us to sin.

Do not wear dresses that project our body parts. Prefer a loose dress over skin fit dress. We are not in the market for selling our bodies. So we must dress modestly.  Always put God in your daily life in front of everything else. Feel the presence of God in every moment of your life.  

Practice Pitman Shorthand

 

Giving below a passage and its outline for the students of shorthand. Practicing these outlines will help you to improve your speed and accuracy.

If it is helpful to you, please comment in the comment box, so that more exercises can be added for practice.

Exercise 1

It is evident that we shall hardly succeed in our business relations unless we understand something of the law that guards and guarantees our legal rights, and in the last resort enforces the performance of bargains.

We must in our duties as ordinary citizens have some degree of knowledge in the laws in order that we may protect ourselves against the felonious acts of felons or would be felons.

In matters of business we need to have a keener appreciation of our rights and obligations, or we shall probably fall into serious mistakes and possibly, lose our whole fortune.

Certainly we are not to suppose that men act honorably in business merely because they are constrained by the law.

Merchants, factors, agents and owners of factories perform their contracts without thinking about the possibility of a law suit.

Even as they respect the property of their neighbors from other motives than a dread of punishment for thieving.

Confidence in the honesty of others there must be, or business would be impossible. Contracts were performed long before there was a law of contracts; and numberless bargains are effected that the law would not think of enforcing. Much of our mercantile law is in fact simply the custom of merchants made authoritative and applicable to all grades of business.

What men have found convenient to do, what has conduced to the smooth working of buying and selling, has been adopted and made effective, and few seek to avoid their obligations. The merchants enjoyed special privileges and were subject to special duties; and their usages were binding only upon them. These usages were a body of customs by which trade was facilitated and they were more firmly established as time passed.

Recognized as binding by the merchants this body of customs was gradually incorporated into the law that everyone, whether merchant or farmer, factor or agent is constrained to observe.

Such law is, as was declared by a judge of a case in 1875, “neither more nor less than the usages of merchants and traders. They have been ratified by the decision of courts of law, which upon such usage being proved before them, have adopted them as settled law”.

In the present tendency to consolidate the law, most of the usages are contained in the sales of Goods act of 1893.

Shorthand Outline of the above exercise

Pitman Shorthand Exercise

Pitman Shorthand Speed Exercise 2

The view taken of the very diverse changes and chances of life varies with different people, and with the same people at different times. Some there-are who would perform the same journey, work at the same desk, have lunch at the same table day after day, year in and year out. They are, apparently, merely mechanical agents, and nothing short of sickness, culminating in chronic disease, would alter their habits. They cultivate a disinclination to exercise their undoubted right to change.

They prefer routine to risk, and are appalled when they consider the uncertainties that dog their paths from one cause or another. They carry on, accordingly, in the same way, year after year, until their decease. Our modern trade facilities have, indeed, removed from tolerably civilized societies many of the risks of famine or scarcity or sudden death or ruin that men ran in ruder times. We have a security of person and property such as was not enjoyed in the best days of the Roman peace; and the cheapness and ease of transport enable the surplus of one area to supply the deficiency of another.

Modern conditions have created a different atmosphere, and we are, in a sense, very different creatures. We are freed from the drawback of which Mill speaks: “In poor and backward societies, as in the East, and in Europe during the Middle Ages, extraordinary differences in the price of the same commodity might exist in places not very distant from each other, because the want of roads and canals, the imperfection of marine navigation, and the insecurity of communications generally, prevented things from being transported from the places where they were cheap to those where they were dear.

The things most liable to fluctuations in value, those directly influenced by the seasons, were seldom carried to any great distances. Each locality depended, as a general rule, on its own produce and that of its immediate neighborhood. In most years, accordingly, there was, in some part or other of any large country, a real dearth.... In modern times there is only dearth where there formerly would ave been famine, and sufficiency everywhere when anciently there would have been scarcity in some places and superfluity in others.”

Shorthand outline of the above passage

Pitman Shorthand Outline

My favourite Teacher

 Teachers can influence their students in a positive way

There were many teachers who did teach me. I love them all and remember them all. But two teachers are outstanding. They were not ordinary teachers. They showed extraordinary kindness to me. So I remember them very often. Even after a couple of decades have already passed, I still remember their love and care. Whenever I remember them, I used to pray for them. I pray to God to give them all the success and happiness in their life.

One was the Mathematics teacher. When I was studying at the 8th standard, we got a new Mathematics teacher. She was young and energetic. Always smiles. She came to our school as part of her regular transfer. At that time, after 3 years in a particular school, the management used to transfer the staff. She was living far away and had to travel 2 hours to reach our school every day. For your information, traveling 20 km by boat, it would take 2 hours at that time. Every now and then the boat had to stop to get passengers. It was around a couple of decades back and there was no road transport available in our village at that time. Now we have road connectivity in our village after building many bridges over rivers which prevent us from connecting to other parts of the country.

She is the one I always remember with gratitude. She was very kind and made sure that we understand the subject very well. She told us that we have to understand and believe that Mathematics is an easy subject. That changed our attitude towards the subject considerably. Earlier we were in the belief that it is a tough subject and we repeatedly say to each other that Mathematics is a tough subject. She taught us that Mathematics is the only subject which can get maximum marks. If the steps, equations and answers are right, there is no chance of deduction in marks compared to other subjects where spelling mistakes and grammar mistakes influence your overall performance.

She taught us such a way that we understand Mathematics. She was the one who made us realize, learning the subject is fun. She appreciated our understanding of the subject very often. She always made sure that all students in the class understood the lesson thoroughly. After every lesson, she tests our understanding. And we all loved her classes.

Whenever there is a free period, due to the absence of another teacher, we will check whether our math teacher is free or not. If she is free, we ask her to come to our class and teach us. She was always willing to teach us.

Due to the love of our teacher, our class was doing excellent in mathematics. She showed us unusual kindness. There was no distance between the teacher and the students. We were so close and had a better teacher-student relationship. Earlier Mathematics was a very tough subject for me. But after the first year of her teaching, I started to love mathematics. In my 10th standard, I got the highest marks in mathematics than any other subjects. I still love mathematics. Her occasional comments on the neatness of my book, my writings etc were very encouraging and it made me keep my exercise book neat and clean and study the subject every day. I didn't want to fail her expectations. So I did whatever I can do to be a good student in her class.

I remember her face, her laugh etc. even today. When we were at 10th Standard, she got married. After a few months of her marriage, she got another transfer and left for a new school. It was a great loss for our class and for me personally. Since then I do not have any information about her. I loved her so much. My prayer is that May God bless her abundantly. That is the only one thing that I can do now. I pray for her and wish her all the best in her life. And I wish her all the goodness and happiness that a woman can get from the depth of my heart, I wish her all success and happiness in her life.

My Chemistry teacher

​When I entered the 11th standard due to the pressure from my brothers and relatives, I took a science subject. I wanted to take maths, but due to the pressure, I opt for science.

The second teacher I remember was the Chemistry teacher at my 11th standard. I was very bad at remembering equations of chemistry. But one day she called me and told me that my record book is neater and clean than any other student in the class. She checked record books of other students and found many spelling mistakes but in my book, she couldn't find many spelling mistakes.

That comment was very encouraging. Since then I took extra efforts to study chemistry. Often she said encouraging words to improve my studies. She showed extraordinary kindness to me. It boosts my confidence and I studied well. The final outcome was that I scored more marks in Chemistry than any other subjects.

I still remember her encouraging words. I pray for her whenever I remember her. They are the people who know how to teach. They took extra efforts to encourage students. I think that is the way to teach students.

When I look back, there are many people who showed extraordinary kindness to me. It is not possible to list all of them here. But when I remember them, my heart fills with gratitude. I cherish spending time while having a feeling of gratitude. Thank you all for your kindness. May God richly bless you and reward you for your kindness. That is my prayer.

Understanding the Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL)

Different types of CFL Lamps

CFL's comes with different shapes and sizes

What are the basic principles for making lamps?

Lamps (Light Source) are produced by using two principles, one by converting heat into light and second by discharging the mixture of material and gases. It could be described as under:

(1) Incandescent Lamp: Is the first produced light source invented by the great scientist, Mr. Thomas Alva Edison in the year 1879. These lamps work on the principle of heat. When the electricity is passed through inside the glass hallow, the tungsten filament gets heated and starts emitting light. But 80% of the energy is wasted in generating heat and only 20% is used for giving light. In the era of highly priced Electricity Power, these are now known as power hungry lamps. Due to their lower price, they are frequently used all over. These include GLS lamps (bulbs), halogen lamps etc.

(2) Discharge Lamp: The discharge lamp operates on discharge technology to give high luminous efficacy and long life. Here electrical discharges between the electrodes cause the filler materials and gases in the pre-coated tube to emit light. A suitable control gear is invariably used to limit the current and to ensure the light-up of the lamp. It comprises of low pressure and high-pressure type, based on various applications. These include Fluorescent Tube Lamps (Tube Light/FTL), Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), Mercury Vapor Lamps, Sodium Vapor Lamp, Metal Halide Lamp etc.

(3) The light sources using the laser beam technology is said to be under development.

CFL

Why CFL is the best replacement for GLS lamp?

The construction of CFL being compact in size and comparable with GLS lamp hence is considered to be the best replacement for GLS lamp. Normal tube lights (FTLs) being longer (4 Ft.) in size and larger in dia (38 mm) are thus not worth comparing with CFL (12.3 mm dia).

It is therefore advised that CFL must be discussed at all times in reference to GLS lamp only. It will generate a good amount of confidence and interest with the prospects.

What is photometric?

Photometric is the testing measurement involving distance and direction of light by using sophisticated equipment by mounting lamp at an adjustable and measurable distance from the photometer head. It includes measurement of the intensity of light, luminance, color temperature, color rendering index etc. For measurement, accuracy a globe shape halo sphere is invariably used, which is pre-coated with barium sulfate suspension.

What is the thumb rule for replacing a GLS lamp?

The thumb rule is that a CFL replaces 5 times more wattage GLS lamp to the nearest of standard rating available in the market in terms of light output. It means that a similar amount of light output of 100W GLS lamp can be obtained by replacing it with a 20W EL lamp (20W i.e. 1/5th of 100W).

Important: The other thumb rule is neither try nor advise to replace FTL with CFL. CFL is the best replacement for GLS lamp as explained earlier.

Why there are the different base for different CFL lamps?

These are as per the international design primarily to ensure that lamp concerned is used with the matching fixture including ballast.

What is the CFL?

The CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) is a vacuum discharge lamp and the latest in the line of revolution in the lighting arena. As the name suggests, the CFL is quite a bit like the normal fluorescent lamp, popularly known as tube lights; but necessarily compact in size. Apart from the size, the other major difference is the lesser amount of energy consumed by CFL. That’s why it’s truly called the Power Saver lamp, essential for all. In fact, the small size of CFLs makes it more versatile, usable and acceptable over the traditional lamps.

CFLs are the state-of-the-art energy saver lamps available in two versions: Core and Electronics. They save 80% energy, have a long life and come in a wide choice of colors and have high esthetics.

What is the construction of CFL?

The CFL consists of two parts, (1) a gas-filled coated tube(s) and (2) a magnetic or electronic ballast. The gas in the tube glows with ultraviolet light when electricity flows therein through the ballast. This in turns excites the triband phosphor coating walls inside of the tube, which emits visible light throughout the surface of the tube. CFLs are state-of-the-art energy saver lamps who come in two versions (1) Core/ PL/ Non-Retrofit / Non-Integrated Lamps, and (2) Self-Ballasted/ Electronic / Retrofit/ Integrated Lamps.

What is triband phosphor?

Triband phosphor is the mixture of various fluorescent elements called activators, essential for the development of luminescence. It helps convert short-wave length ultra-violet radiation into light.

Triband phosphor is the most superior quality phosphor, capable of emitting red, green and blue wavelengths as against the ‘halophosphor’ with red and blue properties, which is used for ordinary fluorescent lamps (FTLs). Given the small dia tubes of CFL (12.28 mm) in comparison to FTL (38 mm), the use of triband phosphor ensures better and uniform light output throughout the life of the CFL. Triband phosphor is 10 times costlier than the halophosphor. The sub-standard spurious CFLs available in the market are largely made of using halophosphor and thus are cheaper in price.

What are the characteristics of 4 Pin CFL?

4 Pin CFL is specially designed for electronic operation to offer the possibility of controllable light output (dimming ), HF (High Frequency) and DC (Direct Current) supply; and a wide range of supply voltages when operated in conjunction with electronic gear. Electronic gear enables better control of lamp starting characteristics, allowing for an instant start which results in longer lamp life. In view of its favorable color rendering properties, the 4 Pin lamp is very suitable for use wherever light contributes to the creation of a flicker-free and pleasant atmosphere such as in hotels, restaurants, at homes, offices and so on.


What precautions are suggested for the best results from CFL?

Do not use in enclosed fittings.
Do not use in dimming circuits electronic switches.
Run on stable voltage.
Fragile-Handle with care.
Do not expose to water.
Do not hold from the glass.

MAJOR ADVANTAGES OF COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS (CFLs)

Low electricity bills: CFL produces 90% less heat and hence gives more light per watt. It cuts electricity bills by almost 80% in comparison to the traditional incandescent lamp ( Popularly known as bulb or GLS lamp), which is considered to be power hungry light source. Whereas CFL is the most energy efficient light source.

Higher luminous efficacy: Gives more light output per watt of electricity consumed in comparison to the GLS lamp. An 11W CFL produces around 540-580 lumens compared to 710 lumens by a 60W GLS lamp. So it is 49 for CFL against 12 of GLS.

Long life: CFLs are available in a wide life range of 3000 hours to 12000 hours as compared to GLS lamp’s standard life range of 960 hours to 1200 hours only.

Available in different color temperatures: To suit various ambiance needs, these are ready, available in Warm White (2700°K) close to GLS lamp, Cool White (4300°K) and Cool Day White (6500°K) similar to tube light.

Enhances color rendering: The objects are seen in their true and natural colors under CFL lights. Color Rendering Index (CRI) is exceeding 80.

Lower installation cost: As most of the CFLs are worthy to fit or making it easily fit in the existing installation itself.

Lower replacement cost: Longer life reduces the frequency of replacement and thus keeps the replacement cost low especially, for installation put up at abnormal heights in the hotels, auditoriums and in developed countries where labor overhead expenses are innumerous.

Less heat dissipation: Unlike the GLS lamps, the CFLs by turning more energy into light than heat helps save on room cooling cost, such as air conditioner, refrigerators etc.

Universal burning position: More versatile lamp than many others having this constraint like metal halide lamp.

Enhances esthetics of the installation: Being trendy and compact.

Slim and compact design: makes it suitable for creative luminaires.

Wide range to suit all requirements: Available in 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 23, & 26W as compared to restricted usable range of 15, 25, 40, 60, 75, & 100W in GLS lamps.

Demand-side reduction for power: The use of CFLs reduces energy consumption by 80% and thus helps in better demand-side management for power. The calculation shows that the mere replacement of 100W GLS lamp by 20W CFL generates saving of approximate 800 KW Hrs over CFL lamp’s average life.

Most advantageous for DG set operations: As CFL consumes the lowest wattage per lamp.

Economical storage and distribution cost: Due to their compact size.

Environment-friendly: Power saved is power generated and helps in preventing a great deal of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide coming from the power generating thermal plants otherwise. Ultimately, enhances the quality of human life and nature around us.

What is the kingdom of God?

 

What is the difference between the Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven?

The reason behind writing this hub is a questing asked in the question section "Where is the Kingdom of God?" by Iamsam.

Before going into the detail let me tell you the difference between Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. If you study bible carefully, it is evident that both the words are used for the same meaning. Read Mathew 11: 11-12 and Luke 7:28 "I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he" Here Mathew uses the phrase "Kingdom of Heaven" Whereas Luke uses the words "Kingdom of God". There are many passages and parables where different writers uses the different phrase for the same meaning. Giving below some references for your study.

Mathew 18:3 with Mark 10:14 and Luke 18:16
Mathew 22:2 with Luke 13:29
Mathew 13:11 With Mark 4:11 and Luke 8:10
Mathew 13:24 with Mark 4:26
Mathew 13:31 with Mark 4:30 and Luke 13:18
Mathew 13:33 with Luke 13:20

Mathew uses the phrase "Kingdom of Heaven" but Mark and Luke uses the phrase "Kingdom of God" frequently.

Now it is important to note that often we use the same phrase for three different purposes. They are:

1. Spiritual Kingdom of God/Heaven.
2. Physical Kingdom of God/Heaven. (This will happen when Jesus return to this earth as a ruler for his 1000 year reign)
3. Eternal Life.


Now let us discuss about the spiritual Kingdom of God which is very important to the present world.

Apostle Paul clearly says that "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit"(Roman 14:17) If you read few verse above, it is evident that Paul is addressing the issues related to the eating and dirking at the Church at Rom. The spiritual kingdom of God involves three most important aspects. They are:

1. Righteousness,
2. Peace and
3. Joy in the Holy Spirit

It means where there is righteousness, where there is peace, where there is joy in the Holy Spirit, there is the Kingdom of God.

We know the Holy Spirit come down from heaven on the day of Pentecost. We can read about it in Act chapter 2. So we can assume that the spiritual Kingdom of God manifested on the day of Pentecost. (I don't forget that when Jesus got baptized, the Holy spirit come down and rest upon him in the form of Dove. "and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Luke 3:22)

I would like to share with you the words of Jesus where he talk about the kingdom of God. "And he said to them, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power." We can assume that here Jesus talks about the descending of Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Many who ware there seen the Kingdom of God with power on that day and the days followed. They also saw the Holy Spirit working among the Gentiles as well. This is the spiritual Kingdom of God prevailing among the believers. Those who experience the Joy of Holy Spirit even today are in the spiritual Kingdom of God. There is peace and righteousness associated with it.

Also it is important to note the following words of Jesus. "But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."Matthew 12:28. It is evident that the signs of the kingdom of God includes the driving out of demons and healing the sick.

John the baptist preached that "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near". But it is important to note that later when John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Here Jesus doesn't give a direct answer to the question. He asked the disciples of John the baptist to report to John what you hear and see. The signs of the Kingdom of God. From the signs and wonders, we can understand whether we are in the kingdom of God or not. When you are in the kingdom of of these signs will manifest.

Jesus reveal about his Kingdom in front of Pilate: "Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” Jesus here talk about the spiritual kingdom and clears the doubt of a physical kingdom.

What is not the Kingdom of God and what is Kingdom of God?

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk. It is an experience and it is the power of God.

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit"(Roman 14:17)


Who will inherit the Kingdom of God?

The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. Luke 16:16

From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. Mathew 11:12

Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”Luke 18:24-25

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”John 3:3

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.John 3:5

Who will not inherit the Kingdom of God?

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.1 Corinthians 15:50

If you understand the spiritual kingdom of God, then it will be easy for you to understand the parables about Kingdom of God.

“The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”Mathew. 13:33 We, who are already in the spiritual kingdom of God are like the yeast. While living in this world, we need to show the righteousness, peace and joy in Holy Spirit to others and spread the good news. That is what happened in the first century. From very few disciples, it grows or spreading in this world very fast.

We can understand the other parables from the above context.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.Mathew 13:31

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Mathew 13:44

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. Mathew 13:45

Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. Mathew 13:47

Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old Mathew 13:52

Now I hope you understand what is the Kingdom of God and what is not.

What Are the Causes of Spiritual Blindness?

 

Tradition can blind us.

In India, it is a common seen that beggars are begging on the street. You will see lot of beggars outside the temple or worship places. Beggars know that people of light heart come to worship God. They get a lot of money from the people, who are visiting temple or worship places. There was an incident in front of a worship place in Delhi.

A beggar who was begging outside this worship place was crying out to people that "I am blind, I am blind, God gave you eyes. So please help me!"

One guy throws a Rs. 5 coin to the beggar's towel. Unfortunately the coin rolled and rolled away. It gone a few feet away from the towel. The blind man got up and followed the coin and took it back to his towel.

Seeing this, he who throw the coin caught the beggar and told that "you are not a blind, if you were a blind, how could you see the coin? I am going to call the police and going to hand you over to the police."

Beggar replied: "I am sorry, don't make a seen here. I am only a substitute for 3 hours. The original blind will return after three hours. Forgive me and don't call police"

Then the guy asked: "Where is the original blind?"

Beggar replied: "He is in the theater, watching a movie!"

See, we are living in this world where people acting as blind, deaf and lame. I am wondering, how much a man can be act as blind. Why people act as blind? Is it for a few bucks?

Mathew 15:1-13 talk about some people who are blind leaders. "Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”

Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death. But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:

"These people honor me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me.

They worship me in vain;

their teachings are merely human rules.”

Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth that is what defiles them.”

Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”

He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Here Jesus talks about spiritual blindness. Tradition can blind us. Our forefathers made images of God. As a devout follower of our forefathers, we worship those same images even today. But the Word of God clearly says that we should neither make nor worship any images of anything in this world.

I always wonder why these so called priests who study in the seminary for more than 5 years still behave like a blind leader. Why the teachers at the seminary teach false doctrine to young priests? They daily use the Word of God and still behaving like blind. Why can't they get out of the tradition of worshiping images and prying to saints? I am not a scholar.

I am not saying that I have gained knowledge. But God gave me wisdom to read the word of God and understand it. God has given that wisdom to all who read this. More over simplified versions of word of God is available now. Even a small child can get a lot of understanding by reading the Word of God. Let us relay on the Word of God for our knowledge about spiritual matters.

I am also surprised to find about some spiritual leaders who are in hell due to their unwillingness to follow Christ by forsaking the tradition. Ms. Angelica Zambrano Mora a young Ecuadorian girl was shown the kingdoms of heaven and hell for 23 hours. (You can Google and find more about her and her testimony) Many of our cultural icons were in hell as per the testimony. I recommend you to listen her in you-tube or read her testimony. It is very encouraging to follow Christ.

It is important to note that tradition can blind us from following God.

Basic Concepts of Macroeconomics

Domestic or Economic Territory of a Country

Basically the meaning of a domestic territory represents the political boundary of a country. But in economics, it is employed in a broader sense and bigger than the political boundaries of a country. According to the United Nations. "Economic territory is the geographical territory administered by a government within which persons, goods, and capital circulate freely" The basis for determining an economic territory depends on the freedom of circulation of goods, capital, and persons of that particular economy. Please note domestic territory is equally placed as an economic territory. It is understandable that, if a country does not enjoy the freedom of circulation of goods, capital, and persons in a particular part of the country, that part of the country cannot be treated as a domestic/economic territory of the country. Therefore domestic/economic territory includes:

1. Territory comes within the political boundaries of a country including territorial waters.
2. Aircraft and ships are owned and operated by the residents of a country between two or more countries. For example, American Airlines operating between India, UK, and Japan are parts of the domestic territory of America. A passenger ship owned and operated by an American ferrying between UK and USA can also be treated as the domestic territory of the USA because the income generated by ferrying passengers goes to the US economy.
3. Oil and natural gas rigs, Fishing vessels, and floating platforms operated by the residents of a country in the international waters or engaged in extraction in areas where the country claims exclusive rights of operation. Example: fishing in international waters.
4. Consulates, Embassies, and military establishments of the country located abroad. Embassies of China, Russia, Japan located in the USA remain domestic territories of their own countries and not of the USA.

Following does not include the domestic/economic territory.

1. International organizations like World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Council of Europe (CoE), European Union (EU; which is a prime example of a supranational organization.), and World Trade Organization (WTO), etc. which are physically located within geographical boundaries of a country, form part of the international territory.
2. Territorial Enclaves like embassies are used or administrated by foreign governments.

Residential Status of an Individual or Organization

Now let us look at the concept of residential status of a person for determining the National Income of a country in economics. National income is the sum total of factor incomes earned by the normal residents of a country during a year. Therefore, there is a special meaning and importance for the status of a normal resident in calculating National Income in macroeconomics.

A resident means a person or institution who ordinarily resides in a country and whose center of economic interest lies in that country. His center of economic interest lies in the country of residence. He brings all the income to his country. He is called a normal resident. It is to be noted that the period of the stay should be at least one year or more but this condition does not apply to medical patients who are treated abroad and students studying abroad as they continue to remain part of their households in the home country.

Therefore, to be treated as a normal resident, one has to fulfill the following two conditions. They are:

1. Having an economic interest in the country of residence.
2. Staying for more than a year in that country.

Now let us look at the meaning of "Center of economic interest." It means the person or institution must carry out some economic activities such as spending, earning, accumulation, and transactions, etc. from the country of residence as well as it should be located within the economic or domestic territory of that country.

Normal residents cover the following:

1. Institutions.
2. Individuals.
3. Citizens.
4. Non-citizen resides in a country for more than a year.

A person can be a resident of the country at the same time can be a citizen of another country. Due to his birth, he can become a citizen of a country. He can also become a resident because he is staying for more than a year in another country and his economic interests lie in the country of his residence where he is staying for more than a year. Just like an American who is living in Japan for more than a year and doing business in Japan can be treated as a resident of Japan at the same time he is a Citizen of America by birth. An Indian living in America and working there for more than a year can be treated as a resident of America at the same time he is an Indian by his citizenship. He is considered as a Non-Resident Indian. (NRI)

Another significant point is to be noted is that international organizations like World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank, United Nations (UN) are not considered residents of the country in which these organizations operate but are treated as residents of the international territory. At the same time, the employees who are working in such organizations are treated as normal residents of the country, if they fulfill all the requirements required to get the status of a normal resident. United Nations (UN) office located in New York, America is not a normal resident of America. But an Indian who works in the UN office for more than a year will be treated as a resident of America.

Indians who work in Nepal by crossing the border in the morning and return to India in the evening cannot be treated as a resident of Nepal. They are treated as residents of India.

Local employees who are working in foreign embassies can be treated as normal residents. The American working in the Indian embassy placed in the USA is a resident of the USA. At the same time, an Indian who is working at the Indian embassy located in the USA is treated as a resident of the USA since a part of his income will be spent in the country of his residence i.e. USA.

Meaning of Investment in Macroeconomics.

Investment
Investment represents an addition to the stock of capital goods such as buildings, equipment, or inventory that adds to the future productive capacity of the economy. It means the addition or creation of tangible assets which are useful for increasing the productive capacity of the economy. It doesn't mean that the purchase of shares or financial assets. In economics, investments represent the formation of capital goods which will increase production in the forthcoming years.

Gross investments
Gross investments are that part of the investment, which includes the ordinary wear and tear of the capital goods. The replacement cost or the ordinary wear and tear that occurred to the capital goods over a period of time includes the gross investment. Briefly, depreciation is included in the gross investment.

What is Depreciation?
Depreciation is the loss of value of a fixed asset like building, machinery, tools, vehicles, etc., due to it's normal wear and tear in the process of production over a period of time. Machinery or vehicle loses its value when it is used (or not used) for a period of time. This loss in value of such capital goods is called depreciation. Such loss is also known as the consumption of capital goods. Every organization requires a provision for depreciation, which is equal to the value of depreciation of that particular period. Provision for depreciation also known as the current replacement cost.

Suppose a new machine used in production costs US$ 1000 and the life of the machine is 10 years. A provision for depreciation in the tune of $100 a year will be set apart under the accounting head "provision for depreciation." After ten years this account will have US$ 1000 ($100 x 10 years = $1,000) With this amount, the old machine can be replaced. Therefore, this provision for depreciation is also considered the replacement cost of the machine. The fund accumulated during the lifetime of the machine is utilized to replace it when it wears out completely.

Gross investment is inclusive of depreciation or consumption of fixed capital.

Net Investment
By deducting depreciation from gross investment, we get the net investment, i.e., net investment means gross investments minus depreciation

Net Investment = Gross investment - Depreciation
Point to be noted: New addition to the capital stock in the economy is measured by net investment and not by gross investment.

 

Office Management

Purpose of an Office

The term "office" can be defined as any place where records are prepared, handled and preserved for subsequent reference, and making them available as and when required.

Office Management

Modern offices remain the integral part of organizations. Managers primarily depend on the office for their managerial functions. These offices collect and store necessary data for the managers to evaluate and take necessary decisions based on the records available in the office. Availability of previous records makes the manager to take fast and accurate decisions and give directions. It makes the job easier for the manager. It is the office that provides the documents, records, and data of the past and present. So modern offices play a vital role in the business of modern organizations. In our daily life we visit many offices like - post office, government office, municipal office, school office, college office, transport office, electricity office, telephone office, company office, the office of the advocate, office of professionals, etc. We visit these offices for some work or the other where we can get our work done within the shortest possible time. If you are able to manage the work done easily and without much hassle, you feel it is an efficient office. However, if you are not able to get the work completed even after frequent visits and efforts, you consider it an inefficient office. Private offices are considered as efficient offices than the government offices where you get stuck for absurd reasons.

Meaning of Office

Technology is growing rapidly. Human relations are spreading all over the world. The market is now becoming global. Technology is changing rapidly. If an organization has to sustain in this ever-changing world, they need to change according to the current global trend. In the present circumstances it is the requirement of every organization to keep a watch over the changes and provide necessary information, records, and data for the various purposes of different persons in the organization on the right time at the right manner in an economical way as per the need. Presently it is the fundamental requirement of an enterprise to perform such work. And these activities remain the important services performed in an office. Maintaining records, contact details, communication, and management of persons and their records are performed in the office.

When you think about an office, the immediate impression is that a clerk sitting on a chair with some files on the table and some officers sitting and completing some paperwork in a particular building. But doing paper work in a particular place routinely is not the key function of the office. The traditional view of an office held even today is that office work is concerned exclusively with the records of the organization. Making records, preserving records, and using records at the appropriate time for different departments. Another view is that providing clerical assistance to the various departments represent the function of an office. Which does not have any productive activity, but it only performs routine clerical activity is the general view about an office.

The traditional view does not explain all the functions performed inside the office. The modern view is that the office is the administrative center of the business where records are prepared, preserved, and made available for the purpose of efficient management of the organization.

In a broad sense office represents service functions which involve clerical work, receiving data and records, supplying data and records, preserving data and records, analyzing data, mailing letters, typing, and duplicating documents, preserving documents, maintaining files, receiving letters, assisting communication, etc. for the efficient management of the organization. All these clerical activities are performed in the office and constitute the office services. The term "office" can be defined as any place where records are prepared, handled and preserved for subsequent reference, and making them available as and when required.


It is the nature of the work that is significant neither the person who does it nor the place where it is performed.

Scope of the Office Activities

Creating records, collecting data, preserving records, processing, and supplying information to business managers who require it for decision making are the main activities performed in an office. It additionally includes the processing and presenting numerical data in the form of reports and statements, facilitating internal and external communication, handling outward and inward correspondence.

Record management includes receiving various documents, copying, filing papers, classification of files, preserving files, duplicating records, and arranging them in a manner to locate the same easily and quickly which needs to be made available to the suitable person at the right time and in the right form. Public relations through the press release and notifications and to respond to public inquiries and complaints, collecting public opinion and conveying it to the management also comes under the scope of the office function.

 

Objectives and Basic Concepts of Accounting

Accounting Maintains Systematic Records

The core objective of accounting is to record financial transactions like cash payments and cash receipts, purchase and sale of goods, etc. systematically

Basic Concepts of Accounting

In business, many transactions take place in a day. It is impossible to remember all transactions; hence, there is a need to record them. If you were asked to purchase several items and given $10,000, you will find it difficult to remember the details of various items purchased by you. So you must write it in a notebook or a piece of paper. In business, there are hundreds and thousands of transactions are taking place in a day. It becomes practically impossible to remember all those transactions.

Unless you record them properly, it will be difficult for you to determine the source of income and expenditure which makes it difficult for you to analyze the performance of your business. If you are supplying your goods on credit, you need to record the transactions. Otherwise, it will be challenging for you to determine the amount to be received by you. You need to record the transactions of goods received to ascertain the amount you owe to your supplier at a given point in time. For controlling your business properly, you have to record all the transactions systematically. Accounting serves the purpose of recording the transaction systematically.

Accounting helps the businessman to record all transactions of his business. By recording the transactions, the businessman will be able to ascertain whether there is a profit or loss at the end of a particular period. He can also communicate this information to the parties interested in his business such as his partners, investors, bankers who lend capital, and the government who claim tax on his profit, etc.

Whichever the form of business organization – a co-operative society, a sole proprietorship, a company, or a partnership – it has to maintain proper accounts. For decision making, planning, and controlling the business, management depends on accounting. Banks and creditors look at the financial results to determine the creditworthiness and the government looks at the financial results for the tax purpose.

Accounting is necessary not only for business organizations but also for non-business organizations like clubs, charitable societies, hospitals, schools, colleges, churches, and religious organizations.

Let us look at the core concepts employed in the double-entry method of bookkeeping. Altogether it is the debiting and crediting of amounts into the various accounts.

Objectives of Accounting

To Maintain Systematic Records: The core objective of accounting is to record financial transactions like cash payments and cash receipts, purchase and sale of goods, etc. systematically. Besides, it performs the function of recording assets and liabilities of the business properly.

To Ascertain the Net Profit or a Net Loss of the Business: A businessman is interested in knowing the result of his business. Whether it is making a profit or a loss? If it is making a loss, why? Which operation is to be monitored closely, etc? A proper record of receipt and payments can reveal whether the business is making a profit or loss. So, one of the objectives of accounting is to ascertain the net result of the business operation. To find out whether it is making a profit or loss.

To Ascertain the Financial Position of the Business: Another objective of accounting is to find out the financial position of the business. How much money is earned during the year? What are the assets? What are the liabilities? What is the position of the stock of finished goods and raw materials? The difference between the assets and liabilities is the net financial position of the business. By recording transactions, investments, assets, and liabilities in monetary terms, the businessman would be able to report the financial position of the business. A systematic record of assets and liabilities helps the preparation of a position statement called the Balance Sheet, which provides the financial position of the business.

To Provide Accounting Information to the Interested Parties: There are other external parties like bankers, investors, creditors, tax authorities, prospective investors interested in knowing the financial information of the business. They need it to ascertain the profitability and financial health of the business. This information can be communicated to the interested parties through the annual report of the company. Proper and systematic accounting helps the accountants or auditors to prepare such an annual financial report of the company.

 

How to make a difference in my behavior?

Behavioral problems are common among individuals of all genders and backgrounds. Everyone, regardless of their position or sex, can be affected in different areas. While someone may excel in one aspect, they may struggle in another. You might notice behavioral issues in your spouse, while perceiving your friend's partner as well-behaved and perfect. However, if you were to ask your friend, they would likely mention setbacks and challenges they have encountered in their own relationship.

None of us are perfect, yet we often seek perfection in a spouse, child, or friend. Instead of trying to correct others' behavioral problems, it is more productive to focus on addressing our own.

Let me share a personal example. I used to have a habit of sneaking sweets from my mother's cupboard when I was a child. My mother tried to keep sugary treats out of our reach, but my love for them drove me to find their hiding spots. I became quite skilled at discovering and indulging in them without her knowledge. My mother even arranged the cookie box in a way that would reveal if someone tampered with it, but I was cautious and knew how to manipulate its positioning and lid. I had become quite the skilled thief.

Searching for cookies felt like an exciting detective adventure. I also had a tendency to consume excessive amounts of sugar, which led me to resort to stealing since my mother restricted my intake. Over time, this behavior became a bad habit and caused me trouble on numerous occasions.

Eventually, my behavior became problematic. As I entered the workforce, I noticed my colleagues bringing cookies to the office and keeping them in the kitchen. I would sneak in and take them, often getting caught in the act. I realized I needed to change. However, whenever I saw cookies, I couldn't resist the temptation. I desperately needed a change and felt guilty after each instance of indulgence.

Here's how I managed to break my stealing habit: One day, I made a firm decision to change. I told myself that I would no longer steal, starting from that day forward. Sometimes I succeeded, but on other occasions, I found myself reverting to my old ways. Each time, I felt remorseful and resolved not to repeat the behavior. It was a challenging journey, but gradually, over time, I managed to transform my behavior. I avoided going to the kitchen altogether, which helped me resist the temptation.

Even when I spotted cookie boxes, I would remind myself that they were not meant for me. Through determination, I successfully achieved the behavioral change that I desperately needed. I made every effort and eventually succeeded. I had read that if you consistently practice something for 30 days, it becomes a habit, but I cannot personally vouch for the truthfulness of that statement.

Although I have successfully changed my habit, some of my colleagues still suspect me of taking cookies. I have to bear the guilt as others take advantage of my past actions, but that is another story altogether.

Another behavioral problem I faced involved fantasizing about the opposite sex. Since my early adulthood, I would create mental images of women I encountered in my daily life or during my commute to work or school. This habit involved envisioning their bodies in a sexual manner. Unfortunately, it became a costly habit for me. Regardless of the situation, whether in class, church, on a bus, or a train, these thoughts would invade my mind. I initially believed that marriage would put an end to these thoughts, but they persisted even after tying the knot.

I encountered fellow students who could discuss sex but manage to control their thoughts. However, I struggled to do so, constantly battling with these intrusive thoughts. It affected my studies, causing repeated failures. I was addicted to these thoughts, which would distract me even when I was reading my books. I often felt guilty about these thoughts and attempted to change, but my efforts were largely unsuccessful. They significantly impacted my behavior, making me avoid interactions with the opposite sex. I sought refuge in solitude, indulging in unworthy fantasies and daydreams.

Desiring change, I made various attempts to resist these thoughts. However, the more I resisted, the more forcefully they persisted. It felt as though they grew stronger and more persistent with each resistance. In my quest for deliverance, I turned to the church and earnestly prayed for guidance. I noticed that these thoughts primarily emerged when I had idle time and was not engaged in any particular activity, such as during bus rides or when alone.

After purchasing a bike for my daily commute, I utilized that time to pray and focus on my faith. At work, I occupied my free time by writing articles for a website, which absorbed my attention and provided respite from these unwanted thoughts. In hindsight, I now realize how many hours and days I wasted dwelling on these unhealthy and inappropriate thoughts. Such fixation on sex consumes one's attention and prevents engagement in other meaningful activities. Occasionally, these thoughts manifested through behavior, but most of the time, they remained private due to the accompanying shame.

I discovered that engaging in creative pursuits and redirecting my thoughts toward productive endeavors, such as money-making ventures or other positive outlets, proved to be an effective solution. Additionally, harboring anger within oneself is another detrimental behavior, but that is a topic for another discussion.

Satan, the cunning deceiver, often seeks to manipulate our thoughts in order to divert us from godly pursuits and lead us toward sin. Our minds are a battleground where the forces of good and evil fiercely contend for control. Satan understands the power of our thoughts and realizes that if he can influence and corrupt our thinking, he can sway our actions and distance us from a relationship with God.

The enemy employs various tactics to infiltrate our minds. He whispers subtle lies, tempting us with alluring fantasies and sinful desires. He preys upon our weaknesses, exploiting our vulnerabilities and planting seeds of doubt and rebellion. Satan understands that our thoughts are the starting point for our actions, and he strategically works to captivate our minds with worldly distractions, selfish ambitions, and impure thoughts.

By infiltrating our thoughts, Satan attempts to cloud our judgment and distort our perception of truth. He cunningly distorts God's Word, injecting doubt and questioning into our minds. He skews our understanding of right and wrong, convincing us that our sinful inclinations are merely harmless indulgences. He tempts us with immediate gratification, luring us away from the long-term blessings and spiritual growth that come from aligning our thoughts with God's will.

Furthermore, Satan capitalizes on our vulnerabilities and past experiences to fuel negative thoughts and emotions. He stokes the fires of anger, envy, and bitterness, manipulating our minds into dwelling on resentments and grudges. By magnifying our insecurities and fears, he seeks to paralyze us with self-doubt and hinder our progress in God's purpose for our lives.

To counteract Satan's schemes, we must remain vigilant and guard our minds. We are called to renew our thoughts and align them with God's truth. Through prayer, meditation, and the study of Scripture, we can equip ourselves with the spiritual armor necessary to resist the enemy's attacks. By meditating on God's promises, we can fill our minds with thoughts of love, joy, peace, and righteousness.

It is important to surround ourselves with fellow believers who can encourage and hold us accountable in our thought life. Together, we can offer support, pray for one another, and remind each other of the power and victory we have in Christ. Additionally, cultivating a lifestyle of worship and praise can help shift our focus from worldly distractions to the glory and goodness of God.

In the face of Satan's attempts to divert us toward sin through our thoughts, let us remember that we have the authority and strength through Christ to resist him. By actively surrendering our minds to the Lord, seeking His guidance, and submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the enemy's tactics and experience the transformative power of godly thinking.

 

It will certainly come and will not delay

Updated on November 11, 2013

Habakkuk 2:3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end  and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them.  Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him.  When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, "Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it."

His brothers said to him, "Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?" And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. "Listen," he said, "I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me."  When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, "What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?" His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Now his brothers had gone to graze their father's flocks near Shechem, and Israel said to Joseph, "As you know, your brothers are grazing the flocks near Shechem. Come, I am going to send you to them." 
"Very well," he replied.
So he said to him, "Go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks, and bring word back to me." Then he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. When Joseph arrived at Shechem, a man found him wandering around in the fields and asked him, "What are you looking for?" He replied, "I'm looking for my brothers. Can you tell me where they are grazing their flocks?" "They have moved on from here," the man answered. "I heard them say, 'Let's go to Dothan.' "

So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. "Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. "Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams." When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. "Let's not take his life," he said. "Don't shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the desert, but don't lay a hand on him." Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father.

So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the richly ornamented robe he was wearing and they took him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water in it. As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers, "What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let's sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood." His brothers agreed. So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.  When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. He went back to his brothers and said, "The boy isn't there! Where can I turn now?" Then they got Joseph's robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. They took the ornamented robe back to their father and said, "We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son's robe."

He recognized it and said, "It is my son's robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces." Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days. All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. "No," he said, "in mourning will I go down to the grave to my son." So his father wept for him. Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard.  The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.  When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So he left in Joseph's care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,  and after a while his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Come to bed with me!" 

But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care.  No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.

One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.  When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, she called her household servants. "Look," she said to them, "this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed. When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house." She kept his cloak beside her until his master came home. Then she told him this story: "That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me. But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house." When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, "This is how your slave treated me," he burned with anger.  Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined.

But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt.  Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. After they had been in custody for some time, each of the two men—the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were being held in prison—had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own.

When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected. So he asked Pharaoh's officials who were in custody with him in his master's house, "Why are your faces so sad today?"
"We both had dreams," they answered, "but there is no one to interpret them."  Then Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams."  So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream. He said to him, "In my dream I saw a vine in front of me, and on the vine were three branches. As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes. Pharaoh's cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh's cup and put the cup in his hand." "This is what it means," Joseph said to him. "The three branches are three days. Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh's cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer. But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. For I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon."

When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, "I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head."   "This is what it means," Joseph said. "The three baskets are three days.  Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. And the birds will eat away your flesh." Now the third day was Pharaoh's birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials. He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer  in the presence of his officials:  He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh's hand, but he hanged  the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation.  The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.

When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing by the Nile, when out of the river there came up seven cows, sleek and fat, and they grazed among the reeds. After them, seven other cows, ugly and gaunt, came up out of the Nile and stood beside those on the riverbank. And the cows that were ugly and gaunt ate up the seven sleek, fat cows. Then Pharaoh woke up. He fell asleep again and had a second dream: Seven heads of grain, healthy and good, were growing on a single stalk. After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted—thin and scorched by the east wind. The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy, full heads. Then Pharaoh woke up; it had been a dream.  In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.

Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, "Today I am reminded of my shortcomings. Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he imprisoned me and the chief baker in the house of the captain of the guard. Each of us had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own. Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us, giving each man the interpretation of his dream.  And things turned out exactly as he interpreted them to us: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged."

So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile, when out of the river there came up seven cows, fat and sleek, and they grazed among the reeds.  After them, seven other cows came up—scrawny and very ugly and lean. I had never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt.  The lean, ugly cows ate up the seven fat cows that came up first.  But even after they ate them, no one could tell that they had done so; they looked just as ugly as before. Then I woke up.

"In my dreams I also saw seven heads of grain, full and good, growing on a single stalk.  After them, seven other heads sprouted—withered and thin and scorched by the east wind. The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven good heads. I told this to the magicians, but none could explain it to me." Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, "The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years; it is one and the same dream. The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterward are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind: They are seven years of famine.

"It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will ravage the land. The abundance in the land will not be remembered, because the famine that follows it will be so severe. The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon.

"And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine." The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?"

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you."  So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt." Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.  He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and men shouted before him, "Make way!" Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt." Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.  Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh's presence and traveled throughout Egypt. During the seven years of abundance the land produced plentifully. Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea; it was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure.  Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food. When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, "Go to Joseph and do what he tells you." When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt. And all the countries came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the world.

When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, "Why do you just keep looking at each other?" He continued, "I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die."  Then ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him. So Israel's sons were among those who went to buy grain, for the famine was in the land of Canaan also. Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the one who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph's brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. (The first dream of Joseph become true) As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. "Where do you come from?" he asked. "From the land of Canaan," they replied, "to buy food."

Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. Then he remembered his dreams about them and said to them, "You are spies! You have come to see where our land is unprotected."  "No, my lord," they answered. "Your servants have come to buy food. We are all the sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies." "No!" he said to them. "You have come to see where our land is unprotected."

But they replied, "Your servants were twelve brothers, the sons of one man, who lives in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more."   Joseph said to them, "It is just as I told you: You are spies!  And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be kept in prison, so that your words may be tested to see if you are telling the truth. If you are not, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!" And he put them all in custody for three days.

On the third day, Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live, for I fear God: If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die." This they proceeded to do. They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come upon us."

Reuben replied, "Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn't listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood."  They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter.  He turned away from them and began to weep, but then turned back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes. Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to put each man's silver back in his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done for them, they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left.  At the place where they stopped for the night one of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey, and he saw his silver in the mouth of his sack. "My silver has been returned," he said to his brothers. "Here it is in my sack." Their hearts sank and they turned to each other trembling and said, "What is this that God has done to us?"

When they came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them. They said, "The man who is lord over the land spoke harshly to us and treated us as though we were spying on the land. But we said to him, 'We are honest men; we are not spies. We were twelve brothers, sons of one father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with our father in Canaan.'  "Then the man who is lord over the land said to us, 'This is how I will know whether you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, and take food for your starving households and go. But bring your youngest brother to me so I will know that you are not spies but honest men. Then I will give your brother back to you, and you can trade in the land.' "

As they were emptying their sacks, there in each man's sack was his pouch of silver! When they and their father saw the money pouches, they were frightened. Their father Jacob said to them, "You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!" Then Reuben said to his father, "You may put both of my sons to death if I do not bring him back to you. Entrust him to my care, and I will bring him back."  But Jacob said, "My son will not go down there with you; his brother is dead and he is the only one left. If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow."

Now the famine was still severe in the land. So when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, "Go back and buy us a little more food." But Judah said to him, "The man warned us solemnly, 'You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.' If you will send our brother along with us, we will go down and buy food for you. But if you will not send him, we will not go down, because the man said to us, 'You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.'" Israel asked, "Why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man you had another brother?"

They replied, "The man questioned us closely about ourselves and our family. 'Is your father still living?' he asked us. 'Do you have another brother?' We simply answered his questions. How were we to know he would say, 'Bring your brother down here'?" Then Judah said to Israel his father, "Send the boy along with me and we will go at once, so that we and you and our children may live and not die.  I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him here before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life. As it is, if we had not delayed, we could have gone and returned twice."

Then their father Israel said to them, "If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds. Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. Take your brother also and go back to the man at once. And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you."

So the men took the gifts and double the amount of silver, and Benjamin also. They hurried down to Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, "Take these men to my house, slaughter an animal and prepare dinner; they are to eat with me at noon."
The man did as Joseph told him and took the men to Joseph's house. Now the men were frightened when they were taken to his house. They thought, "We were brought here because of the silver that was put back into our sacks the first time. He wants to attack us and overpower us and seize us as slaves and take our donkeys."

So they went up to Joseph's steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house. "Please, sir," they said, "we came down here the first time to buy food. But at the place where we stopped for the night we opened our sacks and each of us found his silver—the exact weight—in the mouth of his sack. So we have brought it back with us. We have also brought additional silver with us to buy food. We don't know who put our silver in our sacks." 

"It's all right," he said. "Don't be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver." Then he brought Simeon out to them.  The steward took the men into Joseph's house, gave them water to wash their feet and provided fodder for their donkeys. They prepared their gifts for Joseph's arrival at noon, because they had heard that they were to eat there.  When Joseph came home, they presented to him the gifts they had brought into the house, and they bowed down before him to the ground. He asked them how they were, and then he said, "How is your aged father you told me about? Is he still living?"  They replied, "Your servant our father is still alive and well." And they bowed low to pay him honor.

As he looked about and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother's son, he asked, "Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?" And he said, "God be gracious to you, my son." Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there. After he had washed his face, he came out and, controlling himself, said, "Serve the food."  They served him by himself, the brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, for that is detestable to Egyptians. The men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment. When portions were served to them from Joseph's table, Benjamin's portion was five times as much as anyone else's. So they feasted and drank freely with him.

Now Joseph gave these instructions to the steward of his house: "Fill the men's sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each man's silver in the mouth of his sack. Then put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one's sack, along with the silver for his grain." And he did as Joseph said.

As morning dawned, the men were sent on their way with their donkeys. They had not gone far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, "Go after those men at once, and when you catch up with them, say to them, 'Why have you repaid good with evil? Isn't this the cup my master drinks from and also uses for divination? This is a wicked thing you have done.' " When he caught up with them, he repeated these words to them. But they said to him, "Why does my lord say such things? Far be it from your servants to do anything like that! We even brought back to you from the land of Canaan the silver we found inside the mouths of our sacks. So why would we steal silver or gold from your master's house?  If any of your servants is found to have it, he will die; and the rest of us will become my lord's slaves."

"Very well, then," he said, "let it be as you say. Whoever is found to have it will become my slave; the rest of you will be free from blame."  Each of them quickly lowered his sack to the ground and opened it. Then the steward proceeded to search, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest. And the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. At this, they tore their clothes. Then they all loaded their donkeys and returned to the city.  Joseph was still in the house when Judah and his brothers came in, and they threw themselves to the ground before him. Joseph said to them, "What is this you have done? Don't you know that a man like me can find things out by divination?"

"What can we say to my lord?" Judah replied. "What can we say? How can we prove our innocence? God has uncovered your servants' guilt. We are now my lord's slaves—we ourselves and the one who was found to have the cup."

But Joseph said, "Far be it from me to do such a thing! Only the man who was found to have the cup will become my slave. The rest of you, go back to your father in peace."

Then Judah went up to him and said: "Please, my lord, let your servant speak a word to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, though you are equal to Pharaoh himself.  My lord asked his servants, 'Do you have a father or a brother?' And we answered, 'We have an aged father, and there is a young son born to him in his old age. His brother is dead, and he is the only one of his mother's sons left, and his father loves him.'

"Then you said to your servants, 'Bring him down to me so I can see him for myself.' And we said to my lord, 'The boy cannot leave his father; if he leaves him, his father will die.' But you told your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.' When we went back to your servant my father, we told him what my lord had said.  "Then our father said, 'Go back and buy a little more food.' But we said, 'We cannot go down. Only if our youngest brother is with us will we go. We cannot see the man's face unless our youngest brother is with us.'

"Your servant my father said to us, 'You know that my wife bore me two sons. One of them went away from me, and I said, "He has surely been torn to pieces." And I have not seen him since. If you take this one from me too and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in misery.' "So now, if the boy is not with us when I go back to your servant my father and if my father, whose life is closely bound up with the boy's life, sees that the boy isn't there, he will die. Your servants will bring the gray head of our father down to the grave in sorrow.  Your servant guaranteed the boy's safety to my father. I said, 'If I do not bring him back to you, I will bear the blame before you, my father, all my life!'  "Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord's slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come upon my father."


Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.  Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

"So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. Now hurry back to my father and say to him, 'This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don't delay. You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.'

"You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly."  Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.

When the news reached Pharaoh's palace that Joseph's brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased.  Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers, 'Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.'

"You are also directed to tell them, 'Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours." So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey. To each of them he gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes. And this is what he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for his journey. Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Don't quarrel on the way!"

So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. They told him, "Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt." Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, "I'm convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."