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.