Tuesday, June 5, 2012

What is a true Believer?

Tom's Journal. http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/ tschuckman@aol.com

For the record, and to help other Veterans who get less than proper treatment from various VAMC's --Veteran's Administration Medical Center-- [hospitals run by the VA], the one U.P. [sic] here in Iron Mountain, MI 49801 seems so lax, slow, fumbling the ball, and giving very poor service.  There like to change their rules and SOP [standard operating procedure] too often, but also abuse more than a few Veterans-- as I always like to 'keep my fingers on the general population pulse' of the Vet community.  And what I USUALLY HEAR IS:  The place is very unco-ordinated, and always has been, with no rhyme or reason, always dropping the ball -- especially as they dispense much needed medicine!!  
    One of the main reasons I feel the need to air my grievances is because too few of us DON'T!  Well, that just lets those goofy, slow, careless staff members off the hook again, and no one knows about the PROBLEMS !!  So the real value is to get things corrected, but also get them on paper to the proper authorities, because small VA hospitals -- and big ones will just sweep things  under the rug, and nothing will ever get corrected.  Got to keep their feet to the fire-- or actually, the VA staff will get worse and more lax, while the Vets get the dregs and crumbs off the table.
   Please keep in mind that when you get enough abuse to where you think you ought to complain-- "burn them from the top -- down."  Go first to the source, then the Patient Advocate... then write or phone your Congressman or Senator, and so on, or contact the News Paper/ Media, for a real turn on... LOL.  The last thing people want is notoriety.  And keep written records all the time, with proper names, times, dates and numbers.  I speak from long experience, brothers.  We al have "TriCare VA type of health insurance" -- and just wait until the general population gets 'obama-care' which will be similar to our VA health care... LOL !!! People just don't know what they are in for...  I calls 'em like I sees 'em, friends.
    You might want to pass this message on to any Veterans you know-- to help and inform them.

Warm Regards,
Tom



And now... What is the real definition of a "Christian ??"  Most folks don't have a clue....  sorry.  Read below.
 
   I am really loving this Summer and getting as much sun as I can-- good for my skin, and good humor.  I painted my specially made wooden lawn chair again today-- a nice shade of deep blue, contoured for my delicate torso -- and then I can read, study, enjoy the Summer even more outside!!  It is God's good and gentle blessings showering me.  PTL.  I will take a picture of my handiwork soon and post it.  This truly is the "Good Life" before worse things arise in a few months... IMHO [in my humble opinion], and I will enjoy and treat my spouse with as much love, kindness and generosity as I possibly can.  PTL.

Is There A Difference Between A Believer And A Disciple?

Q. I was hoping you could clarify something for me. Specifically, I know I am saved because of what I believe. That being said, when Jesus talks about being a disciple, he talks about leaving family, friends, and everything behind to follow him. I understand he was talking about those around him at the time yet at the same time, we are challenged to become a disciple. Is there a difference between being saved and being a disciple?

A. I believe you’re referring to Luke 14:25-27.
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
This is a reference to the first commandment. In effect Jesus was saying that we’re not to venerate anything more than God, but are to love Him with all our heart, soul and mind (Matt.22:37). In the historical sense, He knew that many were following Him just because He fed them and healed their sick. But the same idea holds true today. When we come to the Lord we’re to make our whole beings a living sacrifice to Him. It’s our spiritual act of worship, the expression of our gratitude for being saved. (Romans 12:2)
A disciple is a follower, or student. In Matt. 28:19 He told the 11 to make disciples of all nations (people). I think He was implying there should be no difference between being saved and being a disciple.
Like it is with all things concerning the Lord this is a matter of the heart, not a requirement for specific behavior. We’re not being told to go off and abandon our responsibilities, but to make Him our first love by such a wide margin that our feelings for home and family or anything else that distracts us from loving Him are almost like hate in compari