Hope you are having a great day.

After a somewhat stormy night, the sun is shining and it is in the
upper 40s. Great weather as far as I am concerned. In fact, the
temperature does not bother me much as long as the sky is clear.

You will find some of my 2008 goals below.

Don't forget the iPod contest ends this week. Get those last few
names in. If you need more information, just send me an email.

*****
Reader Question On Self Defense

"I've always wondered about 'self-defense,' and how a Christian
should react if they are face to face with someone attempting to
take their life, a life of their loved ones, or their possessions.
An example of this might be a 'home invasion.' I guess to sum up
the question: Is there ever a case when taking another's life is
justified by the scriptures?"

Good question. Many in the past took the position that any killing
is sinful, including as an act of war or by law enforcement
officers in the line of duty. However, when this issue is examined
a little closer and we take into account all that the Bible has to
say, it will be seen that self-defense is authorized, as well as
defending others.

One objection to self defense is that Jesus said to turn the other
cheek (Matt. 5:38-42). To stretch turning the other cheek to being
passive in your murder is quite far. One is a tolerable, relatively
minor insult, while the other is willful neglect of self
preservation. If we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices
and treat them as the temple of the Holy Spirit, purchased by the
blood of Christ, then it is our duty to preserve them from
unnecessary destruction (Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 Cor. 6:18-20).

Jesus told the disciples to get a sword if they did not have one
(Lk. 22:36). This, He did, in preparation for sending them out to
teach the world. The idea is, defend yourselves.

Further, one duty of a father or mother is to provide for the
family and children (Eph. 5:25-29; Titus 2:4, 5). The father who
will sit by and allow his family to be abused, physically or
sexually, has neglected his obligation and will be held accountable
for it.

*****

2008 Goals

"A desired accomplished is sweet to the soul..." (Prov. 13:19).

The goals and plans I have for this year are a mixed bag. Some are
simply a continuation of things I am already doing, while others
are either new or modified from the past. This is not a complete
list, but may give you an idea or two for yourself.

• Read & discuss Bible with family at least four nights each week
  (excluding Sunday, Wednesday, Meeting weeks, Special Bible Class
  nights)
  
• Pray with family nightly
  
• Learn one memory verse per week with family
  
• Write 4-6 cards per week to those who are sick or need encouragement
  
• Go on Egypt trip March 27-April 7
  
• Attend Truth Magazine Lectures in June
  
• Read two chapters from Bible daily (in addition to other work,
  study, etc.)
  
• Read 20 pages per day in selected book (religious, cultural,
  political, business, history, etc.)
  
• Go on monthly date with wife
  
• Send $100 to a Filipino saint in need by September 30
  
• Exercise three days a week
  
• Gain 20 lbs. (yes that's gain)
  
• Sleep 6-8 hours a night

If you have not set out some goals for this next year, take some
time to do so within the next three days. Don't put it off any
longer. Brainstorm a list of spiritual and non-spiritual ideas.
Sort them out and make sure they are realistic. Putting the bar too
high will cause you to be discouraged and likely to quit.

All of this is contingent on the Lord's will (Jas. 4:13-16).
However, we are duty-bound to "grow in the grace and knowledge of
the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 3:18). If we do not plan
to do it, it will not happen. We cannot be Christians by accident,
but only through determined purpose.

All the best,
Steven