Psalm 23

Ann Lim Essay #5 In Class Poetry/Song Analysis Psalm 23 is a well known and often recited, memorized and studied passage of the Bible. It is probably one of the most cherished and treasured Psalms of Christian Religion. Even those who once attended the Church at the young age can recognize and recall Sunday School lesson of â€Å"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. † The book of Psalm consists of total of 150 poems. It is divided into 5 books: Book I (Ps. 1-41), Book II (Ps. 42-72), Book III (Ps. 73-89), Book IV (Ps. 90-106) and Book V (Ps. 107-150).The book of Psalms is written by numerous authors including King David and Psalm 23 is written by this King who reigned and ruled the Israelites with justice, and righteousness. His name is mentioned the most in the Bible and he is the most beloved King by the Israelite Nation. This particular Psalm was probably written in David’s later life as King. In studying 1 and 2 Samuel, David was the youngest son of Jesse of Bet hlehem. Though King Saul was already reigning as the King of Israel, by the command of God, the prophet Samuel anointed David as King of Israel instead because of King Saul’s disobedience and pride.However, before David was officially recognized and put on the throne, he suffered persecution and hardship from King Saul who wanted him to be dead. Because King David has relied on the Lord his God to bring him to the place of Kingship at God’s timing, he was humble and trusting in God. According to the Bible, because he was such a character, God himself has called him a man after God’s own heart. Before he was a King, he was a shepherd himself who protected and tended his father’s sheep. The Bible also notes that he was a skillful musician.Psalm 23 has been given the title, â€Å"A psalm of David. † In this psalm, David claims himself to be a shepherd who is led by God, his shepherd. The shepherd guides, protects and comforts the sheep. Good things ar e prepared in the presence of his enemies. And because this is the kind of shepherd God is, the sheep or himself shall not want anything else. And in all of his life, goodness and love will follow him and he will dwell in the house of God. King David is addressing to himself and meditating on his God, the good shepherd.He confesses about the shepherd, his Lord who leads him, who refreshes his soul, who guides him and protects him. He then switches to addressing God directly, â€Å"You prepare a table before me/†¦You anoint my head† (Ps 23:5). When the reader reads, they are able to make the same profession of trust in God and who God is, then able to speak to God, like David himself. They are able to pray and confess the same faith and assurance. Psalm 23 is a prayer of David and his conversation with the Lord, his shepherd. Many pastors and evangelist has preached of Psalm 23.Without the help of religious experts, anyone can understand and comprehend this Psalm. This sh epherd, or David’s Lord is a good shepherd, or a leader who tends the sheep with love, care, gentleness and goodness therefore I, the shepherd lacks nothing and will dwell in the shepherds house forever. â€Å"The LORD is my shepherd† (Ps. 23:1) personifies God as a shepherd. The first stanza indicates â€Å"I† the speaker as the sheep. Humans do not â€Å"lie down in green pastures,† or needs to be led â€Å"by quiet waters† nor do they need â€Å"rod and staff† to be comforted (Ps. 3:2, 4). These actions signify the speaker as the sheep and God as the shepherd. The sheep is known to be blind, needing constant attention. They do not know how to protect themselves nor do they know how to rest because they are the most anxious and paranoid animals. The shepherd in the days of David guarded the sheep with their lives. Not only does the shepherd needs to be with the sheep at all times, shepherd often had to protect them from wild animals such a s lions, or bears even if it coasted his life. This is why they carried both the rod and staff.The rod was used for protection and staff was used for leading the sheep. By personifying humans as the sheep who is blind, always needing guidance and attention shows how helpless and needy humans are. This signifies the relationship between the men and God and their need for each other. King David shows in Psalm 23 how much himself and the children of God are in need of the Lord, the good shepherd. He is the kind of shepherd who provides, who protects, who guides from â€Å"green pastures† to the â€Å"house of God† (Ps. 3:3, 6). Those who practice Christian faith are once again reminded of God’s grace when reading this passage. They are assured once again of the Lord’s goodness and love and his good way of leading, protecting and providing for them. Psalm 23 truly reflects on the Christianity because it shows the Lord as the leader and the people as follower, like sheep and shepherd relationship revealed in this Psalm. And it is God who leads his people into His presence, or the house of the Lord.

North and South Growing Together: The Differences It Makes Essay

The Global North and South are in a state of change, that can continue to grow further from a real and loving relationship with God, or become a religion that is closer to what Christ had intended for all us. In the north we see a rise in an individualism, a idea that forgets the evil (SIN) in religion, substitutes God’s grace for self-knowledge, and makes Christ mission about self help instead of global defeat and global salvation. â€Å"Jesus, who became the Christ of faith, suggested that the gospel need some concretization within cultures for it to have a capacity to transform destructive tendencies in them. The evangelizing objective was to seek life-giving elements in cultures which could â€Å"give flesh† to the gospel vision of reconciliation, peace, justice, compassion, and love.† The development of the Christian life and message in context with cultural living is not always clear and can be manifested appropriately in a specific cultural context, however but is not always clear with keeping to the Jesus traditions and Christian traditions at less. Christian traditions are built on Jesus traditions; however, where there is man there is error in caring out Christ’ traditions and teachings without personal characteristics interfering with the inerrant word of God. We are not capable on our own to carry out God’s will without the guidance of the Spirit. Some may ask how the life changing and life giving elements of God’s grace and God’s word determine through culture the true perspective and vision of the gospel? Pedro Arrupe, the former Superior General of the Roman Catholic Jesuit order stated that faith in Christ can be achieved globally if we work to bring the  Gospel needs concretization within cultures for it to have a capacity to transform destructive tendencies in them. Arrupe also stated these words were not his alone but came from Christ. Arrupe stated that inculturation is 1 Thomas Grenham, (2001). Exploring changing religious, cultural, and faith identities in an African context. the â€Å"the incarnation of Christian life and of the Christian message in a particular local cultural context, in such a way that the experience not only finds expression through elements proper to the culture in question (this alone would be no more than a superficial adaptation), but becomes a principle that animates, directs, and unifies a culture, transforming and remaking it so as to bring about ‘a new creation.†3 â€Å"If the Christian life and the Christian message can be embodied in a particular local culture, it seems obvious that a diverse religious way of life and its worldview could be manifested within Christianity, thus ‘a new transformation’ would take place simultaneously for Christianity and a diverse religious worldview.† The changes in some cultural worldviews are changing in a way that incorporates the Gospel of love and relationships into their way of life. This is good as Christ’ missionary work was about relationships, and about restoration of a relationship with God through his sacrifice for all mankind. In the Turkana’s who inhabit Kenya’s northern territories is bringing the good news to everyone including their poor. Traditionally with many of the Southern religions Liberation theology is the normative in their religious beliefs. Where Liberation theology was Pentecostalism has come. But today much of the religious sect in the south are turning to a straight forward reading of the Gospel with a direct interpretation on how to live. We are seeing a beginning of another reformation but not with a idea of some other belief but a reformation back to what we have lost. This is a global influence that is beginning to become a trend amongst many religious sects within the Christ ian worldview. We have lost sight of the Goal but as we begin to emerge from the ashes of sin that we have been living under we begin to be made aware of our transgressions by the Spirit. In is seen more and easily confirmed by this shift in thought by humans that the Triune God is ever so busy in our lives globally as a family imbedded in Christ’ body  that is being made possible by the Spirit. 3 Thomas Grenham, (2001). Exploring changing religious, cultural, and faith identities in an African context. Bibliography Thomas Grenham, (2001). Exploring changing religious, cultural, and faith identities in an African context. Retrieved on August 25, 2013 from Pacifica.org, PDF.

Bad Day of Biking

The day we went bike riding in Adventure Physical Education tried me the most. We headed out; I was biking and talking with my friends. After the teacher leading us took us in the wrong direction, we turned around. At this point we stopped at a restroom. When I came out, everyone had left and they were going up to the fork in the path. I hopped on my bike and started pedaling fast to try and catch up because I didn’t know which path they were going to choose. I was pedaling faster and faster when my chain skipped. I flew half way over the handle bars as the bike fell on its side. My leg was caught under the bike and it skid along the concrete for at least ten feet. I didn’t know what to do, so I slowly got out from under the bike, assessed how badly I was injured and the condition of my bike. I had a burn mark that was half the size of my shin, my knee had two gouges out of it, I was bleeding and my forearm was gashed open. My bike was usable, but was bent and it wouldn’t shift gears. My teacher, Ms. Kelm, made us put her cell number in our phones so if anything were to happen, we could get a hold of her. I called her and there was no answer. I tried my friend’s cells because they were in my class. No luck. No cavalry was coming to help me, so I cleaned off the mess and biked until I found Ms. Kelm up the path. She gave me alcohol wipes to disinfect my wounds and I started my long and tedious bike back to our meeting place for lunch. I had to bike the rest of the day, otherwise I wouldn’t get credit for the class. I biked 40 miles that day, at least 30 of it injured with my bike on one of the hardest gears. That day had tried me the most, but I kept going because I knew I had to. In my life, when I’m faced with difficult obstacles, I just k eep going, looking for the right path and I don’t stop until I’ve found it.

Communication Technology and Its Impact on Social Interaction Research Paper - 1

Communication Technology and Its Impact on Social Interaction - Research Paper Example Technology has been able to develop working conditions in all industries, personal interactions have been shaped and more so the aspect of the social networking through social sites has taken over the communication industry. Â  This topic tries to expound on the technology employed in communication from a social interaction perspective. This process does not precisely refer to face to face interaction but as opposed to technology, mediated interaction. In another case, the main aim of this study is to try and explain why the degree of collective innovation within the work communities has decreased and the way workplace interactions have become more functional. The need to expand new competences caused social tensions and conflicts. On the other hand, the introductions of technology seem to have been the long-awaited answer to people’s problems. These problems are like information problem solving that was elicited in a hot way and took place mainly evolving, but in some cases also stable, social networks. In this case, the information communication technology has both the negative and positive effects on the users. Especially the emergence of Email as a medium of conveying messages from one person to the other via the use of mobile phones and computers.2 Â  Technology has changed the nature and conditions of work both in the offices and out in the fields. Although technology facilitates information transport and extensions of social networks, both inside and outside organizations it reduces face to face interactions. Employees spent most of their times on computers using emails to pass information from one part to the other rather than with their fellow colleagues.

DISCUSSION 6 Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

DISCUSSION 6 - Article Example The sampling strategy that was used for the purpose of study was a random sampling. The study was conducted in one place of DRC, which has typical for the given country conditions. Only one period of distribution was selected (between November and January). Three hundred and sixty two women were randomly selected to take part in the study. Three hundred and twenty eight delivery interviews were conducted. A random sample of 115 women were invited to participate in a 6-month post-delivery interview (Pettifor et al., 2009). Presented sample strategy is representative for the given region. However, it has several limitations that does not permit to spread the obtained results to all population of Congo. The authors admit that the main limitations are the small sample size, estimation for only one object and for only one period. The study that compared the effectiveness for different social groups, groups living in rural and urban areas was not conducted. The damages of nets after 6-month period of utilization that does not permit the further use were not taken into account. Nevertheless, the significant difference of LLINs utilization before and after the distribution permits to conclude that obtained results support the idea that distribution free of charge is the effective measure. The improved sample strategy has to include estimation of the given measure for several objects in different parts of the country. Participants in the places have to be selected several times per year, especially before the periods when mosquitos are the most active. Sample size have to be increased. Random sampling strategy would be the most effective. The possible suitable strategy that permits to estimate the effect for different social or age groups could be a stratified random sampling. Pettifor, A. et al. (2009). Free distribution of insecticide treated bed nets to pregnant women in Kinshasa:

Econ Excel hw Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Econ Excel hw - Assignment Example he cross price elasticity measured the degree of responsiveness of demand of a give commodity due to the change of price in substitute or complementary goods. In this case, ey,z = → where (ÃŽ ´u/ÃŽ ´pz) x ÃŽ ´y/ÃŽ ´u but u=Y, →. ey,z = [PZ-1.4/( PY-1.9PZ-1.4m1.2)] x [-1.4PZ-2.4( PY-1.9PZ-1.4m1.2)] → PZ-1.4 x -1.4Pz-2.4 therefore ey,z = -1.4Pz-3.8. On the other side income elasticity of demand is normally used to elucidate how the buyers’ income swings the demand factor for commodities; the equation will be differentiated in respect m therefore em= but u = Y → em = 1.2m1.4 (PY-1.9PZ-1.4) The product Y and Z are complementary goods; actually, positive cross price elasticity designates that two commodities are substitutes since the price of one commodity and demand of the other commodity positively vary. In the proviso that whenever the price of good â€Å"Y† upsurges, quantity of good â€Å"Z† also increases. On the other side a negative price elasticity of demand happens for complementary goods which do happen in the reverse direction. In this case inverse relationship between price and quantity demanded exist in the equation identified ey,z = -1.4Pz-3.8. Form a typical look on the demand function; Y = PY-1.9PZ-1.4m1.2 of product Y, it is clearly identified as a non- linear demand or curvilinear which changes all along the curve. It yields a demand curve instead of a demand line. Generally, it takes a form of power functions which graphically a rectangular hyperbola in shape. The powers of the price variable in a non-linear function indicate the coefficient of price elasticity of demand, which is normally constant. And the equation shows that consumers expenditure â€Å"Y† will increase with the price py-1.9 if its demand is relatively inelastic. This indicates that the income elasticity of product â€Å"Y†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s demand is positive. This consequently, shows an increase in consumer’s income leads s /he to purchase more of good â€Å"Y†. In this respect good

Successful mariage Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Successful mariage - Assignment Example We may not say long sentences to one another and may only say short responses to questions when we talk, but that does not mean that what we are doing does not show love. Someone can say all kinds of beautiful thing to another person but in the end what matters most is what they do and how they behave. My parents had special ways in which to communicate. Some of my mother’s words were very harsh to my father and she sometimes criticized him. If other people heard her they thought it was meant to be cruel. When I got older I realized and knew that he knew that she said critical things to him because she was showing him that she cared. If she had not cared, she would not have said anything. He was always amused by what she said and never angry with her because he knew that when she said things that were critical, she was saying over and over that she loved him. Many people show disrespect by speaking about their partners. Communication is not only about what is said or done between two people. Communication happens to a partner when it is spoken to another person outside of the marriage as well. When a person speaks poorly about their partner to their friends, treats their spouse poorly in front of others, or dismisses them as if they are not intelligent or important, they disrespect their spouse and communicate to them that they are not valued. Too often people will complain about their spouse to others, but this is part of how people communicate their love or lack of love. Speaking or acting badly about their spouse in public places them to the side and they do not feel near as important. Communications is very important because without giving each other signs and symbols of a partnership, then the marriage becomes two people who are isolated. This is a very important point for my marriage. My husband and I came from Iran so without good communications between us, life in this country would have been difficult. I have made sure that we have always been

Social Responsibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Social Responsibility - Essay Example A company builds its brand and reputation through practice of social responsibility. A responsible company knows that a good company name is a quick way to build trust and reputation for its brands. These traits nurtures a company for growth, opening up new opportunities for the company to choose from. This art will eventually become a good culture in the company, making the staff remain genuine and trusted by the community. In addition, customers would want to relate with companies that care for them and the environment (Sims 59). Workers would seek occupation in businesses that care for the environment. That is, social responsibility would increase workers performances. In companies where the management does not recognize social responsibility, the workers seem to have a low job esteem. Workers feel better when they know that their efforts would make the world a better place for all. It makes all the daily struggles worth it. The company would not have to spend too much in motivational programs as the workers would have something to work for. In addition, it would be a positive way for attracting and retaining a good staff, thereby, reducing company cost for recruitment exercises each year (Taylor). Respect for social responsibility would boost a companys economic growth and maintain professionalism. A socially responsible company appears mature and trains the staff to be better managers, who not only care for their own growth, but the environment too. Unlike on the companies that are socially irresponsible, employees would form a relationship that could improve the services and living conditions for others. A responsible work force does not only benefit the company, but also the community. The workers learn to be better citizens and parents at home. It becomes greater than building a company, since the effect extends

American International Group (AIG) Research Paper

American International Group (AIG) - Research Paper Example This essay discusses that the CEO Greenberg ensured that he networked with everyone including the different presidents in power and hence built himself a fortress of support and built himself and AIG immunity from questions and outside auditing which would have discovered the fraud and illegal business deals that were taking place in the company and which led to the massive expansion of the company and its ultimate downfall. The rest of the executives offered their full support of the illegal Credit Default Swap (CDS) project which even though it brought in a lot of money than any other department in the firm, its activities and ethics were questionable. The executives even prevented external audit firms from coming to audit them as they did not want their grand fraud and illegal scheme to be discovered by outsiders even though that eventually took place. If only the firm had an organizational culture that necessitated external auditing, then they would not have initiated the program in the first place hence saving themselves embarrassment and government the bailout money. A stronger ethics program would have prevented Greenberg from calling in favors to prevent the firm from being scrutinized and the uncovering of the truth. The corporate executives were dishonest and harbored business deals that were not illegal but unethical. They also jeopardized the lives of millions of Americans through the unethical deal with CDS as many people whose money was lost in one way or another would have suffered. Their unethical conduct also out at risk the jobs of all their employees some of whom even had no idea what really that financial department that dealt with CDS was all about or that it even existed and hence were caught in the spur of the moment at the discovery of the truth. If the executives were ethical and honest in the company, the bailout would not have been necessary. A stronger ethics program would have prevented even the illegal department officials to carry out these illegal deals. The corporate executives should be the ones to set a perfect example to their employees and not aid in turning them criminals if they had put in place a stronger ethics culture within the organization. 3. What could AIG have done differently to prevent its failure and subsequent bailout? AIG should never have set up that department and the CDS financial dealings in the first place. This would have prevented the whole meltdown as it was. Even after its creation, they would have allowed external auditors or even external scrutiny to be carried out which would have unveiled the problem as early as possible hence preventing the government from having to spend over $180 billion bailing it out and preventing it from being fully bankrupt hence preventing other businesses and individuals in America from the already bad economic recession of 2008. The employees who were aware of the deal should have refused to participate in an unethical deal and even taken the init iative and report the firm to securities and exchange if the corporate culture had taught them how to be ethical. 4. Provide your thoughts/opinion about the importance of Corporate Culture in the Business world? Corporate culture provides guidance to all the employees in an organization starting from the top executives to the downright bottom employee in the chain of command (Flamholtz and Yvonne 3). This therefore ensures that no unethical behavior goes unreported to the necessary authorities hence preventing an embarrassing situation later on. A business has many stakeholders and a good corporate culture helps to define the roles of each of these stakeholders