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EXPRESSIONS

       

 

BEST OF 2001-2002 

BEST OF 2002-2003

BEST OF 2003-2004

NEWS

Episcopal priest speaks out against gay ordination

Guiding Light lights the hearts of hopeful students

Cavalier smashed in Schenley Quad

Air Force ROTC simulates POW camp

Wait is over for Guiding Light hopefuls!

Pitt students pack Destinta Theatre to watch 'The Passion of the Christ.'

Controversial movie receives David Limbaugh's commentary!

PHOTOGALLERY

Photogallery of the funeral procession ceremony  for Reagan to the Capitol

HOTPRESSIONS

Commandments controversy is so commie and not constitutional

SPECIAL FEATURE

Top 25 reasons compiled for the origins of the candy cane from 2001-2003 based on 65 student responses  

FEATURE

Pitt Dance Team goldens Heinz Field

Pitt Dance Team  rainbow Heinz Field

IMPRESSIONS

A patriotic war is just to protect people (1)

Students vote matters

It is a matter of principle and ethics

Privacy or perversion in the bedroom

Israel, Israel, what have you done for Palestine!

Pitt should be proud denying same-sex benefits

Keep the Reagan legacy alive by voting for President Bush this November

Homosexuals do not need a special bill!

Presidential candidate John Kerry lied about his heritage!

Wake up media and uncover the terrorists!

Mount Rushmore needs to be revisted to include Ronald Reagan

Clinton wants Kerry who promotes immoral issues, do you?

9-11 report should not have been bipartisan!

SPORTS    

Women's softball team saw Rockets falling.

Hungry Panthers win Pittsburgh  Classic

EXPRESSIONS

Engineering Auditorium Shakes

Red, White, & Blue

Constitution supports God and patriotism

One Numb-er

He sees you all the time

Vote for the perfect candidate 24-7!

What if Jesus talked football?

Pitt Dance Team's colors of black, red, green, and white give significance to the Christmas season!

Nativity reminds tourists of Christ's birth

Both evolutionism and creationism are based on faith!

Gong Show winner recited about 'If cocaine were an alien, what it does not want you to know!'

Gospel revealed through semantics and word play

Only the right antidote can protect your life

God's love is alphabetically revealed in random languages

 

 

   

“Savior Proclaims Everywhere Always Kindness!" (S.P.E.A.K)

Ramesh C. Reddy
Publisher

Editors note: This is part of  the devotional I had with the Lord this morning of July 21, 05 that I wanted to share with you all! If these can be used as Bible study guides, feel free to use them.

Quiet Times (Psalm 51, Proverbs 21, and  Mark 6:17-20)

"We can justify our every deed but God looks at our motives." (Proverbs 21:2, TLB)

“He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married. For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.” (Mark 6:17-20, NIV)

Observation:

I asked myself what is the cause-effect relationship here.

Because John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife, the effect was Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him.

Interpretation:

I asked myself what is the significance of John’s statement to Herod.

John the Baptist did not just tell Herod once what he was doing was wrong but multiple times. John the Baptist kept speaking to Herod the truth to make him see what he was doing was wrong when he took his brother’s wife. This is evidenced by the phrase, ‘John had been saying’. John the Baptist wanted it to go into Herod’s mind and wanted Herod to act on changing his ways. In essence, John the Baptist wanted Herod not to have any part with Herodias for she was already taken.

If John the Baptist kept saying to Herod what he was doing was unlawful, naturally Herodias would have heard it too. The news would have reached her and it did. She had a lot to lose if Herod listened to her and sent her away.

First of all, his brother may not have even accepted her anymore because she became an adulterer. She could have also been killed if sent away from Herod’s palace. Finally, maybe she had so much riches and materialistic possessions with Herod than his brother. Now she sees all that in jeopardy because of John the Baptist. Therefore she holds a grudge against him and wants to kill him.

 Interestingly she did not have the opportunity to do it on her own because though John the Baptist kept saying to Herod what he was doing was unlawful, Herod wanted John the Baptist alive.

I asked myself why and what does he do for John the Baptist.

  1. Herod feared John.

  2. Herod protected John.

  3. Herod knew John to be a righteous man.

  4. Herod knew John to be a holy man.

  5. Herod was puzzled by John’s statements.

  6. Herod liked to listen to John.

I asked myself the significance of Herod’s actions.

Herod had bound and put John in prison because of Herodias’ request but he would not let any harm come to him at that time. Instead, I believe he would go to John in prison and listen to him speak. This could have made Herodias very nervous thinking she might lose Herod and Herod’s mind might be changed. So, Herodias wants to prevent John and Herod to have anymore contact lest his mind changes but Herod continues to listen to him and gives protection to John.

Implications:

I saw important implications for my own life here. I saw in my own life what can happen when we speak out against immorality. I also found that we are never alone when we speak out against immorality. Even if people do not agree with us, there will be people who will still respect us very much and even want to listen to us when they see our lifestyle reflecting what we speak out against.

I want to share both sides with you about the things I have spoken out against.

Once I wrote a column titled, “With love homosexuality can be cured.” The uproar I received was astonishing because I wrote against homosexuality and let them see how Jesus can even cure homosexuality and heal it in His love.  I broke the record for the number of letters to the editor because I spoke out against homosexuality and spoke for change. It did not stop there but I heard a person say to me, “Ramesh, you are the most hated person on campus because of what you wrote. You should not even have your name tag on so people do not come after you.”

It did not stop there but anti-Ramesh columns started appearing in the newspaper. In other words, letters were not enough but they had to write columns against me and many did. Eventually, a moratorium had to be put on anti-Ramesh columns appearing anymore.

I had not let that stop me from living the Truth and proclaiming the Truth.

I faced so much written persecution that student leaders of InterVarsity Christian  Fellowship wanted to have a panel discussion with me and another person titled, “Christianity and Homosexuality: Is there a compromise?”: Ramesh C. Reddy (Columnist Against Homosexuality) v.s Michael Mazza, PHD (Columnist for Homosexuality).

 There was such an uproar that we had to card people’s ID before they got entrance into the debate. We did not do much advertising for it but were in prayer for the discussion. The room was packed and it became standing room only. It was attended by 7 columnists from the newspaper.

This gave me the opportunity to speak about Jesus Christ and what Jesus says about sexual sin including homosexuality with kindness.

To this day, I continue to speak out against sin and write columns that no one else is willing to touch for certain newspapers.

There are those that came to me from the homosexuality support group who promoted homosexuality but respected me because they saw the love of Christ the Lord was helping me to give to all of them. They knew I stood on principle and backed it up by the Word of God.

 Some would come and tell me that they read my columns but did not agree with them, yet they love to read them because they make them think and are well thought of. I thank the Lord for that! Eventually, this caught the eye of the Editor-in Chief of the Pittsburgh Standard who recruited me. All this gave birth to me writing for the monthly paper edition called ‘The Pittsburgh Standard’. Now the paper continues to run online at www.pittsburghstandard.com and has addressed hot topics and will continue to do so even as there is a section called ‘Expressions” which is “Expressions of Christ's Love" section.

I share all this with you because when we speak out against immorality, it will not always be easy for us. There will be times we will be persecuted. If we did not have ‘Freedom of Speech’ in our U.S. Constitution it could be worse. People will try to shut us up still by smearing us or preventing us from speaking our mind. Yet, when we depend on the Lord and are bold, He will give us opportunities. Pittsburgh Standard which I publish online has been one of those opportunities. The paper does not just tackle immoral issues but all kinds of issues.

When we stand on the promises of Jesus and follow Him, we should not let persecution get to us. We need to continue to speak out against immorality no matter what it is.

I ask you now dear friend when do you speak out.

Dear friend, many speak out only when it benefits them but that is not what we have been called to. If we are believers in Christ and want to follow Him daily and surrendered our lives to Him, we will be willing to be used as His vessels to ‘Live the Truth, Proclaim the Truth’.

 You will be placed in positions where you can speak out against immorality whatever it may be whether it is homosexuality, adultery, pre-marital sex, abortion, drunkenness, cheating, lying, etc. You do not have to stop after mentioning it once or writing about it once but can continue to speak out whether it be in one of your classes, with family, with friends, or strangers. 

You can speak out right now if you know injustice or immorality that is occurring around you. You can speak out through speech or through writing. It will not be easy and you could face ridicule and persecution from others. Even those you thought were your friends could turn against you when you speak out against something that is wrong. John the Baptist did not stop that from speaking out. We should not too.

Finally, if we are to imitate anyone, it should be Jesus Christ. Jesus always spoke out against injustice and we have His Word to read about what is unjust and immoral so we do not engage in them and can help others not to engage in them.

As you speak out, the Lord can also help you find favor with those who even do not agree with you. I know for I speak from experience friend.  May you take the opportunities the Lord gives you and speak out against immorality but with kindness remembering it is the Lord’s kindness that He gives us laws to protect us.

Jesus will be your Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor, and Immanuel as you turn to Him even as you speak out being bold and strong.

BIBLE ACADEMY IV: NAMES OF JESUS
By Ramesh C. Reddy

Bible Academy's Instructor is the Prince of Peace

Who teaches his students, the value of peace

When we learn from Him, our lives will be full of peace

Wherever we are, whatever trials we face

Why? His Peace He gives you surpasses all understanding

What are the trials you face?, Turn to the Prince of Peace.

JN 14:27, ROM 5:1, 1 COR 1:3, PHIL 4:7

Bible Academy's Instructor is our caring Counselor.

Who is there for us always to counsel us and fill us with love.

When we turn to Him, He will soothe all our worries.

Wherever there is trouble in you life, He will be there for You.

Why? His personality's counseling troubled Souls.

Whatever your problems are, spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, financial etc He will counsel You.

PSALM 23, MK 10:21, JN 14:1, PSALM 37:7

Bible Academy's Instructor is our Mighty God

Who's mightier than our problems, filling us with spiritual might.

When we depend on Him, no situation will be impossible.

Wherever you're headed, no need to fear, God's might shall protect.

Why? Because He wants to instruct you on the best pathway of life.

Whatever you are faced with, put your faith in the Lord.

JN 6:18-19, MK 9:23, PSALM 32:8, MK 4:30-32

Bible Academy's Instructor is our Everlasting Father.

Who will always care for us, who we can pray to anytime.

When we seek Him with our whole Heart, void in us will be filled.

Wherever we have been, we can have new life in Christ with God, our Loving Father.

Why? Because He loves us so much, He wants what is best for us.

Whatever asked in prayer you will get according to His loving will.

MT 6:31-34, MT 7:7,8, ROM 6:3-11, GAL 2:11

Bible Academy's Instructor is so awesome and Wonderful.

Who takes all our burdens and cares upon Himself.

When we surrender our lives to Him, we can see His miracles.

Wherever there is sorrow, He can fill it with such joy.

Why, Because even in our sorrow, He has a plan for our life.

Whatever your pain or sorrow is, His Joy lies ahead.

PSALM 37:5, PSALM 73:23-25, JERMIAH 29:11, MT 11:27:30

KEY VERSE FOR THIS ACADEMY: ISAIAH 9:6

"For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: "Wonderful," "Counselor," "The Mighty God," "The Everlasting Father," "The Prince of Peace."

“Savior Proclaims Everywhere Always Kindness!” (S.P.E.A.K)/”When do you speak out?”

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us so much. John the Baptist, spoke out against immorality even though it got him into trouble. Help us Oh Lord of our Salvation to speak out against immorality too. We live in a world where your laws are being shattered. Just yesterday, Canada became the 4th nation to legalize gay marriage. Oh Lord there is so much happening in this world other than in Canada and we need your help to speak out in kindness. Save us Oh Lord, the God of our Salvation. Give us strength and help us to show kindness when we are speaking out whether through verbal or written communication. Thank you so much. Thank you for your Word and that you will show us favor even when we face wrath from others. Thank you for hearing us and answering us. Thank you for dying for our sin and coming back to life to save us. We acknowledge you as our Lord and Savior! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

If you would like to invite Jesus Christ into your heart and make Him a daily part of your life, you can this very moment. You will never be alone. You can claim God's promises for you in the Bible and see them come true, before your eyes, in His wonderful timing. You don't have to wait for a special time to come to the Lord. You can come right now as you pray this prayer, meaning it in your heart.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I am a sinner Lord. I am so sorry for my sins. I confess my sins to you. I confess the wrong things I have done and messed up my own life. I need you Lord right now and in the years to come. I have gone my own way and have not found what only you can give me. You alone have the words of Eternal Life. You alone love me unconditionally for who I am. I thank you Jesus. I accept you Jesus into my heart. Thanks Jesus for coming into my heart. Thanks for forgiving me of all my sins. Thanks for giving me a new identity in you. I acknowledge you as my Lord and Personal Savior as I believe in my heart that you died and came back to life to save me now and forever. I give myself to you and ask you to be in control of my life. Thank you Jesus through the  days, we can do things together. Thanks for being my Lord and Personal Savior. Thank you Jesus you have heard my prayer and answered me. Thanks Jesus for changing me and helping me through life's storms and winds. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

(You can start your Christian adventure by reading the Gospel of John)

Friend you may feel something or may not feeling anything but do not go by your feelings. When you ask Jesus to come into your life, He will and does. He will take over from here as you depend on the Lord and let Him work in you and through you! This is exciting friend! May each one that came to know Jesus be filled with His Holy Spirit forever more and those that know Jesus come to know Him more and more! Amen!

Love in Christ,
Ramesh

P.S.. If you need someone to talk to, pray with, or have a  Bible study, you can email me at reddy4HisGlory2004@yahoo.com and we can set up a time that is convenient for you! You can also call me at 412-720-4579

NEW DEVOTIONAL:

What comes out of your M.O.U.T.H? (July 22, 05)

Express your view

 

 

 

JULY 2005

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MAY 2005

CHAPTER 1

How seriously do you T.E.S.T.I.F.Y to prophecy? (May 02, 05)

Who do you P.O.I.N.T to? (May 03.05)

Will you take a S.T.A.N.D? (May 04,05)

How is your P.R.A.I.S.E? (May 05,05)

How do you handle T.E.M.P.T.A.T.I.O.N?(May 06,05)

Who controls your T.I.M.E? (May 07,05)

What do you do with your P.R.O.F.E.S.S.I.O.N? (May 08,05)

Whose T.E.A.C.H.I.N.G.S do you listen to? (May 09,05)

What C.A.P.T.I.V.I.T.Y are you facing today? (May 10, 05)

Where do you need H.E.A.L.I.N.G? (May 11, 05)

Where do you need an A.N.S.W.E.R? (May 12,05)

How much important is S.O.L.I.T.A.R.Y time with the Lord for you? (May 13, 05)

Where do you want to be C.L.E.A.N? (May 14, 05)

What do your actions C.A.U.S.E? (May 16,05)

CHAPTER 2

What kind of F.R.I.E.N.D are you? (May 17,05)

Where does P.A.R.A.L.Y.S.I.S take hold of you? (May 18, 05)

What are you thinking in your M.I.N.D? (May 19, 05)

What about your A.C.T.I.O.N.S? (May 20, 05)

Where are you looking for A.C.C.E.P.T.A.N.C.E? (May 21,05)

Who do you I.N.V.I.T.E? (May 23, 05)

When do you  F.A.S.T? (May 24, 05)

How do you see your L.I.F.E? (May 25,05)

What kind of  L.E.A.D.E.R are you? (May 26, 05)

What does the S.A.B.B.A.T.H mean to you? (May 27, 05)

CHAPTER 3

What are your N.E.E.D.S? (May 28,05)

What is your I.M.P.A.C.T? (May 31,05)

JUNE 2005

What  S.P.A.C.E  do  you  give yourself?(June 01,05)

What has E.V.I.L done to you? (June 02, 05)

What emphasis do you put on your R.E.L.A.T.I.O.N.S.H.I.P with Jesus? (June 03,04)

Where is your A.P.P.O.I.N.T.M.E.N.T in? (June 04, 05)

Where do you G.A.T.H.E.R at? (June 06,05)

How are your actions seen by your F.A.M.I.L.Y? (June 08,05)

How do you handle S.L.A.N.D.E.R? (June 09,05)

What is your V.I.E.W of Jesus? (June 10,05)

Are you willing to do G.O.D.'S  W.I.L.L? (June 11,05)

CHAPTER 4

What do P.A.R.A.B.L.E.S mean to you? (June 13,05)

Where are you at your W.A.L.K with God? (June 14,05)

What kind of L.A.M.P are you? (June 15,05)

What do you C.O.N.C.E.A.L? (June 16,05)

What do you do with what you H.E.A.R? (June 17,05)

What do you do with the W.O.R.D? (June 18,05)

What will you do with the S.E.E.D? (June 20,05)

What are the S.T.O.R.M.S in your life? (June 21,05)

CHAPTER 5

Where is your T.O.R.M.E.N.T coming from? (June 22,05)

What do people R.E.P.O.R.T about you? (June 23, 05)

Where do you need H.E.A.L.I.N.G? (June 24,05)

Are you A.F.R.A.I.D of Jesus too? (June 27,05)

Will you T.E.L.L about the Lord? (June 28, 05)

What do you do with your T.E.S.T.I.M.O.N.Y? (June 29, 05)

Will you G.A.T.H.E.R before Jesus? (June 30,05)

JULY 2005

What place do you give P.R.A.Y.E.R in your life? (July 01,05)

Where do you feel U.N.C.L.E.A.N? (July 02, 05)

"Where do you need F.R.E.E.D.O.M? (July 04, 05)

"Whose W.I.L.L and T.I.M.I.N.G are you following?" (July 06,05)

CHAPTER 6

"Where do you seek W.I.S.D.O.M?” (July 07, 05)

"What is your C.A.L.L.I,N.G?" (July 08,05)

"Where is your I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y?" (July 09,05)

"Do you feel A.C.C.E.P.T.E.D?" (July 11,05)

"How is your F.A.I.T.H?" (July 12, 05)

"What do you T.E.A.C.H?" (July 13, 05)

"Where are you S.E.N.T?" (July 14, 05)

"Where are you S.T.A.Y.I.N.G?" (July 15,05)

"How is your spiritual H.E.A.L.T.H?" (July 16, 05)

"What have people H.E.A.R.D about you?" (July 18, 05)

"What do you T.H.I.N.K about Jesus?"(July 19, 05)

"How do you handle D.O.U.B.T.S?" (July 20, 05)