Religion

Religion Quotes

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Sat, 15 May 2010 10:48:00 +0000

True religion, like our founding principles, requires that the rights of the disbeliever be equally acknowledged with those of the believer.

Religion is not something separate and apart from ordinary life. It is life -- life of every kind viewed from the standpoint of meaning and purpose: life lived in the fuller awareness of its human quality and spiritual significance.

A religious man is a person who holds God and man in one thought at one time, at all times, who suffers harm done to others, whose greatest passion is compassion, whose greatest strength is love and defiance of despair. [New York Journal-American, April 5, 1963]

The problem to be faced is: how to combine loyalty to one's own tradition with reverence for different traditions.

When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion.

Friends, I agree with you in Providence; but I believe in the Providence of the most men, the largest purse, and the longest cannon. 1854

That I am not a member of any Christian Church, is true; but I have never denied the truth of the Scriptures; and I have never spoken with intentional disrespect of religion in general, or of any denomination of Christians in particular.

What is a Spiritual Journey?

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:31:00 +0000

When we speak of a spiritual journey, the common understanding is that human beings are on a journey to seek God somewhere out there in the heavens and that they are trying to reach a destination or place such as heavens or a higher realm.

Perhaps many have got it in reverse?

While we cannot comprehend the magnificence of our soul as human beings, try imagining putting yourself in the shoes of your higher self - your soul - in the realm that we call Spirit.

Fly with me.

Visualize the brilliance, unconditional love, powers and grandness of the angel that has your face on it. You have unlimited potentials. You are pure consciousness and light. You simply need to hold your thoughts on something and you would manifest it in an instant. Transcending time and space, you swim in the sea of consciousness and explore the infinite universes with the ease of a seasoned captain steering his ship.

You are a part of the God energy. You are in oneness with the God family that comprises of all other souls, energies and everything that exists and yet to be.

Somewhere in the now moment and in your exploration of the infinite universes and dimensions, you stumbled upon a most sacred and mysterious place called Earth and you paused for a moment, wondering what this most beautiful planet is all about.

You see billions of other souls walking on the surface, wandering on this blue planet in search of something, pretending that they are lost.

There would be many obstacles known as "fears" and you know the hardest of them all would be to conquer separation - to see the God in other players.

You stopped and asked the guardians of this planet, "What is this place? What are they doing?"

The guardians send the answers in thoughts to you and you immediately have an "Aha" moment. You get an epiphany of what this exciting project is all about and you already know that you want to be a part of it. You have played in many realms and planets but there is nothing like Earth.

Rolling up your sleeves, you agree to put on a veil and forget your own divinity. Classified as a journey because it has the elements of time and space, you are keenly aware of its difficult challenges as you have been used to an existence without these elements.

It has other rules like duality, birth, death, karma and reincarnation. There would be many obstacles known as "fears" and you know the hardest of them all would be to conquer separation - to see the God in other players. It would feel very real and promise the most intense of emotions. Still wearing the shoes of your higher self, you are without fears and feel very brave in taking on this game. You also know it is but a short excursion given the eternity of your soul.

What are the objectives and rewards of this game? We could perhaps say it is about applying your knowledge, going through the experiences and collecting the wisdoms that will push the evolution of your soul and everything forward. We could also say that it is about experiencing contrasts so that you would know light from dark, love from fear and compassion from judgement. But there is really no whys. You do it simply because you could. We could say your curiosity got the better of you. You wanted to know yourself better by experiencing what you are not.

It also does not matter what choices are made. There are no wrong choices, only different consequences and experiences. Each consequence is simply another experience and they all add to your wisdom bank that in turn expands the magnificence of your soul and all that is.

In oneness, all the souls have the knowledge of all others. Being interconnected with the sea of consciousness, we know everything there is to know in all that is. However, not every soul has the direct experiences. You have watched your friends engaged in various activities on planet Earth and like watching movies, you can understand what they are doing as well.

However, there is no substitute for the direct experiences. For instance, you may know all the rules of football and how to play it. You may even know the various strategies. Nevertheless, you could not partake in the essence of the game itself and how it really feels like to be out there in the field - the joys of winning, pains of being tackled and the disappointments of losing.

As a new member of project Earth, you wonder excitingly about all the possibilities ahead. While waiting patiently in the queue for your turn, you started chatting with other souls.

You learn that one soul was a mother in an incarnation and she reminisces how beautiful her children were and the immense satisfaction she had from seeing them grow up. Another soul behind you shares with you the passion she felt in being a part of a symphony orchestra and you can only imagine the splendors of the concerts she had played in. Another soul recounts the warmth and gratitude he felt when another soul gave him food and shelter during a disaster. This time round, he is going to be wealthy and he would repay kindness to that soul.

In this game, you have guides - experienced and graduated players - to assist you in case you get very lost in the complex journey. Together with them, you plot various scenarios of your incarnation and choose your gender, birthplace, race, parents, friends, life partner, children and many other aspects.

As you make plans to meet various souls who will play different roles in your life, you mull over the various ways you could meet and also promise to forgive each other if the game gets too difficult.

Once in a while, a soul will hesitate in playing a difficult role that could possibly hurt or harm you. "It's too much! I can't do this." They protested. Fearlessly, you reassure them that they are loved dearly and you need them to play the villains in order to help you learn. Out of unconditional love, they finally agree to these challenging tasks and you bid your temporary farewells.

After some last minute plannings, it is time to say goodbye and put on the veil. After adding layers of dross-like energies to your pure light body, you buckle up your earth space suit, step forward and signal that you are ready.

Then with an extremely strong magnetic pull, you find yourself drawn towards the gravity of planet Earth in a flash.

Total silence... Total darkness... Amnesia has already set in...

"Who am I and where am I?"

You could barely open your baby eyes as you catch a glimpse of several strange faces.

... ...

One day, after many trials and tribulations, you will once again rediscover your identity. You would learn that you are already divine, a master and perfect as you are. You are the human expression of the divine energy. And this journey through time and space known as life is your spiritual journey, your pilgrimage. Every moment of it is treasured as a unique and useful experience. Every choice adds to the definition of who you want to be and the wisdom gained from this spiritual journey priceless and forever a part of you.

There is no destination. We could say we are returning to home if we really want to put a destination to this journey. Home has always been around and we are but on a brief excursion to planet Earth. The journey is really all it matters here.

So perhaps, my friends, could this be our real spiritual journey? And if so, every one of us is already embarking on it regardless if we are aware.

Every major religion has a home in India: Ahamed

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:29:00 +0000

In a historic interfaith dialogue held at the United Nations -- where the King of Saudi Arabia and Israeli President broke tradition by dining in the same room at a dinner on the sidelines - India's representative E. Ahamed, Minister of State for External Affairs spoke about the tradition of dialogue and understanding in India.

Among the other speakers at the high-level meeting organized by the King of Saudi Arabia, were President Shimon Peres of Israel, King Abdullah of Jordan, President of Finland, Emir of Kuwait, President Karzai of Afghanistan, President of Lebanon and Prime Minister of Palestine. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice attended the meeting and President Bush and President Zardari of Pakistan addressed the session the following day.

The meet was a special session organized as part of the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly. In his address, Ahamed lauded the Saudi King's effort to spread understanding and goodwill amongst the peoples of the world as "both very timely and highly commendable". "It will enable us to better work together in a genuine partnership for a peaceful and equitable global order," he said. "In India, we strive in our daily lives in a million different ways to practice such a dialogue of equals," Ahamed said.

"This is an indispensable part of the process of building our nation as a shared endeavor. Such a dialogue is more than merely a conversation over issues of importance: it lies at the very core of our national existence." Stating that India was the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, the Sikh and Jain faiths, he said that the great teachings of Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism found fertile ground on the Indian shores.

"Today, every one of the world's major religions has a home in India, making it a nation of unparalleled diversity," he added. "Islam has flourished in our subcontinent for over thirteen hundred years and modern day India has 150 million members of the ummah," Ahamed elaborated. "Put another way, today approximately one in ten Muslims worldwide is an Indian. Christianity too came to our shores shortly after its birth in the holy lands. Indeed, the Christian tradition reached India well before it reached most other parts of the world. Similarly, the Jewish and Zoroastrian people have an ancient history of having freely and peacefully practiced their faith in India."

Inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue was not new to India, Ahamed explained. And while faith and belief sustain Indians in their search for answers to existential questions, in their daily lives, they also recognize the importance of science and a scientific temper, rational and liberal social practices and economic growth and productivity, to help improve their lives, Ahamed pointed out. Making a special reference to the southern Indian state of Kerala, Ahamed said, "The State that I hail from in India, Kerala, is an outstanding example of the tradition of promoting dialogue and understanding that is to be found in my country.

Through the ages, Kerala has witnessed the peaceful co-mingling of different cultures and religions. Kerala was the state where Arab Muslim traders first arrived as messengers of the Islamic faith. The village of Methala, near the city of Cranganore in Kerala, hosts the first mosque to be built in the Indian subcontinent, the Cheraman Juma Masjid. It was constructed around AD 629, during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet. Our history also records that in AD 52, St Thomas, one of the thirteen apostles of Christ, brought Christianity to Kerala, landing on its shores in a ship owned by a Jewish merchant. The ship docked at a port which was home to a large trading settlement of Jewish and other people, including from Rome, Syria, and elsewhere.

Indeed, it is in Kerala too that the Jewish people built what is now one of the oldest synagogues in the world. Today, the population of Kerala is almost equally divided amongst Hindus, Muslims and Christians." Further, Ahamed said dialogue amongst different cultures and religions is also important because it is precisely in the absence of such dialogue and understanding, that intolerance, bigotry and violence flourish. "This is one reason why extremist ideologies, violence and terrorism, have grown in a world in which we seem to be moving away from dialogue and understanding. There can be no disputing that terrorism, which is a manifestation of extremism, intolerance and violence, is the antithesis of all religions."

Ahamed said that India was troubled by the rise of intolerance worldwide, and by the increase in resources, financial and otherwise, that are being made available to violent and intolerant groups that misuse religion to justify and propagate their extremist agendas. "The effort to counter such tendencies diverts attention and much-needed resources from development efforts in a country like ours. It is therefore increasingly urgent that the nations of the world come together to tackle such evils." World communities need to send out a clear message emphasizing the importance of tolerance for the faiths and beliefs of others, he said.

"The UN Charter states that the peoples of the United Nations are determined to practice tolerance and live together in peace. We need to emphasize the responsibility of member states to do all in their power to promote tolerance and respect. Eventually, however, we will need to build a larger platform based upon tolerance, which stresses the fundamental equality of all cultural traditions, religions and faiths, and the essential truth that all human beings are equal before their creator," Ahamed said.

Ahamed concluded his speech with a quotation from the revered saint and social reformer of Kerala, Sri Narayana Guru. In a message to an All Religions Conference held in 1924, he had stated that: "This great Parliament of religions makes it abundantly clear that the ultimate goal of all religions is the same, so there is no need for followers of different religions to indulge in mutual conflict."

Heretical Chinese House Churches

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:55:00 +0000

One of the more insightful warnings Christians can receive bears on relationships with other Christians. It goes something like this: Do you want to ignore what other Christians say and do? That’s like giving your charitable donations to donkeys and reindeer.

That’s an alarm more deafening than the siren of a nearby fire station when you consider what’s happening among some house churches in China, as reported in the ‘Outlook” section of The Washington Post on Nov. 28, 2004.

Three Grades of Servants, a house church that claims to have several million followers, is organized around a fire-breathing leader named Xu Shuangfu. Xu claims God has given him special knowledge; and to cement his claim, he has reportedly ordered the killing of his Christian enemies.

Another house church, Eastern Lightning, is as hot and full of lava as Three Grades. It is the sworn enemy of Three Grades, and is just as heretical. Eastern Lightning believes Christ has already returned to Earth and now walks and bathes in the flesh of a Chinese peasant woman. Like Three Grades, Eastern Lightning tries to compel people to join its movement, allegedly by kidnapping leaders from other house churches and trying to brainwash them, until they willingly become members.

How should Christians worldwide respond to such heresy and satanic Christian beliefs?

Should we defend them? If we did, we would throw away the hammer of I Timothy 6:3, which says “Whoever teaches a different doctrine [than I teach] and does not agree with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching of our religion is swollen with pride and knows nothing.”

Should we hate them? If we did that, we would flush down the toilet the jewel of Luke 6:35, “Love your enemies and do good to them.”

Should we disregard them? If we did, we would break the loud, ringing doorbell of Galatians 6:1, “My brothers [and sisters], if someone is caught in any kind of [error], those of you who are spiritual should set that person right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so you will not be tempted too."

Undoing a Catholic and an Orthodox Christian Feud

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:54:00 +0000

There’s an anecdote about twins still in their mother’s womb. They argued about who should come out first. One of the embryos complained “I’m the most beautiful; I should be born first.”

“Maybe you are beautiful,” responded the other, “but I’m the strongest; I should ooze out first.”

The pair pushed and shoved in their mother’s uterus until their umbilical cords broke. The mother miscarried and both fetuses perished.

Divisiveness is a scoundrel who can’t leave without being pushed and who won’t leave without being forced. He is the star in his own drama.

How many times have Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians seen his film in the theater of Christian dispute?

Pope John Paul II has waged war against divisions within Christianity in hopes of hastening a curtain call to these stains on divine memory. We wish him well. Selfishness, theology, self-righteousness and conceit are the emcees that have broadcast disunity among Christian communities for centuries.

But the Pope took a welcomed step in his battle. He recently returned the bones of John Chrysostom and Gregory Nazianzen to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians. These honored ancient leaders’ graves were looted from Constantinople, today known as Istanbul in Turkey, in 1204 by Catholic marauders during the Fourth Crusade.

In 1054, from Constantinople and beyond to Rome and beyond, division immigrated to Christianity. The Eastern Orthodox Church broke with the Catholic Church because the two branches of Catholicism differed over rites, the wording of prayers, the use of unleavened bread in the Catholic Eucharist, territory, church calendar and other matters.

Pope Paul speeded up his quest after Orthodox leaders accused Rome of trying to evangelize Eastern believers, especially in the Ukraine and Romania. To assure the Orthodox Church Rome had no intention of stealing Orthodox believers, the Pontiff offered to return the bones.

Matthew 5:23-24 says “If you offer your gift at the altar and there remember someone has something against you, leave your gift before the altar. First, go and reconcile yourself to that person, then come and offer your gift.”

Despite the embargoes Catholics and Protestants have established between each other and within their own borders, we hope Christians worldwide will look downrange from their own hills and someday migrate toward the plains of unity, using this episode between Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians as an example.

Which is the Right Religion?

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:53:00 +0000

Observation shows that human creative activity has a physical, a social and a spiritual aspect. (By human creative activity I mean useful and constructive activity by human beings). The physical aspect of our creative activity concerns our activity in relation to the physical universe. The social aspect relates mainly to human behaviour and interaction amongst humans. The spiritual aspect of our creative activity primarily concerns our activity in relation to God. Over time, mankind has acquired considerable knowledge of the physical universe. This knowledge has been classified as the physical and natural sciences. Knowledge we have acquired of human behaviour and interaction amongst humans has been classified as social science.

But this has not been the case with knowledge we have of the spiritual aspect of life. Such knowledge has not been classified as spiritual science. This is so because much of what at present constitute spiritual facts and beliefs cannot be considered as science. A lot of such facts are not backed by proof and many of the beliefs are not founded on reason. Unverifiable conjectures about phenomena and existence beyond this life are professed as truths. The situation at present is such that spiritual works available to us contain fiction, misconceptions, superstition and falsehood in addition to actual facts. I will use some examples from the Christian teaching and Holy Bible to illustrate this point.

Consider the Bible account of the creation of Man and his fall from grace, (the Bible, Genesis 2:7-24 3:1-24).

We are told that God created Adam and Eve and established them in the Garden of Eden where He had made adequate provisions for their needs. All went well until the serpent came along and deceived them into disobeying God. The act of disobedience in the Garden of Eden caused Adam and Eve to lose favour with God. Christians believe that the sinfulness of Adam and Eve subsequently passed on to all generations of mankind. That, in their thinking, is responsible for mankind’s fall from grace and the human proneness to commit sin. The Christian concept of original sin which is that sinfulness is a part of mankind’s nature is founded on this Bible story.

Now let us examine this Bible account rationally. It has been scientifically established that mankind has inhabited the earth for over a million years. The coming into existence of the human being is, therefore, a primeval event that is prehistoric and immemorial. Surely, any account of this event cannot be anything but an invention. Moreover, the incidents related in this Bible story are inconsistent with natural phenomena. God does not talk. Snakes do not have the faculty of speech. Knowledge is not gained by eating the fruit of a tree, neither is it possible to attain everlasting life in this way. This tale, by all indications, is only a Jewish fable. It is not a true account of real events. However, Christianity accepts it as a factual historical event and has built its all-important concept of original sin on it. Clearly, this is a case of fiction being passed for fact.

Let us go on to consider the concepts of heaven and hell as propagated by the Christian faith. Heaven, we are told, is the home of God where people who do God’s will on earth will spend eternity with Him in bliss. Hell, on the other hand, is the place of punishment where those who lived sinful lives will suffer everlasting torment after death.

Now let us think seriously about these issues. God does not have physical substance, God is spirit. Because spirit has no physical limitations, God is everywhere at all times. In other words, God has infinite presence. Since God is infinite in expanse, so to speak, it does not make sense to say that God has a particular place of residence. The concept of home is a physical concept which has no application in the spiritual realm. Reason clearly shows that heaven, in actual fact, does not exist.

And to the question of hell. Forgiveness is a cardinal moral principle of the Christian faith. Jesus Christ in his teachings stated unequivocally that we should always forgive others no matter how many times they offend us. If one desires to commune with God, one must have a forgiving heart, he taught. How then can we think of God as being so unforgiving as to establish a place of everlasting torment for those who go against His will. The very idea of hell implies that God is wicked and unchristian. It is, without doubt, a misconception to associate God who is infinitely good with such a cruel idea. In reality, heaven and hell are misconceptions that have passed for spiritual facts.

Let us now consider superstition in the Bible. The gospel tells us about a father who brought his epileptic son to Jesus Christ for healing, (Luke 9:37-43). The account says that Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy. It came out of him and the boy was instantly cured.

Let us examine this report in the light of our knowledge of medical science. Epilepsy is a nervous disease and we know from medical science that demons are not responsible for illness. There is actually no proof that evil spirits exist. The belief in their existence and that they are responsible for ailments is irrational. Such belief amounts to superstition.

And now to the matter of falsehood in the Bible. We shall examine the Bible account of the conception of Jesus Christ by the Holy Ghost and the reports of his resurrection and ascension.

Knowledge is usually brought to mankind through people of high intelligence. In some cases such people are gifted with extra-ordinary mental or creative abilities. People like this, referred to as men of genius, very often take us to new levels in knowledge of the universe. One such person was the mathematical genius, Albert Einstein, who brought us exciting new knowledge of the physical universe. Jesus Christ belonged to this class of people. He was a luminary who made revolutionary contributions to spiritual knowledge.

Unfortunately, the Jewish educated class of his time did not understand or accept him. That probably explains why he chose his disciples from amongst the uneducated, fishermen and the like. These followers, who obviously were not men of high intelligence, did not recognize him for what he was which was simply a man of extra-ordinary mental abilities and learning. His remarkable accomplishments were, rather, what made profound impressions on them.

It is reported that he healed all manner of sickness, raised the dead, and fed thousands of people with few loaves and pieces of fish. We are told that he walked on water, waves became still at his command and a fig tree that he cursed withered. They (his followers) were awed by these incidents and began to perceive him as a deity. Jesus Christ noticed this idolization and at the end of one of his sermons said to his followers and the crowd present, (Luke 6: 46-49).

"Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I tell you? Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like, he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock and when the flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it has been well built. But he who hears and does not do them is ike a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great".

Jesus Christ was clearly not happy that he was being idolized while little attention was paid to his message. He was just a genius who had used his extra-ordinary talent to gain profound spiritual knowledge. His primary concern was to impart this knowledge to others. His desire was for people to listen, learn and practice what he was teaching them.

After his death, however, his followers who did not fully understand him or his work declared him deity. To lend credence to this claim, they presented us with the story of his conception by the Holy Ghost and the tales of his resurrection and ascension.

Let us now subject these things to logical reasoning. Spirit does not have physical substance. A thing that does not have physical substance cannot be divided, reproduced, split or apportioned into two or more separate and different units. Spirit, therefore, cannot exist in the form of separate and individual entities. This means that you cannot have one spirit called, say, Michael, separate and different from another spirit called, say, Gabriel, separate and different from another one called, say, Satan, etc. Existence in this form is a physical phenomenon that does not occur in the spiritual realm. It logically follows that there can be only one spirit in existence. That spirit is God. Clearly, no Holy Ghost exists and Mary the mother of Jesus was not made pregnant by any such spirit. Let me add at this point that the human being does not have a spirit or soul. Our mind, which creates the illusion of a spirit in our body, is actually a mechanism of the brain by which we perceive and experience spiritual as well as physical phenomena.

Logical reasoning has shown that there can be only one spirit in existence and also that heaven does not exist. Going by these conclusions, the tales of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ do not make sense. If there can be only one spirit in existence, what then did Jesus Christ become after he resurrected? If heaven does not exist, where then did he ascend to? The claims of a resurrection and an ascension are inconsistent with logically established spiritual realities.

The Bible account of the conception of Jesus Christ by the Holy Ghost and the reports of his resurrection and ascension are definitely falsehood.

The occurrence of untruths, conjectures and fallacies in current spiritual teachings is not peculiar to the Christian faith. I have found a high incidence of this flaw in other spiritual works and teachings that I have come in contact with. I am, however, hopeful that my spiritual works will help clarify matters and also enable mankind to gain full spiritual enlightenment.

My spiritual knowledge was obtained by study and experimentation with spiritual facts and principles, by observation of spiritual phenomena, and by logical reasoning. It qualifies for classification as science. The knowledge I bring I therefore present as a branch of learning I have called Spiritual Science. The aim and scope of Spiritual Science are to provide such spiritual knowledge of existence as will enable mankind gain complete happiness and success in life.

God has endowed me with extra-ordinary mental abilities. It is by His grace that I have gained full spiritual knowledge of existence. I recognize my moral obligation to share this knowledge with others and help others gain full spiritual enlightenment. I have a duty to work for the spiritual enlightenment of mankind. It is my fervent hope that you will maintain an open mind and try to comprehend the spiritual knowledge which I bring to you. Being fully enlightened spiritually will enable you to live your life the right way. When you live the right way you will undoubtedly find complete joy and success in life. May the grace of the Almighty God be with you always.

Do We Really Need God?

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Mon, 26 May 2008 09:52:00 +0000

The human being is endowed with ability. We have the capacity to do things. However, our ability is inherently limited. The human being is not almighty and so cannot accomplish all things. Because human capability is finite we find that a person cannot by his own powers alone ensure the success of all his pursuits and undertakings in life. A human being is not able to ensure his good health and the safety of his life at all times. A human being is not able to ensure his welfare throughout life. The fact that we experience anxiety, worry, fear and doubt is clear indication that our ability is not always sufficient to handle life’s hazards, difficulties and challenges.

We all desire happiness, good health and success in life. Yet on our own we cannot guarantee the attainment or maintenance of this state of things we desire. What this means is that for us to satisfy these cravings we need help from a power much greater than ourselves. This almighty power we need is God.

The human being, obviously, needs the help of God in order to live a completely happy and successful life.

Mankind’s need for God has always been there. Our search after Him is an age-long one. The early man, undoubtedly, had to face great odds in his struggle for survival. The hazards he had to contend with were indeed enormous. He had little protection against the elements. He was prone to ravage by disease. There was the ever present risk of being devoured by wild animals. He was not always sure of getting the food he needed. There was no guarantee he would succeed whenever he left his cave to roam the wild in search of food. There was also the risk of being struck down by other savages. He did come to realize that on his own he could not cope successfully with life’s hazards and challenges. He did feel the need to reach out to a power much greater than himself to help ensure his safety and survival. His worship of rivers, trees, hills and other objects was obviously undertaken in the hope of getting the help and protection he evidently needed.

Our circumstances today are a lot different. Yet we still have to face hazards, difficulties and challenges which we cannot always meet successfully as a result of natural limitations in our ability. Now think about this. That pursuit or undertaking which means so much to you, maybe it is an examination, or a job interview or a business deal maybe it is an official task or a performance or some treatment you are undergoing, are you able to ensure that it will turn out successfully? Can you ensure that the next time you wave goodbye to your loved ones and leave home, you will not be killed in a road mishap? That you will not wake up tomorrow to find that you have a malignant tumour that will claim your life within a few weeks? Are you able to ensure that you will not lose your job and so find yourself unable to provide for yourself and your loved ones? That your business will not fail and you fall into financial ruin?

What about the safety and well-being of your loved ones? Can you guarantee that the loved one who went shopping will not be shot dead in an attack by armed robbers? Are you able to guarantee that your child who left for school happily in the morning will not be abducted and not make it back home alive? That loved whose return you are eagerly awaiting, can you ensure that he or she will not be killed in a car or a plane crash, that your reunion will not take place at the morgue? Can you ensure that the loved one who is so alive and well today will not succumb to illness in the days ahead and you find yourself plunged into grief?

The possibilities that a person will experience failure or misfortune in life are endless. The simple fact is that we need the help of God in order to successfully face the hazards, difficulties and challenges of life. Life cannot be completely happy and successful without God.

What 'That 70's Show' Taught Me About Christianity

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Sat, 24 May 2008 09:50:00 +0000

What in the world could I have possibly learned about Christianity from "That 70's Show"? I'm sure that's what everyone is thinking right about now.

Well today I was watching it and the episode was about the family going to church and generally their take on religion. The kids didn't want to go and the mom wanted them to because she kept having these dreams about how if she wasn't a "Good Christian" and taking her kids to church God wasn't going to let her into heaven.

The dad didn't like going to church because it was boring and he didn't see any point to it. The daughter kept hitting on the youth pastor and overall it was a pretty funny show...but I digress. What it taught me was that people need to know what being a Christian really means to us and to God!

What do you think would have been the kids reaction to going to church if they realized that they didn't have to go? Do you think they would of wanted to go because they wanted to get to know the God that sent his son Jesus to die on the Cross for their sins? Do you think the mom's life would of been a lot less stressful if she realized she wasn't responsible for the fate of herself and her family? That she could of gotten into heaven the way she imagined by just accepting God's gift of salvation by faith? And the daughter that kept flirting with the youth pastor? Well, she probably wouldn't have been looking to satisfy her need for intimacy with so many different people when she realized how much God loved her and desired her companionship.

It's amazing how much it would help the lives of these people on "That 70's Show" if they realized who they were and who God is. Would it change your life if you knew these things? God created you and me and loves us very much (Genesis 1:1). He gave us all life and deserves our love and gratitude. But we chose to disobey Him and all of us has failed to do what is right (Romans 3:23). We may not be as sinful as that guy down the street or we may be even worse than him or anyone else we know; but either way we are ALL guilty before God (1 John 1:8).

God is a perfect, completely good, and always just. Because of this He can't overlook the fact that we have all sinned. The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). The fair punishment we deserve for our rebellion against God is death.

Jesus, the only Son of God, came to earth and lived a perfect sinless life--he was completely innocent. He received the punishment that we deserved when he was crucified on the cross, he took it all upon himself--the death sentence that should of been ours. (Romans 5:8) But he did not remain dead, after three days he rose from the grave and later ascended into heaven. And he will return one day. Jesus died for you. You can be saved by asking Him for forgiveness from your sins. If you are willing to repent of your sin, He is waiting to forgive you. It doesn't matter what you have done in the past, if you cry out to Jesus for forgiveness, He won't reject you. The word "repent" literally means "to turn away from." You need to look at your life, admit that you are a sinner, genuinely desire to turn your back on that sin, and ask Him to forgive you. If you do this, He promises to forgive you.

True Christianity is not about attending a particular church, or trying to make your behavior fit some model of how a Christian should act. Being a Christian means that you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that He is your Savior. Jesus is always present. He can hear you now if you ask Him for forgiveness. If you want to pray and ask Jesus to be your Savior, you can say a prayer something like this:

"Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. The truth is that I have sinned by my choice, and I am responsible for it. I know that the fair punishment for my sin is death. Jesus, I believe that You died in my place. Forgive me for my sin. I am relying totally on You because I know that I can do nothing to fix my situation. I repent. Come into my life, take away my sin, and give me the life that you've promised me."

If you have prayed this, YOU ARE SAVED! You are now completely forgiven, a new creation, holy and blameless in the eyes of God. If you messed up here and there, don't worry, the words are not what's important--they are just simply our faith being expressed through prayer.

Congratulations and welcome to the family of God!

The Purpose of Creation: the Kabbalah of Transformation

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Thu, 22 May 2008 09:49:00 +0000

”I want to know how God created this world. I am not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know His thoughts; the rest are details”. – Albert Einstein

“…I would ask, ‘Why was the universe created?’ Because then I would know the meaning of my own life.” -- Albert Einstein

G-d is infinite and ungraspable. By definition, the more we understand, the more there is to understand.

But to know how G-d created this world, His intent and purpose, not only is possible, but part of our mission on this earth.

Kabbalah is the key.

Some traditions describe our world as a school; a place where souls come and go in order to learn important lessons. But, even though incarnation in a physical body is the vehicle through which the soul expresses itself and its potential, this is far from the whole story.

Life in a body does more than usher the soul through a series of developmental stages. The ultimate aim of life in a body is to provide us with the chance to become intimate with G-d, to ‘know His thoughts’.

Kabbalah explains that there are many levels of spiritual beings, such as angels, and that all of these are powerfully aware of their spiritual source. In fact, this experience is the most important feature of their existence. It defines who and what they are. To these beings, the experience of G-d is all encompassing. They relate to Him like a humble and insignificant servant relates to a great and mighty king. The servant’s entire life is devoted to the king; the king is his whole reality. But the two remain separated by an enormous, unbridgeable chasm. The servant will serve the king faithfully, but he will never be able to relate to him.

This is not true for us.

Paradoxically, it is precisely through our limiting experience as souls in physical bodies that we can come to know G-d. We will know Him not only from a distance, as servants, but up close and personal. Passionately. Intimately.

Let’s look at why.

G-d is ‘above it all’, independent of, all circumstances; Creator and source. He is the only reality. Everything else that exists is only a highly limited expression of Him. The beings that inhabit the many spiritual worlds all take vast pleasure in His presence, praise and serve Him. But beyond that they are passive recipients. Like rays of sunlight to the sun, they experience and express the light of their source, but no more than that.

Physical beings are different. By definition, we physical beings, in our untransformed state, cannot sense our spiritual source. Instead of experiencing G-d as the center of our existence, as the sun, and ourselves as a ray of sunlight, we feel like the center. We ourselves, and our own perspective, are more real to us than anything else.

It is our nature to feel sourceless, separate, alone, and centered in our own unique and limited experience. Despite the fact that G-d is the only reality, our experience contradicts this fact. Instead, we inevitably experience ourselves, our circumstances and our perspective as real and G-d as a concept.

This is as far as you can get from the truth.

In addition, this essential isolation and self-centeredness is the root cause of most of the conflict and suffering that human beings experience. We are cut off from the larger picture. We are disconnected from each other. We feel insubstantial and vulnerable. We compete for resources, like love, attention, success, recognition and money. Much of the time we experience life as the struggle for physical and emotional survival.

For all of these reasons, Kabbalah calls this physical world “the lowest world”.

But paradoxically, this ‘lowest world’ is where all the action is. This is the only place where the purpose of Creation can be fulfilled. This is true because of our uniquely limited nature, because of the fact that we feel sourceless, solid and alone. Only we physical beings have the potential to actually ‘relate’ to G-d, who is in fact, sourceless, and ‘alone’ - the only reality.

Here’s the paradox: As long as we are in the dark, blind to our source, we remain the ‘lowest world’, a world of darkness, suffering and evil.

But, when we begin to see through our own limitations to our source and purpose, we become the highest. We will always maintain the sense of unique ‘selfness’ and solidity that makes us human, but this ‘selfness’ will be fully illuminated by something beyond the limitations of our human experience. We will gain a tangible awareness of G-d’s presence and purpose in every detail of our human lives. What initially concealed the truth will ultimately reveal it.

Through this process, this physical, ‘lowest’ world will become the place where G-d is most fully expressed, His true home.

This transformation is the purpose of creation. You are here to take a world that is blind to the truth, filled with darkness, negativity and evil, and transform it into a home for G-d. To reconnect with your source. To allow the light of your soul, and the awareness of your Creator, to shine through the limitations of your solid, physical body and linear mind.

In embracing this mission, you will begin by transforming yourself and your environment. More and more, you will live a life that is an expression of your own highest potential. And in doing so, you will create an inhabitable world; a world that is a joy to live in, a true home.

This is the ultimate win-win. And, by the way, it’s the ultimate reward. Kabbalah views the afterlife as a temporary stopping place between one incarnation and the next, where learning is processed, corrections made, and the soul cleansed and refreshed. The real reward is here, on earth, as evolved souls, in transformed bodies, in a transformed world. Sharing a home with G-d.

We are in the final stage of the transformation process, at the end of the millennia of darkness and separation. It is time to reconnect with our source. Our souls sense this, even if our consciousness is a step behind. That’s why so many of us are searchers. And that’s why for the first time, the Divine wisdom of Kabbalah has been made available to ordinary people.

As a culture we have begun the transition from blindness and self-centeredness to wisdom and purpose. We are becoming searchers. It’s possible now – with the right knowledge and with sincere effort - to see through the walls of our physical existence to the true nature and purpose of life. To begin to know the thoughts of G-d.

In this process, Kabbalah is our guide.

Kabbalah as the blueprint for Creation, is the inner spiritual process through which G-d creates, sustains and transforms our world. Since it is the blueprint, studying Kabbalah will automatically give you insights into the workings of your own soul and the world around you.

And, because we are entering the climax of history, the path of authentic Kabbalah has been opened to every person, Jewish or otherwise, who sincerely wishes to reach his highest potential as a human being created in the image of G-d.

As a side effect, it will change your world.

What about the 4400?

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Tue, 20 May 2008 09:48:00 +0000

Murders are so frequent in our country that a single homicide seldom grabs national attention unless the perpetrator or the victim is already a celebrity. Even a double murder is not national news. It takes multiple murders to make the headlines, CNN, and the network evening news.

The Oklahoma bombing of April 19, 1995, which monopolized the news for days, claimed 167 lives and wounded nearly 500. The TWA flight 800 disaster of July 19, 1996 snuffed out the lives of 212 passengers and 17 crew members. Of course, there's also the 3000-plus people who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

When a disaster of this magnitude happens, the entire nation focuses attention on the families of the dead and the hurting. Nothing seems more important than to discover why this occurred and what can be done to stop it from happening again.

Disasters elsewhere in the world can also claim our attention for a few days, provided enough people have suffered death or injury. The Bhopal, India, disaster (Dec. 3, 1984) killed over 4000 and injured thousands more. The Pan Am Flight 103 explosion over Lockerbie, Scotland (Dec. 21, 1988), killed over 200, including 35 U.S. college students. And of course, most recently, there are the hundreds of thousands of victims of the tsunami of December 26, 2004. We hear of such disasters in shocked disbelief. We sympathize, we even weep, we pray for the victims' families.

Yet on each succeeding day in the U.S. alone, 4400 human lives are ended by abortion. Yesterday 4400 died, today another 4400, and tomorrow 4400 more. Any disaster anywhere in the world claiming that many lives in one day would command the center of the media spotlight. It would launch congressional investigations, shut down whole industries for a safety inspection, or prompt relief organizations to launch a massive fund-raising campaign. None of this happens for today's 4400. No one notices, few seem to care.

For each one of the 4400 there is a hurting mother, father, and grandparents. Doctors, nurses, health workers, and others are affected by the tragedy. A host of people are either grieving or becoming calloused to the hurt.

God has commissioned His saints to care for the weak and helpless, to defend those who have no other defender (Ps. 82:3-4; Ezek. 34:4; Acts 20:35). What are we doing for today's 4400? Are we concerned for their families? Does it matter to us what has happened? Tomorrow another 4400 will be killed. What of them?

The Tsunami: A Wake-up Call

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Sun, 18 May 2008 09:45:00 +0000

In looking back on the year that has just ended—a year filled with the horrors of war and of natural disasters such as last fall’s hurricanes—one would have to be callous not to mention the earthquake and tsunamis. The devastation seems to get worse every hour as new reports, images, and statistics come in. Yet from the moment it happened the day after Christmas, one felt that in spite of the tremendous destruction that was unleashed, God was and is at work, even if his plan has not yet been revealed to us.

The sheer magnitude of this event cannot be comprehended by the human mind. So let us not get caught up in the number of the dead, the injured, the missing and the homeless. We need to become quiet in order to really take in what has happened; we need to ask ourselves, “What is it that God is saying to the whole world?”

The tsunamis show us that we are not in control of our lives, though God is. Death snatched away rich and poor, tourist and native, with no respect for who they were. There was no time for final goodbyes.

Having been in India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia—all nations that have been hit by the tsunamis—this disaster affects me personally. I have seen the poverty these people live under even in the best of times. What hits hardest is the untold number of children who died. Many of them will never even be found. Picture their parents’ grief!

As tens of thousands of bereaved families mourn the loved ones they have lost, one wonders, “Why does God allow this to happen? Why, if death is his mortal enemy, does he allow it to destroy so many people?” In this life we may never find a satisfactory answer to that question. Yet we must still hang on to our faith that God is Love, and that no dark power can ever overcome him, even though, at a time like this, it looks as if that is the case. We must remember God’s promise that one day, every tear will be dried.

Only time will tell if this disaster is a taste of similar things to come. One cannot but think of the “bowls of the wrath of God on the earth” that are foretold in the Book of Revelation. One thing is certain: we cannot just go on living as usual. Life is too precious, and as this event has shown us, it can be over in an instant.

We do not need to weep for those who have died. They are all with God, as we are told: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… They will rest from their labors, and their works will follow them.” We need to weep and pray for all those who remain alive, for the millions who are suffering hunger and thirst, and facing diseases such as cholera and malaria. Many will surely suffer excruciating deaths.

Meanwhile, we ought to ask ourselves how much time we are still spending considering the meaning of this disaster and praying about it. Only a week has gone by since it occurred, but many people have already returned to petty pursuits like hunting for post-Christmas bargains at the mall. Even on the news, this event is beginning to fade--it’s back to Janet Jackson.

We care so little about the rest of the human race. Nothing matters as long as it isn't us. Yet it could be us next time; it is an eleventh-hour warning. So few of us take that to heart.

World leaders have criticized our president for his initial lame pledge of support for the countries stricken by the tsunamis. What would happen if we counteracted their justified concern by pulling all of our troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and sending them on to southern Asia to provide disaster relief?

Our supposedly Christian nation pumps billions of dollars into military-related technology and into the war against terror. Yet if we would have spent a fraction of that on a wave warning system, millions of lives could have been saved. In this case, animals were smarter than human beings—they sensed what was coming and headed to higher ground.

It is true that dozens of relief organizations and national governments are now pouring aid into the affected region. Yet even all that will only be a drop in the bucket. May all of us who live in relative comfort be stirred to action and remember that in God’s eyes, every deed of love to our neighbor—near or far—is of utmost importance. In light of this disaster, what does that mean? Are we grateful for what we have? Do we and our children thank God every night for a warm house, for food, and work?

A word of comfort to those who have lost loved ones, or are still searching for them: I believe the sky above the Indian Ocean was filled with angels bringing all these souls to God. To me, the fact that this earthquake struck just a day after Christmas is significant. It reminds us that we need to re-learn what it means to bow to the Child in the manger. Herod and the powerful of Jerusalem were so frightened of this little child, that he ordered the slaughter of innocent children.

In light of the current world situation, we could be frightened too. But as we are reminded in these lines from Psalm 46, we have a place to turn:

God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore we shall not be afraid, even though the earth be removed;and though mountains are carried into the midst of the sea… though its waters are troubled and roar; though mountains shake with its swelling; though nations rage, and kingdoms are moved…. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations! The Lord of Hosts is with us forever. The God of Jacob is our refuge.

A Call to Action

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Tue, 13 May 2008 04:14:00 +0000

Over the last week I have received dozens of heart-rending and thought-provoking responses to my latest article, and I am thankful for each of them. Personally, I believe the tsunami and its aftermath is the most serious issue now facing humankind. The “war on terror” in Iraq and Afghanistan looks like child’s play in comparison. We need to talk about it and share with one another so that it can continue to shake us—and bring us together. If you have lost a friend or relative, or if you have friends who lost loved ones, I am especially eager to hear from you. The story of each human being, rich or poor, tourist or native, survivor or victim, must concern us.

The question, “What about the dead?” is burning in many of my readers, and probably in millions of people. One woman who wrote said, “The teachings of Christ make it very clear that one must put one's faith in him to go to the Father in heaven.” That may be so. But what about those who do not express faith in Him? Can they still be saved, or will they be condemned?

I believe Christ's words are always final. But that does not mean I understand them. Indeed, there is much that we humans will never understand. His words reflect a holy mystery that cannot be unlocked by the intellect, but only by the heart.

Simone Weil, a Jewish convert to Christianity, grasped this when she wrote:

Christ does not save all those who say to him, “Lord, Lord.” But he saves all those who out of a pure heart give a piece of bread to a starving man, without thinking about him the least little bit. And these, when he thanks them, reply: “Lord, when did we feed thee?”... An atheist and an “infidel”, capable of pure compassion, are as close to God as is a Christian, and consequently know him equally well, although their knowledge is expressed in other words, or remains unspoken. For God is Love.

It was because of God’s love that Jesus became human, and took upon himself the sin and suffering of humankind. It was because of God’s love that Jesus rose from the dead and liberated a host of Satan’s captives. Is it our place to condemn souls?

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” And Paul says that “neither height nor depth, nor death, nor anything, can separate us from the love of Christ.”

Some of you called my article premature. One reader said, “We who have lost kin need time to come to terms with that loss... We have no bodies to bury… This is the time simply to hug folk and love them.”

Another wrote, “Our religious order has lost around 130 sisters and monks who worked among the very poor in the affected region. The wounds and grief are raw, and the losses still have not sunk in… We need time to weep and mourn and get used to the empty spaces that are suddenly in our lives..”

My heart goes out to you who live in the midst of the tragedy. Your words ring true. For those of us who live far away, however, there is the danger of getting back to our normal daily pursuits and blocking out what doesn’t directly affect us. To let this happen is to turn a deaf ear to God’s language.

Let me clarify here that I do not see this disaster so much as a judgment on the directly affected nations as a call to the rest of us. Let us not act like those described in John’s Revelation, who “were not killed by the plagues, but would not repent nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver… Nor did they repent of their thievery, their murders, their sorcery and immorality.”

In this connection I would like to share a short midrash (scriptural commentary) recently sent to me by a friend: As the Israelites crossed the Red Sea to freedom, the Egyptians pursuing them drowned. Witnessing this, the angels in heaven cheered and danced. God silenced them and asked, “How can you rejoice when my children are dying?”

This is a vital point: rather than dismiss as “unsaved” all the non-Christians who died—and continue our lives unmoved—the only fitting response to the events of the past weeks can be to repent.

God willing, my wife and I and others from our church will visit some of the hardest hit areas in Indonesia in the near future, and gain a glimpse of the unimaginable suffering there. We pray that such a trip will change us.

A Partnership With God

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:12:00 +0000

Hey, God is trying to partner with you! He wants you, to invite Him, into your life. God says: Draw nearer to me; and I will draw nearer to you (James 4:8). However, you've chosen to operate as a soul proprietor. God is willing to take all your worries, all your cares and all your problems. In return, He is offering eternal life, a perfect peace, unconditional love and riches in your house. The contract further stipulates that God will always protect and take care of you. It is agreed that the Power belongs to God (Psalms 62:11), but is yours for the asking. God hereby designates that He will provide all your needs and give you joy, unspeakable.

I really don't think it gets any better than this. I mean, who really succeeds in anything alone? Many of us often wonder: Why can't I get ahead? Is it possible that we can't get ahead because we keep leaving God, behind? When we partner with God, we trust, whole-heartedly that He can and will take care of us. We live our lives knowing that God has everything in control. Whereas, when we choose to operate as a soul proprietor, we tell God that we are in control and that He is not invited to be a part of our lives. This illustrates a lack of trust and a lack of knowing. How can we ever be successful under these conditions?

Give God a partnership in your life today and immediately receive the keys to His Kingdom.

Mystery, not Myth: Jesus Christ is real!

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:11:00 +0000

In the children's section of any bookstore, books on the birth of Jesus stand next to Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk. The same parents who describe Santa Claus so convincingly also tell their children of Another who knows if they've been "naughty or nice." No wonder many children cast aside the Father and the Son at about the time they give up their belief in the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny.

But the Gospel Story is not myth or fairy tale. It is history--as solidly believable as Julius Caesar and Caesar Augustus. Look at any calendar. The prefixes Sept-, Oct-, Nov-, and Dec- should designate months 7, 8, 9, and 10, not 9, 10, 11, and 12. Why are they off by two digits? Because in their egotism two powerful men, namely Julius Caesar and Caesar Augustus, inserted months to honor themselves, pushing the succeeding months back in the year. The calendar's misnamed months testify to the two rulers’ historicity.

The same is true with regard to the year on the calendar. Each passing year recalls the blessed moment when "The Word became flesh and pitched a tent among us" (John 1:14). And every stock market report and checkbook entry, every video camera's electronic brain and every letter's postmark, whisper in unison, “He actually lived, truly and literally, in real space and time!"

John cannot be misunderstood: "We heard Him, we saw Him with our eyes, we looked at Him, and our hands touched Him" (1 John 1:1). Paul says Christ was raised and appeared to eyewitnesses, many of whom were still alive to affirm it 25 years later (1 Cor. 15:5-8).

For all of us who follow Him, the story can end, "and they lived happily ever after," because of this very reason: it does not begin with "Once upon a time," but "Once, for all time."

Thoughts on the Road to Emmaus

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:07:00 +0000

“. . . their eyes were opened, and they recognized him . . .” –Luke 24:31

Two friends—people who had known Jesus, who had walked with Him, talked with Him, and eaten meals with Him every day for three years didn’t recognize Him even on a long walk down a dusty road. Have you ever wondered about that? I have. How could that possibly be?

The reality is: the disciples were looking at a man who happened to be traveling along the same road they were. They did not see Jesus because they did not expect to see Jesus.

How many times on our walks through life do we not see Jesus? How many times do we talk with a co-worker or a parent or a child or a friend or even someone we have never met before and fail to recognize that this person holds a precious piece of Our Lord and Savior within them? And because we don’t recognize Jesus in them, we treat them not as we would treat Jesus, but as just our friend, or just our co-worker, or just our child.

It must make Jesus terribly sad that for all our flowery words and pious presumptions, we still do not recognize Him in each other.

Moreover, consider this: Is it possible that in religious settings, we look at one another, and instead of seeing Jesus, we see only the other person’s religion, their label? And because we don’t see Jesus, we say, "You are so obviously not spiritual—look, you stand when we are kneeling, or you use crucifixes instead of picturing the risen Lord, or you pray to statues and icons instead of to the living God, or you don’t have our label, and so, obviously God is not going to let you into His kingdom."

Thus, we spend so much time questioning each other's commitment to Jesus and so much time fighting over man-made rules and laws that we forget about those people who are lost and hurting. We forget to do God's real work—ministering to those who are hungry for His word and His truths to come into their lives. Instead, having been seduced by Satan to believe that God's kingdom is some kind of exclusive club, we spend our time fighting with each other about who is going to get in and completely fail to see that the world is going to hell around us.

However, we have the choice to open our eyes and commit ourselves to do God’s work here on earth. Rather than judging, we can reach out to the lost souls—not by telling them about God's love, but by showing them how great God’s love is. Witnessing by how we live and how we treat one another, so that they look to us and say, "I want to be like them. I want what they have." And then maybe God's grace will touch their hearts and make them ask, "How do I get it? What do they have that I don't?"

But living this way hinges on whether or not we see Jesus in every single person we happen to walk down a path with in our day-to-day lives. When we look at another person, do we see someone who is worthy of Christ’s message? Someone whom God loves beyond measure? Do we see Jesus Himself—lost, hurting, and alone? Or do we see just another person.

I tell you truly, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me. —Matthew 25:45

Think about the inherent admonition in these words. Our goal should be to treat others not as we want to be treated but as we would treat Jesus Himself. That is God's real work. We are commissioned to spend our time ministering to God’s children—rather than trying to improve our status in His eyes or to impress one another.

By opening our eyes to Jesus’ presence in the those around us, we will come to see His spirit manifesting in our own lives. And thus we can say as the disciples did at the conclusion to the Emmaus story,

“Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road . . .”—Luke 24:32

Open your eyes. This opportunity is with you right now. Don’t waste this chance to get to know the Jesus who is in your midst at this very moment.

Isn't There But One God?

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Sun, 04 May 2008 13:38:00 +0000

I heard a pastor say, regarding people of the Muslim faith, “Too bad they are praying to the wrong God!” This was during a Sunday morning sermon. I flinched. Doesn’t the Bible say that there is only one God? I believe it does. I found at least six scripture references:

Mal 2:10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

Mar 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

1Cr 8:6 But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him.

Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.

1Ti 2:5 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Jam 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

I recall Osama Bin Laden asking, during one of his taped messages, “Where was your God . . .?” (during the September 11 attacks in 2001). I also recall that only about 10% of the number of people that are usually in the twin towers died that day. Did “our God” not take care of the other 90%? Did “their God” not help them in their mission? It seems to me that “one God” dealt with both factions the best He could and still keep His promises.

Does it matter that some call God “Jehovah“? Should it matter if some label their Lord by the name “Buddha“, or “Mohammed“, or “Jesus“? Should it matter if they refer to the Bible or to the Koran? Is not a rose by any other name still a rose? Are we not all brothers and sisters, regardless of religion, or politics, or color of our skin, or geography? I remember a scene in the movie, "Oh, God!", in which George Burns, as God, answers a question from religious leaders about Jesus, Mohammed, and Buddha. He stated, as best I recall, "They were all my sons." Of course, that was just a movie, wasn't it?

I, and my wife, Carolyn Richards, attempt to get the message across during our Christian concerts that "Prayer Works!" Prayer works for everyone, regardless of religion, or politics, or skin color, or sex, or any other physical or emotional difference. It seems to be a law of the universe as surely as the Law of Gravity is. There can be only one "god", one "force", one "cosmic consciousness", or one "higher power" that makes prayer work, regardless what labels we put on it! Perhaps we would all get along better if everyone realized this. The differences here on earth are ours, not God's.

Top Ten Religion Quotations

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Sat, 03 May 2008 13:36:00 +0000

Review your religious beliefs with these revealing quotations all about religion...

"Ethical religion can be real only to those who are engaged in ceaseless efforts at moral improvement. By moving upward we acquire faith in an upward movement, without limit."
-- Felix Adler (1851-1933)American educator
"The true meaning of religion is thus not simply morality, but morality touched by emotion."
-- Matthew Arnold (1822-88)British poet, critic
"Religion is what keeps the poor man from murdering the rich."
-- Napolean Bonaparte (1769-1821)
"To die for a religion is easier than to live it absolutely."
-- Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986)Argentinean writer
"In the matter of religion, people eagerly fasten their eyes on the difference between their own creed and yours; whilst the charm of the study is in finding the agreements and identities in all the religions of humanity."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82) American writer, philosopher, poet, essayist
"Religion is not what you will get after reading all the scriptures of the world. It is not really what is grasped by the grain. It is a heart grasp."
-- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) [Mahatma] India nationalist, spiritual leader
"Calling Atheism a religion is like calling bald a hair color."
-- Don Hirschberg
"People need religion. It's a vehicle for a moral tradition. A crucial role. Nothing can take its place."
-- Irving Kristol
"Matters of religion should never be matters of controversy. We neither argue with a lover about his taste, nor condemn him, if we are just, for knowing so human a passion."
-- George Santayana (1863-1952) Spanish-born American philosopher, writer
"Religion consists of a set of things which the average man thinks he believes and wishes he was certain."
-- Mark Twain (1835-1910) [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] American author, humorist

Finding God in the Clouds

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:35:00 +0000

It was a cool August night during the Summer before my Junior year in high school. I was just getting off work on what seemed to be the worst day of my life. I was having a mental break-down, nothing was going right, and every negative thing in my life seemed to hit me at once.

The clock in my truck read 2:13am as I pulled into my high school parking lot that I do so often to take time to think. I laid in the back of the truck and look up at the beautiful stars and clouds. What seemed like forever, I was just talking and praying. I was praying that my life would get better and I kept asking God why He was doing this with my life. I am a Christian, I should have a great life, but it seemed to me, that He wasn't listening. I screamed, "God where are you?"

My eyes began to focus on different cloud formations. First I saw what looked like music notes and then I saw what looked like two people hugging. Then the last formation that I saw I will never forget, my eyes fixed on a formation of Jesus praying. Just then, my ears focused on the song that had been playing on the tape player. The song called "Sometimes He Comes In The Clouds" by Steven Curtis Chapman. The lyrics that I heard at that moment were;

"Sometimes He comes in the clouds, sometimes His face cannot be found, sometimes the sky is dark and gray, but some things can only be known, and sometimes our faith can only grow, where we can't see, so, sometimes He comes in the clouds."

"Sometimes He comes in the rain, and we question the pain. And wonder why God can seem so far away, but time will show us, He was right there with us..."

That was the greatest moment in my life, and I will never forget it. I have such a love for life and I find such a joy in helping others enjoy life. Those clouds that night, were the spirit of God teaching me how to walk by faith, they reminded me that God is there. It is the greatest feeling in the world to know that God is with you always, even though it may seem like He is far away. Since then, I have never seen a cloud, without thinking about Him or that cool August night.

Spiritual World of Madonna

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:33:00 +0000

Pop singer Madonna came this week to Tel Aviv to take part in a congress of Kabbala studies. According to press releases, she is going to stay in Israel until Sunday night and will have on the last day of her visit, the opportunity to visit the graves of Jewish Tzaddikim (righteous holy people) near Safed, a small town in northern Israel.

Why Safed? What does Kabbala mean? (Literally it means "Receiving" in Hebrew).

I am not so sure the press has given the correct answers to these and other questions related to the background of this visit. Here is my humble contribution.

Safed , one of the four "holy cities" in Israel, together with Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias, is actually a small mountain town (27,000 residents). As opposed to other historical cities in Israel, it is not even mentioned in the Bible.

Its golden era was during the Middle Ages, when it functioned as a Crusaders fortress and a Moslem administrative centre. But it was only in the 16th century that Safed was a city of international importance, as well as a Jewish cultural Capital.

What made Safed so special is linked to what Maddona is looking in Israel for.

The Jewish congregation of Safed is the oldest in Israel. It has been there for the last 800 years. But during the Crusaders time it was very small, because the Christian knights did everything they could to massacre Jews (and Moslems).

The turning point was the conquest of the area by the Turkish Sultanate. This Moslem empire gave shelter to the Spanish Jews during their mass expulsion in the end of the 15th century. The Turks, who were great warriors and administrators, did not master commerce, industry and science. They understood the great potential of Spanish Jews who were experts in these fields, and gave them asylum.

Some of those Jews, a few thousands, came to Safed and settled down there. Safed attracted them for two main reasons: The good water sources and the closeness to the grave site of the founder of the Kabbala, the Jewish mysticism, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

The water was needed for establishing a wool manufacturing centre which became one of the biggest in the world, and made Safed a flourishing city. The grave of Bar yochai, and an ancient tradition according to which the Messiah will first come out Safed, attracted some of the greatest Jewish religious scholars of Spain, most of them Kabbalists.

In Safed of the 16th century settled down Rabbi Yosef Karo, of Toledo, the greatest Jewish Law expert of the new era, who wrote the codification book "Shulkhan Arukh", the third most important Jewish book, after the Bible and the Talmud.

Another great Kabbalist was Shlomo Alkabetz, who is known today more for his religious poetry. His most famous liturgical poem is called "Lecha Dodi". It is used in every Synagogue to receive Sabbath. His brother in law was Rabbi Moshe Kordoveiro, a student of Rabbi Karo, who wrote the first book which explains the Kabbala methodically.

The greatest student or Rabbi Kordoveiro was Rabbi Yizhak Luria, who is more known as HaAri Hakadosh. Luria Died when he was only 38 years old. Only two and a half years he spent in Safed. But it was in that short period of time that he created a Kabbalist theoretical movement that has had an immense influence on the life of almost every Jew since then.

What does Kabbala mean? If you have time and patience just go to a site called http://kabbalaonline.org/ and start reading. It will take you a few days. Otherwise, here is a somewhat simplified explanation.

According to the Talmud, the world of Torah (the knowledge of Judaism) is based on four layers: Pshat (Literal meaning, in Hebrew), Remez (Implication), Drash (Interpretation) and Sod (Secrecy). Every one of these layers is a different way of weighing the same words of the Torah. The deepest layer is the Secrecy. The Secrecy doctrine, which includes the Kabbala, is so mysterious, deep, and special, that not everyone can understand it. Therefore, it is recommended by Jewish scholars to start studying it only at the age of 40. A younger person does not have the spiritual maturity needed to cope with its depths.

The Secrecy doctrine exists since the 2nd century, but did not appear in any book until the end of the 14th century, when a Spanish Jewish scholar named Rabbi Moshe de Leon rewrote and edited it in a book called "Seffer Hazohar" (The book of Glow, in Hebrew). The contents of the book is attributed to the Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (mentioned above) who had lived 1300 years before the time of de Leon. Believers claim that Bar Yochai wrote the book, but Kabbala researchers say that the text was written much later, in the middle ages.

"Seffer Hazohar" is not a text book. It is a collection of ideas and Torah material. Only in the end of the 15th century, another Spanish Rabbi, Moshe Cordoveiro, who later moved to Safed, wrote structured lessons which enabled a systematic studying of Kabbala.

As opposed to the other three layers of Torah world, dealing primarily with the Jewish religious laws, the Secrecy doctrine deals with the philosophical side of Judaism: For example, the eternal question of "Why do righteous people suffer in our world, and why are wicked people so successful?"

The Kabbala, developed in Safed by a genius nicknamed "HaAri Hakadosh" in the 16th century, uses abstract concepts which are incomprehensible to outsiders: "Elohut" (Divinity) and "Tzimtzum" (Reduction), for instance. The Divinity filled in the past the whole universe. It was later reduced to make room for the present world. Following this Reduction, the lights of Divinity were accumulated into "Sefirot", the vessels which contain the immense Divine lights. The three upper "Sefirot" did their job. But the lower six broke into many pieces and scattered. This is called in Hebrew: "Shevirat Hakelim" (Breaking of Vessels). Because of this breaking of vessels, good and evil were mixed with each other in the whole universe. The splinters of the divine lights, called "Nitzotzot" (sparks), fell into the depths of "Clippot", the evil powers of impurity. The broken "Divinity" went into exile among the "Clippot". According to Kabbala, the fate of the Jewish people is similar to that of the "Divinity". The Jews are still in exile amongst the nations. The salvation depends on every person. If people succeed in collecting all the "Nitzotzot", the salvation of humanity will come. The collection of "Nitzotzot" will be done by good deeds, such as obeying the Jewish religious rules. When someone does so, he collects "Nitzotzot" and puts them back in place. He then deals with "Tikun Olam", correction of the world.

The Kabbala has a great influence on Judaism, especially on the Hasidim movement. Kabbalic concepts, developed mainly in 16th century Safed, have penetrated the Jewish liturgy. One of them is the "Holy matching". Philosophically, this concept has another meaning, but in the popular cognition it is perceived as a holy marriage treaty between God and the Jewish people.

For example, the "Shavuot" holiday, in which the Holy Torah was given by way of a pact between God and the Jews, has been compared to such a holy marriage. Also the customs of "Kabbalat Shabbat", (receiving Sabbath), were changed following the Safed notion of "Holy matching". The Kabbala followers in Safed started in the 16th century the custom of going Friday before sunset out of town, wearing white clothes, to receive the bride, Shabbat. Friday night was the link between God (the king) and Shabbat (the queen). Following the mystical marriage, souls of righteous people were born. This custom of going out of town Fridays was abolished after the fall of the Safed centre in the beginning of the 17th century, but its influence is felt until today the Alkabetz poem "Lecha Dodi", mentioned above.

HaAri Hakadosh said that "the Shechinah (the presence of God) rests above Safed". You can feel it even today. Its clear air and serenity helps visitors to contemplate about the philosophical subjects I have just mentioned, and others. It is worth visiting this place even if you do not have the faintest idea what you are going to do there.

We Must Be Ready. But How?

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:29:00 +0000

Revelation 19:7 states, “Let us rejoice and give honor unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.”

Our salvation is not accomplished by anything we can do, or be. Our redemption is through the blood of the Lamb, shed for our sins. Our only responsibility in regard to our salvation is to admit our own sinfulness, realize our total lack of any ability to change ourselves, and accept His gift of salvation by faith. Jesus Christ procured salvation for us. We cannot earn it. We must repent of sin, and then accept salvation as a gift.

So what does John mean by stating the Lamb’s betrothed wife has “made herself ready”? John is not referring to salvation, which is our justification before God, but rather to the fact that Jesus has sanctified us -- set us apart in holiness unto Himself, and that we have a responsibility to daily live in a manner that brings glory to Him. Using another analogy, once a vessel is taken out of the mud and is cleaned up, it must not be placed back into the mud. As vessels made pure by the blood of the Lamb, we therefore do not place ourselves back into the mud of this sinful world. Our role in regard to being set-apart is to keep ourselves from being spotted or tarnished by the world. Once we are made clean, we choose to continue to walk in purity.

Although we live in this world, we belong to another Kingdom. The Bride represents the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. While still in this world, she is an ambassador of His Kingdom! Are we proud representatives, or would we rather others did not find out who we are? Do we represent the Kingdom of God in a positive, pure manner, or would we rather try to become like the world around us? Do we seek to “fit-in,” or do we reflect Christ to the world?

When we love someone, we are not only willing to do what the one we love asks of us, but we look for ways to show our love. In other words, we act in a manner that shows our devotion and commitment. In fact, our priorities change, because we drop all attitudes and activities that could get in the way of our relationship with the one we love. A betrothed bride is no longer available, but has been chosen, separated to a place of honor. This places an onus on us. We have a responsibility to conduct ourselves so as to maintain an honorable reputation, both for ourselves and for the one we love.

The Bride constantly asks the question, “What would Jesus do?” She wants to stand for all He stands for! She seeks to do what He would do, to the best of her ability and resources.

She also does not willingly, or knowingly, place herself in compromising situations. Why? She does not want to give reason for others to question her integrity. Many Christians do not place enough emphasis on living lives that reveal the fact they are set-apart. They want to fit-in. Unfortunately, if we get too close to the dirt of this world, we become soiled and wrinkled, and we begin to act and look no different from those who are ungodly. If we appear no different than everyone else, where is our strong testimony? How will others see there is a better way? Jesus said we are not to hide our light, but shine brightly so others can see the light. We are to stand out, so that others can see the difference.

The Bride learns to evaluate rightly. She is lovingly dogmatic when it comes to standing up for what is good and right. She chooses to not participate in anything which is dishonorable to Christ, to herself, or to those around her. She does not give-in to negative peer pressure, or to societies morals. Rather, she lives according to God’s morals and principles. God’s morals and principles for living are not just an alternative life-philosophy. They are the eternal principles of righteousness.

So where do we find these principles for living? Have we been given a clear set of instructions? Yes! We have the Bridegroom’s love letter to us, the Bible! Does it address every situation we face in our lives? Yes! In fact, it gives us these principles in such a clear manner, we are able to see their application. Some folk feel the Bible is a book that is not easily understood, so they approach it defensively. They feel it contains ideals that are too lofty to attain. In our own strength, and by ourselves, we can never live up to all the principles of Scripture. But we are not alone, and we have a source of strength. The Holy Spirit is able to teach us, strengthen us, and assist us. In fact, the Bride must listen to the Holy Spirit, because He is one of two Friends of the Bridegroom. He has been sent to specifically assist us in our preparations so we are ready to stand in purity before Christ.

So how do we listen to this Mentor? Read the Bible, pray, and pay attention when we are prompted. The Bible gives us the instructions. Prayer keeps us in active interaction with Christ -- helping us share with Him, providing an avenue to “talk things over.” The prompting of the Holy Spirit guides us in how to apply Scriptural principles in a practical manner. Also, the Holy Spirit is always cheering us on in our relationship with Christ. That is His role in regard to the Bride! He is there to do everything possible to make sure we know the Bridegroom loves us, and to assist us in living lives worthy of Christ.

The Bride must love the LORD first and foremost, wholeheartedly, with mind, soul, and body. How do we love Him? Spend time with Him, especially alone in personal interaction. Any betrothed couple in love wants to spend time with each other! Share our lives with Him. Talk everything over with Him. Make Him our conscious companion wherever we go, and in whatever we do. Christianity is not merely a religious belief system. It is a living relationship with Jesus Christ! Jesus does not want an arm’s length relationship with us. Since he has chosen us to be His Bride, He desires a close relationship! The Bride knows her Bridegroom intimately because she has a living, ongoing, loving, interactive relationship with her Betrothed!

Jesus said some interesting things which tell us how we are to live. Love one another. Do nice things for one another. Be helpful when others need assistance, or cannot provide for themselves. Be generous with what we have in order to meet other’s needs. He even told us to love our enemies! Be kind to those who are unkind to us! Why? That shows His love through us, and actually draws them up short! Why would anyone treat them kindly when they are going out of their way to be unkind or mean? It makes them think! As much as possible, be peacemakers. Avoid unnecessary, unproductive arguments. Interaction is good so long as the one we are sharing with is at least willing to discuss, even if they hold an opposing opinion. But arguments never accomplish anything except animosities and hard feelings. Seek to treat others the way we want to be treated – with respect. Stand firmly for truth and justice even if no one else does. But at the same time show mercy, grace, and extend forgiveness. Hold people accountable, but also raise the standard. Do not be a push-over or a door-mat. Stand, lovingly, but firmly for what is true and proper. Do not take unfair advantage of others. Never seek revenge. The LORD will ultimately mete out His judgment on the ungodly and disobedient. Obey the laws of the land, because they are in place to protect us from harm. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and strength. Do not entertain evil. Do not adopt alternate philosophies of men, or involve ourselves in occult practices. These are just a few directives we find in Scripture.

Where in Scripture do we find a specific set of guidelines for the Bride? Read Jesus’ messages to the Seven Churches of Revelation chapters 2 and 3. They are very revealing! Then follow His advice by listening to the Holy Spirit guiding us in how to put these requirements into practice.

If we actively apply the LORD’s revealed principles of love to our lives, we will qualify to be His Bride, ready for our heavenly wedding. John continues in the passage in Revelation 19, verse 8.“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints.” She qualifies to be given her wedding dress! She has “made herself ready.”

Your Mission Field At Work

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:27:00 +0000

One point many Christian Working Moms who have been interviewed have made is that they are a shining light in their work place. Whether or not you can speak openly about your faith at work, your co-workers are watching. Are they seeing Jesus in you? Do they see you handle ethical issues in a different manner than other co-workers? Do they see a peace in you amidst all of the stress of the job? Do they see your priorities are in order? Although, we are to be workers worthy of our hire we are first and foremost followers of Christ. Do your co-workers see you participating in the office gossip or do they see you leaving when those discussions come up? Do your co-workers see you building up or tearing down? Do they see compassion in you that is often woefully missing in this get ahead world we live in?

I know as a Christian Working Mom often it is very difficult to get time alone with God. Are you taking your work struggles to him? Are you asking for his direction in a difficult situation? Are you praying for your co-workers to come to know Him? Are you praying that your co-workers who are Christians to grow in their knowledge of Him?

I hope these questions make you think. They are convicting to me, when I read over them. Just in the last few months, I have been more attuned to God’s leading in my therapy sessions. Often I will sense God is leading me in a certain direction that I would not go on my own. When I follow his lead, I often see many changes in my clients that would not happen with just my knowledge. I strongly believe God gives us wisdom and the knowledge to do our jobs. I also believe there are many times we need to ask God for wisdom and direction in the everyday tasks in our jobs. May everything we do glorify God.

My prayer is you will be a shining light in your workplace. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Here's Help for the "I Can't Say 'No' Blues"

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:25:00 +0000

I hear it all the time. Cries from Christian women who want desperately to serve the Lord, but who feel overwhelmed. “I almost dread going to PTO meetings or church services anymore because I just know somebody else is going to ask me to help with something,” they say. “Don’t get me wrong. I want to help, but there are only so many hours in my day. I feel like I’m just going to explode if I don’t get some relief.”

What usually follow these statements are apologies. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to complain. I’ve been blessed with so much that I have no choice but to give back. And I really am glad to do it. Anyway, as a Christian, I’m obligated to say ‘yes’ when called on to help. Plus, if I don’t do it, it simply won’t get done.”

Does any of that sound familiar to you? Have you found those same statements coming from your own mouth? Do you rush around all throughout your days doing for others whether you have time to do it or not? Do you cringe whenever the phone rings and the voice on the other end starts with, “Let me ask you something”? Do you have too much stress, not enough time, and a boatload of guilt for feeling the way you do? Then you most likely suffer from “I Can’t Say ‘No’” Syndrome.

The Bible Says It’s OK To Say No

While your intentions are probably good, the effects of your actions often turn out to be horrendous. Your husband fusses that you’re running yourself ragged. Your children complain that you have no time for them. You gripe under your breath about everything because you’re so sensitive.

Are you aware that it’s all right to say “no”? In fact, the Bible says it is OK to say “no.” Jesus, himself, clearly took time to rest as can be seen in Mark 4:38 among other passages. Even the son of God (in human form) knew His human body, mind, spirit, and soul needed a break from time-to-time. You, too, are expected to rest and take care of yourself. How else can you make your body a living sacrifice… a temple… as the Bible instructs?

Feeling Guilty Is Biblically WRONG!

This is a real shocker to most people. In cases like these, Satan, not God, uses guilt to sway our actions. Psalm 69:5, Isaiah 6:7, Isaiah 27:9, and countless other passages of scriptures refer to the sin of guilt. Jesus died for our sins. That means, when we repent of our sin, it is wiped clean. There is no guilt.

Satan often uses the ploy of false guilt to overwhelm us. Don’t let him work his tricks on you. This is nothing more than an attempt to keep you trapped and feeling depressed about not spending every minute of every day doing something for someone else.

God doesn’t want you run down and tired all the time. How can you effectively serve Him if you barely have enough energy to get out of bed? Why would He want someone “praising” Him who is disgusted and cranky? Walking the tightrope of “I Can’t Say ‘No’” is not God’s idea of a fruitful life.

There Is A Better Way

Take time for yourself. Have you ever been on an airplane? Do you remember the spiel the flight attendant gave before take off? It went something like this: “In the event of a decrease in pressure, an oxygen mask will fall from the panel above your head. If you’re traveling with an older person or child, please secure YOUR OWN mask first so that you may better assist your travel partner.” Even the airlines know you have to take care of yourself before you can effectively take care of anyone else.

Pray about the things people ask you to do. Actually wait for an answer from God before you give an answer to the committee chairman, the scout troop leader, or whoever else is asking for your help. Others will respect you when you tell them you’ll pray about their request… especially if you really do it!

You are not trapped. There is a way to overcome “I Can’t Say ‘No’” Syndrome. The first step is admitting you need help. Once you do that, you’re open to living a freeing and more peaceful life than you ever thought possible.

Popping the Balloon of Belief

noreply@blogger.com (Niru) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:23:00 +0000

I’m really excited. I just got a bigger soapbox, and I wanted to invite the rest of you to get up here on it with me.

You may remember I was recently talking about how beliefs are at the core of our conflicts, yet those beliefs are built upon less-than-complete information. What is known is not all there is – there’s always something more. Yet we try to explain what we think we know by constructing complex belief systems around them, and fight to defend them against those who believe another way. Our egos are so fragile that we’d rather fight than consider that the foundations of our thought and society might be built upon shifting sands.

Maybe this seems farfetched. But let’s look at the Middle East. The interplay of beliefs give us a prime example.

One set involves religion, where ideological descendants of a common ancestor have fought for centuries under the guise of righting a perceived assault upon their God. Each fights to eradicate the other side, and hopefully the differing beliefs they hold. Superimpose upon this age-old fight an internal Muslim war between sects, along with a regional struggle between clerics and secularists, and the complexities grow immense. But that’s far from all.

Let’s also not forget that most in the area live deprived of what many believe are basic human rights, often repressed by brutal regimes that crush dissent to maintain power and the status quo. All this while their citizens are awakening to an inner call to explore their own potential, fueled by worldwide communications that show what others already enjoy. Many are crying out to end this. Some even resort to terrorism, further complicating the mix.

Now add in geopolitical struggles for money and power which are impacted by the area’s crucial location over large deposits of oil. This lifeblood fuels mankind’s technological march into the future, and allows us to enjoy a standard of living not even dreamed of in centuries past. Instability of any kind triggers fears our way of life may be impaired or lost altogether.

Whew, it makes me dizzy just thinking about it.

We’ve given the existing institutions of government and religion a chance, and look what they’ve done with it. They’ve showed us the answer is not in diplomacy. And it certainly isn’t in war. Or in greater religious fervor. Or in any of the tools at their disposal.

So let me suggest another way. What if everyone asked themselves, “Why do we believe this stuff anyway?” It couldn’t hurt to just consider the possibilities.

What if people found a way to connect to God and find meaning without religions that inherently pitted them against each other, whether intended or not? Not to replace one religion with another, but to find an inner spirituality that didn’t need the institutions or structure? Where we all knew and felt connected to our source, so that all religions could go quietly into the night?

What if people accepted that others who were different could live among them, and that this diversity both honored and accentuated the best characteristics of each? And that diversity was accepted as a gift to better know themselves, rather than an irritant to be tolerated?

What if there were no struggles to govern among groups or sects because each truly enjoyed the ability to be itself without having to worry about either defending its differences or imposing them on others?

What if governments were not run by either despots or leaders that curried popular favor by castigating opponents and fomenting social discord? Rather, their peoples were guided by an inner force (not an outer one inflamed by religion or politics) that allowed them, and their leaders, to find the seeds of peace within every conflict?

What if people everywhere knew and trusted that their needs would be met as they arose, and that they could explore meaningful pursuits without bumping up against the efforts of others?

This may be a dream, but it is certainly one that is within our reach. You know it as well as I do. But to make it happen, we each have to first hold out a vision of what can be. And then to commit ourselves to make it happen.

Sure, there will be many objections and roadblocks. Religious institutions and governments will fight hard against it. Fear will bring resistance and maybe even greater strife in the short run. Patience and persistent effort will be needed to see it through. But who says the best things come easy?

Isn’t it time we stopped leaving the evolution of humanity up to chance, or at least quit pretending it’s out of our hands? We’re at a point now where people worldwide can share ideas and visions. So why not work toward those that go beyond predatory commerce, politics, and religion? Why not believe that which serves us and our ideals, and promotes the common good, rather than sows the seeds of conflict and destruction?

If this is a world where people go to war over beliefs, isn’t belief there’s a better way worth fighting for? I sure think so. What about you?