The Nails On The Fence

Source: Daily Life's Inspiration

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily, gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said “you have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one.” You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there. Make sure you control your temper the next time you are tempted to say something you will regret later.

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Kung paputok ang pag-uusapan, ang bibig ng tao ay ang pinakamalakas na paputok. Malalim na malalim ang sugat na maidulot ng matatalas na mga sinasalita nito. Matagal na panahon ang kailangan upang maghilom ang mga sugat na dulot nito, at kung sakaling maghilom man, nagiiwan ito ng matinding peklat sa puso ng mga tao.

In leading a people into nation building, one's words should be truly uniting instead of being divisive. One can uphold justice and fairness without sacrificing and trampling mercy and kindness. As the Lord is, so should his people ought to be. The Lord is tough against sin, yet he is merciful towards sinners. A merciful heart bleeds as it carries out justice against its brother or sister.

All authority comes from the Lord. No one sits in power unless the Lord allows it to happen. The Lord allows, and the Lord disallows. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. No one should think that he/she owes his authority to any man, for it is the Lord who gives him/her the power and authority. Therefore, anyone who is given power or authority should conduct himself/herself in the fear of the Lord. No one sees the secrets of the heart but the Lord alone. The Lord hates secret schemes, and thus those whom He has given power and authority also are supposed to hate secret schemings.

Use nails not to create destructive holes on the fence. Use nails to build and strengthen not just the fence but the nation -- and only the nails of unity can achieve this through a leader that is uniting instead of a divisive one.

God so loved the world...

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. (Luke 2:12)

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)
 
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of goodwill!” (Luke 2:14)

      

Keeping Christ in Christmas

The number one way to keep Jesus Christ in your Christmas celebrations is to have him present in your daily life. Keeping Christ in Christmas is more about the way you live your life than the things you say—such as "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays."

Keeping Christ in Christmas means daily revealing the character, love and spirit of Christ that dwells in you, by allowing these traits to shine through your actions. Here are simple ways to keep Christ the central focus of your life this Christmas season.

1) Give God one very special gift just from you to him: 

Let this gift be something personal that no one else needs to know about, and let it be a sacrifice. David said in 2 Samuel 24 that he would not offer a sacrifice to God that cost him nothing.

Maybe your gift to God will be to forgive someone you've needed to forgive for a long time. You may discover that you've given a gift back to yourself.

Corrie Ten Boom, a Christian who survived extreme brutality in a German concentration camp after rescuing many Jews from certain death during the Nazi Holocaust, was later able to say, "Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you."

Perhaps your gift will be to commit to spending time with God daily. Or maybe there is something God has asked you to give up. Make this your most important gift of the season.

2) Set aside a special time to read the Christmas story in Luke 1:5-56 through 2:1-20:

Consider reading this account with your family and discussing it together.

• The Christmas Story
• More Christmas Bible Verses

3) Set up a Nativity scene in your home:

If you don't have a Nativity, here are ideas to help you make your own Nativity scene:

• Nativity Related Crafts

4) Plan a project of good will this Christmas:

A few years ago we "adopted" a single mom. My friend was barely making ends meet and didn't have money to buy gifts for her small child. Together with my husband's family we bought gifts for both of them and replaced her broken down washing machine the week of Christmas. Do you have an elderly neighbor in need of home repairs or yard work? Find someone with a genuine need, involve your whole family and see how happy you can make someone this Christmas.

• Top Christmas Charity Projects

5) Take a group Christmas caroling in a nursing home or a children's hospital:

One year the staff at the office where I worked decided to incorporate Christmas caroling at a nearby nursing home into our yearly staff Christmas party plans. We all met first at the nursing home and toured the facility while singing Christmas carols. Afterwards, we headed back to our party with our hearts full of tenderness. It was the best staff Christmas party we'd ever had.

6) Give a surprise gift of service to each member of your family:

Jesus taught us to serve by washing the disciples feet. He also taught us that it is "more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 (NIV) The idea of giving an unexpected gift of service to members of your family is to demonstrate Christ-like love and service. You might consider giving a back rub to your spouse, running an errand for your brother, or cleaning out a closet for your mother. Make it personal and meaningful and watch the blessings multiply.

7) Set aside a time of family devotions on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning:

Before opening the gifts, take a few minutes to gather together as a family in prayer and devotions. Read a few Bible verses and discuss as a family the true meaning of Christmas.

• Christmas Bible Verses
• Christmas Prayers and Poems
• The Christmas Story
• Christmas Devotionals

8) Attend a Christmas church service together with your family:

If you are alone this Christmas or don't have family living near you, invite a friend or a neighbor to join you.

9) Send Christmas cards that convey a spiritual message:

This is an easy way to share your faith at Christmastime. If you've already bought the reindeer cards—no problem! Just write a Bible verse and include a personal message with each card.

• Select Christmas Bible Verses

10) Write a Christmas letter to a missionary:

This idea is dear to my heart because I spent four years on the mission field. Receiving a letter always felt like opening a priceless gift on Christmas morning, no matter what day it was. Many missionaries are unable to travel home for the holidays, so it can be a very lonely time for them. Write a special Christmas letter to a missionary of your choice, thanking them for giving their life in service to the Lord. Trust me—it will mean more than you can imagine!

Fight Your Battles On Your Knees

Winning Your Battles Through Prayer
By Charles F. Stanley

What would you do if someone began to push against you, attempting to throw you off a position that is rightfully yours? How would you respond? Most people would lean into the weight and push back. That’s a posture of resistance. And as believers, we must know when it’s time to lean with all our might against evil. But how?

Prayer is the believer's  great privilege and powerful weapon against Satan and his plans. The apostle Peter wrote, “Resist him, steadfast in the faith” (1 Pet. 5:9). James echoed this teaching:

“Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (vv. 4:7-8).

Both of these godly men admonished believers to oppose evil. And we do that by persevering in prayer. On the surface, this form of resistance may appear to be passive. But in practice, it is always active, intentional, and powerful.

Resistance begins with a decision to join the struggle against evil through prayer, rather than retreat. Such godly opposition takes strength and courage. It also requires patience and perseverance.

Peter and James point to two key words at the heart of our ability to resist the devil through our prayers: faith in God and submission to His will.

Submission

Submission to God means acknowledging that we can’t but He can. In our prayers, we might tell the Lord, “I can’t defeat the Enemy on my own. But with You, I can.” By taking this position, we join the apostle Paul in saying, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13 NKJV).

James taught that submission occurs when we seek a closer relationship with God. As we spend time in His Word and His presence, we get to know the Lord better. We also discover how He wants us to overcome evil and experience blessing in our lives. By setting aside time solely to listen and wait upon the Lord for direction and guidance, we grow closer to Him. Periodically hiding ourselves away from all other influences and distractions is vital if we want to grow in knowledge of our God. The better we know Him, the more we see His power, experience His love, and grow in faith and wisdom.

Faith

Faith can be summed up in the statement “God, I believe You will.” In our efforts to overcome the Evil One, we might pray this way: “I believe You will defeat the Enemy and cause him to flee from me as I resist him and put my trust in You.” Again and again, David made this declaration of faith to the Lord: “O my God, I trust in You” (See Ps. 25:2; also 31:6; 55:23; 56:3; 143:8).

We grow in faith by exercising it—trusting God in every circumstance and relationship. Over time, we develop a personal history with God as He demonstrates His faithfulness and loving care for us. The result is an ever-deepening relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Ultimately, it’s impossible to resist the Devil for long if you don’t believe that Jesus Christ can and will thwart Satan’s attempts to harm you. Remaining strong in faith requires total submission to God in all areas of your life—no exceptions. When you decide that you don’t need God’s help in one area, that’s precisely where the Enemy will strike.

The good news is that God has given each of us a measure of faith to nurture within our hearts. And by His grace, we are capable of submitting to His will. In whatever you do, remember the words of James: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you."

Growing Good Corn

Source: Daily Life's Inspiration

There once was a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon.

One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors.

“How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?” the reporter asked.

“Why sir,” said the farmer, “didn’t you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn.”

He is very much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbor’s corn also improves.

So it is with our lives. Those who choose to live in peace must help their neighbors to live in peace. Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.

The lesson for each of us is this: if we are to grow good corn, we must help our neighbors grow good corn.

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When you come into your neighbor's standing corn, then you may pluck the ears with your hand; but you shall not move a sickle to your neighbor's standing corn. (Deuteronomy 23:25)

Wisdom For Life's Trials

Discerning the Source of Our Trials

By Charles Stanley

Key verse: James 1:2-8, 12

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

What was the last painful or stressful trial you experienced? Was it a struggle for you physically, emotionally, and spiritually? No one has ever lived a life completely free from pain, uncertainty, stress, and trials. The Bible makes this point abundantly clear. Jesus, Moses, Job, Peter, Paul, and all of the heroes of Scripture are portrayed as men and women who, at one time or another, underwent trying times of hardship and heartache. Now, thousands of years later, God's servants are still undergoing hard times. Therefore, it is important that you learn how to cope with these harsh patches in life.

James 1:2 is a rather short verse, but it contains tremendous insight into the issue of life's trials. The phrase "when you encounter various trials" includes three key words that demonstrate the universality of man's hardships. First, it is significant that James uses the word "when." This defines the issue; undergoing trials is not a matter of if but rather when. Second, when he says that you will "encounter" misfortune, he is stating that difficulties will arise unexpectedly; there may be no time to prepare for these dilemmas. Third, he uses the adjective "various" to denote the ever-changing, often-surprising forms in which trials appear.

As you begin to examine the issue of life's persistent difficulties, a reasonable question to ask is, "Where do these hard times come from?" There are, in fact, some specific sources of trials. The primary cause is simply making wrong decisions ourselves. Our God-given free will allows us the opportunity and responsibility of making our own choices. Unfortunately, though, even the most committed Christian will make mistakes when making decisions, and the result will be a period of hardship.

Another cause of trials is persecution by other people. This is certainly an impediment with which the early church was familiar. Writing to the suffering Christians scattered throughout the ancient world, Peter says, "But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled" (1 Peter 3:14). Whether it is on account of your faith or for some other reason altogether, a sad fact of life is that the world is full of people who have the ability and desire to hurt you. This is certainly a challenge for Christians seeking to respond to their oppressors in a Christ-like manner.

A third source of trials is the fallen world in which we live. Sin has so permeated the earth that God's original concept of paradise seems impossible. Tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, sickness, war, bloodshed, and crime are all the results of sin's impact upon the world. Clearly, there is no way to escape the trials that seem to appear out of nowhere.

Not surprisingly, many trials often come straight from the Devil. After all, Satan is interested in ways in which he can torment us, and each attempt he makes has but one purpose—to draw us further away from God.

A final source of trials is the Lord. Many people resist this idea, believing that God desires only happiness for them. However, the truth is that God is more concerned with our maturity and development than He is our general happiness. That is difficult for some to accept, but our relationships with Him are far more important than our temporary well-being here on earth.

Often, there are lessons that can only be learned through hardship; therefore, God will allow difficulties to enter into our lives for His purposes. Finding God's reasoning for our suffering can be a daunting task, but when we view our hardships from our Father’s eternal perspective, we can begin to understand them more clearly. Therefore, the best starring point for understanding the rationale behind our trials is to prayerfully consider their source. The better we understand where these problems come from, the better we will be able to work through them.

For more info, watch the full video of the sermon: Wisdom For Life's Trials

Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi (Blind, Mute, and Deaf)

Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi (Blind, Mute, and Deaf)
By Freddie Aguilar 

1:
Madilim ang iyong paligid  (Dark is your surrounding)
Hatinggabing walang hanggan  (Midnight that's never ending)
Anyo at kulay ng mundo sayo'y pinagkaitan  (Earth's form and color, to you are missing)
Huwag mabahala kaibigan  (Friend, don't you worry)
Isinilang ka mang ganyan  (You maybe born that way)
Isang bulag sa kamunduhan  (A person blind in this worldliness)
Ligtas ka sa kasalanan  (Safe you are from sinfulness) 

Chorus:
Hindi nalalayo sa'yo ang tunay na mundo  (The real world isn't far from your's)
Marami sa amin nabubuhay ng tulad mo  (Many of us live our lives like your's)
Di makita, di madinig, minsa'y nauutal  (We see not, nor hear, at times we stutter)
Patungo sa hinahangad na buhay na banal  (Onward to the desire of a life that's holier) 

2:
Ibigin mo mang umawit  (Though you long to sing)
Hindi mo makuhang gawin  (You've no way of achieving)
Sigaw ng puso't damdamin  (Your heart's cry and feeling)
Wala sa'yong pumapansin  (No one seems to be noticing)
Sampung daliri, kaibigan  (Ten fingers, dear friend)
Dyan ka nila pakikinggan  (It's there they'll hear you then)
Pipi ka man nang isinilang  (Born mute you maybe one)
Dakila ka sa sinuman  (Noble you are to anyone) 

(Repeat Chorus) 

3:
Ano sa iyo ang musika?  (What is music to you?)
Sayo ba'y mahalaga?  (To you is it important?)
Matahimik mong paligid  (In your silent world)
Awitan ay di madinig  (Singing can never be heard)
Mapalad ka o kaibigan  (You're better off, my friend)
Napakaingay ng mundo  (So noisy is the world)
Sa isang binging katulad mo  (To a deaf person like you)
Walang daing walang gulo  (Complaints or confusions, there's none)

(Repeat Chorus)

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“You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind; but you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh." (Leviticus 19:14)

The Lord shall open the eyes of the blind. He shall raise up those who are bowed down. For He loves righteousness. (Reference: Psalms 146:8)

I Got What I Need

I Got What I Need
By Collin Raye

I knew all the answers
The way my life should go
And when I used to say my prayers
I would tell God so
It seemed He wasn't listening
I thought He didn't care
But lookin' back
It's plain to see
He was always there

'Cause I prayed for strength
And I got pain that made me strong
I prayed for courage
And got fear to overcome
When I prayed for faith
My empty heart brought me to my knees
I don't always get what I want
I get what I need

I'm not sayin' that it's easy
Or that it doesn't hurt
When nothing seems to go my way
Nothing seems to work
These days I'm getting better
At goin' with the flow
Accepting that sometimes the answer
To a prayer is no

'Cause I prayed for strength
And I got pain that made me strong
I prayed for courage
And got fear to overcome
When I prayed for faith
My empty heart brought me to my knees
I don't always get what I want
I get what I need

Every time I've had a door slammed in my face
In time a better one was opened in its place

I prayed for strength
And I got pain that made me strong
I prayed for courage
And got fear to overcome
When I prayed for faith
My empty heart brought me to my knees
I don't always get what I want
I get what I need

Oh I don't always get what I want
I get what I need

In This Life...

In This Life
By Collin Raye

For all I've been blessed with in this life,
there was an emptiness in me.
I was imprisoned by the power of gold.
With one honest touch, you set me free.

Let the world stop turning,
let the sun stop burning.
Let them tell me love's not worth going through.
If it all falls apart, I will know deep in my heart
the only dream that matters has come true;
in this life, I was loved by you.

For every mountain I have climbed,
every raging river crossed,
you were the treasure that I longed to find.
Without your love I would be lost.

Let the world stop turning,
let the sun stop burning,
let them tell me love's not worth going through.
If it all falls apart, I will know deep in my heart,
the only dream that mattered had come true;
in this life i was loved by you.

In this life, I was loved by you.

On Justice With Mercy

In the world's system, while one may be presumed innocent until proven guilty, yet condemnation pushes many to prefer the mute mercy of the dead to the clamoring execration of the living.

In upholding the law, it is extremely hard for the head to blind justice with mercy. In exercising kindness, it is very difficult for the heart to mute mercy with justice.

For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:13)

Therefore you shall not wrest justice: you shall not respect persons; neither shall you take a bribe; for a bribe does blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. (Deuteronomy 16:19)

Something Is Being Worked Inside Of You

Though it may feel uncomfortable and though it is hard to surrender to what you can't see, just trust in the Lord and humble yourself and submit to Him. Give in to something heavenly that is being worked by the Holy Spirit inside of you, because whatever the Spirit is doing it shall bring you wholeness and peace in due time.

Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly)
By Sanctus Real

  
It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time to make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
All I can do is surrender

(Chorus)
Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
But I'm giving in to something heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Reevaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow your will
Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is you want from me
I give everything I surrender...
To...

(Chorus)

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to release all my held back tears

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something heavenly

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This is something bigger than me
Larger than life something heavenly
Something heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out

The Difference Between Reputation and Character

By Tim Nichols

Reputation isn't everything. Character is much more important. A reputation that is gained without character is hypocrisy.  A reputation that grows out of a good character is simply giving honor to whom honor is due.

Character is within your power. Reputation is a thing over which you have little control.

Character cannot be taken away from you by any man. Reputation can be stolen from you by liars.

Striving for character is strength. Aiming solely at reputation is weakness. Character endures difficulty.

Reputation seekers are confused when difficulty arises. Character seeks to do what is right.

Reputation seekers seek to do what is acceptable to the most mortals.

Integrity, honesty, clarity, and honor are valued by men and women of Character. Vagueness, indistinct communication, and craftiness are hallmarks of reputation-seekers.

The man with character can stand alone when duty calls upon him to do so. The reputation seeker will not stand alone under any circumstances.

The man with character tries to clearly and honestly speak the truth and openly invites others to examine it. The reputation seeker aims at acceptance and therefore makes vague statements that can be interpreted in ways acceptable to the hearer.

The man of character speaks the truth as clearly and kindly as he is able at all times and under all circumstances. The reputation seeker speaks the truth with boldness only when he is assured that those who are significant to him will applaud.

The man of character is often out in front, regardless of who is following. The reputation seeker cannot lead the way because he cannot move in any direction until he is assured that the army is already headed that way.

The reputation seeker is confused by the man of character. He tends to assume that all men are motivated as he is and he attempts to manipulate others by dangling before them the golden carrot of approval and by goading them on with the spear of disapproval. His arguments are often shallow and when he cannot convince others with reasonable discussion he attempts to intimidate with threats of harming the reputation of the man of character. He is shocked, perturbed, and disgusted when his petty attempts at coercion are ignored by the one who is examining his own heart and his own Bible rather than opinion polls.

The godly man of character has a genuine light that shines for all the world to see. When right-thinking men see it they glorify God (Matthew 5:16). The reputation seeker has no real light, but he works very hard at giving the impression that he does. His artificial light changes color as it radiates in different directions. It is adjusted so that men who see it will glorify him.

Sometimes men of character deservedly own a fine reputation among men. This is desirable above great physical wealth (Proverbs 22:1). But a fine reputation is not to be desired above character. False teachers have always enjoyed fine reputations among some segment of the people (Luke 6:26). They, along with other hypocrites of their stripe, have traded character for reputation and have received the only reward they will ever see (Matthew 6:1-21). Only a man of character can "rejoice and be exceedingly glad" when he is wrongly persecuted and when men say all kinds of evil against him falsely because of his practice of Christianity (Matthew 5:10-12). The reputation seeker will fall apart at such times.

Only the man of character can truly teach and practice the truth without partiality (1 Timothy 5:21, James 3:17). He is not moved by the potential influence of his hearers upon the opinions of others. He does not challenge the sins of those without influence while ignoring those of opinion leaders.  All are treated equally by him. The reputation seeker "pets the big dogs" and kicks the helpless ones if doing so will please the "big dogs."

Reputation seekers tend to, sometimes subtly, point at their degrees and awards hanging on the walls and suggest that you ought to respect their opinions because they have been respected by influential men in high places. Men of character point at the Bible and suggest that God's word is alone worthy of your trust and that all opinions ought to be weighed upon God's scales.

Men of character are able to say, "I was mistaken" when they are able to discover errors in themselves. They clearly defend what they have said or done when they are accused of errors that they, themselves, cannot detect. Reputation seekers, on the other hand, are quick to say that they have been "taken out of context" even when their words clearly mean what they appear to mean when placed in their context. Their "clarifications" are often very imprecise and unclear. Since many approved of them for what they did say they cannot retreat from it. Since some disapprove of what they said they cannot directly own it. Their fence-straddling seldom wins for them the approval of both sides and it often backfires and causes them to earn the displeasure of both. Honesty and consistency go out the window when reputation is the goal. They are obvious and apparent when character is the objective.

Work to become a man or woman of character. Begin on the inside. The outside will follow. Those who love truth and right, though they be few, will love you. God will love and reward you. When you look in the mirror you will be able to approve of what you see. The transient applause of men cannot match the authentic approval of heaven or that of your own conscience.

* * * * * * *

Character is the one thing we make in this world and take with us into the next.

The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation; the truth you believe determines your character.

Reputation is what you are supposed to be; Character is what you are.

Reputation is the photograph; Character is the face.

Reputation comes over one from without; Character grows up from within.

Reputation is what you have when you come to a new community; Character is what you have when you go away.

Reputation is made in a moment; Character is built in a lifetime.

Your reputation is learned in an hour; Your character doesn't come to light for a year.

Reputation grows like a mushroom; Character grows like the oak.

A single newspaper report gives you your reputation; A life of toil gives you your character.

Reputation makes you rich or makes you poor; Character makes you happy or makes you miserable.

Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone; Character is what angels say about you before the throne of God.

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[Mark 8:27-29]

Jesus went out, with his disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” 

They told Him, “John the Baptizer, and others say Elijah, but others: one of the prophets.”

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”

Waiting on the Lord: Resting At His Feet

Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall grow cold (Matthew 24:12). But be strong and be of good courage (Joshua 1:6). This I speak unto you, so that in Me you might have peace: In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Don't you be afraid, for I am with you; don't be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness (Isaiah 41:10).

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

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Why do you say, "My way is hid from the Lord, and the justice due to me is passed away from my God?" (Isaiah 40:27) The Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear (Isaiah 59:1). Have you forgotten? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn't faint, neither is weary; His wisdom is unsearchable (Isaiah 40:28).

Therefore wait upon the Lord, and He shall renew your strength; you shall mount up with wings like the eagle; you shall run, and not be weary; you shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your ways to Him. Trust also in Him, and He will do this: He will make your righteousness go forth as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun. Rest in Him, and wait patiently for Him. (Psalms 37:4-7)

Therefore don't be anxious..., for your heavenly Father knows the things you need. But seek first God's Kingdom, and His righteousness; and all the things you need will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-33)

Wait for the Lord. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord. (Psalms 27:14)

To You, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in you. No one who waits on you shall be ashamed. Show me your ways, O Lord and teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. I will wait for you. (Psalms 25:1-5)

O God, search me, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalms 139:23-24)

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[Proverbs 3:1-12]

"My child, don't forget my words; but let your heart keep them: for length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they add to you.

"Don't let kindness and truth forsake you. Wrap them up around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good understanding in My sight and in men.

"Trust in Me with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding. Seek My will in all you do, and I will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, delight in Me, and turn your back on evil. Then I will give you renewed strength and vitality.

"Honor Me with your substance, and with the best parts of all your increase. Then you shall lack nothing; for I will fill your life with plenty such that you shall overflow.

"My child, don't despise My discipline, neither be weary of My reproof: For whom I love, I reprove; even as a father reproves the child in whom he delights."

[1 Peter 5:6-7] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.

[Philippians 1:6] Be confident of this very thing: That the Lord who began a good work in you will complete it in the time He appointed.

God Will Never Give Up On You

By: Bo Sanchez
 
One day, there was a small barrio of farmers who were praying for rain to come. Every Sunday at church, they’d gather and pray for rain. But one Sunday, the priest announced, “How can God give you rain if you don’t have faith?”

The farmers asked, “How do you know we have no faith?” The priest said, “Every Sunday, you pray for rain. But how many of you are bringing an umbrella?” No one in that church brought an umbrella. The priest continued, “No one among you is prepared to receive the blessings you’re praying for.”

Next Sunday, people began to bring an umbrella. And soon, the rain came.

Friend, are you prepared for your blessings? Noah built the Ark before the rain came, not during or after. You need to build your Ark today.

Do you really expect the answer to your prayer?

I’ve been praying for 1000 Feasts (our weekly gathering) spread all over the world. In God’s own time, I expect it to happen. But even today, we’re preparing for that blessing. We’re bringing our umbrella. We’re building our ark. How? We’re raising up 1000 Feast Builders through our School of Leadership.

Today, what’s your umbrella? Identify your umbrella and bring it with you. Right now, there are some of you who are ready to give up on the dream God has placed in your heart. Don’t give up. Because God isn’t giving up on you. Oh yes, you may have to give up on your particular version on God’s dream for your life.

I remember Bishop Soc Villegas was telling me that he wanted to be a monk—alone in his hut, tending to a little garden. That was how he wanted to serve God. But God wanted Him to serve as a very busy priest and Bishop.

I love telling the story of how I was fixated on a 500 square meter property for our Community Center. It was a foreclosed property that the bank was selling. I wanted it so much, I’d visit it many times—and when no one was looking—raise my hand towards it and “claim” it to be ours. (If I saw someone walking on the street, I’d pretend I was just checking the fence.) I was tenacious. I told the tiny Light of Jesus community then to fast. I even scheduled a 3-night vigil to pray for the place. We also went into massive fundraising. We went Christmas Caroling in August. But one day, we received the news: Someone else bought the property from the bank. We were devastated. I remember our prayer meeting the week we found out. It was as if I was attending a funeral. Some people were even crying.

But ten years later, God answered our prayer. We finally acquired a property. This taught us that God’s timing isn’t our timing. But it wasn’t 500 square meters. It wasn’t 1000, or 2000, or 5000, or even 10,000 square meters. God gave us 50,000 square meters. (On that land, we built Anawim, our ministry for the abandoned elderly.)

This taught me that God’s measurements aren’t my measurement. I was asking for 500 square meters, and God must have been laughing at me, saying, “You won’t be able to do what I want you to do. Just wait.”

When it comes to your dreams, don’t be attached to your timing. Don’t be attached to your own estimations. And don’t be attached to your version. Trust in God. Open yourself to God’s version. Expect God to answer your prayer.

At the Cross, hear God say these words to you, “I will never give up on you.”

He’ll Finish What He Started In You

I love this Bible verse: And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

This passage says two very important things…

1. You’re A Work of God.

You’re God’s idea. You’re God’s design. You’re God’s work of art. You’re God’s masterpiece.

For the longest time, I didn’t believe in that. For decades, I was ashamed of myself. I was addicted. I was in bondage. I kept falling into sin. Because I was so weak, so sinful, so dirty. I felt that every time God looked at me, He would look away in disgust. Because of that, I became even more sinful.

One day, someone sent me a cassette tape. (For the very young reading this piece, a cassette tape is the predecessor of the CD.) The note read, “Bo, I just came from China. Listen to these Chinese worship songs. You’ll be surprised.” I put it in the cassette recorder and pressed the play button. The Chinese song was vaguely familiar. And then it hit me—I wrote the song! It was just translated in Chinese. I felt so proud. Because that was my song!

And then I felt God speak to my heart. I felt God say, “You’re my song. I feel the same way when I look at you. I’m so happy and proud of you!” God shattered my shame by telling me, “You’re my child. You’re my idea. You’re my design. I made you. I don’t make mistakes. And I’m so proud to have a child like you.”

2. You’re A Work In Progress

You’ve got imperfections. You’ve got weaknesses. You’ve got blemishes. You’ve got scars. But that’s okay. Because you’re not yet a finished product. Because God is still working on you.

I love my little house today. But when I was building it many years ago, I didn’t like it at all. Because it was messy. It was dirty. There was scaffolding, and hallow blocks, and cement bags, and sawdust. But I didn’t give up building the house, because I knew it was a work in progress.

Don’t give up on yourself or on the dreams that God has for you, because you too are a work in progress.

Do you remember the story of Aladdin? Aladdin discovered the magical Genie. How? By rubbing the lamp. But why did he rub the lamp in the first place? Because it was dirty. You are that lamp. And you’re dirty. But because you’re dirty, God will rub you, shine you, work on you until magic happens.  And until magic happens, God will keep rubbing you, working on you, healing you, tinkering with you, operating on you—until you become like Him.

Say out loud, “God isn’t finished with me yet.”

There is a beautiful rose within you. It’s just covered with thorns. But despite those thorns, God knows better. It’s part of who you are. And with patience, He will water you—until that rose blossoms. And then He will get the rose and cut the thorns—and put it in a vase—for all the world to see your beauty.

Right now, you may feel as though nothing is happening in your life. That none of your dreams are coming true. But don’t give up, because God doesn’t give up on you.

Which One?

Author Unknown

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said:

"Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 year old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together."

So the doctor said: "Ok and what do you want me to do?"
She said: "I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.'"
 

The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady: "I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too."

She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request.

Then he continued: "You see, in order for you not to have to take care of two babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms."

The lady was horrified and said: "No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!"

"I agree", the doctor replied. "But you seemed to be OK with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution."

The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point.

He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb.

The crime is the same!

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"Love says I sacrifice myself for the good of the other person. Abortion says I sacrifice the other person for the good of myself..."

Jesus sacrificed Himself for the good of sinners! That's perfect love!

Running the race and finishing it

"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us." --Hebrews 12:1

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith “ --2 Timothy 4:7

As We Finish The Race
By Julius M. Tajale

The ending week of March is a week full of the culminating activities of the school year called graduation.  Graduation marks the end of a one school year of endeavor in order to gain knowledge.  It is during this time when those that performed well during the year are recognized and awarded.   It is a time of victory.

Our Christian life runs similar to our schooling.  There will come a time when our life here on earth will come to an end, and we will graduate from this earthly life.  It is during this time that we face our Creator, our Lord Jesus to present what transpired with our life.  It is during this time that we are rewarded of our obedience to our Lord Jesus.

Paul clearly pointed out three aspects of the verse in 2 Timothy 4:7:

a. Fighting the good fight;
b. Finishing the course;
c. Keeping the faith.

Fighting The Good Fight

Fighting the good fight is fighting a worthy opponent with vigor according to the rules.  We have to journey through our Christian  life within the bounds of God’s moral laws.  This means no “illegal” acts even if we are in a situation wherein we are pushed in the corner.

We have to bear in mind that, no matter what happens, we should stay within the bounds of God’s moral law.  Our pursuit of success could somehow tempt us to do “illegal” acts, we should be careful with this.  Because life here on earth is full of choices and uncertainties, we need the guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ as we run the race.

Finishing The Course

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, laid out a path for each one of us the moment we believe in Him as our Lord and Savior.  This is the course that each one of us has to follow as we journey through our Christian life.  Each one of us has a course of our own, laid out by God and is composed of straight paths, curved paths, uphill and downhill paths, and dangerous hillside paths.  The different conditions of our course define our training, the role that God is giving us in His big plan, and the victories that we will experience as we journey through our Christian life.  We need to follow it diligently without short cuts.  Taking short cuts will put you off-track, you can be lost or expose yourself to danger.  This means we have to face the good times and bad times with the help of and guidance of our Lord Jesus.

Keeping The Faith

The race or journey that we go through is like a relay race.  The baton should be in to the finish line along with the runner in order to win the race. It is similar to life.  We started off with our Christian life journey with our faith in Jesus Christ. We should carry this faith within us all through out the journey, and bring it with us when we finally face our great God and Creator.

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The video shown above is a trailer of the movie "Thelma" directed by a young talented Christian director. The movie opens in theater on September 7, 2011. A must see movie for the youth of today.

"Thelma" is a story of a simple young girl from the province named Thelma (played by Maja Salvador) whose family is beset with challenges when she discovers her uncanny gift of speed. Her talent then opens doors for her – to elevate her family’s situation and change the course of her own life. But to do that she will have to run- against all obstacles, against personal hindrances, against shadows from her past, and against her own self-doubts.

"Some people run away from their problems. Thelma ran to fix them."

Autonomy, Mastery, & Purpose

This is a good question – What is it that drives us to work harder, and more importantly work better? What makes us more creative, more productive and more satisfied with the work that we do?

As it turns out it is not money, or promotion, or the bonuses that we get at the end of the month. In fact, four decades of scientific research on human motivation shows that the carrot-and-stick approach is highly ineffective, both in business, and at home, when dealing with your children.

The true secret to high performance and satisfaction—at work, at school, and at home—does not lie in external rewards. It is based on the urge to direct our own lives (autonomy), the desire to get better and better at something that matters (mastery), and the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves (purpose).

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[Autonomy] Jesus said, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free... Most assuredly I tell you, everyone who lives in sin is the bondservant of sin. A bondservant doesn't live in the house forever. A son remains forever. If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:31~36)

[Mastery] I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

[Purpose] And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23)

The Healing Hand of God

Kindness: The thing desirable of a person

Being considerate of others will take your children further in life than any college degree.
--Marian Wright Edelman

What this world needs is a new kind of army - the army of the kind.
--Cleveland Amory

It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
--Author Unknown

Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are.
--Author Unknown

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
--Mark Twain

Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how.
--Author Unknown

The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway.
--Henry Boye

When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.
--Abraham Joshua Heschel

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with those who are striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.
--George Washington Carver

Kindness, like a boomerang, always returns.
--Author Unknown

The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.
--William Wordsworth

Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.
--Frank A. Clark

The kindest gesture in all the world is the unkind act, not done.
--Author Unknown

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
--Leo Buscaglia

A mistake made by many people with great convictions is that they will let nothing stand in the way of their views, not even kindness.
--Bryant H. McGill

A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.
--Joseph Joubert

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.
--Albert Schweitzer

Eradicating a religion of kindness is, I think, a terrible and futile thing for the Chinese to attempt.
--Martin Scorsese

Everyone responds to kindness.
--Richard Gere

Ignorant kindness may have the effect of cruelty; but to be angry with it as if it were direct cruelty would be an ignorant unkindness.
--George Eliot

Illness is the doctor to whom we pay most heed; to kindness, to knowledge, we make promise only; pain we obey.
--Marcel Proust

In human relationships, kindness and lies are worth a thousand truths.
--Graham Greene

That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.
--Proverbs 19:22

Surrendering Everything to God

Surrendering Everything to God
By Dr Mark

The standard of practical holy living has been so low among Christians that very often the person who tries to practice spiritual disciplines in everyday life is looked upon with disapproval by a large portion of the church. And for the most part, the followers of Jesus Christ are satisfied with a life so conformed to the world, and so like it in almost every respect, that to a casual observer there is no difference between the Christian and the pagan. (Hannah Whitall Smith, 1875.)

God calls us to surrender everything to Him. Andrew Murray called it "Absolute Surrender". So what does it mean to surrender all to God? There are two sides to the equation. First, we must be willing to do whatever He desires for us - in others words we must be willing to be obedient to whatever He commands. Second, we have to learn to allow God to do whatever He wants to do in and through us. This second part is the one that from an intellectual position seems to give some people problems. The question arises, can we really keep God from doing whatever He wants to do in our lives. The answer is Yes we can.

Let's look at a couple of areas where we see this illustrated in scripture:

MK 6:4 Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor." 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their lack of faith.

2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

From the two passages that we've just looked at we see that there were times when Jesus wanted to do miracles and He wasn't able to because of the peoples lack of faith. Also, we see in the second passage that God wants everyone to be saved, but it's not going to happen. So from these two scriptures we see that there are certainly times when God wants to do things in people lives, but because of choices each person makes, He may be limited in what He will do.

We need to examine ourselves and be sure that we are not doing, or believing anything that might limit what God can (or will) do in our lives. We can ask questions like: Is there any on-going sin in my life? Is it possible that there are things God wants to do in my life that my lack of faith would hinder Him from doing? If so, what can be done to increase faith? Begin by confessing the lack of faith and asking God to remove it.

MK 9:17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."

MK 9:19 "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."

MK 9:20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

MK 9:21 Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"

"From childhood," he answered. 22 "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."

MK 9:23 " `If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."

MK 9:24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

When Jesus was talking to His disciples He told them that it was important to count the cost. Listen to what He said:

LK 14:25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

LK 14:28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, `This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'

LK 14:31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

Surrendering our will to God is very difficult for many of us because we want to be sure that we are in control and we think that we know what's best for ourselves, so surrendering our will is often tough. However, God has called us to surrender everything to His care.

As we consider some passages that deal with this process we'll note that in many places we're told things like: put off one thing and put on something else. What I'd like for us to spend the next few minutes doing is going through the book of Romans and examining just a few of the places where Paul dealt with this concept of surrender.

Romans 3: 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

Romans 3: 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

RO 5:6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

RO 6:11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

Romans 6: 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

RO 6:19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.

RO 7:1 Do you not know, brothers--for I am speaking to men who know the law--that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? 2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. 3 So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man.

RO 7:4 So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

RO 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

Romans 10: 4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

Romans 11: 5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Romans 13: 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

These passages teach us that we are to die (spiritually) to the world, to sin, to self, to the law and that we are to live for God. We are called to focus on God's grace and His amazing willingness to reach out to us when we were still living in sin and when we were still His enemies. We're to get rid of the flesh and to clothe ourselves with Christ.

Have you surrendered everything to Jesus as both Lord and King? If not, what are you waiting for?

* * * * * * *

The Beauty of Surrender to God
by Sharat Thakur

Faith is giving Divine a chance to act. We all say that God is omniscient and omnipresent, but when it comes to surrendering everything on to Him, we tend to question his existence. In this matter, the atheists are better as they do not believe in God’s presence at all. Whats the point in believing on someone, and yet not having faith on Him. When we say that God is there, why cant we give Him a chance to bestow his love. We create images of God in our own mind, and try to believe that these are mere images, and nothing more.

How will God bestow his Love on to us? A very simple principle that works here is we have to follow the divine principles that God has laid down for us. Belief in God should stimulate us to know His virtues and his manifestations. We need to keep remembering God all the time. Many people complain that inspite of doing Spiritual practice and following the company of saintly people, they have not realized God. This is because of lack of faith and reverence for God, and also because of lack of remembrance of God.

We need to bestow and surrender all that we have onto Him, be it good or bad. A deep trust has to be birthed from the inside of us that recognizes that whatever happens to us, whether it is good or bad, God is in control and He can make something good out of it that would align to His will and purpose. Complete surrender to God’s will is the answer to have his blessing bestowed on to us. We have to realize the ever transcendental nature of God. We have to realize that God is all encompassing. God is all pervading, he knows everybody’s thoughts and action, he is supremely compassionate, supremely loving. God is the Supreme person, the Supreme Reality and the Supreme Spirit.

Surrender everything to God and see how life becomes full of meaning and purpose. All the actions, all the thoughts, all the feelings – bestow on to his Supreme feet. Have faith that whatever he has given or whatever he will give, is all that we require. Open your heart to receive His love. He is always there for us, we have to give him the chance to act, we have to have complete faith in His love.

Surrendering to God does not mean that we should stop doing what is expected of us. Rather it means, that we should keep doing our duty, without getting perturbed by life’s ups and downs. In everything we should be thankful to Him. There should be no need to worry about anything when you have surrendered everything to God.

So rise, awake, act, surrender and give God the chance to act.