“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”

AASUNrise (Waimata)

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.

Isaiah 42

New International Version (NIV)

The Servant of the Lord

42 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
    or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4     he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
    In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

5 This is what God the Lord says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
    who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
    who gives breath to its people,
    and life to those who walk on it:
6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
    I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
    to be a covenant for the people
    and a light for the Gentiles,
7 to open eyes that are blind,
    to free captives from prison
    and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

8 “I am the Lord; that is my name!
    I will not yield my glory to another
    or my praise to idols.
9 See, the former things have taken place,
    and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
    I announce them to you.”

Song of Praise to the Lord

10 Sing to the Lord a new song,
    his praise from the ends of the earth,
you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it,
    you islands, and all who live in them.
11 Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices;
    let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice.
Let the people of Sela sing for joy;
    let them shout from the mountaintops.
12 Let them give glory to the Lord
    and proclaim his praise in the islands.
13 The Lord will march out like a champion,
    like a warrior he will stir up his zeal;
with a shout he will raise the battle cry
    and will triumph over his enemies.

14 “For a long time I have kept silent,
    I have been quiet and held myself back.
But now, like a woman in childbirth,
    I cry out, I gasp and pant.
15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills
    and dry up all their vegetation;
I will turn rivers into islands
    and dry up the pools.
16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
    and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
    I will not forsake them.

ISAIAH 42

New International Version (NIV)

crossroads3

MY BIBLE 3 (green): THE LIFE APPLICATION (study) BIBLE

MY BELIEFS

Here are some notes/thoughts/affirmations/reflections (in point form), that I made some years back in my green Life Application Bible. Also many thoughts, reflections and meditations on Jesus Christ (the most significant “person” in “human” history), on which I base my faith. They (together with my notes and rather personal thoughts in my other two Bibles). tell something of my walk along this journey of faith.

The wisdom in this book, the Holy Bible (and Dr Robert H Schuller’s Possibility Thinkers Bible) has served to sustain, encourage and even inspire me since that long time ago in the “deep valley.” It has been my guiding star, my central source of divine inspiration.

Even though I’m still not what may be termed “religious” (way more “airey/fairey spiritually-minded”), I hope that these brief notes (which “lit the way through reflecting and shining a light on part of my journey, “the road less travelled”) may do the same to you through encouragement, upliftment and even inspiration too.

craig

March in the year 2013

“Trust in the Lord with your heart

and lean not on yur own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him

and he will make your paths straight.”*

– Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

* and/or “direct our path and make the right way through life for you”

“‘For I know the plans I have for you:, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be fond by you,’ declares the LORD.”

– Jeremiah 29:11-13

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

– Romans 8:28

“The Lord is good,

a refuge in times of trouble.

He cares for those that trust in Him.”

– Nahum 1:7

“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.”

– Revelation 2:10

light (gorlin)

Picture: Stunning seascape by Anton Gorlin (from www.cuded.com and www.inspirefirst.com)

 

MY BIBLE 3 (green): THE LIFE APPLICATION (study) BIBLE

“A walk so remarkable.”

Published by Tyndale House, Wheaton, Il (1996)

(New Living translation)

“When your will is God’s will, you will have your will.”

Charles Spurgeon

 

MY BELIEFS

Here are some notes/thoughts/reflections/”affirmations”(in point form), that  I made some years back in my green Life Application Bible.  Also many thoughts, reflections and meditations on Jesus Christ (the most significant “person” in “human” history), on which I base my faith. I’ve tried to apply (and follow) these principles (concepts), the teachings of Jesus daily in my own “little” life to see whether in fact they do, or do not work!  Also, they (together with my notes and rather personal thoughts in my other two Bibles). tell something of my walk along this journey of faith.

The wisdom in this book, the Holy Bible (and Dr Robert H Schuller’s Possibility Thinkers Bible) has served to sustain, encourage  and even inspire me since that long time ago in the “deep valley of life” It has been my guiding star, my central source of divine inspiration.

Even though I’m still not what may be termed “religious” (way more “airey/fairey spiritually-minded”), I hope that these brief notes (which “lit the way through reflecting and shining a light on part of my journey, “the road less travelled”) may do the same to you through encouragement, upliftment and even inspiration too.

craig

7th (“lucky”) March in the year 2013

“Trust in the Lord with your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him

and he will make your paths straight.”*

– Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

* and/or “direct our path and make the right way through life for you”

 

“‘For I know the plans I have for you:, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be fond by you,’ declares the LORD.”

– Jeremiah 29:11-13

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

– Romans 8:28

“The Lord is good,

a refuge in times of trouble.

He cares for those that trust in Him.”

– Nahum 1:7

 

“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.”

– Revelation 2:10

 

This Bible belongs to craig  (“just another child of God”

 

Written by the Holy Spirit  of Truth

…which will set you free.

 

“Write the vision and make it clear.”

Write it into existence.

A Spirit of faith, Spirit of Truth

Discover the light.

 

MY BELIEFS

In this “work” I’ll reflect on thoughts about God, Higher Intelligence, Supreme Being, “the mystery of life”

There is ONE Almighty God, a Being that transcends space, time, matter and energy

God is a metaphor that transcends all categories of thought.”

– Joseph Campbell

Written by the Holy Spirit and the truth shall set you free.

“And  you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”

Unity in truth

Christianity is man’s search for humanity….or should rather be man’s search for meaning???

“As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

– John 20:21

I want to be used for Your Honour and Glory

Make God as BIG as you can (can conceive)

Jesus was the highest revelation of God to humanity.

(Hebrews 1:2)

It is upon faith that you shall build the Kingdom.

“Lord

Expand my Spirit and reveal to the world Your living Spirit.”

“Lord

Use me, help me bring humanity closer to the Divine (Divine Source)???”

“Lord make a channel for Your peace to flow through to everyone I meet/

Lord, Increase my faith

My Grace is sufficient for you.

“Lord

Touch me where I need the touch the most.”

This daily bread is spiritual insight.

God loves new beginnings.

People experience God in different ways.

You are the light of the world.”

– Matt 5: 11

Plant seeds of hope (in others)

“If you’re feeling hopeless, then plant seeds of hope.”

“The anchor of our faith does not waver.”

SIN

See:

Romans 6:23

Hebrews 2:17

1 Cor 15

Embrace the light – choose who you want to become – become more of yourself

YOU BECOME WHAT YOU BELIEVE

“People do not decide to be extraordinary – they decide to do extraordinary things.”

– Sir Edmund Hilary, New Zealand conquerer of Mount Everest  (1919- 2008)

Ask God to help you achieve goals and dreams we could never do on our own!

*

Some Thoughts on Jesus:

Jesus related to all societies and peoples, “the common fabric of society.

He had a passion for peace, mutual tolerance, respect and he interacted with people of different faiths.

He was a voice for the voiceless and a teacher of righteousness

Yahweh = God

Yashua = Jesus

Jesus directed each disciple to discover the light within.

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you have will save you.”

(v79)

“Whoever finds self is worth more than the world,”

(v110)

I have a relationship with God through Jesus and Jesus is a focus for my faith

A life lived in the Spirit of Christ will never die

“As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”

Jesus is the human face of God

He was Author of Reconciliation

“Jesus’s mission was to bring the Divine to humanity.”

Jesus said: “We are all brothers and sisters in the human family”.

Jesus’s unique and eternal relationship with God.

 

Jesus understood himself to be unique in his close relationship with his Father in that he was the only ONE who could reveal the Father

– Matt 11:27

Jesus will intercede on our behalf.

Jesus’s sense of purpose

Sense of fulfilment

“Jesus was the conduit, whereby the love of God was loosed to human history.”

*

God, Divine Source works in and through people – “ordinary ones, like you and I…if we let  Ultimate Source!

God, The Essence of Existence needs humans (human beings) in partnership to help peace become a reality for others.

In so doing we are choosing hope over fear, unity over division.

The Spirit, the Divine Spark that made the world is in YOU, but first it has to be activated

Spirit brings you into union with God.

God is at work in and through you.

I have a relationship with God through Jesus and Jesus is a focus for my faith.

Discover the light within

“Write the vision and make it clear.”

“Lord

fill with me yourself”… and He does!

Eternal truths

Be a beacon of truth

Matthew 12:18-21

“You can have a broken heart, but not a broken spirit.”

– my good friend, Lindsay McIlraith (“the Prayer-warrior and the Prophet”)

“As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”

Discover the light within

Faith is a:

* choice

* a decision

* a commitment

It is upon faith that you will build the Kingdom

My Grace is sufficient for you

Plant seeds of hope

Love God and express your love for God through a love of one another

“Lord, Expand my heart.”

*

As ambassadors of Christ, we are instruments of peace

Your words are your weapons. The power of words to change lives.

Choose who you want to become. You become what you believe.

The Bibles teaches positive thinking. Plant seeds of hope (in others).

“Do  something beautiful for God.”

– Mother Teresa

“I’d rather attempt something great and fail, rather than attempting nothing and succeed.”

Dr Norman Vincent Peale (US preacher and author)

Through your FAITH you enter the Kingdom of God                                                         *

“I can’t fix what you haven’t given Me.”

Summon a new spirit

YOU have the spark of the divine within you

“And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”

John: 8:32

He is the ONE who loves you

God lives in YOU

Walk in the footprints of the Holy Spirit.

“Faith is the trigger that releases divine power.”

BELIEVE, CONCEIVE, RECEIVE

*

The Eagle

Strong, powerful, able to capture the vision, generous, loving, trusting. A believer in the God who believes in YOU.

“God will make a way, when there appears to be none.”

– my good friend, Lindsay (the Prayer-warrior and the Prophet”)

                                              *

Some More Thoughts on Jesus (and living with His Spirit):

Jesus’s mission was to bring the divine to humanity.

Jesus is an expression on the nature of God – a moral compass for our lives.

He taught reconciliation, justice, truth, human rights for all…and especially God’s  Grace (Infinite).

In Him the Lord became servant.

Walk the walk in the Spirit of Truth. Be Christ’s hands, eyes and ears…today.

The Kingdom will bring peace and prosperity. At an individual level the transformation of human beings into the divine nature and enabled them to be like Christ Himself.

A public expression of the Gospel will change people’s lives. Christ chose US , “the little ordinary” people to go out and change the world… for the better!

He doesn’t have a plan B. It’s up to us to be the hands, ears and eyes of Christ.

Jesus was a “man” of contrasts: bold, yet unassuming, gentle, wise and humble.

He had the greatest self esteem, yet gave the greatest self-sacrifice.

Jesus brought humanity closer to the divine.

“I and the Father are one.”

– John 5:26,11:25,14:6

NB: Jesus understood perfectly the power of the subconscious mind.

In Him the Lord became servant.

Jesus directed the disciples to find the light within.

You have it already.

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you have will save you.”

– James 70

“Whoever finds self is worth more than the world.”

v 110

“The full flower  that is the hope  of all mankind may be found in the figure and life of Jesus. In Jesus’s own life was the Being of his nearness to God that He expressed as no other could, the Spirit and Will of God.”

“Jesus is the doorway by which I enter the holiness of God.”

*

“Together one mind, one soul at a time, let’s see how many hearts can be transformed from hatred into love. We can be a channel for God to do this.

God works in and through people (“ordinary” – what’s that!) people”.

You (we) are what you (we) THINK

“As I pray, I become.”

“The just shall live by faith.”

– Romans 1:17

“What you earn is a living, but what you give is a life.”

The PURPOSE of life.

You were created for a purpose

To love and worship God.

Love and serve other people.

“We can all be great, because we can all serve (others in some way).”

– Dr Martin Luther-King (and Mother Teresa)

Christianity is God’s search for humanity.

FAITH and PERSISTENCE

God works when you believe.

(Read The Magic of Believing by Claude Bristol)

My Grace is sufficient for you.

Prayer of Jabez

Ask God to do it – what seems impossible to do on your own

You don’t have to know HOW . Just KNOW that with God ALL things are possible!

Ask God to expand and broaden your horizons

“A walk so remarkable”

There has to be another way.

It involves a “change of consciousness”, to a  “ God-consciousness”.

And all you have to do is SEEK and ASK… and “it will be given unto you”.

“For as a man thinketh is in his heart,

so is he.”

– Proverbs 23:70

The heart is the  core of inner man – it’s the core of who we are: mind, will and emotions.

We individuals have the freedom of will to seek the highest good for the greatest number of people.

“We can all be great… because we can all serve.”

– Dr Martin Luther King, Jr (and Mother Teresa)

“Be faithful until death and I’ll give you the crown of life.”

– Revelation 2:10

Acknowledge our shared humanity.

The Bible teaches positive thinking.

Elevate your thinking

You’ll never rise higher than the image you have of yourself.

You CAN …if you THINK you can!

“You are as great as your faith – you’ll never go higher than  your thoughts.

Be the bright light you CAN be to the world.

“Jesus is the doorway by which I enter the holiness of God.”

Both governments and individuals have the freedom of will to seek the highest good for the greatest number of people.

Live your dreams, believe in yourself and strive to be the best you can be.

You become what you BELIEVE.

Your belief becomes your truth – a future of infinite possibilities, of grand, far and great  horizons

Christianity is man’s search for humanity…or is it man’s search for God?

“The anchor of our faith does not waver.”

Every person is a divine  creation.

Ask yourself: Is my action (are my actions) consistent with the will of God?

Reach the whole world for Christ

Enhance the personhood of everyone who touches your life.

The Spirit that made the world, the Divine Spark is in YOU, but first it has to be activated.”

“The God I see in Jesus is revealed in the personhood of some very special people?”

“Just because the world’s a mess, doesn’t mean that it has to remain this way.”

– the singer Bono

Successful

Noah..was the first financier. He floated stock…then went into liquidation.

Put God first and everything else will follow from that!

Psalm 29:11

People experience God in different ways- there are different ways, paths, “pipe-lines” to God

(I know, I know, what you’re going to say!)

You choose!

“God’s Providence is my inheritance.”

– Robert H Schuller

“God creates us with different gifts. Each one of us comes into the world with a different collection of life circumstances that often severely challenge us, things that give us joy and in expressing our talents allow us to bless the people, the world around us.”

God wants to change us from the outside…or “inside out”??

“When your will is God’s will, you will have your will.”

– Charles Spurgeon

This “work” in the form of this manuscript is my “little labour of love.”, my “one, long prayer”.

Make your life one long prayer

“Lord, make my ‘little’ life a window for Your light to shine through to everyone I meet

Let the Glory of God be revealed in your life…today

PRAYERS

“Lord

I want to be used for Your Honour and Glory. I surrender my life fully to You, Almighty God. Fill me with Your Infinite Spirit daily (a ‘triple helping’, please – thanks, Lindsay) to do what I should be doing.

 

“Lord

Touch me where I need the touch the most.

Expand my heart.

Expand my spirit to reveal to the world Your Living Spirit.”

“Jesus

Take my ‘little’  life and make something beautiful out of it.”

“Lord

Show me the person you want to speak to through my life today. Use my ‘little’ life as a focus for your endless possibilities, far and great horizons.”.

“Jesus

I believe you died for me and rose from the dead, so now I want to live for you. I am placing my trust fully in You.

I acknowledge you as my Saviour and Lord and I’m asking You to guide me from now on.

 

“Lord

Let me be a channel for Your peace, a window for Your light to shine through to everyone I meet.”

“Jesus

Fit my little dream into Your plan for the world.”

*

APPENDIX

 

 

 

 

 

“A life lived in the Spirit of Christ will never die.”

Your Infinite Grace is sufficient for me.”

 

“It is finished.”

“Father, unto Thy hands I commit my Spirit.”

“Together, you and I let’s march into a bright new tomorrow.”

 

May you all see God’s bright light on the road up ahead.

 

 

1the-light-of-the-universe (from vineandbranchworldministries.com)

The Possibility Thinkers Bible (My Bible 2)

Here are some notes (in point form), that I made many years ago in my Possibility Thinker’s Bible , when I was going through a rather difficult and dark period of my life. They tell of my early walk along the faith.

The wisdom in this book, the Holy Bible (and Dr Schuller’s Possibily Thinkers Bible) has served to sustain, encourage and even inspire me since that long time ago in the “deep valley of life”. It has been my guiding star, my central source of divine inspiration for many years now…and until the end of my days.

Even though I’m still not what may be termed “religious” (way more “airey/fairey spiritually-minded”), I hope that these brief notes (which “lit the way through reflecting and shining a light on part of my journey, “the road less travelled”) may do the same to you through encouragement, upliftment and even inspiration too.

craig

“Trust in the Lord with your heart

and lean not on yur own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him

and he will make your paths straight.”*

– Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

* and/or “direct our path and make the right way through life for you”

“‘For I know the plans I have for you:, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be fond by you,’ declares the LORD.”

– Jeremiah 29:11-13

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

– Romans 8:28

“The Lord is good,

a refuge in times of trouble.

He cares for those that trust in Him.”

– Nahum 1:7

“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.”

– Revelation 2:10

God (fromantryup.wordpress.com)

THE POSSIBILITY THINKER’S BIBLE

(My Bible 2)

by Robert H Schuller and Paul David Dunn

Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers (1996)

Here are some notes (in point form), that  I made many years ago in my Possibility Thinker’s Bible , when I was going through a rather difficult and dark period of my life. They tell of my early walk along the faith.

The wisdom in this book, the Holy Bible (and Dr Schuller’s Possibility Thinkers Bible) has served to sustain, encourage  and even inspire me since that long time ago in the “deep valley.” Since those “dark days in the wilderness of life”, it has been my guiding star, my central source of divine inspiration.

Even though I’m still not what may be termed “religious” (way more “airey/fairey spiritually-minded”), I hope that these brief notes (which “lit the way through reflecting and shining a light on part of my journey, “the road less travelled”) may do the same to you through encouragement, upliftment and even inspiration too.

craig

“Trust in the Lord with your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him

and he will make your paths straight.”*

– Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

* and/or “direct our path and make the right way through life for you”

“‘For I know the plans I have for you:, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be fond by you,’ declares the LORD.”

– Jeremiah 29:11-13

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

– Romans 8:28

“The Lord is good,

a refuge in times of trouble.

He cares for those that trust in Him.”

– Nahum 1:7

“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.”

– Revelation 2:10

This Bible belongs to craig  (“just another child of God”

Written by the Holy Spirit  of Truth

…which will set you free.

Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.

A true “labour of love”

Written by the Holy Spirit of Truth, which will set you free

“As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”

– John 20

“Write the vision and make it clear.”

A Spirit of faith, Spirit of Truth

Discover the light.

.Jesus is a focus for my faith.

A life lived in the Spirit of Christ will never die.

Jesus is the doorway by which I enter into the holiness of God.

God is IN us.

Unity in truth

The light.

Dependance on a right relationship with God

*************************************************

God, the Creative Source of Life is indefinable:  all that is highest and greatest in our values

God, the Great Restorer

“Jesus is the doorway, whereby I enter the holiness of God.”

A life lived in the Spirit of Christ will never die.

Put God first in your life… and everything else will follow.

He will give you the crown of life (Corinthians)

Jesus is a focus for my faith.

Jesus understood perfectly the power of the sub-conscious mind.

God, the Great Restorer

Jesus will intercede on your behalf.

I can vouch for that!

Do not quit. Remain faithful.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth

The Lord will make a way when their appears none

“As the Father has sent you, I also send you.”

– John 20

Jesus fills a void in our hearts.

“The anchor of our faith does not waver.”

“Forgiveness liberates the soul.”

Romans 12:2 : renewing the mind

Acts 1:8

You are as great as your faith…you can never go higher than your thoughts.

Jesus:

Liberator

Conquered death

Was a living Saviour

Jesus said: “I and the Father are one.”

My Grace is sufficient for you.

Jesus said: “You shall know people by the fruits that they bear: fruits like compassion, justice, peace, forgiveness, reconciliation, etc

The Bible teaches positive healthy thinking.

You CAN… if you THINK you can!

“If you are feeling hopeless, try just planting a seed of hope.”

– my good friend, Lindsay McIlraith (“the Prayer-warrior and the Prophet”)

Luke 9:67

It is upon faith that you will build the Kingdom

Put God first, then everything else will follow from that!

I believe in the Holy Spirit

The Spirit that made the world, the divine spark is in you, but first it has to be activated

“I am able to experience God’s presence on earth.”

– Ayrton Senna

His faith was about individual self-realisation

Faith is a:

*  choice

* a decision

*  a commitment

Lord, increase my faith

God works when you believe

“Look upwards and you go within.”

The New Testament welcomes the Messiah

*

Jesus’s indirect claims:

* to forgive sins

* to judge the world

in the name of  Jesus

forgive sins

new heart

new life

to  follow your example

see Mark 3:5 and Matthew 2:5

Jesus called himself ‘Son of Man’

The anchor of our faith does not waver

“Faith is the trigger that relieves  stress, doubt and uncertainty.”

Plant seeds of hope (in others).

“Do something beautiful for God.”

– Mother Teresa

Holy Spirit, Comforter, Spirit of Truth

“Lies breed lies

truth breeds truth.”

Through  your faith, you enter my Kingdom of God.

Faith is a choice, a decision, a commitment

“The anchor of our faith does not waver.”

“Lord, Expand my spirit”

“For my faith is greater than I.”

– John 14:38

THE EAGLE:

Part of cultural consciousness?

Wisdom and faith

Strong and powerful

Able to capture the vision

generous, loving and trusting

A believer in a God, who believes in YOU.

“I’d rather attempt something great and fail, than attempt nothing and succeed.”

– Dr Norman Vincent Peale (US preacher and author)

The truth is ONE, but different sages call it , God by different names, like “Supreme Soul”.

“And you shall know the truth

and the truth shall make you free.”

– John 8:32

The Gospel of Thomas

Jesus directs each disciple to discover the light within.

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you have will save you.”

– v 70

You have the spark within you

Overcome evil with (doing) good (Romans)

The Resurrection of Jesus symbolises the freedom of Spirittransformation.

“I am the light that is above everything, I am all ; all come forth from me and all has returned to me.”

“Jesus is the doorway whereby I enter  the holiness of God.”

” A life lived in the Spirit of Christ will never die.”

*

PRAYERS

“Lord,

Touch me, bless me where I need it most”

“Lord,

Expand my spirit and reveal to the world Your Living Spirit.”

“Lord,

Make my ‘little’ life for Your Light to shine through to everyone I meet.”

“Lord,

Let more people experience the real you, who you really are.

*

APPENDIX:

Read:

Deuteronomy 8:18, 30:9

Acts 1:8

John 5:26

11:25

14:6

Matthew 7:13

Matt 7:13,14

Luke 9:67

Jeremiah 29:122,12

Luke 9:67

Micah 6:8

Enter through the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13,14)

Exodus 14:13-15

Romans 8:28

Proverbs 3:5-7

Daniel 12:3-4

Galatians 3:28

Collossians 3:11

Phillippians 4:13

(you haven’t given me)

Mark 11.24

Rev 21:5,6

Romans 3:7

Hebrews 12:1,2

Tim 4:7

1 Cor 16:5

Phillippians 2

Ephesians 1:17

1 Corinthians 2:14

Mark 11.24

Rev 21:5,6

The race of life:

Hebrews 12:1,2

Tim 4:7

Bible verse:

Daniel 12:3

Mark 11.24

Luke 9:67

Rev 21:5,6

*

“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.”

– Revelation 2: 10

God 2(fromantryup.wordpress.com)

Let the Glory of God be revealed in YOUR life… today.

MY NOTES FROM BIBLE 1 (black)

God (fromantryup.wordpress.com)

MY NOTES FROM BIBLE 1 (black)

Here are some notes (in point form), that  I made many years ago in my black Bible given to me years ago by my dear sister Glenda in a very dark period of my life   when my “entire world/life” fell apart in a time where I had  “ NO God-consciousness” after rejecting God for much of my life (sorry, my good friends, Don and Lynda in spite of all your prayers over the years), thinking I could do anything on my own (“if it’s to be, it’s up to me”) .

It marked the start of a new journey. Since then the wisdom in this book has served to sustain, encourage  and inspire me since that time in the “deep, deep valley” of life.

As someone wrote, “we learn far more from our tears than from our laughter.”

Even though I’m still not what may be termed “religious” (way more “airey/fairey spiritually-minded”), I hope that these brief notes I jotted down in my first “baby-steps of faith. They  ”lit the way through reflecting and shining a light on part of my journey that is life – “the road less travelled from darkness to light” . No matter, where you may be on the journey, I hope they may do the same for you too

craig

March in the year 2013

PS: I have two other Bibles full of notes, which I’ll go through and put them in the new book

“Trust in the Lord with your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him

and he will make your paths straight.”*

– Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

* and/or “direct our path and make the right way through life for you”

“‘For I know the plans I have for you:, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be fond by you,’declares the LORD.”

– Jeremiah 29:11-13

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

– Romans 8:28

“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.”

– Revelation 2:10

Jesus,

I surrender to you. Take my ‘little’ life and make something beautiful out of it.

I want to be used for Your Honour and Glory

Nov 1995

*

THE GOSPEL (Good News) OF GOD: THE HEART OF GOD

God always finishes what He starts.

God wants to satisfy our deepest spiritual needs.

A victorious heart

A blessing

Romans 8:28

Romans 10:9

You’ll hear God speak through these pages

You get a positive feeling letting Him guide you

*

THE CHARACTER OF JESUS

He was compassionate, humble, meek and mild…yet strong.

He treated the poor with respect, children with love and tenderness, and accepted ALL the way they were.

He was pure, selfless, sinless with immeasurable mercy, love and grace.

Had utmost integrity. He always saw the best in people, calling (inviting) them to be the highest (best) they could become.

*

“When our charm wears off, we need character.”

Jesus said: You shall know people by the fruit that they bear: fruits like compassion, justice, righteousness, forgiveness, reconciliation and so on.”

*

“Jesus is a soul with a body.”

In Jesus God became man.  Jesus, “Author of Reconciliation”  was the human face of God. He was totally human, yet also totally divine.

It is upon FAITH that you will build the Kingdom.

Through your faith you enter the kingdom of God.

My Grace is sufficient for you.

The Gospel of Thomas (read)

Thomas directs each disciple to discover the light within.

Jesus said: “If you bring forth what is within you, what you have will save you.”

V 70

and ‘Whoever finds self is worth more than the world.”

*

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT GOD

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

– Westminster Confession

1. Know that God is continually involved in your life every single day. A Sovereign God, of All Knowledge and Power knows exactly our mind and our needs.

2. God works every circumstance for our ultimate good. Let His will be done.

“Let go, let God, let good.”

3. No matter your circumstances and what’s happened to you, you CAN have confidence about the future.

Jesus said: You shall know people by the fruit that they bear: fruits like compassion, justice, righteousness, forgiveness, reconciliation and so on.”

“Everyone who is called by my name,

whom I created for my glory,

who I formed and made.”

Isiah 43:7

“Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus died in my place, paying the sin debt I owed, and  then rose from the dead. I receive Him as my personal Saviour and surrender control of my life to You. Please show me how to live for You, walk with You and know You better each day.

Amen

( from “very heavy heavy serious” US Christian preacher, Charles Stanley)

A  cknowledge

B  elieve

C  onfess

Inner change is expressed through outside changes.

Inner change is expressed by outside actions

Jesus makes God real to me  

The spoken Word – message of God

the truth of the living word of God, as inspired by man’s love of God

It’s the story of God’s redemption.

God is speaking to you directly. God speaks to us through His word- delights. His revelation, His truth, His understanding- absolutely indestructible

There’s no book that causes so much discussion, controversy, yet is so inexhaustible in it’s depth and ability to IMPACT people.

“Drink/breathe the breath of life into them (people)”

It the Bible is the most precious thing you can hold in your hand- it has affected and continues to affect people throughout the world…as a guide to good living.

“I want to be used by You for Your Honour and Glory. Be a testimony to the power of hope and faith to build bridges between people.”

7th April in the year 2006

*

APPENDIX

To read:

Matthew 7:12

Luke 23:33-34

John 1: 11-13

John 2: 13.17

John 13:1-17

Romans 5:8-

Romans 8:28

Romans 10:9

John 1:11- 13

Proverbs 3:5-6

Collossians 3:23

peace

Isiaih 9:6

Matt:5:9

John 14:27

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (pg 881)

Daniel 12:3-4

Luke 9:62

Phillip 1:6

Rev 2:10

Rev 21:5,6

Shared by “an inspiration distributer”

“And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said,”Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’

He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without  cost  from the spring of he water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”

– Revelation 21:5-6

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”

Daniel 12:3-4

“Trust in the Lord with your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”

Image

“Trust in the Lord with your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him
and he will make your paths straight.”*
– Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

* and/or “direct our path and make the right way through life for you”

Faith is a choice.”

from https://whyifollowjesuschrist.wordpress.com/2015/07/09/faith-is-a-choice/

“‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you’, declares the LORD.”
– Jeremiah 29:11-13

see https://itsalwaysdarkestbeforethedawn.wordpress.com/2015/08/17/only-if-you-have-been-in-the-deepest-valley-can-you-ever-know-how-magnificent-it-is-to-be-on-the-highest-mountain-3/

Thank you, Lord

THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

Hope is the anchor of the soul.”

In The Book of Isaiah, the Old Testament welcomes in the New Testament. This rather long book of Isaiah is a beautiful example of God’s strength and the promises He gave to the people, when they needed them most. God sent the Prophet Isaiah to forewarn and prepare the people of Israel for the problems that were to beset them. Like a novelist foretelling his readers of future tragedies and events, God sent the prophet to announce the coming captivity by warring nations and the destruction of Jerusalem. Throughout the historical narrative of these happenings is interwoven the thread of hope – the coming of the Messiah.

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14 (New King James version)

Isaiah promises the people that the coming Messiah will bring them into a loving relationship with God (see Chapter 53)

In comparing their lives to the desolate wilderness area, the Prophet Isaiah promises that: “Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough places smooth.” – Is 40:4

God promises that even the most desolate and unfortunate life will become successful and productive with His power. God responds to our desperation. We can look to God for strength, for we know that the ultimate outcome is in His hands.

“Behold, I make all things new”

       Picture: Stunning seascape by Anton Gorlin (from www.cuded.com and www.inspirefirst.com) 

seacapes 3 by Anton Gorlin

 

 

* If you read and listen at the same time (something I can’t do!)

 

 (I do have fun entertaining and challenging + uplifting myself at the same time whilst “working”

 

“total non-techno and unmusical” c
                                                   *

Article Title: THE BOOK OF ISIAH

Submitted by: Craig Lock

Category (key words: Bible, Old Testament, Isaiah, Prophets, Messiah, coming of a Messiah, RH Schuller, Possibiliity Thinkers Bible , Jesus Jesus Christ,

Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981

(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig!)

Publishing Guidelines:
All my articles may be freely published, electronically or in print

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

*

THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

 

“Hope is the anchor of the soul.”

In The Book of Isaiah, the Old Testament welcomes in the New Testament. This rather long book of Isaiah is a beautiful example of God’s strength and the promises He gave to the people, when they needed them most. God sent the Prophet Isaiah to forewarn and prepare the people of Israel for the problems that were to beset them. Like a novelist foretelling his readers of future tragedies and events, God sent the prophet to announce the coming captivity by warring nations and the destruction of Jerusalem. Throughout the historical narrative of these happenings is interwoven the thread of hope the coming of the Messiah.

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14 (New King James version)

Isaiah promises the people that the coming Messiah will bring them into a loving relationship with God (see Chapter 53)

In comparing their lives to the desolate wilderness area, the Prophet Isaiah promises that: “Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough places smooth.” – Is 40:4

God promises that even the most desolate and unfortunate life will become successful and productive with His power. God responds to our desperation. We can look to God for strength, for we know that the ultimate outcome is in His hands.

“Behold, I make all things new”

(Rev 21:5)Key word: “Salvation Is of the Lord

“All we like sheep have gone astray.”

Key Chapter: Isaiah 53

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send. And who will go for Us?’ 6:8

Then I said: Here am I! Send me.’”

THE DESERT – A GARDEN

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” – Is 40:8

God will make the deserts in our lives bloom with new growth

… with perseverance and patience on our parts.

FACE REALITY WITH HOPE

Whether your problem is big or small, don’t run from it. Instead, face it and give it back to God. Today face reality with hope, and begin to turn your life around. Remember, with God all things are possible!

Light in a Land of Darkness “The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light: Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.”

“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.” 12:2

“Now go, write it before them on a tablet, And note it on a scroll, That it may be for time to come, Forever and ever.”

30:8

* *

ON WINGS OF EAGLES

The psalmist compares God’s care for His people to the eagle’s wings. “Hide me under the shadow of your wings.” Ps 17:8

Attempt to do something great for God, even though you might fail, rather than do nothing and succeed.

“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

40:31 “Behold My Servant whom I uphold My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon him. He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.”

42:1 “He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged Till He has established justice in the earth.”

42:3,4 “I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them. And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.”

42:16 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name: You are Mine.”

43:1 “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight.”

45:2″All we like sheep have gone astray.” 53:6

“And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.” 53:12

“Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’”

58:8 from the New Possibilities Thinkers Bible by Paul D Dunn and Robert H Schuller

(published by Thomas Nelson)

* All quotations New King James version

 

Shared by craig (“incorrigible encourager and people-builder”)

 

“The time of the singing of the birds has come.”

“Hope is the anchor of the soul.”

” I don’t believe in God.” I know God.”

– David Rosen, Jungian psycho-analyst

 

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

About the submitter:

In his various writings, little by little, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through sharing information and “planting, then watering uplifting ideas and seeds of hope”. He truly believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share as ‘human beans’ is way more important than what divides us.

Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including ‘A New Dawn’) are available at:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com and www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

“When people’s hearts are full of love, the world is filled with hope.”

“With passion and purpose in our individual lives we can touch others and in so doing illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity to make a better world (through helping raise the ‘collective consciousness’). Let us encourage our leaders towards an alternate vision for the world to embrace: one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged. Each one of us in our own little ways can offer (and most importantly, LIVE) this compelling new horizon: a bright future of justness and justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values. Especially a vision of hope and thoughts of peace fuelled by the eternal flame of love, which can light the darkest night… always “

– me

“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”

“Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all cause – goodwill among men and peace on earth.”

– Albert Einstein

“What we believe is not nearly as important as how we relate, interact with each other… and how we live. Only when we can say, ‘I am first and foremost a human being, and second a Jew, Muslim, Shi’ite, a Sunni, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or a Sikh …’ will we progress and break down barriers between peoples, nations and cultures, east and west. Let not our beliefs , but our shared humanity (ALL of us) define who we really are.”

– craig

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”

– craig

This article may be published with acknowledgment to the source, thanks

God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”

“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He (??) is understandable.”

May you all see God’s bright light on the path up head

From http://buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com

 

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
– John 8:12

From the storms of life to the brightest rainbow…

rainbow6From the storms of life to the brightest rainbow

“Delight yourself in the Lord…and you will be given all the desires of your heart.”

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
– 2 Phillipians 5

Also see Ephesians 1:127 and
1 Corinthians 2:14

And each ONE of us can choose to have the mind, the mindset …in a word the consciousness of Christ… to achieve what may appear impossible things in your own life. Just ASK*, then just LET go and let it “flow” in!

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” – Romans 12:2

“Spirit controls your mind.” Romans 8:6

“Let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus.” – Phillippians 2:5

“But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 2:16

Hope sees the invisible, feels the  intangible and achieves the impossible.”

Also see https://sharefaith.wordpress.com/2012/08/30/a-book-review-the-mind-of-jesus-by-william-barclay-2/

“Moses brought the law; whereas Jesus brought Grace and Truth.”

Wainui sunrise

Magnificent East Coast sunrise by Ngaio Keelan in the “scenic and tranquil little haven” that is New Zealand (or ‘Godzone’, as it is often affectionately known)

“Moses brought the law; whereas Jesus brought Grace and Truth.”

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