A BOOK “REVIEW”: THE MIND OF JESUS by William Barclay

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

YOU too (with a bit of faith) can have  the mind of Christ!..

“A bit, some of the same Spirit, the Divine Spark that made the world is in YOU… but first it has to be activated.”  from https://sharefaith.wordpress.com/comments-the-same-spirit-the-divine-spark-that-made-the-world-is-in-you-but-first-it-has-to-be-activated/

Spiritual growth, Neale Donald Walsch, books, Jesus, Jesus Christ, faith, beliefs, spirituality, the spiritual journey, ‘Conversations with God’, thoughts on God

Spiritual growth, Neale Donald Walsch, books, Jesus, Jesus Christ, faith, beliefs, spirituality, the spiritual journey, ‘Conversations with God’, thoughts on God

From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love

From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love

A “Review” of the Book ‘Once An Arafat Man’ by Tass Saada

A “Book Review”: ‘THE THIRD JESUS’ (by Dr Deepak Chopra) — Part Three

A “Book Review”: ‘THE THIRD JESUS’ (by Dr Deepak Chopra) — Part Three

Interview with Reza Aslan, Author of ‘Zealot’ : Dr Reza Aslan, internationally acclaimed writer and scholar of religions and author of the New York Times Bestseller Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth

Also see http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/2589498
(If that link doesn’t work in your browser try Google Chrome)

Dr Reza Aslan, internationally acclaimed writer and scholar of religions and author of the New York Times Bestseller Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth

I think the last part of the interview is best, when Dr Aslan talks about his personal experience of faith (just move the bar along, if you wish)

The difference between religion and faith: The difference between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith… where His Spirit (immense) is activated.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RELIGION AND FAITH
Here are my notes… enjoy

“Religion is nothing more than a symbol, a metaphor of (for) my faith. My faith is in God, the Ultimate Source, the Ground of All Being. There is a difference between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith. Faith helps us to define the journey.
Religion is simply the language of metaphor. Religion is not divine – it’s man-made – it’s a personal expression of our faith. Don’t confuse religion and (with) faith. My faith is in God and religion allows me to define and express that faith. The water is the water that everyone is drawing from – the water is the same, but the well is all that’s different. Amazing thing about the study of religion – the one thing you can’t get past. Countless cultures and civilisations separated by thousands and thousands of kilometres and many centuries of history define that religious experience, the mystery of God in the same way. They use the same language, the same myths, the same stories (??). They come up with the exact same answers to our questions. Religion is not the means to an end – it’s the end in itself what matters; religion is merely the path to a destination, but it’s the destination that’s crucial. Religion is nothing more than the path, whilst faith is the destination.
– the words of Reza Aslan, author of Zealot, who expressed them, his views on religion and faith far better than I ever could.

Picture from http://www.tworiversblog.com

Sharing Some Uplifting Thoughts (Thought Conditioners) from Dr Norman Vincent Peale

Article Title: Sharing Some Uplifting Thoughts (Thought Conditioners) from Dr Norman Vincent Peale

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (key words/Tags): Self help, self help books, Norman Vincent Peale, Christianity, faith, hope, persistence, trials, words of upliftment and inspiration , Inspirational Quotes, books, spiritual, spiritual writings, spiritual growth, Jesus, Jesus Christ, inspiration, empowerment, words of empowerment (enough there now, craig)

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

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

Other Articles 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:

This piece (as with all my writings) may be freely reproduced electronically or in print. If it helps others “out there” on the ‘amazing journey of life’, then we’re very happy.

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

#

SHARING SOME UPLIFTING THOUGHTS from DR NORMAN VINCENT PEALE (to Give Comfort, Strength and Peace of Mind in Times of Trial and Struggle)

Submitters Note:

These are some notes that I wrote down many years ago in a very dark period of my life . . . a time of prolonged great hardship in a seemingly impossibly difficult situation, which I’m “passing on”. (I think they were from Norman Vincent Peace, the author of the Power of Positive Thinking). Yes, on checking my notes these words from Dr Peale’s ‘Self Help Book’ of Thought Conditioners (from the Bible) served to sustain and encourage me to “hang in there” with hope, faith and persistence. And I hope they may do the same for you . . . whatever situation you may find yourself in.

Hope these thoughts are not “too heavy-heavy religious” for you.

The light of God will be with you on the path up ahead.

*

Christianity has its roots in the mystery of eternal life. This faith is a way of understanding the unknowable. Wanted to understand the cycle of life, death and rebirth.

However, one has to be a believer to “get into different levels of understanding”… which is achieved through the immense power of faith.

“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed…nothing shall be impossible to you . . . ”

“According to your faith, be it unto you.” – Matthew ix.290

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” – Romans viii.31

(and you may as well be too!!!)

Simply affirm:” God is with me in this situation; God is helping me; God is guiding me.

Remind yourself that God is with you and nothing can defeat you. BELIEVE that you now receive power from Him.

“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. Everything passes away except God. God alone is sufficient.”

Thomas Carlyle: “Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves.”

“

I was in a situation where I had to make a decision: an intellectual, rational one (of the mind), or that of some kind of spiritual discipline and faith. The first (selling Sky subscriptions) one was easy, the second, the writing path) hard. The first is about ego, the second about the battle inside you that gives life meaning.

I chose the hardest path – it was like having wings. I wanted to look at everything another way.

It’s no specific faith. It could be any religion – it’s a deep belief in God, the human spirit.” – the words of Ingrid Betancourt (Colombian hostage)

Faith is a choice It’s a decision It’s a commitment

“The just shall live by faith – Romans 1:16,17

MATTHEW: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” *

LIFE’S PROBLEMS

1. Believe, really believe, that for every problem, there is a solution (and very often it’s a spiritual one).

2. Keep calm. Tension blocks the flow of thought power. Your brain cannot operate efficiently under too much stress.

3. Don’t try to force an answer. Keep the mind relaxed and the solution will become clear. List the facts of the problem on paper – be objective, so that your problem does not become subjective.

Be patient waiting for an answer, a solution …which comes via the subconscious mind

6. Pray about your problem, affirming that God will flash illumination into your mind. Believe God’s promise in the 73rd Psalm: “Thou wilt guide thee by thou counsel.”

7. Trust fully in the faculty of insight and intuition.

Go to church (and/or meditate) and let your subconscious work on the problem.

There is always a close connection between how a man thinks and how he feels. In addition, there is impressive evidence to support the view that God works through both the practitioner of science, the doctor, and the practitioner of faith, the minister (mind-body relationship). The answer is in the healing teachings of Jesus.

“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm XVI.10

“In him we live and move and have our being.” – Acts xvii.28

By faith you place yourself in the flow of divine power.

William James: “The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” As you think, so shall you be. fill your mind with fresh new creative thoughts of faith, love and goodness.”

1. Don’t get the idea that you are Atlas carrying the world on your shoulders. Don’t strain so hard. Don’t take yourself so seriously.

2. Determine to like your work. Change yourself and your work will seem different.

3. Plan your work and work your plan.

4. Don’t try to do everything at once: “This one thing I do.”

5. Get the right mental attitude.

6. Practice being relaxed – take it all in your stride.

William James: “One of the deepest drives of human nature is the desire to be appreciated.”

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peacably with all men.’ – Romans xii.18

It is not advisable to attempt to carry the burden of sorrow and mental pain without Divine help; for it’s weight is more than the personality can bear. There is always the soothing presence of God at hand.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” – I Corinthians ii.9

Socrates: “No evil can befall a good man in this life or in the next.”

* State your problem

* Ask for a specific answer. Believe that you are getting that answer. BELIEVE, really believe that now through God’s help, you are gaining power over that difficulty.

Higher Power/Authority

If there is deep desire, intensity of longing, and a reaching out after the Power, it will be given.

We may never meet in person, but in this book we have met. We are spiritual friends. I pray for you, God will help you – so believe and live successfully.

Jesus Christ: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John X 10.

*

PRAYER

Prayer helps people to tap forces and to utilise strength not otherwise available.

A famous psychologist once said these wise words: “Prayer is the greatest power available to the individual in solving his personal problems. It’s power astonishes me.” Release of spiritual energy through prayer. It releases and keeps power flowing freely.

“According to your faith, be it unto you.” – Matthew ix.29

“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” – Mark xi.24

Faith and harmony are important factors in the prayer process.

Hard work, positive thinking, fair dealing, right treatment of people, and the proper kind of praying always gets results. Formula: * Prayerise + * Picturise + * Actualise

The Kingdom of God is within you.” – Luke xvii.21

Prayer is the mightiest power in the world. Every day is good if you pray.

Always accept willingness to accept God’s will in your life. Ask for what you want; but be willing to take what God gives you. It may be better than what you ask for.

Prayer: I believe I am always divinely guided I believe I will always take the right turn of the road.

I believe God will always make a way when there is no way.

A P R P B W P R A: Affirmative prayers release powers by which positive results are accomplished. PEACEWORK

Prayer helps people to tap forces and to utilise strength not otherwise available.

A famous psychologist once said these wise words: “Prayer is the greatest power available to the individual in solving his personal problems. It’s power astonishes me.” Release of spiritual energy through prayer. It releases and keeps power flowing freely.

“According to your faith, be it unto you.” – Matthew ix.29

“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” – Mark xi.24

Faith and harmony are important factors in the prayer process.

Hard work, positive thinking, fair dealing, right treatment of people, and the proper kind of praying always gets results. Formula: * Prayerise + * Picturise + * Actualise

“The Kingdom of God is within you.” – Luke xvii.21

Prayer is the mightiest power in the world. Every day is good if you pray.

Always accept willingness to accept God’s will in your life. Ask for what you want; but be willing to take what God gives you. It may be better than what you ask for.

Prayer: I believe I am always divinely guided I believe I will always take the right turn of the road.

I believe God will always make a way when there is no way.

A P R P B W P R A: Affirmative prayers release powers by which positive results are accomplished.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” – John xiv.27

“Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile.” – Mark vi.31

Discipline ourselves to quietness. Slow down, quiet down. do not fume, do not fret, practise being peaceful.

“The peace of God which passeth all understanding.” – Philippians ix.7

Life can get muddled, but muddied water, let stand, will become clear.” – Lao-tse

Practise serenity

Affirm: “God is here and his peace is touching me.”

“Come unto me, all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew xi.28

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John xiv.27

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” – Isaiah xxvi.3

Tranquillity – the very word denotes a sense of peace.

So long thy power hath kept me, sure it STILL will lead me on. Send into the area of your thinking a healing balm.

With God’s help I am now emptying my mind of all fear, all anxiety, all insecurity. Repeat. Picture all worry thoughts flowing out of you.

I place this day, my life, my loved ones in the Lord’s hands.

“… but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians iii.13-14

Mark in your Bible every passage that speaks of faith, hope, happiness, glory and radiance. Commit each to memory.

When Jesus Christ was born He was called Immanuel, meaning God with us.

* PRAYER

EXPECT THE BEST AND GET IT

“If thou can’st believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” – Mark IX 23

Whatever you believe you can do, you can do, with God’s help. When you put your trust in God, he guides your mind so that you do not want things that are not good for you, or that are inharmonious with God’s will. When you learn to believe, then that which has seemingly been impossible moves into the area/becomes possible. When you expect the best, you release a magnetic force in your mind, which by a law of attraction tends to bring the best to you.

Faith moves mountains: Faith, belief, positive thinking, faith in God, faith in other people, faith in yourself, faith in life.

Freed from self doubt, you can put your whole self into your endeavour, and nothing can stand in the way of the man or woman, who focuses their entire self on a problem. Expect to succeed and you WILL.

“Throw your heart over the bar and your body will follow.”

Expect the best, not the worst, and you will attain your heart’s desire. It is what is in the heart of you, either good or bad, weak or strong, that finally comes to you. Emerson: “Beware of what you want, for you will get it.” faith power works wonders.

Have faith in God. “For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea.”

– Mark 11

“But shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” – Mark XI. 22-23

Be specific. Ask God for any right thing, but as a little child, don’t doubt…NEVER.

* STRENGTH

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

– Phillipians iv.13

“Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.”

“A clean mind, as a clean engine, always delivers power.”

A fundamental doctrine of Emerson: the human personality can be touched with Divine Power and thus greatness can be released from it.

“The greatest factor in any undertaking is one’s belief about it.”

– William James

Thoreau: the secret of achievement is to hold a picture of a successful outcome in mind.

Jefferson: “Take the smooth handle”…ie. follow the path of least resistance.

RELAX. Affirm the thought that God is filling us with strength and quiet energy. Get yourself in tune with Him and open yourself to the flow of His power.

Give your job all you’ve got, but in a relaxed manner.

“According to your faith be it unto you.” – Matthew ix.29 is a basic law for successful living.

“The just shall live by faith – Romans 1:16,17

“YOU are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40.28-31.

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

PPS

For more of my writings on Dr NV Peale see

https://www.google.co.nz/#q=%22craig+lock+%2B+nv+peale%22

and

https://www.google.co.nz/#q=%22craig+lock+%2B+peale%22

enjoy

About the submitter:

In his life mission Craig hopes to encourage, motivate and inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials and live their very best lives. Craig believes in the great potential of every human being in the journey of life and loves to encourage people to share their individual (and guiding) spirits, so that they become all that they are CAPABLE of being.

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

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

“A book is small enough to hold in your hand; but when you read it, the walls fall away and you’re in a room as big as the world.”

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.” – Chinese proverb

“A book, like a dog, is man’s best friend, but inside it’s too dark to read.” – Groucho Marx)

“Together, one mind, one soul at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, encourage and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials. Change YOUR world and you help change THE world…for the better”

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

“What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”

PPS
“When (or is it perhaps if ever ??) you arrive in a place (or rather state ) known as heaven, let faith, hope and love be the wings of the chariot that carried you there.”

– craig (as adapted from the words of Jonathan Edwards, a former minister in Massachusetts (New England

“The Greatest Race: Living by (with) faith, hope and love is the highest podium any person can reach, God’s podium that anyone stand on.”

– craig

“Having pursued the goals, the dreams set before us and run the race with persistence and endurance, after giving it all. Then one day standing on the summit of life, breathing in the pure sweet oxygen of achievement, totally satisfied in running the greatest race, the race of life one that ANYONE can run and win.”

craig 11/11

from http://godandformula1.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/on-the-podium-after-the-greatest-race/

and The Chequered Flag
Available at http://www.amazon.co.uk/THE-CHEQUERED-FLAG-GREATEST-ebook/dp/B0064R6D36

May you all see God’s bright light on the path (road) up ahead

A BOOK “REVIEW”: THE MIND OF JESUS by William Barclay

 

A BOOK “REVIEW”: THE MIND OF JESUS by William Barclay

(from The Spirit of a True Champion: A Look into the Mind of Jesus Christ

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007E2WXW0)

Tags: Jesus, Jesus Christ, Books,, The Mind of Jesus, William Barclay, Christianity, Faith, Spiritual Growth

 

 

Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock&sort=relevance&ie=UTF8&qid

http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

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

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

Publishing Guidelines:

We hope that the following thoughts may be interesting, informative, helpful and especially thought-provoking to your e-zine readers, or on your web site. This piece (as with all my writings) may be freely reproduced electronically or in print (with acknowledgement to the sources, thanks). If it helps others “out there” in any way on the ‘amazing journey of life’, then we’re very happy.

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

 

Submitter’s Note:

In my research for my latest Amazon book The Spirit of a True Champion: A Look into the Mind of Jesus Christ, I’m currently studying the fascinating (at least it is to me!) book ‘The Mind of Jesus’ by William Barclay (published by SCM Press Ltd, Bloomsbury St, London (first published 1960)

*Here are my brief notes that I’m sharing “in a spirit of good will and n some small way of preserving the life work and most revealing writings of William Barclay in the digital age”. (I’ve put my own thoughts, possible areas of disagreement and my queries in brackets – questions and topics for further discussion… possibly). This book of William Barclay is written from a quite “religious perspective”; so hope these notes are not too “heavy heavy” for you. Anyway hopefully, it’ll get you thinking about the person and life of Jesus. So enjoy… and grow along the last “unexplored frontier of the human mind”… as well as the spiritual journey…

BACK COVER

In this book William Barclay, formerly a lecturer in New Testament at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, interprets the Gospels with as much psychological insight as is possible. The historical background is described so as to illuminate the whole story, and both the words and the works of Jesus are presented with a fresh comprehensiveness, always bearing in mind the questions which modern readers ask.

As one reviewer has commented, ‘he brings to his task the experience of the tried preacher, as well as the learning of the scholar’. For years Dr Barclay has cherished the ambition to write this life of Jesus.

#

CHAPTER 1 THE GREAT DISCOVERY

Jesus felt the need to rediscover Jewish religion. He had a unique realisation of God as his Father; and he had a unique realization that it was his life’s work to bring men to God, and to bring God to men, in a way that neither priest nor rabbi could ever do. He knew why he had come into the world.

(ie he had a great sense of purpose and a strong feeling of destiny)

2 WAITING FOR THE CALL

Eighteen years is a long time to wait, but the silent years were not wasted years, for they were years of preparation for the task no one else in the world could do. Throughout the years Jesus was learning all the time,

To Jesus the name ‘father’ (‘Abba’ in Aramaic) was the most natural and the most precious name for God. The Son of God, when he came into this world, prepared himself to save the world.

3 THE HOUR STRIKES

In the baptism we see the self-identification of Jesus with men and the self-dedication of Jesus to the purposes of God. In that moment of the baptism there was kindled in the heart of Jesus a flame of sacrificial love, which nothing in time or in eternity could ever extinguish.

4 CHOOSING HIS WAY

One of the most sacred in the whole Gospel narrative. The tempter put forth every effort he could, yet Jesus overcame them all. The tempter began by seeking to make Jesus doubt his own call from God, but Jesus was so sure of God, and of his own relationship to God, that his attack failed.

Temptations to the selfish use of power, material benefits, to seek quick results by sensational means, the temptation to win popularity by compromise and more than anything else, the temptation to distrust himself and to doubt his call.

5 A change of life must overcome a change of heart. Paul’s commission was to turn men from darkness to light (Acts 26:18)

Repentance means the reversal of life to face God. A man cannot take any of the steps of repentance without the help of Jesus Christ (??)

6 THE KINGDOM OF GOD

In the Gospels the use of the two phrases the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven mean exactly the same. Kingdom of God is not territory, it’s the sovereignty, the lordship, the reign of God. ‘ Make the Kingdom the object of all your endeavour.’

life

In the Lords prayer

‘ Thy Kingdom come

Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’

The Kingdom is a personal issue between God and man. Any person who accepts the will of God is within the Kingdom.Through him the Kingdom had come and was to come. (???)

In Jesus the Kingdom was embodied. He alone of all who had ever lived, perfectly and completely fulfilled the will of God. The very essence of his life’s obedience to the will of God.

To do the will of God and be in the Kingdom of God are one and the same thing.

7

8

A Christ who still does things

There s little use in a Jesus who did things almost two thousand years ago, but who has ceased to do them now. What we need is a Christ who still does things….today!

Death of sin and he liberates them to life eternal. There’s little relevance in a Jesus who stilled a storm in the Sea of Galilee nine-teen hundred years ago, and who stills no storms today, there is every relevance in a Christ who stills the storms which rise within the hearts of men today, and in whose presence every storm becomes a calm within the heart.

10- THE MASTER TEACHER

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matt 23:12, Luke 18:14)

“A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions .” (Luke 12:15)

“No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

“Whoever would save his life would lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matt 16:25)

“What will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?” (Matt:16:26)

12 What Jesus said about God

To the ancient Greeks the gods were detached from the world. A self-revealing God, based on love. There s a difference betweenknowing a person and knowing about a person. Jesus Christ s God coming to us, because we cannot go to him’. Jesus came with the good news that God s not a God who hides himself, that God is not a God whom only the philosophers may know, that God s the God who at all costs desires to be known, and who in the most costly way has revealed himself to all men. God is involved with, identified with the human situation. In Jesus the God, who was far off has indeed been brought near.

Jesus brought into the world the idea of a selfless God, a God to whom men were so dear that he bore their sins and sorrows on his heart and gave himself for them.

The God of Jesus is love – and love is always selfless, when it is true love.

Countless thinkers have called God by various names: Supreme God, First Cause, Creative Energy, the Life Force. And all these descriptions of God have one characteristic in common – they are impersonal. Jesus always spoke and taught of a God who is a person. (?? Will have to ponder and do a bit of study on that one)

There is the extra-ordinary rarity that Jesus uses the name ‘Father’, as well as his extra-ordinary intimacy with ‘Abba’, his father (Mark 14:36). (My comment: He had a unique relationship with God, the Father; yet we ‘ordinary’ people can also choose to have a “very special and intimate direct relationship” with the Ground of all Being, God, the Ultimate Source. It’s like being in “a partnership and co-creating in/with “another dimension , that one chooses through the outworking of ones faith”. A feeling, a presence – perhaps not continual, but as in the words of the “late, great” racing driver, Ayrton Senna: “I am able to experience God’s presence on earth.”

12 WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT MAN AND SIN

All sin is against God

According to Jewish thought the Holy Spirit had two supreme functions:

1 to bring God’s truth to men and women (from outside)

2 to enable people to recognise God’s truth when they were confronted by it (from the inside)

Jesus sternly condemned self-righteousness, as well as the sin of hypocrisy

“It’s no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me,”

(Gal 2:20)

13 WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT HIMSELF

Jesus regarded himself (primarily) as a preacher. Early in his ministry he said to his disciples : “Let us go unto the next towns, that may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” (Mark 1:38) To preach was the primary object for which he came into the world (at least it was in his early years???)

It s clear that Jesus regarded himself as having come to men with truth such as the world had never heard before. He was the teacher par excellence.

So then he regarded himself as the preacher, the herald of god, the prophet, the one with the secret confidence of god, the teacher, the one who could bring men wisdom from heaven to meet the problems of earth, as teacher.

Jesus regarded himself as the Divine Physician who had come to enable men to be healed of the universal human disease of sin. He came to be the Divine Physician who has the cure for sin.

(discuss)

The Son of man came, not to be served, but to serve

(Matt 20:20-28), Mark 10:35-45)

He came not for his own sake, but for the sake of men, he came not to dominate like a conqueror, but to serve like a servant.

He came to be a seeker of the lost.

He came to be a Fulfiller of all that was best in the past.

Here’s Jesus’ claim that in him there are fulfilled the highest hopes and dreams of the past

He came as the Savour of men – In his own words the Divine Physician come to cure men from the universal human disease of sin.

The great Fulfiller of all the hopes and dreams and visions, which have lodged within the hearts of men (and women, of course).

He had very high standards – and uncompromising demands

* Jesus came with the demand for implicit obedience

* He came with the claim for complete loyalty

* As an agent of judgment (?? He didn’t directly claim to judge, I think!)

If anyone makes a claim (or claims) like that, he’s ether a deluded megalomaniac or the Son of God; he s ether mad or divine. Sowhich was Jesus?

14 THE SELF CHOSEN TITLE OF JESUS

By taking and using the term Son of Man expressed his own certainty that as the Suffering servant he must accept the Cross, and that as the Messianic King he must enter into glory.

15 THE MEN AGAINST JESUS (The Law)

RELIGION AND LEGALISM

The scribes and Pharisees.

The Pharisees believed in angels and spirits; the Sadducees did not. The Pharisees believed in the freedom of the will and in individual choice; the Sadducees did not. But there was one basic difference between the P’s and S’s . The scribal or oral law was to the P’s the greatest and the most sacred thing in the world; whilst the S’s rejected the whole of it. The S’s did not accept the mass of rules and regulations on which the P’s founded religion and life.

The scribes worked out all the rules and regulations and it was the Pharisees who devoted their whole lives to the keeping of them. This they believed was what God desired and to keep these rules and regulations was to serve God

Then there were the priests and the high priest.

To the scribes and Pharisees the attitude of Jesus to sinful men and women was shocking and incomprehensible. If Jesus was right, then the priests were wrong.

To the Pharisees he was an inveterate, deliberate and blasphemous Sabbath-breaker. Jesus in their presence deliberately broke the law through healing on the Sabbath day (see Matt 12: 10-14, Mark 3:1-6, Luke 6:6-11, Luke 13:11-17, Luke 14:1-6 , John 9)) All on the Sabbath day!

Jesus’ point of view was quite simple. He believed that human need takes precedence over any ritual rule or regulation. It was Jesus’ conviction that no human being must suffer for an hour longer than was necessary to keep the ritual law. .

16 THE RECOGNITION OF JESUS BY MEN

Jesus saw ahead (foresaw) the certainty of the cross.

Jesus Christ is still gloriously and triumphantly alive. The old faiths dead; the old kingdoms fell; but the Kingdom of the homeless Galilean still stands and still enlarges its borders throughout the world.

So then, it was here that Jesus asked his all-important question. He began by asking what people were commonly saying about him.

Some said he was one of the Prophets. Then Jesus asked the crucial question.’ You, he said, ‘who do you say that I am?’ And it was then that Peter made his great discovery and affirmed his faith that Jesus was none other than the Messiah and nothing less than the Son of God

Peter had just made the great discovery that Jesus was the Messiah.

No sooner had Peter made his great discovery than Jesus made to him a great series of promises. These promises have been the subject of much and embittered controversy, and we must seek to find the mind of Jesus in them.

1 There s the promise to Peter: “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church.”

Peter’s initial faith is the spark which kindled the flame and fire of faith which was ultimately to burn in the world-wide Church. Peter was the first man to discover and publicly to confess who Jesus was; and therefore, Peter was the first member of the Church of Christ, and therefore, on him the Church is founded. He was the first to experience and to confess the Church’s faith in Jesus. Nothing can take from Peter the honour of being the first stone in the edifice of the new people of God. Peter was to be the man who opened the door to the Kingdom, and indeed he did.

Peter had just made the great discovery that Jesus was the Messiah, and the one thing of which the mind of Peter was totally incapable was to connect Messiahship with suffering and death. Rather than ‘the voice of love’.

17 THE RECOGNITION OF JESUS BY GOD

What Jesus was seeking? He had to be very sure that the way which he was taking was the way which God wished him to take (??). When Jesus withdrew to pray, when he went up to the mountain top, such action was never for him escape, it was always preparation. The experience of the glory of God did not prompt Jesus to remain withdrawn on the mountain top; but sent him to walk with an even more certain tread the way that led to Calvary

On the Mount of Transfiguration Jesus received the assurance that, however much he differed from the popular and orthodox view of the Messiah, it was his view which was the real fulfilment of all that the law and the prophets foretold. On the Mount of Transfiguration Jesus received the approval of God, before he went on to his cross and his crown.

William Barclay (and shared by craig)

(“information and inspiration distributor, incorrigible encourager and people-builder”)

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 youir own life!

“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.”

from The Spirit of a True Champion: A Look into the Mind of Jesus Christ

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007E2WXW0

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4

‘The Spirit of a True Champion: A Look into the Mind of Jesus Christ’ is already available at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007E2WXW0

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

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.”

““Change YOUR world and you help change THE world…for the better

“Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, uplift, encourage … and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”

What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light

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

“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.”

“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light.

 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

“But we have the mind of Christ

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

– 2 Timothy 1:7

“Having pursued the goals, the dreams set before us and run the race with persistence and endurance, after giving it all. Then one day standing on the summit of life, breathing in the pure sweet oxygen of achievement, totally satisfied in running the greatest race, the race of life one that ANYONE can run and win.”

craig 11/11/11

“As we live and move and have our being, so from this vision, we can create heaven in our own lives… and perhaps even heaven on earth.”

– craig (as inspired by Ephesians 2:14, as well as the words of Felicia Searcy)

“I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.”

– Og Mandino

“Get your next ‘fix’ from Jesus. It costs you nothing…except for his life!”

– my good friend, Lindsay ‘The Prophet’

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock&sort=relevance&ie=UTF8&qid

http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

and http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007360X2O

and craig’s various books on Jesus and the spiritual; journey are available at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock&sort=relevance&ie=UTF8&qid=1374375740

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

“Together, one mind, one soul at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, encourage and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials. Change YOUR world and you help change THE world…for the better”

PPS

• “Jesus is the human face of God”

 

Determination – the Key to Success in Sport and in Life

from http://www.grandprixchampion.wordpress.com

 

Article Title: Determination – the Key to Success in Sport and in Life

(from ‘Steps to Success, Prosperity and Happiness‘and The Winning Mind”)
Author: Craig Lock
Category/Subject: Spiritual, Inspiration, Empowerment, Success, Success Principles, Personal Growth, Self Help, Motivation, Mind, Mind Control, Mind-power, books, self help books, (enough there now, craig)

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4www.creativekiwis/amazon.html andhttp://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html#craig

The submitter’s motor racing blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are athttp://grandprixdriver.wordpress.com

 

http://grandprixchampion.wordpress.com/

http://grandprixdrivermyblog.wordpress.com/

http://www.sportforpeace.wordpress.com and

 

his various other blogs are athttp://craigsblogs.wordpress.

(Other articles are available at:http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 andhttp://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
We hope that the following article (an extract from one of Craig’s first manuscripts on sport psychology‘The Winning Mind’, as well as an extract from Chapter Two of one of Craig’s first manuscripts (“rather wacky”) titled ‘STEPS TO SUCCESS, PROSPERITY AND HAPPINESS’ and his book on thepsychology of sport titled ‘The Winning Mind’ written “many many moons ago” may be informative and helpful to your ezine readers, or on your web site. If it helps others “out there” on the pathway to success (and most importantly, happiness), then we’re very happy.
This article (as with all my articles) may be freely published.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
#
DETERMINATION – THE KEY TO SUCCESS

I think the key words in the path to success are: DETERMINATION and SELF DISCIPLINE. Others are FOCUS and a SINGLE-MINDEDNESS (in pursuit of one’s goals). The words ‘determination’ and (by association) ‘ruthlessness’, suggest a person who wants success and power for it’s own sake. This is another sort of obsession. However, a desire for power, riches and fame may have virtually nothing to do with it. By the way, I feel that not all successful people and business executives are ruthless – they are not all “money grabbing corporate raiders”. Most of them are “normal and good family men”, who have perfectly natural reactions in that they hate firing employees. “Soft gentle souls!” Determination is often at its greatest, when a person is enslaved by an idea and wants to see the idea work. There is a further sort of determination: the determination to see things through, to finish the job. For example, a compulsion to qualify for the PGA golf tour in America, to finish a building, or in my case to finish writing this manuscript…and then get it published… which is the hardest part of all. Especially with the way I write!

I suppose all these characteristics are somewhat abnormal; because so-called “normal” people are more passive and less focused than us “obsessive types”. They are regarded as being less “mad” by the majority of the public, who engage in more ordinary activities and have more “normal” occupations. This thought leads me on to another question: Is the top-most level of success the only one worth having, or is it sufficient to merely enjoy sport for it’s own sake (even the professionals)? Does every player entering Wimbledon really think he or she is going to win the Championship? Or is it success itself just to play in the Wimbledon tournament? How realistic is the vision of success to YOU? It all depends on how you define success for yourself…which is the thought with which I introduced this chapter. I believe that a strong SENSE OF DIRECTION or PURPOSE IN LIFE is a very important ingredient for success. So too is a persistent personality.

To be successful in whatever endeavour one chooses, first of all requires a great of talent. It might be latent, waiting to be uncovered. Perhaps, you are not even aware of it. I wonder how many budding Ayrton Senna’s and Michael Schumachers there are around, who just have never had the opportunity (mainly in the form of money) to race cars? Motor racing is certainly the “ultimate rich boy’s sport”. To finally reap the rewards of success, obviously talent has to be there on the long slow road to success – and at the time of success…but has it always been there? Chess geniuses, athletes, tennis players, architects, athletes, scientists, dress designers and advertising creative directors. These “creative types”! There can be talent deep within; but there has to be hard work and training before the talent bears fruition – so that it can succeed against (all) others…and this often takes a great deal of time to bear fruit.
“Ït took me 20 long years of blood, sweat and tears to become an overnight success.”
– “a nony mouse”

I believe in life it’s firstly a matter of finding your “niche”, then unlocking your unique talents…and finding it is the most difficult part. You may not even be aware you have any special gifts. That is the “key” to success. As I mentioned, I found whatever little ones I had through a process of serendipity…and it’s probably my one and only talent! My writing, I mean. Once uncovered, it’s then a question of building on it and maximizing it. Maria Callas, the opera singer with “a voice like an angel” put a great deal of effort into maximizing her talent. Sometimes a phenomenol talent, like a Juan Manuel Fangio*, Jim Clark or Ayrton Senna soars above all others; but in most cases it’s the effort and total dedication put in to make the most of one’s natural talents, that puts an individual into the realm of a superstar – someone who is on a different level, a cut above the best of the rest, us ‘mere mortals’.

* Fangio won the World Driver’s Championship five times.

One can sometimes substitute hard work, training, experience and strategy for flair. Nice word that ‘flair’. Could be a girl’s name. Some detectives are like “Mr Plod”, while a few sleuths have the natural insight of a Sherlock Holmes. Most others have to get results through hard detailed work in uncovering cases. I don’t yet know whether I’m a “natural” writer or a methodical plodder, a “gatherer and passer-onner of useless information” through a great deal of effort. Perhaps only time will tell! I might have mentioned before (once, twice or ten times) that this manuscript has been written for anyone: from the most lowly amateur to the real ‘pros’ in the sporting world. So no matter how lowly your abilities, make the most of them.

As I mentioned already, a positive attitude to life is all-important. A positive attitude says that your natural talent can be maximized. It also says that without further effort, natural talent will be wasted. I do like repeating myself: for emphasis primarily and as a sign of encroaching senility too. Sometimes persistent effort alone won’t succeed in getting you to the top – only sheer talent will do that… together with consistent effort to keep you at “the top of the tree”.

Never mind – JUST TRY TO IMPROVE yourself and simply DO YOUR BEST at all times.

Say: “I WILL UNTIL…”

Have “heaps” of FUN as you “ride the rapids of life” *

Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and InspirationDistributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

* that’s a metaphor, btw

“Ï write, because I like to make things…and the only things I am good at making are with words.”

– PJ O’Rourke

“The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.”
– Charles Du Bos

“I am not just a human being…
I am a human ‘bean’ just becoming.”
– My good friend and “wise” intellectual philosopher, Dr Andy Eastcott (thanks for fixing my teeth and for the most
interesting discussions on life, “mate”)

“The roots of true achievement lie in the will to become the best that you can become.”
– Harold Taylor

“The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within you…and the often seemingly difficult or even
“impassible”) path ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies within you.

– craig

“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have.”
– Abraham Lincoln

“Oh man! There is no planet sun or star could hold you, if you but knew what you are.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

“He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it. Dream lofty dreamsand as you dream so shall you become.”
– James Allen

“No vision and you perish; No Ideal, and you’re lost; Your heart must ever cherish Some faith at any cost. Some hope, some dream to cling to, Some rainbow in the sky, Some melody to sing to, Some service that is high.”
– Harriet Du Autermont

About the submitter::
Craig believes in (and loves) helping others to find their passions and gifts… through encouraging people to reach out for, then accomplish their “wildest” dreams. He truly believes people can overcome obstacles, rise to any occasion, and accomplish their dreams in life with enough FAITH and PERSISTENCE.

http://members.tripod.com/~lock77/www.craiglockbooks.com andwww.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including ‘The Winning Mind’ * *) are available at:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4www.creativekiwis/amazon.html
http://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html#craigwww.lulucom/craiglockand http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-books +www.lulu.com/craiglock

* * A look at the psychology of sport, the ‘arm-chair’ author’s great passion. This manuscript goes into more depth, from the amateur sports-person to the professional. How to master ones mind, the “top two inches”… in sport…and in life.

The submitter’s motor racing blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are athttp://grandprixdriver.wordpress.com

 

http://grandprixchampion.wordpress.com/

http://grandprixdrivermyblog.wordpress.com/

http://www.sportforpeace.wordpress.com and

 

his various other blogs are athttp://craigsblogs.wordpress.

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

“A book is small enough to hold in your hand; but when you read it, the walls fall away and you’re in a room as big as the world.”

“Together, one mind, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, uplift, encourage and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”

THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to use the Internet and he won’t bother you for months…or perhaps even years!
(Sorry men!)

As they carry me to my deathbed, I’ll be saying:
“Lord,
Can you just give me one more hour to finish off this one last article, or book…. PLEASE!”
– craig (as inspired by the quote of singer, Barry Manilow)

from http://www.grandprixchampion.wordpress.com

Sharing some Spiritual Thoughts and Principles on Jesus from Neale Donald Walsh’s book ‘Tomorrow’s God’

Article Title: Sharing some Spiritual Thoughts and Principles on Jesus from Neale Donald Walsh’s book ‘Tomorrow’s God’
Author’s Web sites (ND Walsch): www.newspirituality.org and www.HumanitysTeam.com
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Spiritual growth, Neale Donald Walsch, books, Jesus, Jesus Christ, faith, beliefs, spirituality, ‘Conversations with God’, religion(s), Christianity
Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Z6BFX0

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

Other Articles by the submitter 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 writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management (how boring now, craig!)

Publishing Guidelines:
These writings may be freely published.
(Copyright ‘Tomorrow’s God’ by Neale Donald Walsch, published by Hodder and Stoughton, a division of Hodder Headline)

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

Submitter’s Note:

This information that I’m sharing is sourced from an excellent and insightful book titled ‘TOMORROW’S GOD’ by Neale Donald Walsch (published by Hodder and Stoughton, a division of Hodder Headline).

I have taken what I feel to be the main points, directly as they appeared in Chapter Twelve of Walsch’s thought-provoking great new book (together with a few additional points of my own – in brackets). Hope this piece (including a few thoughts of my own in brackets) may be of interest to you too.
*
THE JESUS FACTOR

(from ‘TOMORROW’S GOD’ by Neale Donald Walsch)

“Slowly and gradually, out of a rich experience of the world, one builds a faith.”

God and I are one! That is, God is within each one of us. Jesus taught that we and God are One, but that no one wanted to believe it; because it did not serve the human agenda. Jesus was and is a saviour to all humankind. He knew Who He Really Was and his mission. So he declared it, his sense of mission and ‘unity of purpose’ for all to hear.

He declared something else. He said that what he did on the earth, we could also do. By elevating and expanding His consciousness, together with a high level of FAITH is the key to experiencing these gifts. That was the central message that Jesus taught.

“According to your faith, be it unto you.”
“Oh woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” And the woman’s daughter was made whole from that very hour!
“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, ‘Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible to you.”
– Jesus’s words

Still if we cannot believe in ourselves and in our own divine heritage (and because so many people cannot), Jesus in an act of enormous love and compassion, invites us to believe in Him. (That was why He invited us, gently, to go to God, the Creator of the Universe THROUGH Him.)

“Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth in me, the works that I do, shall he also do; and greater works than these he shall do, because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I WILL do it.”

This was an extra-ordinary promise. So great and so complex was Jesus’s understanding of who He was and of who we are (“I and my Father are one“). He knew deeply that there was no limit to what we could do, if we believed in ourselves, or in Him.

(Read ‘The Magic of Believing’ by Claude Bristol)

So great was His love for all humankind, and so full was his compassion for their suffering, that he called upon Himself to rise to the highest level, to move to the grandest expression of his being, in order to present a living example to all human beings everywhere.

And then He prayed that we would not only see the evidence of His Oneness with the Father, but our own Oneness with God as well.

It was a marvellous inspiration for him to invite those who could not imagine themselves to be a part of God to imagine themselves to be a part of Him. He knew that it would be easier for us to see ourselves as “Brothers in Christ” than as One with God!
“I and my Father are one (John 10:30). That is: God is within EACH ONE of us.
“And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.” (John 17:22)

He stated repeatedly the truth of our oneness with God.
And if Jesus Christ was One with God, then so too are we. We simply do not know it, refuse to believe it and cannot imagine it!
(Because we may think too “lowly” of ourselves).

So Jesus gently invited us to follow him…to go through him to God, the Father, our Creator (because most of us don’t believe we can do it directly). So he said: “I am the Life and the Way. Live your life as I live mine, go the way I’ve gone, ie. follow me – and you will experience God.

That is the truth I came to reveal to you. I came not to humble you, but to exalt you. Not to put you down, but to raise you up.

In essence, Jesus is saying: ‘I am the Life and the Way. Live your life as I live mine, go the way I’ve gone, ie. follow me – and you will experience God’. That is the truth I came to reveal to you. I came not to humble you, but to exalt you; not to put you down, but to raise you up.

Jesus, like other masters and messengers (like Buddha, Abraham, Krishna, Moses and Mohammed) LOVE you today as they did in their times on planet earth. Jesus INVITES you today, as those other masters did then to accept and embrace the wonder and glory of Who You Are. He repeated these truths frequently, so that we would get the message.

His message was that he was greater than none, nor is any one greater than any other, for You are all One.

(Jesus Christ chose to live with the “highest thoughts” and consequently lived at the highest level of humanity as “son of man”.) Jesus said what He said and did what He did – that you may know who He was… and thus know also Who YOU Are.
Often what is hard for us to believe about ourselves, we can believe about another – and Jesus knew this! That was His mission: precisely what He knew and why He chose do do what He did …in life and in death. Thus, it is not Jesus’s death that can save us, but his LIFE!

We are the hope of humanity
YOU too can CHOOSE to be the HOPE OF HUMANITY

Neale Donald Walsch
www.HumanitysTeam.com and www.newspirituality.org

“YOU can be a CHANNEL of God’s (the Ultimate Source’s) justice, peace and love. The world needs a deep change, a ‘transformation of heart’: to one of forgiveness and generosity of spirit through masses of ‘ordinary’ people. And that is the real evidence of God’s (‘Divine Presence’s’) return to planet earth”.

“God is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”
*
Submitter’s note:
Craig is studying the teachings of different religions, as he researches and writes his latest novel ‘A New Dawn’ ( already available at http://www.amazon.com/A-New-Dawn-ebook/dp/B005GXS350/ref=sr_1_28?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322765801&sr=1-28) ), set in the Middle East: To attempt to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures. And as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in an attempt to ‘enlighten’ (himself and perhaps others) about different religious faiths. As I “try to grow” spiritually, I am sharing some of the author’s writings on this most significant man, for you to ponder on (if you so choose) – the person who Christians believe to be ‘God in human form’), whose life and death 2000 years ago largely shaped human history and our beliefs about life (and what is indeed possible to achieve!). I am motivated, perhaps “inspired” to share these ‘eternal truths’ about Jesus by Neale Donald Walsch, so that all our lives may greatly benefit in many ways.

Be happy

Submitted and shared by craig

What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.
Let this be your task, let this be your greatest joy: to give back to themselves…even in their darkest hour.”
– adapted (slightly) from Neale Donald Walsch (‘Conversations with God 3′)

“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 writings Craig strives in some small way to break down and economic, social, cultural and religious barriers. Craig believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share in the form of our common humanity is way more important than what divides us.

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Z6BFX0and craig’s various books on Jesus and the spiritual; journey are available at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock&sort=relevance&ie=UTF8&qid=1374375740

 

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstores”

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.com

“Together, let’s see how many people we can impact, uplift, empower, encourage and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”

These thoughts may be freely published.

P.S: These powerful, deep and moving words have great significance to me in my journey…and this is my reason for sharing…

“The moment of your greatest darkness may yet become your grandest gift. As you are gifted, so too will you gift others, giving to them the highest treasure: to BE THEMSELVES

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries, of peoples 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

A BOOK “REVIEW”: THE RAINBOW PEOPLE OF GOD by Desmond Tutu

Article Title: A BOOK “REVIEW”: THE RAINBOW PEOPLE OF GOD by Desmond Tutu

Shared by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Books, Desmond Tutu, South Africa, Touching the Rainbow, spiritual thoughts, Jesus, Jesus Christ, inspiration,  empowerment, peace and the pursuit of peace, reconciliation (enough there for now, craig)

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

http://www.amazon.com/Chequered-Flag-Greatest-Race-Life/dp/1490395202 and http://www.amazon.com/CHEQUERED-FLAG-GREATEST-RACE-ebook/dp/B0064R6D36

 

 

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

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com www.religiousunity.wordpress.com www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

Other Articles 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

Publishing Guidelines:

We hope that the following piece may be thought-provoking, interesting, informative and helpful* to your e-zine readers, or on your web site.
* enough adjectives, Craig?

This article may be freely reproduced. If it helps others “out there” on the pathway to success and more importantly, joyful living, then we’re very happy.

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

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A BOOK “REVIEW”: THE RAINBOW PEOPLE OF GOD by Desmond Tutu

Edited by John Allen

Foreword by Nelson Mandela

First published in 1994 by Doubleday, a division of Transworld Publishers

“The Rainbow People of God serves as a powerful reminder of the social and political upheaval in South Africa in recent years. It also highlights the courage, passion and dedication of one man driven by his own values, faith, and sense of justice to overcome one of this century’s greatest abuses of human rights.”

“At home in South Africa, I have sometimes said in big meetings, where you have black and white together:

‘Raise your hands!’ Then I’ve said, Move your hands,’ and I’ve said: ‘Look at your hands – different colours representing different people. You are the rainbow people of God.’

And you remember the rainbow in the Bible is the sign of peace. The rainbow is the sign of prosperity. We want peace, prosperity and justice…. and we can have it when all the people of God, the rainbow people of God work together.”

– Desmond Tutu, preaching in Tromso, north of the Arctic Circle in Norway (5th December 1991)a

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Submitter’s Note:

Here are my notes in point-form (together with some personal thoughts) from this excellent book, the most important message of which transcends boundaries and is eternal… and this is why I’m sharing. In addition, Desmond Tutu’s great book brings back memories of the dark days under apartheid in South Africa, but also in many ways parallels my own journey…from the walking from darkness into the light.

All in “a land of laughter and joy, of justice and reconciliation, of peace and unity, of compassion, sharing and caring.”

Craig

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Help develop a culture of “live and let live” tolerance

“Let each one of us be channels of love , peace , justice and reconciliation.”

“The light shineth in the darkness and the darkness did not overwhelm the light.”

“God bless Africa

Guard her children

Guide her rulers

And give her peace.”

– former Achbishop Trevor Huddlestone (banned, then expelled from South Africa)

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The application of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the situation of injustice and oppression and exploitation (the very essence of apartheid).

Each person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26)

Apartheid policies are not only unjust and oppressive – they are positively unbiblical, unchristian, immoral and even evil.

If there is to be reconciliation, we who are the ambassadors of Christ… must be instruments of peace

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself”, declares St Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:9), summing up the teaching contained in other parts of the New Testament (John 12:32, Ephesians 1:10, Ephesians 214 and so on)

“The aim of the Church is to bring about social justice. Justice must be done to the poor and the oppressed, and if the present system does not serve this purpose, the public conscience must be roused to demand another.”

The hallowed tradition of direct non-violent action.

” I support the ANC in its objectives to establish a non-racial democratic South Africa; but I do not support its methods…

I am committed to work for a non-racial, just and democratic South Africa.”

I work for God’s Kingdom.”

Stand for the Truth

God came down in Jesus Christ to deliver us from bondage.

“If God be for us, who can be against us!”

Jesus was fully human (with fears, emotions, like each one of us). On earth he lived as no more than a man! He came to preach the gospel to those whom we call the marginalized members of society, to bind-up and heal the broken-hearted, to comfort those who mourn.

“If the Son sets you free, you will be truly free.”

– John.

We (each one of us, if we so choose) have been given the ministry of reconciliation, of liberation, of justice, of peace and of love. No encircling gloom can snuff out the light of Christ, the light of love, joy, peace, justice and reconciliation.

The resurrection of Jesus is our guarantee that right has triumphed and will triumph over wrong, that good has triumphed and will triumph over evil; it’s our guarantee that love has triumphed and will triumph over hate. Jesus Christ has broken down all kinds of walls of separation. You and I know despite all the evidence to the contrary that we, black and white together, are one in the Spirit. You and I know that we will hold hands, black and white together, with our heads held high, as we stride into the glorious future which God holds out to us, black and white together, as we work with Him for the fulfilment of the vision of St John, the Divine.

‘Salvation comes from our God, who is on the throne, and from the Lamb!”

The central work of Jesus was to effect reconciliation between God and us and also between man and man.

“True science cannot contradict true religion.”

St Paul says: God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself.”

– 2 Corinthians 5:19

Shared by craig

 

 

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.htmland http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007360X2O

His latest novels ‘The Awakened Spirit’ and ‘From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love’, based on some true and inspiring stories
of the unquenchable, the indomitable human spirit, that lies within each one of us. Stories of ‘Endless Possibilities, Far and Unlimited (Grand) Horizons’

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

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com www.religiousunity.wordpress.com www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

“Lord, make me a channel for Your peace to flow through to everyone I meet”

“The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within you…and the often seemingly difficult or even “impassable”) path ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies within you.”

Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, today let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better future … a far brighter tomorrow

 

“Together, lets join (link) hands and march into a brighter future.”

– Amy Biehl (a young Fulbright scholar, tragically killed in South Africa in the lead-up to the first democratic election of 1994)

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED