Put Your Dream to the Test by John Maxwell (from “Motivational and Inspirational Self Help Books”)

Article Title: Put Your Dream to the Test by John Maxwell (from “Motivational and Inspirational Self Help Books“)
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category/Key words: Dreams, dream information, self help books, motivational and inspirational books, John Maxwell, success, success principles, achievement, self help, personal growth, motivation, inspiration, empowerment, life purpose (enough there for now, craig)

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

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

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 article (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

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

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INTRODUCTION

Submitter’s Note:

Craig has been studying the amazing powers of the human mind for the past two decades (now his “life-long hobby”). These are some notes I took from an uplifting and inspiring address by Dr John Maxwell from the ‘Hour of Power’ television programme (he has written a new book), so (even if you are not “religiously-minded”) I am sharing the contents of this author’s work in the spirit of encouraging and hopefully even inspiring those people to just GO FOR IT with all you’ve got. Nothing is impossible, if you earnestly desire it and work hard at achieving your dreams. Thank you sincerely, Dr Maxwell for sharing your most uplifting words of wisdom in encouraging me to follow my passion and reach for my personal dreams down the “un-trodden path of self fulfilment”. I in turn am passing them on through the amazing power of the ‘net’. Enjoy…

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PUT YOUR DREAM TO THE TEST AND HOW TO SURVIVE THE SURPRIZE by Dr John Maxwell

“It took me twenty long years of blood, sweat and floods of tears to become an overnight success.”

– an anymoose writer”

In his new book, ‘Put Your Dream to the Test’), John Maxwell is talking about the dream journey of the bible-character, Joseph. And there are parallels that each one of us can learn from Joseph in following the path of our own dreams. A first lesson: Each great journey has a great price. The questions to ask yourself to make your wildest dreams come true:

1. Am I willing to pay the price for my dream? Don’t be limited by your thinking (eg fleas in a bottle learnt not to jump high). There is always a cost to reaching your dreams. Family and friends often react negatively to your dream. Always remember, along the journey, you will have more “downs” than “ups”.

2. Do I have enough passion? Does my passion impel me to keep the dream alive? Passion is the great energizer, which pushes us on, when all appears lost.

3. Always remember, God is with you in the tough times, the “dark ” days and hours in the valleys. Along the journey we become closely attached to God, our “closest companion” through our “ups and downs”… to guide, strengthen and comfort us. God is ALWAYS faithful “If God is with us, everybody else might as well be too!” – John Maxwell

* Attitude is a CHOICE The attitude I have today is a choice. It’s my responsibility… TODAY! Invest in others. Put others first. Help them achieve THEIR dreams. Add value to them (and their lives) There are four ways to do that:

1. Value people, first

2. Add value to what others value.

3. By making ourselves more valuable

4. By doing things God values – that have an eternal nature.

NB: Be forgiving – no matter what someone has done to you. Have a forgiving spirit.

*

Part Four: In his address (based on his new book, ‘Put Your Dream to the Test’), John Maxwell is talking about the dream journey of Joseph. Joseph went from being a “believer” into a “buyer of the dream”, he really “bought into” his dream and “survived the surprise”. He fully trusted God (though “bad things can still happen to good people”).

* *

NOW THAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED YOUR WILDEST DREAM(S)… WHAT NEXT?

Once we achieve, receive our dream, how to make the most of it? My dream is HERE. Often we can impact others more through sharing our failures more than our successes (a failure is just a person, who hasn’t succeeded …YET!). Now that you have achieved your dream…

* Be GENEROUS

* HELP others.. through adding value to them…. through your success (and what you’ve learnt along the way). Remember: ” God will not give to us, what will not flow through us” So share the benefits of your dream with others. Ask yourself: “Does my success, achieving my dream, benefit others in some way?” “Will other people be blessed with the God-given dream inside me?” .

*

SUMMARY:

1. Be GENEROUS

2 Be HUMBLE. “If the Lord makes you successful… one day, I’ll keep you humble.”

– a wife (I won’t say whose!)

Remember: “divine promotion is better than self promotion”) God raised me up. God helps those who can’t help themselves, when we are in over our heads and God makes the difference in achieving our dreams. Keeps us humble. CHOOSE to give God the glory, pass it on . Say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:3)

3 Have an attitude TO WIN Say “I CAN…one sunny day!

4. Live with an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Always remember… God has already equipped you with all that you need to achieve your goals and even your wildest dreams . It usually takes a long time for your dream to lift off (the bigger the dream, the longer it takes). So be PATIENT. Wait on your dream. Trials and tribulations bring patience. Dreams are conceived in the mind long before they are realised. Dreams are like a large aircraft, a Jumbo jet on the runway. It takes a lot of energy for them to lift off, but then you soar freely. You can, if you THINK you can. Just believe in your dream…and yourself!

5. Use the great power of the human imagination to the fullest.

“Whatever the mind can conceive, can be achieved”.

Do all this in following YOUR dream and you WILL soar high and allow you to be all God intended you to be and become. You CAN do it … and in doing so you’ll surprize yourself at what is “humanly” possible!

Makes your dreams BIG enough for God, the Ultimate Source to fit in!

BELIEVE it (first) …then SEE your dreams come true

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

“Believing is seeing”

“I believe that God creates us with different gifts; so that in life’s journey each one of us, experiences challenges, things that give us joy and using our gifts allow us to bless the world around us.”

“Look within and you will find and receive from Without.”

“We have it all within, but we get all from without, the Ultimate Source.” – craig

“You are as great as your thoughts, as big as your heart and as vast as your imagination.” – my good friend, Dr Andy Eastcott, Gisborne, New Zealand

“Life is about finding, then following the dream…
and one’s dream/vision comes to reality through believing in
yourself, making the commitment and then creating it.”

– me

About the submitter:

Craig has been following his dream for many years. He likes (rather loves) to share knowledge and insights from his life experiences with dashes of humour to try and help others in ‘every little way’ he can… without being too much of a “Mr goody-goody boring two shoes” (although they may be different colours and he’s lost the other one) . Craig believes the spiritual dimension is something we can all “tap into”… like ‘a sixth sense’, which gives each person ‘superior wisdom’ (“Infinite Wisdom from the Ultimate Source”) in making decisions and choosing one’s path in life.

He loves encouraging people to find, then follow their dreams in life… truly believing that with hard work, dedication, faith, and patience absolutely ANYTHING is possible to achieve (accomplish) in life

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

‘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’.

These ebooks are already available at the above web sites.

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

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

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

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PS: I love these words of inspiration, so am sharing. Enjoy…

“I wish you well on a rainy day I wish you rainbows to brighten your day

To feel your quiet moments with a special kind of warmth to remind you that happiness can happen when you least expect it.

I wish you rainbows to make you laugh and smile to show you the simple beauty of life and to give you the magic of dreams come true.

I wish you rainbows I wish you well.”

– Larry S. Chenges

PPS

Click on John Maxwell’s great Youtube videos at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcKbfmukP9U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGeV606QJ4o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmbmZz5JHW8

and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJzA0JcKwvo

The Magic Of Believing (from Inspirational Books – Part One)

Article Title: The Magic Of Believing (from Inspirational Books – Part One)

Submitted by: Craig Lock

Category (key words): Belief, The Magic of Believing, Power of Belief, Claude Bristol, Faith, Self Help, Personal Growth, Communication, Mind Power, Success Skills, Empowerment, Positive Psychology, Positive Thinking (enough there now, craig)

Web site: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 andhttp://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

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)

We hope that the following article may be informative and helpful to your ezine readers, or on your web site. If it helps others “out there” in any way, then we’re very happy.
We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
*
THE MAGIC OF BELIEVING – THE POWER OF THOUGHT ENERGY (PART ONE)

“Deep within man dwell those slumbering powers;
powers that would astonish him,
that he never dreamed of possessing;
forces that would revolutionize his life if aroused
and put into action.”
– Orison Swett Marden

“Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it”

Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes (AmericanPoet, Lecturer and Essayist, 1803–1882)

 

INTRODUCTION:

Submitter’s Note:
Craig has been studying and researching the human mind, the “last unexplored frontier” for the past fifteen years and he is currently “working” on the connection (overlap) between mind and spirit, the relationship between psychology (science of the mind) and the spiritual world, God. A fascinating subject!

This article (in point form) is based on an excellent motivational, up-lifting and inspiring book‘THE MAGIC OF BELIEVING’ by Claude Bristol (written in the “thirties”). I am sharing the contents of this work in the spirit of encouraging and hopefully even inspiring those people, who really want to achieve their fullest potentials to read this classic book. Then just BELIEVE (tempered with some plan of action, of course!)…and then surprise themselves what happens, as you travel down your unique path in life.

Thank you sincerely, Mr Bristol for sharing your practical insight, words of wisdom and especially inspiration, which I’m passing on in the form of this series of articles from my notes taken from your book.
*
Do you really BELIEVE you can be successful on the internet?

Powerful forces locked in your mind can turn desire into reality. Learn to release them in this extraordinary book.
Just BELIEVE!

“If thou can’st believe, all things are possible to him that believeth”
– Mark 9:23

Most religions of the world (but especially Christianity) are based upon principles of psychology… and especially the powerful principle of FAITH (“God turns the impossible into the possible”). There is a golden thread running through all the teachings and makes them work for all who genuinely accept and apply them; it helps them reach all their goals in life. True ??? That thread, in a word, is BELIEF. There’s genuine magic in believing. Study books of greatness and inspiration; because as we learn, we grow (in knowledge, as well as spiritually). It’s a journey of exploration and personal growth.

See the law of suggestion (auto-suggestion) at work.
Most of history’s greatest achievements have been accomplished not by the most talented, but by the people who were willing to take on great risks and challenges and see them through. And that happens only by believing…and then sustaining that belief over a period of time. And ALL of us can develop belief, yet few people know HOW.

“You can become the unique person that it is in you to become; but only if you resist the urge to conform to the images others hold of you. You can turn all your potential into reality, only if you are willing to DREAM…and BELIEVE.”
– Nido R. Quebin.
*
Is there a something, a force, factor, power, a science, call it what you will, which a few people understand and use to overcome their difficulties and achieve outstanding success?

This concept is understood by few and used by even less people. I am convinced any sincere person can reach any heights he or she desires. There is a wealth of spirit in YOU. This book is written to help develop individual thinking and doing, to help people to a better understanding…and the principle DOES work.

THE POWER OF THOUGHT (or the ‘science of thought’): The principles mentioned in this work substantiate great truths handed down the ages (or what is simply known as ‘TheLaw of Attraction‘).

The greatest problems bothering most people are financial ones. So the amazing invention of the internet provides an avenue to help yourself and others at the same time. I really believe that!

Old Latin proverb: “Believe you have it and you have it.” Belief is the motivating factor that enables you to reach your goal.
Believe it… then you’ll SEE it!

Make success your dominant thought. Whatever is your dominant thought will end up happening (through controlled FOCUS, like a laser-beam). So you need to put it “out there” and everything will follow. Lift yourself up to possibilities (endless). Keep on believing, even though there are always challenges and knock-backs. Always really believe that your vision is going to come to fruition…one bright sunny day!
*
Can man project his thoughts, even at great distances into other minds (mental telepathy)?

The most important advance in the next generation will be in the vast unknown of the human mind – dealing with the spiritual, ie. thought. Psychology is the science of the mind.

Persistence brings confidence and a continued right mental attitude followed by consistent action will bring success. Know the formula. It is mind power that has built empires.

Use the technique only for GOOD – to better yours and others lives.

THOUGHT:
Thought is a terrific force with unlimited powers.
RW Emerson: “Thought is the ancestor of our every action.”

Our world is governed by thought. Buddha: “All that we are is the result of what we have thought.”

The secret of success lies not without, but within the thoughts of man. History is filled with accounts of how thought has made weak men strong and strong men weak…and evidence of this is evident all around us in everyday living.

What you exhibit outwardly you are inwardly. You are the product of your own thoughts. “What you believe yourself to be, you are.”
Your body is the garden, whilst your mind and will are the gardeners.

Thought is the original source of all wealth, success, material gain, all great discoveries and inventions…and of ALL achievement. Without it there’d be no empires built. A man’s thoughts make or break him. Shakespeare: “There is nothing good or bad; but thinking makes it so.”

Draw on the great source of power that lies within each one of us.
We become what we contemplate, what we think about most. Everything is within – the mind is the SOURCE of all POWER.
Man secures the gold of the spirit, when he finds himself.

Edison said that ‘ideas come from space’. God??? (another “heavy” topic for discussion, there craig with your bright spark friend, Andy)

The great ancient Greek physician, Paracelsus: “The human spirit is so great a thing that no-one can express it. Faith must strengthen the imagination, for faith establishes the will.”
*
The Keys to Success:
The first step on the road to success:
Know exactly WHAT you want out of life.
Then DEFINE it!

Hard work alone will not bring success; our hands are designed to be helping the brain.
DESIRE (burning), an obsession helps ensure success in any endeavour. (Personally, I feel we need to have balance in our lives).
Ensure your thoughts and aims are co-ordinated.
Make your energy concentrated and applied without “let-up” (continuous). Then channelled into focused direction.
*
There is a big difference between NEED and a DESIRE.

All-consuming thoughts can be bad, as one needs balance in our lives. It becomes more real with our thinking and adding flavour (intensity) through our imaginations, ie. the technique of visualisation.

“Thought attracts that upon which it is directed.”
It then sinks into our consciousness – the depth depends on the constancy, intensity and power of your thoughts.

Everything that exists is vibration???
As evident in “the healing touch of Jesus’s hand”.

Prayer and meditation operate through this principle, as “focussed energy”, like a lasar-beam.

“Creative force comes only when there is a completely rounded-out thought, when there is a fully developed mental picture, or when the imagination can visualise the attainment of our ambition and see in our mind a picture of the object we desire – a house, a car, a radio, etc – just as if we already possessed them.”

To be effective, you have to really BELIEVE that your prayers will be answered. Different creeds and cults work as a result of the firm beliefs of the individual: The “Magic of Believing”.
*
The Subconscious Mind:

It’s the “still small voice within”.
Supreme Intelligence or Universal Mind, the subconscious or “essence of life” : the limits of its powers are unknown – it never sleeps, warns us of impending danger and can perform what are sometimes called ‘miracles‘. The subconscious acts primarily on its own initiative, but there are times when its activities appear to be the result of influences from outside.

Get in contact with your subconscious mind and you can achieve wealth, power, fame, as well as cure physical ailments and solve countless human problems. And its power is for YOU to use. Just BELIEVE in its power and put it to work using the techniques or systems mentioned in the book.

Inventions, great musical compositions, poetry, fiction, writings (like this work) and all other ideas for original accomplishment come from the subconscious. Bricks fall into place, like a “magical hand”. A pattern of co-incidences is a working out of a pattern you started with your own weaving.

The great power of the subconscious is one of the most formidable forces in shaping and controlling our lives. Perhaps it works like an electrical vibration sets the law of attractioninto operation.

Sustained thought or fixed mental picture – go “into the silence”. Make mental pictures through the imagination – visualise. This comes about as a result of belief – a strange power that causes miracles to happen. It’s a deep-seated belief – “heart and soul”. a spiritual force. Know with every fibre of your being that you WILL achieve your desires.

Remember that success is a process and your life is a “work in progress”; so take one day at a time in an ‘attitude of gratitude‘.

In a “nutshell”…

* THINK right
* ACT right
and
* BELIEVE right

You CAN
if you THINK you CAN!

BE happy enjoying the incredible journey of life

Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Writer for Self Empowerment, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

“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.”

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

“When I let go of what (and who) I think I am, I become all that I can be… and am capable of being.”
– craig (as adapted and inspired from Lao Tzu)

About the submitter:
Craig believes in (and loves) sharing information, insights and ‘principles’ to help and especially encourage people to make the most of their minds along life’s magical journey … and that brings him the greatest joy.www.craiglockbooks.comhttp://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://goo.gl/vTpjk

http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.htmlcreativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-books and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children – mine!

(enough of that negativity, cut it out right NOW and start really believing, now “chappie”!)

“Yessir!”

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

“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, like a dog, is man’s best friend, but inside it’s too dark to read.”

– Woody Allen (I “tink”)

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

http://grandprixchampion.wordpress.com/

http://grandprixdrivermyblog.wordpress.com/

http://godandformula1.wordpress.com/

http://www.sportforpeace.wordpress.com and his various other blogs are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

.Obsessive or WHAT!

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstores”

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.”

End of Part One (Part II to follow)

“Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it”

Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes (AmericanPoet, Lecturer and Essayist, 1803–1882)

“The spring of hope is eternal and will never run dry.”

“From the depth of the valleys, in the deserts of despair, there is hope… as there is the unquenchable oasis, the immense breadth and depth of the human spirit… always.”

– craig

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Submitted by Craig Lock

Key words: Deepak Chopra, Jesus, Jesus Christ, books, “The Third Jesus”, spirituality, spiritual growth, enlightenment, inspiration, empowerment, self help, self realisation (enough there for now, craig)

Web sites: www.deepakchopra.com and www.rbooks.co.uk

Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://goo.gl/vTpjk

http://www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/craigs-booksand http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

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

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.comwww.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com http://religiousunity.wordpress.comwww.peacepursuit.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

(obsessive or WHAT!)

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:

I’m sharing these these thoughts, these writings by Dr Deepak Chopra with the world in a ‘spirit of enlightenment‘) ; so this article (as with all my articles) may be published, electronically or in print (with acknowledgment to the author, thanks).

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

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Sharing some Thoughts (Spiritual) on Jesus from ‘The Third Jesus’ by Deepak Chopra

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Submitters’s Note:

Craig is studying the teachings of different religions, as he researches and writes his latest novels ‘A New Dawn’ and ‘From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love’, which are set in the Middle East and his latest “labour of love” ‘ The Real, The True Jesus . . . the One That I Really Know and Love!)‘. This article (in point form) was based on notes and some short extracts I’ve taken directly from Dr Deepak Chopra’s fascinating and thought-provoking new book, ‘The Third Jesus’, whilst studying the link between the human mind and spirituality. As I take notes, contemplate and share these most revealing thoughts from Dr Chopra, I learn more about my own spiritual journey. So am sharing this piece from Part One ( “a great enlightening read”) in the spirit of hopefully stimulating thinking and discussion on the life and mission of Jesus from Chopra’s writings and beliefs along the ‘spiritual journey’ (no matter whether you fully agree with Dr Chopra’s views on Jesus or not) .

I have added a few of my own thoughts (in italics). I recommend that you read this book, if you are interested in spiritual (or “airey-fairey” as my very “down-to-earth”, practical friends call this subject matter) matters. (Incidentally, I do ‘try to test’, further explore and apply these principles in ‘real life’ and they DO work). Hope sharing this short extract, these ‘eternal truths’ from an excellent book may be of interest, uplifting . . . and perhaps even inspirational to you too. Enjoy “THE WORD” . . .

* *

‘THE THIRD JESUS’ by Deepak Chopra:

How to Find Truth and Love in Today’s World Published in the UK in 2008 by Rider, an imprint of Ebury Publishing

www.rbooks.co.uk and www.deepakchopra.com

Karma – the principle of Reaping and Sowing “As you sow, so shall you reap.” Karma is important on the spiritual path, and knowing how to act and why (ie. intent) is important in all religions. Good actions advance spiritual growth.

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

– John Wesley

Karma gives back exactly what you deserve, but God doesn’t. He gives without regard to good and evil . . . and that is a mark of grace (God’s Infinite Grace). Live by grace. Judge Not ‘

Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.’ (Matthew 7: 1-2)

Generosity of spirit (as with Nelson Mandela) is rewarded in kind,, eventually. Spiritual truths can’t be restricted by time and place. The ability to receive any spiritual teaching depends on your level of awareness. All the violence in Jesus’s life served the purpose of a higher teaching, that physical life, even at its most cruel, can be transcended.

‘For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance.’ (Matthew 13:12)

Connect to the Source. ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.’ (John 15:1-5) The sap that nourishes the vine and causes it to bear fruit is God, the Source of Life. Jesus wanted to share the unity he experienced with God, the “Ground of All Being” and therefore he often used the phrase ‘abide in me’. Spirit is eternal.

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UNITY

The essence of Jesus was his complete unity with God (ie. his will was in complete alignment with His Father’s will – in an attitude of total submission). The mystical Jesus was describing his essence and ours at the same time. This essence (our humanity) is a speck of God, the soul substance inside everyone that never became seperated from its source (both his and ours). ‘I am Spirit’, He said to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world.’ (John 8:23) (“Spaced-out”!??)

I am Eternal Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’ (My comment: Aren’t we all part of God’s greater plan, especially when we surrender our wills to God’s “higher” purpose). The broader meaning is that spirit surpasses any organized religion. My Purpose is to Fulfil: ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish, but to fulfil.’ Jesus existed for his followers in a state of consciousness beyond the five senses and the thinking mind. (He continually drew on a Higher Power than himself, God, the Father…to do what he could not do himself!). All Authority is Mine And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me’. (Matthew 28:18) I am the Way Jesus said to him: ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. (i have often pondered that one and think I have a ‘revelation’!). If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’ (John 14: 6-7) (I understand the concept of God, the Father and the ‘invitation’ to enter into a “personal living relationship” with the Ultimate Source, of all the religions is unique to Christianity) Jesus acts not alone, but as a vehicle of God’s will. God causes things to happen through Him. His union with God was immediate, personal and direct. (My little comment: God, Great (Infinite) Spirit “works” through ‘ordinary’ (what’s that!) people and like Jesus, God’s presence and Infinite Grace is often revealed through the thoughts, “small” actions and deeds of “common, humble, yet great spirited” human beings. I suppose the key is getting “our will perfectly in line with God’s will!” . . . but HOW . I’ll contemplate that one). An afterthought . . . Yet we can ALL can be channels, instruments of God’s will , if we so choose and allow to unfold (getting into another deeper/higher dimension, a higher consciousness of living, perhaps??! As I write and express my thoughts, it’s all becoming clearer.. much!

*

WHO IS THE REAL JESUS? The mystical argument: The real Jesus was never physical — he is the Holy Spirit (???). Jesus becomes something abstract and invisible, the Word that was never born and will never die.

”When you go to church, you already take God, with you, Infinite Spirit (Holy??) already in you.”

– my good friend Lindsay (“The Prophet”)

“My church, mosque, synagogue, and/or temple lies (stands) in my own heart (and mind)“.

– craig

So God, Ultimate Source, Ground of All Being doesn’t reside exclusively in a building – that’s a symbol and gathering place for people, fellow believers!

Spirituality is about truths (eternal) that cannot be understood from a strictly rational perspective. Because the Holy Spirit is transcendant, Jesus must be found not on earth, but in the Kingdom of God. (a ‘fact of the soul’). Through him, Spirit is realised; so that he brings God-consciousness down to earth by being its living exemplar. Spirit exists to serve, and since we are all spirit, our life should be dedicated to service. When you serve others, you are servant and master to yourself . . . and this state of Higher Consciousness is real and open to ALL of us.”

Dr Deepak Chopra www.deepakchopra.com and www.rbooks.co.uk

In summary . . . The authentic message regarding the words, deeds, and teachings of Jesus are as relevant and useful today as ever. In essence they are:

* Give to anyone who asks; knowledge and righteousness are revealed in action

* Beware those who claim to speak on behalf of God; first, know yourself .

“To thine own self be true.” (thanks dearest mom)

* Find the light inside, and share this light with the world

These writings are an attempt to let Jesus speak for himself . . . and I hope, I trust, that the “spiritual Jesus”, the “Third Jesus”, “The Real Jesus” shines through his words . . . so that you may feel his “sublime presence”, through his Infinite Spirit and Grace . . . TODAY

Shared (with thanks) by “not so goody-goody airey fairey spiritual” Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

Your beliefs become your thoughts,

Your thoughts become your words,

Your words become your actions,

Your actions become your habits, Y

our habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.”

– Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world.”

– the Buddha

 

So, like Jesus did, “tink da haaiest torts” (think the highest thoughts).

“People fight and die for religion but they seldom live for religion.”

– former Indian Prime Minister, Jahrulal Nehru

“Deep within us there is a flame that burns, and that flame is the spark of God. In some it burns brightly, in others it is barely distinguishable; but always it burns . . . and with love and acceptance the flame gets higher and brighter. We can help others to kindle this flame by seeing the good in them, even if they don’t see it themselves.”

– anon

.My brief) comment on Nehru’s quote above: Following the teachings of Jesus Christ (and Christianity) is NOT religion. but simply applying the eternal principles of psychology as well as (and blended in with) spirituality) in a “personal living relationship”.

“Let your light so shine that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt 5:16)

“You are the light of the world; a city cannot be hidden, if it is built on a mountain top. A lamp is not lighted to be put away under a bushel measure; it is put on the lamp stand, to give light to all the people of the house; and your light must shine so brightly before men.” (Matt 5,14-16. Knox).

“Let the light of your BEING shine brightly; so revealing Who You Really Are. Be a Bringer of the Light, which emanates from our soul, God, our Creator, the Source, the Essence of Life (and Ground of our very Being). Therefore, it can do more than illuminate your own path. YOUR spirit will help makes the lives of others easier by illuminating others paths. For this light is our humanity, the spirit of God, truth, wisdom, beauty and especially love . . . and it lies within each one of us. Through your actions and your being, let your light, YOUR spirit truly shine brightly on the world, like the radiance emitted by a candle at midnight.”

– craig (as adapted from and inspired by Neale Donald Walsh in ‘Conversations with God Book 3?).

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” (including ‘The Awakened Spirit’ and ‘From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love’) are available at:

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://goo.gl/vTpjk

http://www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/craigs-books +http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

He is presently “working on/finishing off” 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.sharefaith.wordpress.com.

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.comwww.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com http://religiousunity.wordpress.comwww.peacepursuit.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

(obsessive or WHAT!)

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, ‘who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking; so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

– Marianne Williamson I love these words from Marianne Williamson as used by Nelson Mandela in his inaugeration speech as State President at South Africa’s first Democratic Election in 1994.

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

End of Part Three (Part Four to follow)

THIS PIECE MAY BE PUBLISHED (with acknowledgment to Dr Deepak Chopra, please)

PPS As John Shelby Spong, former Archbishop of Newark (very controversial in the Christian world) wrote in his book ‘Jesus for the Non Religious’ :

“The real Jesus is the figure needs today to lead it back to the ‘God experience’ on which Christianity was originally built.”

 

“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.”

Shine YOUR own bright light on humanity

Run Your OWN Race: The Greatest Race

 

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

 

Article Title: Run Your OWN Race: The Greatest Race
Shared by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Inspiration, empowerment, mind, mind-power, self help books, self help, personal growth, motivational and inspirational books, Joel Osteen, success, success principles, achievement, thought, power of thought, motivation, inspiration, empowerment (enough there for now, craig)

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.htmland http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007360X2O

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.”

#

RUN YOUR OWN RACE: THE GREATEST RACE (OF LIFE)

Submitter’s Note:

These are some brief notes that I took from an address by American televangelist, Joel Osteen some years back. I hope you find them as uplifting and inspirational as I do… and that is my reason for sharing. Enjoy…

Plant seeds of hope in others. David (say = I) fulfilled his purpose for his generation.
God has equipped each one of us exactly what we need to achieve our destinies.
When God made you, He (?? or choose whatever means to you, male, female or “gender neutral – It”) threw away the mould. Be comfortable with who God made you to be. Then make the most of what God has made.

Don’t compare yourself with others; otherwise you’ll lose focus.

Just because you’ve failed before, doesn’t mean that you are a failure.

,Discipline (and not desire) determines your destiny.

God has not equipped you to do something outside your vision.
God, the Ultimate Source has equipped you to fulfil your unique destiny.

Follow your own inner vision for your life – be comfortable in yourself. (“I can’t run your race, run with your vision”). Only YOU can do that.
Stay focussed. Say :Even in the valleys, this situation will work out for my ultimate good.

EXPECT a favourable outcome to your endeavours, ie EXPECT SUCCESS

Remember…”Greatness is forged in the valley (and deep valleys) of adversity.”

Just be the very best you can be.
St Paul: “I have kept the faith. I have followed the course.”

Celebrate yourself: who God made you to be.
God has already equipped you with all you need to achieve your dreams. You DO have the tools for your calling, to be victorious.

You will soar high and be all the person God intended you to be.

Shared by craig (“information and inspiration distributer, incorrigible encourager and people-builder”)

“God has already equipped you with all you need to achieve your wildest dreams.”

“Make your dreams BIG enough for God to fit in”

“Success to others may be apparent in what you DO; but significance, meaning and purpose lies, then reveals itself in what you ARE and BECOME down the ‘river of life’ – how and the spirit with which you face, then overcome the daily obstacles, the frequent trials and tribulations along the often rocky path-way of life’s magical and mysterious journey. Light your path brightly.”
– craig

“Let the light of your BEING shine brightly;
so revealing Who You Really Are.
Be a Bringer of the Light, which emanates from our soul, God, our Creator, the Source, the Essence of Life (and Ground of our very Being).
Therefore, it can do more than illuminate your own path.
YOUR spirit will help makes the lives of others easier by illuminating others paths.
For this light is our humanity, the spirit of God, truth, wisdom, beauty and especially love…
and it lies within each ONE of us.
Through your actions and your being,
let your light, YOUR spirit truly shine brightly on the world,
like the radiance emitted by a candle at midnight.”
– craig (as adapted from Neale Donald Walsh in Conversations with God Book 3′).

“What we are is God’s gift to us.
What we become is our gift to God.”

About the author:
Craig believes the spiritual dimension is something we can all “tap into”… like ‘a sixth sense’, which gives each person ‘superior wisdom’ (“Infinite Wisdom from the Ultimate Source”) in making decisions and choosing one’s path in life.

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

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS

“When (or is it perhaps if??) you arrive in a place (or rather state ) known as heaven, let faith 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)

May the light of God shine brightly on your path up ahead

It is in Experiencing God that Our Lives are Changed (from Charles Price)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article Title: It is in Experiencing God that Our Lives are Changed (from Charles Price)
Shared by: Craig Lock
Category (key words/tags): Spiritual Growth, Faith, Christianity, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Charles Price, Living Truth, Thoughts on Jesus, Thoughts on God, Empowerment, Quotations, Thoughts,Inspiration “Inspiration, Spiritual”, Inspirational Writings (enough there now, craig)

Web sites: 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 https://sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com and http://craiglock.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

Publishing Guidelines:
This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely reproduced, electronically or in print. If they help at all, or make any difference in people’s lives by bringing some joy, then I’m very happy.

*

IT IS IN EXPERIENCING GOD THAT OUR LIVES ARE CHANGED: CHARLES PRICE

Here are my notes from Charles Price (Living Truth Ministry 5th April 2010 (Easter)

It is in experiencing God, The “Mystery of Life” that our lives are changed – through union with Christ.

“It’s in our weakness that God’s strength is made perfect.”

“Without Me, you can do nothing.” – John 15

“It is My Father living in me.” – John 14:10

Enabling, empowering, living in dependency on God.

“Apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Jesus taught spiritual principles enabling God to work supernaturally THROUGH Him.

“Jesus Christ was never less than God; but he never lived as more than a man.” In other words, Jesus subjected himself to limitations and he drew on resources you and I can also draw on – God, the Ultimate Source.

“The Son can do nothing by Himself.” – John 5:19

“By myself, I can do nothing.” – John 5:30

Do things THROUGH Him, rather than FOR Him.

Matthew 15:36, John 11:41

Jesus continually(or should that be constantly) acknowledged dependency on His Father. (Thessalonians 5:18, Colossians 3:17)

Say: “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” “I can’t; but You CAN!”

Jesus was always giving thanks (to the Father). Develop an “Attitude of Gratitude”.

Believe it, then you’ll see it!

The language of faith is not ‘please’, but ‘thanks’ (in advance).

Acts 2:22

The humanity of Christ. A “man” who demonstrated what true humanity was meant to be. It’s His (God’s) responsibility. Let Him loose in you.

John 14

Spirit of Truth, Church of Holy Wisdom

The way we live in union with Jesus resembles the way Jesus Christ lived in union with God.

Charles Price www.livingtruth.ca

God needs human beings in partnership, our hands at work, together with a regeneration of spirit …to help peace become a reality for others.

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 implement His Plan A, being the hands, ears and eyes of Christ to help heal a hurting world…today

“Lord,
Use my ‘little’ life as a vehicle for Your endless possibilities

Shared by craig

“When (or is it perhaps if??) 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.”

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

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 (without being too much of a “boring Mr Goody-goody two shoes” (as he’s lost the other one!). 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/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

He is presently “working” on 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’

“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.”

“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside a dog it’s too hard to read.”

– Groucho Marx

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

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

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

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

“Our prayers are answered not when we are given what we want; but when we are challenged to be what (all that) we can become.”
– Morris Adler

“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

May the light of God shine brightly on your path up ahead

‘The Prince of Peace’…Jesus Christ!

                

 

Article Title: ‘The Prince of Peace’…Jesus Christ!

Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words/tags): Jesus, Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, Peace, “Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Barack Obama, Spiritual”, Spiritual Laws, Law of Attraction, World Peace, Possibilities for Peace, Pursuit of Peace, Harmony (enough there now, craig)

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007E2WXW0and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

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

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com

www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com

http://religiousunity.wordpress.com

www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com

http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)

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 inspirationand money management, how boring now, craig)

Publishing Guidelines:
These writings (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

*

‘THE PRINCE OF PEACE’…JESUS CHRIST!

GOOD tidings, peace on earth, goodwill to all mankind. What great words. If only!!.

This scenic and tranquil “little” country, New Zealand and other Western democracies celebrate Christmas and Easter as holy days to honour the birth and death of Jesus Christ.

Jesus in his day spread messages of justice, mercy, hope, love, peace and goodwill to ALL mankind, regardless of status, race, creed, nor religion. He was the “prince of peace” and by his actions was a true advocate of free speech. He spoke against injustice and violence in any form.

Let us for a moment reflect on the words of a leader who stood steadfastly for the values and for the causes of justice and freedom for all…

As Dr Martin Luther-King, Jr said: “All that is necessary for evil to triumph, is that good people do nothing.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

– Dr Martin Luther King, Jr (1929-1968, American Black Leader, Nobel Prize Winner in 1964)

“Through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can’t murder murder. Through violence you may murder a liar, but you can’t establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can’t murder hate. Darkness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that… “

“Peacemakers who sow in peace, will heap a harvest of righteousness.”

– James 2:18

Strive for the mind of Christ (just ASK!) and YOU will have the peace of Christ (within), “a peace that passes all understanding”… and a peace that can resonate outwards, like the ripples of a calm pond, after a stone is thrown

(but not in anger, please!)

TODAY, more than ever, the world needs more peace. Let’s all strive for it… with all we have. It truly is up to US!

“Let us reach for the world that ought to be, that spark of the divine that still stirs within each of our souls.”
– Barack Obama (in accepting his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway)

When the world is filled with love, people’s hearts are overflowing with hope.”
– craig

Truth ultimately overcomes power…eventually, always.
The strength of spirit to do that comes from the human heart, God, a Higher Power. With God’s spirit we then have strength for the present and have hope in the future

“And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make (set) you free.”

– John 8:32

* *

And here are some of my collection of quotes on the pursuit of peace (I collect them, rather than stamps and bottle-tops!). Enjoy (and take some small action in your own world, one that spreads like a ripple in a calm pond to the outer world, should you wish)…

Senator Robert F. Kennedy spoke these amazing and powerful words two years before his 1968 presidential campaign: “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

“Most of us cannot do great things, so let’s just do the little things in a great way.”
– Mother Teresa

“Those who make a peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable.”
– rather wise and prophetic words from a great leader, John F Kennedy

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that really matter.”
– Dr Martin Luther King, Jnr

“Those who stand up for justice, will always be on the right side of history.”
– Dr Martin Luther King, Jnr

“Those whom you seek to change, you must first love.”
– Dr Martin Luther King, Jnr

“Wars are poor chisels for carving out a peaceful tomorrow.”
– MLK (again)

“True peace is not merely the absence of tension but is the presence of justice and brotherhood.”
– Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.”
– Albert Einstein

“Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won — you earn it and win it in every
generation.”
– Coretta Scott King (1927-2006)

“Change can only happen when you change the hearts and minds of those who oppose you.”
– exiled Chinese Muslim leader, Rebiya Kadeer

“If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness.”
– Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919, Twenty-Sixth President of the United States of America from 1901-1909, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize)

Conquering others requires force. Conquering oneself requires strength.”
– Lao Tzu; Tao Te Ching

Nelson Mandela once said: “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
– Mahatma Gandhi (and Lance Armstrong)
*
No matter your circumstances, YOU too can have the conquering, the unconquerable spirit of a champion in YOUR own life.

As Gandhi said, ‘in the midst of darkness, light exists’.

However, it’s a darkness that we can and will illuminate with our hearts.
We don’t have to forget the past in order to move forward.
Many small (yet significant) steps by many ‘little people with big hearts” will eventually reach their destination, their destiny.
However, it’s a darkness that we can and will illuminate with our hearts.
Shine your own bright light on humanity.
– craig

“You can cut down the flower, but nothing can stop the coming of the spring.”

God doesn’t require us to succeed; he only requires that you try.”
– Mother Teresa

“All works of love are works of peace.”
– Mother Theresa

“Most of us cannot do great things, so let’s just do the little things in a great way.”
– Mother Teresa (again)

“Let us reach for the world that ought to be, that spark of the divine that still stirs within each of our souls.”
– Barack Obama (in accepting his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway)

“Lord,
Let me love rather than be loved,
in forgiving we give…
and in dyingwe are given eternal life.”
– Mother Teresa
(the abbreviated words of Mother Teresa in accepting her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo

When the world is filled with love, people’s hearts are overflowing with hope.”
– craig

“Peacemakers who sow in peace, will heap a harvest of righteousness.”
– James 2:18

“Lord,
Let me love rather than be loved,
in forgiving we give…
and in dyingwe are given eternal life.”
– Mother Teresa
(the abbreviated words of Mother Teresa in accepting her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo

“Blessed are the Peacemakers,
because they’ll achieve plenty of Frequent Flyer points.”About the submitter:
Craig believes that in spite of world peace being an unachievable, impossible dream, through his writings and ‘little actions in life’ he’ll just tirelelessly keep “‘beavering away’ to try to make some small difference towards a better and more peaceful world. Crazy??
Peace lives within

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including Peace Lives Within) are available at

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

Craig’s book The Spirit of a True Champion: A Look into the Mind of Jesus Christ (The Champion) [Kindle Edition] #is available at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007E2WXW0

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

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com

www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com

http://religiousunity.wordpress.com

www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com

http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

Together, one mind, one heart, one soul, one life at a time, let’s encourage, impact, uplift and perhaps even inspire the world. Change YOUR world… and you help change THE world… for the better”

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

PPS
“In the midst of darkness, light exists.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

“Lord, make me a channel of thy peace;
that where there is hatred, I may bring love;
that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
that where there is error, I may bring truth;
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is despair, I may bring hope;
that where there are shadows, I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted;
to understand, than to be understood;
to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds.
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life.
Amen.”
– St Francis of Assisi
(as well as the full extract of Mother Teresa’s words in accepting her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo)
thanks mom, your generous and free spirit lives on… forever

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

“Peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”
– author unknown

# Strive for the mind of Christ (just ASK!) and you will have the peace of Christ (within), “a peace that passes all understanding.”

“And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make (set) you free”,

– John 8:32 

How to Turn the Ordinary into the Extra-ordinary in your Life (from Charles Price)

Article Title: How to Turn the Ordinary into the Extra-ordinary in your Life (from Charles Price)
Shared by: Craig Lock
Category (key words/tags): Spiritual Growth, Faith, Christianity, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Charles Price, Living Truth, Thoughts on Jesus, Empowerment, Transformation, Quotations, Thoughts, Inspiration “Inspiration, Spiritual”, Inspirational Writings (enough there now, craig)
Web site: www.livingtruth.ca

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at https://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
Publishing Guidelines:
This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely reproduced, electronically or in print. If they help at all, or make any difference in people’s lives by bringing some joy, then I’m very happy.

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

*

HOW TO TURN THE ORDINARY INTO THE EXTRA-ORDINARY IN YOUR LIFE

Here are my notes from Charles Price (Living Truth Ministry 30th August 2009)

My Note:
Where the term “Him” is used, use whatever term which you use (She, It, Ultimate Source, Ground of All Being, Higher power, Universal Consciousness???) to describe God, Source of Life, Infinite Spirit
*
“The Son can do nothing without the Father.”

“I am here to fulfil.”

Whatever He says, DO IT! (don’t be scared, my good friend “John boy”!)
Listen. Ask for His co-operation.
God is the initiator of anything significant.
Jesus gives a command: “Speak it into existence!”
Every act is precipitated by an act of obedience.

Depend on Him. Just TRUST
He takes the ordinary and produces the extra-ordinary – his raw material is the ordinary.
God does things you and I could never do… so revealing His glory. Jesus’s disciples put their faith in Him.
*
THE (MY) GREATEST RACE

Paul had a purpose in living – he had the single-mindedness of an athlete in training. St Paul lived with a selfless attitude in serving and giving.

What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us to program our mind with thoughts that are true, honourable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise.

Don’t let anything take your eye off the goal – knowing Christ. Focus all your energies towards winning the race.

DEPEND, SUBMIT and simplyTRUST

Shine your light brightly for Christ, the One who makes the ordinary in our lives extra-ordinary.

Charles Price

www.livingtruth.ca

“Lord,
Use my ‘little’ life as a vehicle for Your endless possibilities.”

 

Shared by craig

“When (or is it perhaps if??) 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.”

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

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 (without being too much of a “boring Mr Goody-goody two shoes” (as he’s lost the other one!). 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/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

He is presently “working” on 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’

“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.”

“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside a dog it’s too hard to read.”

– Groucho Marx

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

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

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

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

“Our prayers are answered not when we are given what we want; but when we are challenged to be what (all that) we can become.”
– Morris Adler

“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

May (let) the light of God shine brightly on your path up ahead

 

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

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)

Credit: www.ngatipics.com

Article Title: A “Book Review“: ‘The Mind of Jesus by William Barclay
Submitted by Craig Lock
Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
Key words/tags: Jesus, Jesus Christ, William Barclay, books, spirituality, spiritual growth, enlightenment, inspiration, empowerment, self help, self realisation (enough there for now, craig)

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

www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com  http://religiousunity.wordpress.com

www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)

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:
I’m sharing these these thoughts, these writings by Dr Deepak Chopra with the world in a ‘spirit of enlightenment‘, as in sharing I “learn and grow” myself… at least “spiritually”).So this article (as with all my articles) may be published, electronically or in print (with acknowledgment to the author, thanks).

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

#

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, William Barclay, books, spirituality, spiritual growth, enlightenment, inspiration, empowerment, self help, self realisation (enough there for now, craig)

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

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 knewwhy 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?”  (Matt16:26)

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 between knowing 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 aperson. (?? 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 AGANST 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 RECOGNITON 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 alwayspreparation. 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 craigL

(“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.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjkand www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

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

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

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

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.comwww.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com  http://religiousunity.wordpress.com

www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)

““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’

“Jesus is the human face of God”

“Jesus is my rock and guiding light”

Sharing some Personal Spiritual Thoughts (and Prayers)

 

Picture: beautiful  Wainui beach, Gisborne, East Coast , New Zealand…a place where I often get my dose (“fill”) of upliftment and inspiration

Article Title: Sharing some Personal Spiritual Thoughts (and Prayers)

Submitted by: Craig Lock

Category (key words/tags): Inspirational thoughts, Inspiration, Prayers, Prayer, Hope, Faith, Peace, Pursuit of Peace, Reconciliation, “Inspiration”, Inspirational Quotes, New Books, Stirling, The Prize, The Grand Prize, Grand Prix, The Driver, The Nurse and the Writer, Craig Lock, Reconciliation, Hope, (again), Forgiveness, Love, Peace (enough there now, craig)
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.

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

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

(obsessive or WHAT!)

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:

All my writings may be freely published.

Sharing some Personal Spiritual Thoughts (and Prayers)
by Craig Lock

Submitter’s Note

These are some of the notes (in point form) from thoughts and quotations that I’ve written down and collected over the years, which may be of interest and get you “thinking” about these “airey-fairey matters”. Hope that these thoughts may be helpful and perhaps even inspirational to you .

Sharing a Few Personal Thoughts* That I’ve Jotted Down Over the Years in my ‘Little Books, my Prayer Diary (and Diaries)’

* some from authors unknown

20th Feb 2011

“Hope is the anchor of the soul”

Look upward and you go within

“I am an ordinary writer inspired by an extra-ordinarily great Spirit.”

-unknown author (and/or “crazy prophet”)

I don’t believe in setting goals, but in going after our/your dreams.

PEACE: Let me be a channel for your peace, empower as many people as possible, advance humanity, try to build global bridges.

Don’t limit God. My Grace is sufficient for you. Increase my faith, extend my territory. SURRENDER (total)

“Lord, Let more people experience who You really are. Expand my spirit.”

The highest goal of my ‘little’ life is knowing You.

Be a light of hope to others.

“The full flower that is the hope of the world may be found in the figure and life of Jesus.”

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

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

Get close to God. SURRENDER to God’s will, but this is NOT passivity. One needs to take ACTION, stepping out in FAITH. TRUST (for greater and ultimate good) and OBEY!

“Let more people experience who You really are. Expand my spirit.”

“Lord, give me dreams to broaden my horizons and help me to reach out to all you have in store for me. Use my little life as a focus for Your endless possibilities.”

“Lord, increase my faith and broaden my horizons for all the rich promises you have in store for me. Reveal Your Honour and Glory”

Shared by craig

About the submitter:

In his various writings Craig strives in some small way to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through “planting, then sowing ideas as ‘seeds of hope'”. He believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share is way more important than what divides us.

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including his various novels on South Africa, as well as Stirling’ ‘The Grand Prize’ and The Driver, The Nurse and The Writer’) are already all available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4

Craig’s novel, Stirling, a rewarding tale of faith, hope and especially love is available at http://www.amazon.com/Stirling-ebook/dp/B004YTT4GO/

“Faction”, but perhaps even a true story!!!!

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

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

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

(obsessive or WHAT!)

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstores”

“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.”

“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside a dog it’s too hard 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”

PPS

“Here was a light behind the despair, beyond the darkness. At first a flicker of an ember, just a tiny pin-prick of dawning possibilities. Then burning slowly, brightly and bigger, a glimmer, a candle in the blackness of despair, which gave off just enough of a glow (luminescence?) to light a path. And so show the rest of us the way ahead… a path to endless possibilities…from the darkness into the eternal light.” as adapted (slightly) from Rian Malan’s powerful words in ‘My Traitor’s Heart’

From “It’s Always Darkest Before the Dawn”

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IX0MNW

from www.beyondtherainbow.wordpress.com

Life is God’s novel; so let Ultimate Source write it, as it unfolds….”

craig (as inspired by the words of Isaac Bashevis Singer)

“Since I can never see your face,
And never shake you by the hand,
I send my soul through time and space
To greet you. You will understand.”
– James Elroy Flecker

 

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

A “Review” of The Book ‘The Greatest Salesman in the World’ (by Og Mandino)

Gisborne NZ sunset (magnificent) by Liam Clayton

 

Article Title: A “Review” of The Book ‘The Greatest Salesman in the World’ (by Og Mandino)
Submitted by:Craig Lock
Category/Key words: ‘The Greatest Salesman in the World’, Og Mandino, book “reviews”, selling skills, sales skills, inspirational books, good books, empowerment, words of upliftment, empowerment and inspiration (enough there now, craig)

Web sites: https://www.createspace.com/3779691/ http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://ogmandinobooks.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:
If published, please acknowledge the writer and source. All my other articles and extracts from my various writings may be freely published, electronically or in print.

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

Article Summary:
This is Og Mandino’s first book. It is not only one of the best books on selling ever written, this is one of the best books on LIVING ever written. This is the gripping tale set in ancient Palestine of a little camel boy, Hafid, who becomes the greatest salesman in the world through following the ten scrolls of success.
#

A “REVIEW” OF ‘THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD’ by Og Mandino

Submitter’s Note:

I ‘ve been reading this most uplifting book by Og Mandino; so am sharing this short “review” in the spirit of passing on “bits” of the content, in the form of thoughts, quotations, concepts and principles (like the Laws of the Universe). As well as sharing what I feel is the central message of Mr Mandino’s highly inspiring book (first published by Frederick Fell Publishers Inc, a division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc in 1968).
ISBN 0-553-27757-X

To properly understand my “highlighted” notes, you need to read the book fully …to put them in their proper context.

(Where the pronoun “his” is used in this article, please substitute “her” if appropriate)

Thank you, Mr Mandino and Frederick Fell Publishers, Inc.

Just sharing a few thoughts from Og Mandino’s most uplifting book (and as I share I learn too)…

*

A “REVIEW” OF ‘THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD’ by Og Mandino

“No other trade or profession has more opportunity for one to rise from poverty to great wealth than that of salesman.”

# Form good Habits: Good habits are the key to all success in life

# Develop good Discipline

# Try to add value to your product and/or service

Failure will never overtake you, if your determination to succeed is strong enough…through “blood, sweat and tears”. Say, “I will persist until I succeed”…

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
– basketballer, Michael Jordan

“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”

Theodore Roosevelt
“Citizenship in a Republic,”
Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910

# Visualise: Hold the picture of success firmly in your thoughts, picture it as already being yours, and amazing things will happen.

# NB: Think positively at all times. “The secret of the ages: Weak is he who permits his thoughts to control his actions, strong is he who who forces his actions tc control his mind. Control your emotions. Man’s potential to uplift his life through the proper use of the tools, the gifts he has received from his Creator.”

Always remember,

# Success is a state of mind.

# Count your blessings and live with an “Attitude of Gratitude” with what you already have. GIVE THANKS!

# Proclaim your rarity, your uniqueness

YOU are the greatest miracle in the world!

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

“True wealth is of the heart, not of the purse.”

To dearest dad, ‘RC’, “the greatest salesman in the world”.

“Death is not a foe, but an invisible adventure”

“Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity.”

“Earth hath no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.”
– Thomas More

“Success. It is open to each individual to choose the goal and go after it – growth and human essence known as character. Perhaps the ultimate purpose of life itself is the testing of the human spirit, to develop out of it something better, more nearly perfect. For after the sands and the dust of the human body has been buried, only the human spirit is left to go on. Each individual in his or her lifetime is entrusted with a fragment of that human essence, to be a spark of his own existence from birth to death.
Rich? Has he or she enriched the life spirit, which was given to them?
Successful?
Has he or she made the spark glow more brightly.”

– Howard Whitman in Og Mandino’s ‘University of Success’.

“Only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find his right road.”
– Dag Hammarskjold (Swedish former Secretary General of the United Nations, tragically killed in an air-crash)

“If I can throw a single ray of light across the darkened pathway of another;
if I can aid some soul to clearer sight of life and duty, and thus bless my brother;
if I can wipe from any human cheek a tear,
I shall not have lived my life in vain while here.

If I can guide some erring one to truth, inspire within his heart a sense of duty;
if I can plant within my soul of rosy youth a sense of right, a love of truth and beauty;
if I can teach one man that God and heaven are near,
I shall not then have lived in vain while here.

If from my mind I banish doubt and fear, and keep my life attuned to love and kindness;
if I can scatter light and hope and cheer, and help remove the curse of mental blindness;
if I can make more joy, more hope, less pain,
I shall not have lived and loved in vain.

If by life’s roadside I can plant a tree, beneath whose shade some wearied head may rest,
though I may never share its beauty, I shall yet be truly blest –
though no one knows my name, nor drops a flower upon my grave,
I shall not have lived in vain while here.”

– anonymous

About the Submitter:

Craig believes in (and loves) sharing information and insights to try to make some difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey to live their dreams and be all they can be… and that brings him the greatest joy. He truly believes in the great potential of people to be all they can be an become. Craig is currently “working” on ‘Endless Possibilities, Far and Great Horizons’ – true inspiring stories of the human condition in overcoming seemingly impossible odds.

Craig’s new book ‘I’ll Do It My Way’: My Story, My Life, My Dream is now available at https://www.createspace.com/3779691

The various books that Craig ‘felt inspired to write’ 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://ogmandinobooks.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

“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.”

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

“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, 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.”

THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS:

“Success is doing the best you can, in as many ways as you can. It is being just and honest and true – not in a few things,
but in everything you do.

Always look ahead and never look back,
believe you can make all your dreams come true.
Always believe in the best you can be
and have faith in the things that you do.

Forget about the mistakes you’ve made yesterday,
the lessons you learn will prove valuable for today…
Never give up and think that you’re through…
for there’s always tomorrow and a chance to begin brand new.

It is in dreaming the greatest dreams…
and seeking the highest goals…
that we build the brightest tomorrows.

There is no limit to the goals you can attain,
or the success you can achieve…
your possibilities are as endless as your dreams.

Whatever it is that you seek in life,
whatever your dreams and what you hope to achieve,
whatever you try to reach – whatever you plan…
can all be yours – if you only believe you can!”
– Larry S. Chengges

“Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow. “

– Langston Hughes