Out of dark times spring light and life

How many of us experience those moments of lost hope, destroyed vision and broken dreams, both in our personal lives and our communities?

Christianity declares that Jesus, the one who died on the cross, was God dwelling among us; God in the flesh. 

This means that in his experience of the cross, we had the creator of the universe 

experiencing our humanity.

 

Through Jesus we see God,who has climbed into the dark pit with us. God seen in the Easter story is the one who knows and experiences our dark moments; and takes them on as His own.

When others let us down the hope present in the Easter story still stands. It’s a hope that stands for eternity.  It’s a hope that stands for eternity no mattewhat happens in our city or the world around us.

 We live with the belief that hope is always present, even when the darkness seems overwhelming. We may not always live up to the ideal, but every Easter we’re called back to that hope and reminded about what God is up to as seen in the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.

 

 

for the full article  (with far better lay-out/appearance  in formatted text?) see

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11611789

“When others let us down the hope present in the Easter story still stands. It’s a hope that stands for eternity.”

“The light shines in the darkness… and the darkness can never put it out.”

 

Featured Image -- 7350

blacknightandlight

picture from

http://www.itsalwaysdarkestbeforethedawn.wordpress.com

 

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

 

Light (John)

Best wishes from the First City to see the Light
beachsunset
PPS
Don’t worry about the world ending today…
as it’s already tomorrow in scenic and tranquil ‘little’ New Zealand

10635914_399053126936228_5393310959449721887_n

 

brilliantlight

 

“A writer’s dreams

Look into the Heart of Easter and See

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picture from

https://thelivingjesuschrist.wordpress.com/

Look into the Heart of Easter and See

click on

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/look-into-the-heart-of-easter-and-see-0

You may also like

https://sharefaith.wordpress.com/tag/easter/

https://jesusthoughts.wordpress.com/tag/new-zealand/

and

https://jesusthoughts.wordpress.com/category/easter/

 

“Informing, educating, encouraging, empowering, igniting, uplifting (and perhaps even)  inspiring”
“Together, one mind, one life (one small step at a time), let’s see how many people (and lives) we can encourage, impact, empower, enrich, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials…and strive for and perhaps one sunny day even achieve their wildest dreams.”
Best wishes from the First City in the world to see the light
brilliantlight

https://shatteredbrokendreams.wordpress.com

“A writer’s dreams
Picture (great) by my friend, Jenny, whose photographic talents I definitely do NOT possess!
from 
and 
PPS
Don’t worry about the world ending today…
as it’s already tomorrow in scenic and tranquil ‘little’ New Zealand

Let your Christmas light shine on others

 

10635914_399053126936228_5393310959449721887_n (1)

http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11563280

The first candle lit is the light of hope. Hope is a word we often use. “I hope that the weather is fine on Christmas Day”, “I hope that I win the lottery” or a common sentence in many homes this week “I hope that Santa brings … “!

Christian hope is more than wishful thinking. It is the confident faith that God is in control, that God is merciful.

In Christian faith the expression of hope is a belief that in Jesus Christ we know the gift of life and a way of living that is hope-giving for each of us and for the world.

There will be thousands of people this Christmas who will be hope-bringers to people and communities all over the world, offering food, shelter, companionship and a helping hand.

Jesus empowered the poor and the most marginalised. He treated women and men with equal respect. He challenged unjust leaders and cared for children. Jesus demonstrated a better way of life and wants to impart that way of life into our hearts and to our world.

Hope is not, therefore, a punt or a risk but rather, as Jesus showed us, it is our choice to be hope-bringers and agents of change for those in our families and communities, our workplaces and city, and those we may never meet who need our help.

The second candle is the light of peace. As this year draws to a close, we are conscious of so many people who need peace in the nations of the world, in our communities, among our colleagues and friends, and perhaps even in our own hearts and minds.

This light of peace is not a pipe dream, nor a feigned peace which pretends that everything is okay when really it is not.

The final Advent candle lit before Christmas is the light of love. Christians believe that in Jesus Christ the world is given the offer of salvation, and the chance to see what divine love really means; divine love found in the experiences of caring for friend and stranger, seeking justice, feeding the hungry, healing the broken-hearted, caring for the earth and working for peace. That is the kind of love that this light calls us to share this Christmas.

As the clock strikes midnight on Christmas morning, the central candle of the Advent wreath is lit, celebrating that the light of Christ has come into the world and will come again. As it shines into the darkness it invites all those who see it to let the gifts of which the wreath speaks inform how they live their lives, for when we each bring hope, make peace, gift joy and live love, then the world is transformed.

Our world needs that transformation, a transformation we are all invited to be part of bringing.

 

from

http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11563280

PPS

“When (or if ever) you arrive in heaven, let faith, hope and love be the wings that carried you there.”

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

“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.”
– c

from

http://www.racetothechequeredflag.wordpress.com

and

http://www.craigsquotes.wordpress.com

chequered flag2

 

TOGETHER, one mind, one heart, one soul, one small step at a time, we can make some difference towards a better world, a brighter tomorrow

“SHARE, ENCOURAGE and SPREAD, HOPE, LOVE and LIGHT”

light(best)

dawn best

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14

21

“A writer’s dreams
Picture (great) by my good friends, Jenny (and John), whose photographic talents I definitely do NOT possess!

The Possibility Thinkers Bible

beachsunset

https://possibilitythinkersbible.wordpress.com/

“Together, one mind, one life (one small step at a time), let’s see how many people (and lives) we can encourage, impact, empower, enrich, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials…and strive for and perhaps one sunny day even achieve their wildest dreams.”
Don’t worry about the world ending today…
as it’s already tomorrow in scenic and tranquil ‘little’ New Zealand
21
“A writer’s dreams
Pictures (great) by my friend, Jenny, whose photographic talents I definitely do NOT possess!

You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

and another version at 

I found the music and words most uplifting in a time of darkness (great).

Featured Image -- 106

from https://racetothechequeredflag.wordpress.com/

www.lifeisgodsnovel.wordpress.com and

http://myjourneyofaith.wordpress.com

“You Raise Me Up”

When I am down and, oh, my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up to more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up to more than I can be.There is no life – no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up to more than I can be.You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up to more than I can be.You raise me up to more than I can be.

Shared by “totally unmusical” craig

everest2

PS:

“Those born with a talent to use will find the greatest pleasure in using it.”

Thanks for sharing your gift, Josh

“On Eagle’s Wings”

PPS

“Our talents are our gift from God, but what we do with them are our gift to God.”

“Rise and shine, sunshine”

picture (great) by my friend, Jenny

from http://www.jennysphotographicjourney.wordpress.com andhttp://www.awritersdreams.wordpress.com

PPS

* “What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the light (eternal)”

The Grand Prize (Grand Prix): “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus..”

from http://www.godandformula1.wordpress.com

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“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus..”

Phillippians 3:14 (NIV)

from  www.thegrandprize.wordpress.com

http://www.racetothechequeredflag.wordpress.com

and http://www.godandformula1.wordpress.com

“When (or if ever) you arrive in heaven, let faith, hope and love be the wings that carried you there.”

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

“Soaring on/under eagle’s wings”

“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.”
– c

from http://www.sharefaith.wordpress.com  and http://www.standonthepodium.wordpress.com

SUNrisechrist

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.”

from http://racetothechequeredflag.wordpress.com/ and http://www.godandformula1.wordpress.com

chequered flag
“Together, one mind, one life (one small step at a time), let’s see how many people (and lives) we can encourage, impact, empower, enrich, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials…and strive for and perhaps one sunny day even achieve their wildest dreams.”

C.S. Lewis on Jesus Christ: Lord, Liar or Lunatic?

SUNrisechrist

“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: “I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.” That is the one thing we must not say. A man who said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic–on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg–or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”

C.S Lewis, Mere Christianity

from

Article Title:C.S. Lewis on Jesus Christ: Lord, Liar or Lunatic?
Is Jesus Christ a Legend, Lunatic, Liar, or Lord and GOD?
Shared by: craig
Category (key words): Religion, spirituality, Jesus, Jesus Christ, God, faith, Christianity, CS Lewis, religious questions, hope, possibilities, inspiration

Web Sites: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007E2WXW0http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock&sort=relevance&ie=UTF8&qid=1374375740

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://sharefaith.wordpress.com and https://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/craigs-list-of-blogs-updated-sept-2011/

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

Publishing Guidelines:

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

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

#

C.S. Lewis on Jesus Christ: Lord, Liar or Lunatic?

“God does work in amazing ways”

“What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

Submitter’s Thoughts:

I am fascinated by the life and immense spirit of Jesus, as well as the controversy and varying beliefs about this most written about “figure” in human history. So in my research for my latest Amazon book The Spirit of a True Champion: A Look into the Mind of Jesus Christ, I came across these thoughts of CS Lewis on the www, so thought I’d share. No matter what you may or may not believe… enjoy

Is Jesus Christ a Legend, Lunatic, Liar, or Lord and GOD?

In his famous book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis makes this statement, “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic–on the level with a man who says he is a poached egg–or he would be the devil of hell. You must take your choice. Either this was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us.”

Jesus could only have been one of four things: a legend, a liar, a lunatic–or Lord and God. There is so much historical and archeological evidence to support his existence that every reputable historian agrees he was not just a legend. If Jesus were a liar, why would he die for his claim, when he could easily have avoided such a cruel death with a few choice words? And, if he were a lunatic, how did he engage in intelligent debates with his opponents or handle the stress of his betrayal and crucifixion while continuing to show a deep love for his antagonists? Christ said he was Lord and God. The evidence supports that claim.

(My thought, I need to study the above statement/claim in more depth…purely for myself)

Here are some of the key claims Jesus made about himself.


The Claims of Jesus

Christ claimed to live a sinless life

Jesus could look at a crowd of people angry at his claims to share God’s nature and ask, “Which of you can point to anything wrong in my life?” Even more amazing is that none of them could give a reply! No human being has ever lived a sinless life, except for Jesus Christ.

John 8:28-29 “So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know who I am and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.’”

John 8:46-47 “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”


Jesus Christ claimed to be the ONLY way to God

Not one of several ways, but the one and only way. Not to teach the way, but to be the way to God. Nobody has ever made claims like that before and backed them, but Jesus did through his love, balanced life, and miracles.

John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.”

Matthew 11:27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Note: No other world religious leader, such as Buddha, Confucius, or Mohammed ever made this claim.


Christ claimed to have shared the glory of God in Heaven

Jesus claimed to have pre-existed the people he spoke with. The apostle John–who shared bread with Jesus–wrote that Jesus was with God in the very beginning, and that “all things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.” (John 1:1-5)

John 17:5 “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”

This is a claim distorted by groups like the Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses.


Jesus Christ claimed to be able to forgive sins

(my note : indirectly. Also see *)

One of the reasons that the Jewish leaders were so angry with Jesus was his continual practice of forgiving people’s sins. The religious leaders understood clearly that since sins were rebellion against God Himself, only God could forgive sins.

Luke 5:20-21 “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’ The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, ‘Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’”(emphasis: web author)

Luke 7:48-49 “Then Jesus said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ The other guests began to say among themselves, ‘Who is this who even forgives sins?’”


Christ claimed to be a Heavenly king

Luke 22:69 “But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”

Luke 23:1-3 “Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, ‘We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.’ So Pilate asked Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘Yes, it is as you say,’ Jesus replied.”

John 18:36-37 “Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.’ ‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”


Christ claimed to be able to give everlasting life

Jesus didn’t just tell people how they could find everlasting life, or deepen their own life experience. He actually claimed to give life himself.

John 6:40 “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 6:47 “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.”

John 10:28-30 “I give [my followers] eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die…’”


Jesus claimed that he would die and come back to life

John 10:17 “Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father–and I lay down my life for the sheep. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life–only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

John 12:32-33 “‘But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.’ He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.”

John 16:16 “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”

Luke 18:31-33 “Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, ‘We are going up into Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.’”


Christ claimed that he would return again to judge the world

* (my thought: Yet Jesus also claimed that only God could judge)

Matthew 24:27-30 “So as the lightening comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man… At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.”

Matthew 25:31-32 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep and the goats.”

Mark 14:61-62 “Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?’ ‘I am,’ said Jesus. ‘And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.’”

From: http://www.allaboutgod.com/jesus-christ.htm

http://www.ccci.org/how-to-know-god/who-is-jesus-god-or-just-a-good-man/index.htm

http://www.jonathantweet.com/religionlewisonj.html

‘The Spirit of a True Champion: A Look into the Mind of Jesus Christ’ is already available at

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

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

The 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

https://www.createspace.com/pub/simplesitesearch.search.do?sitesearch_query=%22craig+lock%22&sitesearch_type=STORE (paperbacks)

http://www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books  and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children –

MINE!

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

PPS

A life lived in the spirit of Christ will never die!

As my good friend, Lindsay ‘the Prophet’ often says: “Get yourself right with Jesus, man!”

from https://sharefaith.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/c-s-lewis-on-jesus-christ-lord-liar-or-lunatic-3/

and  https://basicchristianityfordummies.wordpress.com/2014/08/16/cs-lewis-on-jesus-christ-lord-liar-or-lunatic-2/

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

 

brilliantlight

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16 New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Christ: The Greatest Possibility Thinker Who Ever Lived (from “Endless Possibilities, Far and Great Horizons)

Jesus Christ: The Greatest Possibility Thinker Who Ever Lived (from “Endless Possibilities, Far and Great Horizons”)

Jesus truly believed that common people can become incredibly powerful beings. He knew without a shadow of doubt that ordinary people could become extraordinary people, if they could merely become possibility thinkers.

The claims of Jesus:

“I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11)

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved. (John 10:9)

“I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35)

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him, bears much fruit.” (John 15:5)

“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father, except through Me.” (John 14:6)

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25)

Being a follower of Christ is offering yourself to Him and following His teachings: Your mind for Christ to think through. Your heart – for Christ to love through.

Your lips for Christ to speak through. Your hands – for Christ to touch through.

WHEN the spirit of Christ lives within you…

* Your problems will turn into great opportunities. Incredible, amazing opportunities for growth!

You will: * Have the strength to tackle your opportunities with divine strength and succeed.

Paddleboard by Gemma Chapman (credit House of Travel)

Picture: Paddle-board Nelson by Gemma Campbell
Credit: House of Travel in the “scenic and tranquil little haven” that is New Zealand (or ‘Godzone’, as it is often affectionately known)

Article Title: Jesus Christ: The Greatest Possibility Thinker Who Ever Lived (from Endless Possibilities, Far and Great Horizons)
Shared by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Spirituality, Jesus, Jesus Christ, hope, possibilities, possibility thinking, inspiration, faith, Christianity, pursuit of peace
Web Sites: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

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

http://www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com

http://www.sportforpeace.wordpress.com

http://www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com

http://www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

http://www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com

http://religiousunity.wordpress.com

http://www.sharefaith.wordpress.com. 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

Publishing Guidelines:

We hope that the following extract including some thoughts from a new “work”, which he’s currently writing titled ‘Endless Possibilities, Far and Great Horizons’) may be informative and helpful to your e-zine readers, or on your web site. This piece (as with all my writings) may be freely reproduced electronically or in print. If it helps others “out there” on the ‘amazing journey of life’, then we’re very happy.

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

Submitter’s Note: This extract forms part of a manuscript on which Craig is currently “working” (or rather it’s “writing itself”) called ‘ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES, FAR AND GREAT HORIZONS’: true and inspirational stories. Let the Journey Begin… *

Jesus Christ: The Greatest Possibility Thinker Who Ever Lived (from “Endless Possibilities, Far and Great Horizons”)

Jesus truly believed that common people can become incredibly powerful beings. He knew without a shadow of doubt that ordinary people could become extraordinary people, if they could merely become possibility thinkers.

The claims of Jesus:

“I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11)

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved. (John 10:9)

“I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35)

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him, bears much fruit.” (John 15:5)

“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father, except through Me.” (John 14:6)

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25)

Being a follower of Christ is offering yourself to Him and following His teachings: Your mind for Christ to think through. Your heart – for Christ to love through.

Your lips for Christ to speak through. Your hands – for Christ to touch through.

WHEN the spirit of Christ lives within you…

* Your problems will turn into great opportunities. Incredible, amazing opportunities for growth!

You will: * Have the strength to tackle your opportunities with divine strength and succeed.

* Pick up the broken hopes of your unfulfilled aspirations in life, your shattered dreams and have the courage and resilience to start over gain.

* Dream great dreams and one day see them come to pass. God can dream a greater dream for your life than you could ever have imagined.

* Become a truly great person – like Jesus himself. Become the very BEST YOU that you are capable of being. With God, Jesus beside you and the Holy Spirit inside you nothing is impossible… and let your spirit soar like an eagle.

“Lord, show me the person You want to speak to through my life today.”

Amen

From The New Possibility Thinkers Bible by Robert H Schuller and Paul David Dunn (by Thomas Nelson Inc, 1996) *

Jesus was not just a figure from history and the Bible a series of stories (“fairy-tales”), I truly believe. It’s a way of presenting the Word of God. Jesus entered into a new form of existence with His “wealth of spirit”. Christ is a beacon, “the anchor of our faith”. Christianity is not a series of “do’s and don’t’s”, but a living faith that transforms lives, as people meet a risen saviour.”

Jesus lived in a war zone, as do modern children in the Middle East. He gave a voice to the voiceless. The silent Jesus symbolises all who cannot speak clearly for themselves. (Are we listening to their enforced silence?). Jesus responded with compassion to human cries. Jesus showed unconditional love and all people, whether religious or not, can embrace love. Peace and goodwill is for ALL to celebrate, but God needs human beings in partnership to help peace become a reality for others.

Listen to the silence of the voiceless, the message of Jesus and ACT according to that divine spirit that lies in every one of us.

Following the teachings of Jesus shows us ways of living and principles that we can ALL learn. Something WILL happen in your life. God WILL change things. These are simple principles, that can dramatically change our lives for the better.

Choose hope despite your circumstances. God has the amazing ability to bring make something beautiful out of brokenness in our life. Amazing! God can take an ordinary person, any situation and turn it into something amazing. Jesus, the Hope-Giver will use your life for good.

It was a defining moment in my life; it sculpted who I am today. God uses our deepest valleys. He can take any situation in life and use it for His glory. Changes people, regardless of their circumstances. Jesus gives us HOPE. It’s a CHOICE – He WILL be faithful.

The unlimited power of Christ to change lives. You too can be filled with His limitless generosity of spirit. A “spark in the soul” can lead to snow-capped peaks of accomplishment.

God never gives up on His children

(From ‘Hour of Power’) *

Jesus lived in a war zone, as do modern children in the Middle East. He gave a voice to the voiceless. The silent Jesus symbolises all who cannot speak clearly for themselves. (Are we listening to their enforced silence?). Jesus related to all societies and people – the common fabric of humanity.

He was “a voice for the voiceless”. Listen to the silence of the voiceless, the message of Jesus and ACT according to that divine spirit that lies in every one of us.

Jesus responded with compassion to human cries. Jesus showed unconditional love and all people, whether religious or not, can embrace love. Peace and goodwill is for ALL to celebrate, but God needs humans in partnership to help peace become a reality for others.

He had a passion for peace, mutual tolerance, interaction between different faiths and respect for all. Jesus taught that violence achieves nothing, whether it comes from terrorists or from the response to terrorists. Christ told us to love our enemies, not to shoot them, send them to concentration camps, or blow them up! And loving ones enemies was and still is a revolutionary statement 2000 years later!

In Jesus’ own life was the key of his nearness to God, that he expressed as no other could, the spirit and will of God. The person that IS Jesus Christ makes God REAL within me.

The life and death of Jesus gives each one of us HOPE: to choose hope despite our circumstances. We are choosing hope over fear, unity over division.

*

“Lord, Make me a channel for your peace to flow through, to share your message of hope and love with as many souls, lives as possible…a window for your light to shine through to everyone I meet.

God, Use my ‘little’ life as a focus for Your Infinite Possibilities.

craig

“Our talents are our gifts from God… but what we do with our talents are our gifts TO God.”

About the submitter:

Craig believes in (and loves) helping others to find their passions and gifts… through encouraging people to reach out for, then accomplish their “wildest” dreams. He truly believes people can overcome obstacles, rise to any occasion, and accomplish their dreams, even ‘Endless Possibilities’ in life with enough FAITH and PERSISTENCE.
http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html http://www.craiglockbooks.com

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

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B005GGMAW4

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

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

http://www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com

http://www.sportforpeace.wordpress.com

http://www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com

http://www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

http://www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com

http://religiousunity.wordpress.com

http://www.sharefaith.wordpress.com. wordpress.com

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

“Together, let’s link hands and join hearts with the person next to you, as only together can we walk towards a better and brighter future.”

“Only when you’ve been in the deepest valley can a person know what it’s like to stand on the highest peak.” – inspiring words from Richard Nixon, former United States President

“When you can see no light at the end of the tunnel, light your own candle and let your light illuminate the world, like the radiance from a window at midnight.”

“Together, let’s link hands and join hearts with the person next to you, as only together can we walk towards a brighter future.”

– Amy Biehl, tragically killed in Cape Town, South Africa in 1993 (and whose parents Linda and Peter have graciously forgiven the murderers)

“Together, one mind, one soul, 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

“God is leading us to the light…

and what we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”

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

:

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

“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed…nothing shall be impossible to you . . . ”
“According to your faith, be it unto you.” – Matthew ix.290
“If God be for us, who can be against us?” – Romans viii.31
(and you may as well be too!!!)
Simply affirm:” God is with me in this situation; God is helping me; God is guiding me.
Remind yourself that God is with you and nothing can defeat you. BELIEVE that you now receive power from Him.
Faith is a choice It’s a decision It’s a commitment
“The just shall live by faith – Romans 1:16,17
MATTHEW: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” *

Goddream

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

Shared by: Craig Lock

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

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

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

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

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

Publishing Guidelines:

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

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

#

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

Submitters Note:

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

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

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

*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIFE’S PROBLEMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Plan your work and work your plan.

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

5. Get the right mental attitude.

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

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

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

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

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

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

* State your problem

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

Higher Power/Authority

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

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

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

*

PRAYER

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

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

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

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

Faith and harmony are important factors in the prayer process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Faith and harmony are important factors in the prayer process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Practise serenity

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

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

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

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

Tranquillity – the very word denotes a sense of peace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

* PRAYER

EXPECT THE BEST AND GET IT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Mark 11

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

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

* STRENGTH

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

– Phillipians iv.13

“Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.”

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

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

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

– William James

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PPS

For more of my writings on Dr NV Peale see

enjoy

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About the submitter:

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

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

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

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

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

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

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

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

eagle

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

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

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

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

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

– craig

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

craig 11/11

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

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

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

Image

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

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