From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love

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

“Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13 (NIV)

“There is only one thing that has power completely, and that is love. Because when a man loves, he seeks no power, and therefore he has power. Only strive for power, if it is not at the cost of other people. Power corrupts. You first have to be pure and righteous, before one can attain power. I believe that love is a greater force than power.”
– Alan Paton, great South African humanitarian and author of the classic ‘Cry the Beloved Country“

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

“Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”
– Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

A Story of Forgiveness: The Legacy of Amy Biehl

Article Title: A Story of Forgiveness: The Legacy of Amy Biehl
Submitted by: Craig Lock

Key words (tags): Transformation, Amy Biehl, the legacy of Amy Biehl, South Africa, Cape Town, reconciliation, forgiveness

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

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig)

Article Summary:

At the age of 26, Amy gave her life in South Africa for the cause of freedom, peace and justice. Upon winning a scholarship from Fulbright University, Amy decided to go to South Africa to aid in the country’s efforts to end racial apartheid. She was murdered by four violent, angry protestors on August 26, 1993.
#
South Africa honours US woman who forgave daughter’s killers

Reuters | Wednesday, 23 April 2008

An American woman was awarded one of South Africa’s highest state honours for forgiving the men who stoned her daughter to death in the dying days of apartheid.

Linda Biehl was named to the Order of Companions of O R Tambo by President Thabo Mbeki at a ceremony in Pretoria, the office of the presidency said in a statement on its website.

Biehl and her husband Peter captured the hearts of South Africans in 1993 when they publicly forgave the killers of their daughter, Amy Biehl, a Fulbright scholar who was working with poor communities in the country.

The 26-year-old woman was killed on August 25, 1993 when she drove into the Guguletu township outside Cape Town to drop off three black friends and was attacked by a crowd returning from a rally of the militant Pan African Congress.

Members of the mob chased Biehl and stoned and stabbed her to death as she begged for mercy in the dust.

The murder, coming about one year before the country’s first all-race elections, shocked the country and the world.

The four black youths convicted of the crime were released from prison in 1998 after they were granted amnesty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was set up in 1995 to investigate rights abuses during apartheid.

The Biehls did not oppose the amnesty, and they later hired two of the murderers to work in a foundation they set up in their daughter’s name. The foundation helps community projects in the townships where Amy Biehl worked.

Linda Biehl was among some three dozen people honoured for contributing to South Africa’s democracy. Previous winners of the Tambo award include US civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi, the father of Indian independence.

For further information on the life of Amy Biehl and her parents, an amazing story of forgiveness, “google” her or visit
http://www.capetimes.co.za/?fSectionId=273&fArticleId=nw2008042118552924…
http://myhero.com/myhero/hero.asp?hero=a_biehl
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24242249/page/1/.
http://www.theforgivenessproject.com/stories/linda-biehl-easy-nofemela
*
To end off, here are a few thoughts on forgiveness…
“Forgiveness is not an occasional act – it is an attitude of mind.”
– Martin Luther King

“The noblest revenge is to forgive.”
– Thomas Fuller, English author (1608-1661)

“If I don’t forgive my enemies, I deny my right to have power over them.”
– Martin Luther King or Robert Kennedy??

“One man (or woman) can make a difference.”
– Robert Kennedy

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
– Martin Luther King, Jr (1929-1968, American Black Leader, Nobel Prize Winner, 1964)

“Violence breeds violence, repression brings retaliation, and only a cleansing of our whole society can remove this sickness from our soul.”
So eulogised Robert Kennedy after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr in April 1968.

“Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the opression or persecution of others.”
– John F Kennedy

“Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tide and gravity,
we shall harness for God the energies of love.
Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”
– Teilhard De Chardin

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it’s an on-going state of mind. A long and arduous journey that starts with a single large step – in spite of immense pain, the decision to forgive, a commitment to the ideal… and one that gives freedom… to the forgiven, yet also to the forgiver.”

“When you forgive (another person or country), you empty your mind of negative thoughts (perhaps even thoughts as strong as hate). Then the infinite Spirit of God makes a fresh space in our hearts to allow new positive feelings to take their place.. to pour into our hearts. The ‘freed’ person then moves forward with a new spirit…which takes root in people’s minds, hearts, spirits and even in the deepest recesses of their souls.”

– craig

About the submitter:
Craig is passionate about his former country, South Africa and writes about the “Beloved Country” in his novels. The inspiring story of Amy Biehl has a lot of
meaning to his life and shares important themes from his own writings.

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including ‘Endless Possibilities, Far and Great Horizons’) 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 www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, let’s plant seeds of hope …

and you and I, let’s march towards a better future…together to a brighter tomorrow

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

“First steps on the path to peace begins with talking, which leads to some
understanding… which then leads to negotiation.. which leads to eventual
peace.”
– craig (as inspired by the words of Amy Biehl)

Amy Biehl’s Legacy in Cape Town: Click on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7M1LIIFDbg

“Those whom you seek to change you must first love.”

“Those whom you seek to change you must first love.”

“There’s Something in the Struggle”

6 positive things we can learn in the “valleys of life”:

1. Struggle can press you into finding your destiny (as evidenced in the lives of David, King of Israel, Moses, Joseph in prison).

Later we can all see the unmistakable hand of God . Look for the hand of God in your time of struggle

2. Struggle can lead to a new direction (critical) in your life, like with my writing.

Listen to the voice of Spirit (Holy)

Even when nothing seems to be happening and you are stumbling around in the darkness, God is always up to something, something good. Later, you will be able to trace the hand of God in your life, directing each step along he way. Just TRUST. God is with you in the midst of the storm!

3. Struggle develops qualities of greater effectiveness – you become stronger in learning new coping strategies. Most importantly, it builds character.

Studies have shown that 95% of great achievers have had to overcome incredible hardships in their lives. Strength is being forged in the “crucible of life”. Like the caterpillar having to struggle, to fight its way out of the cocoon, so as to be able to fly!

“THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE STRUGGLE”:

HOPE, BELIEVE, continue to DREAM and then CONQUER!

from a TV address by New Zealand pastor, Tak Bhana

We all need to learn how to handle times of struggle and darkness, so we come out stronger.

“God is too good to be unkind. He is too wise to be confused. If I cannot trace His hand, I can always trust His heart.”

― Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-92)

6 positive things we can learn in the “valleys of life”:

1. Struggle can press you into finding your destiny (as evidenced in the lives of David, King of Israel, Moses, Joseph in prison).

Later we can all see the unmistakable hand of God . Look for the hand of God in your time of struggle

2. Struggle can lead to a new direction (critical) in your life, like with my writing.

Listen to the voice of Spirit (Holy)

3. Struggle develops qualities of greater effectiveness – you become stronger in learning new coping strategies. Most importantly, it builds character.

“When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take the step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for us to stand on or we will be taught to fly.”

~Patrick Overton

It’s in the struggle, the transformation that God is working a miracle in your life. God has created something, new – something that can fly…high! The struggle strengthens us, fortifies us to fly higher, like the eagle.

4 In the valleys we discover more about ourselves through the struggle. We learn things, qualities, like the ability to change and extend ourselves, perseverance, faith, Most importantly you (we) discover OURSELVES- who we really are…and perhaps what our “mission”, our calling truly is!

5. Struggle exposes the pessimists in the crowd, the “grass-hoppers”, the “nay-sayers” (though well-meaning), who say “it’s impossible” , “it hasn’t been done before”, “it won’t work” (they should step aside to make way for those who say “it can be done- it IS possible!”.

In the valley of life you soon discover your true friends, who will support you

God DOES supply

and finally.

6. Struggle qualifies you to help others through their struggles. Once you’ve conquered, you can help someone else in the “valley of life”. Because you’ve learnt to get up yourself (off the canvas) – because you’ve “been there”, you can say: “You WILL get through this valley, fight the battle and overcome your problems, conquer your giants.

Getting through your own struggles (how) can be a beacon of hope to others.

Always remember: God will see you through to eventual victory.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” *

Always remember, the struggle doesn’t last forever… and can even be the making of us.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!”

Even the depths of winter you can’t stop the coming of the bright spring. So look forward to the future and be happy.

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

“In the midst of darkness, light exists and persists.”

“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

“Trust in the Lord with your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him

and he will make your paths straight.”*

– Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

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

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

– Jeremiah 29:11-13

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

– Romans 8:28

“If you can’t see His way past the tears, trust His heart.”
― Charles H. Spurgeon *

* Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-92) was England’s best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. He was to nineteenth-century England what D. L Moody was to America. Although Spurgeon never attended theological school, by the age of twenty-one he was the most popular preacher in London.

You can click on:

There’s Something in the Struggle (by Tak Bhana)

Also from my brand new e-book The Victory Lap already available at http://www.amazon.com/Victory-Yellow-Helmets-Greatest-ebook/dp/B00BD9HLC2

HOPE, BELIEVE, continue to DREAM and then CONQUER!

Sharing some Thoughts (and Quotations) on the Power of Love to Make a Difference (through Helping Make a Shift in Global Consciousness)

… which I believe is the only way the world will move towards a more peaceful planet.

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

“Love is the only force that can erase the difference between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness. In a changing world, it is a constant. It is the security of the home. It is a beacon of hope in a world of distress.” *
– Wayne R. Bills, MA

“Faith is the pillar of strength that allows man to achieve the impossible, reach the unattainable and solve the unfathomable.”

Article Title: Sharing some Thoughts (and Quotations) on the Power of Love to Make a Difference (through Helping Make a Shift in Global Consciousness)
Author Name: Craig Lock
Key Words: Love, power of love, inspiration, inspirational thoughts, spirituality, spiritual thoughts, love, power of life, empowerment, words of empowerment, transformation

Web sites: 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://peacepursuit.wordpress.com/

http://breakdownwalls.wordpress.com/

www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and craigs various blogs are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.c om

Publishing Guidelines:

These writings (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print. Enjoy (hopefully)…

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

Sharing some Thoughts (and Quotations) on the Power of Love to Make a Difference (through Helping Make a Shift in Global Consciousness)

… which I believe is the only way the world will move towards a more peaceful planet.

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

“Faith is the pillar of strength that allows man to achieve the impossible, reach the unattainable and solve the unfathomable.”

Great inspiring words of wisdom!
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…

“Difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with
an audacious faith in the future. When our days become dreary with
low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a
thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in
this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a
power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark
yesterdays into bright tomorrows. Let us realize the arc of the moral
universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
– Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr

I love the following quote which guides and inspires me daily, so am sharing…

“The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed.”
– J. Krishnamurti (thanks dearest mom)

“There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer. There is no disease that enough love will not heal. No door that enough love will not open. No gulf that enough love will not bridge. No wall that enough love will not throw down. And no sin that enough love will not redeem. It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble. How hopeless the outlook. How muddled the tangle. How great the mistake. A sufficient realisation of love will dissolve it all. And if you could love enough, you would be the happiest and most powerful person in the world.”
– Emmett Fox

“When the power of love overcomes (or conquers) the love of power, man and the world will at long last know peace.”
– adapted slightly from American musician, Jimi Hendrix

I see only one hope for our very troubled world, and that is when all peoples, black, brown and white desiring neither power, money nor especially a sense of self importance, come together to work hard for it with the creative spirit, that is in every one of us. With economic growth and the creation of jobs, people feel secure with a sense of well-being…and are happy.

When people act in a spirit of goodness, concern for humanity and especially utmost integrity, desiring only the good of their countries and so the world, the world be a far more prosperous and peaceful place – a world perhaps one day even at peace with itself.
– craig

LOVE is the greatest and most powerful force in the world (as was the simple message of Jesus Christ);
so shine your own unique bright light on an often darkened world …in a spirit of living at the highest level of humanity.

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

About the submitter:

Craig is passionate about a more peaceful world; so 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. Craig’s new work ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: To attempt to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. “A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.”

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children –
MINE!

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are
http://www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com
http://www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com
http://www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
http://www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com
http://www.sharefaith.wordpress.com
and his various other blogs are at http://www.craigsblogs.wordpress.com and http://www.craiglock.wordpress.com
Obsessive or WHAT*!

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

* “Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.”

~ Franz Kafka

“Be the very best person you can be. Become the person you are CAPABLE of being … and ALL the person God,
the Ultimate Source, the Essence of Existence intended and CALLED us to become….and most importantly, have ‘loads’ of FUN along the journey.”
– craig

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

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS

“Love is the medicine for the sickness of the world.”

– Karl Menninger writing in his famous book ‘ Love against Hate’

“Those whom you seek to change, you must first love.”

“Those whom you seek to change, you must first love.”

– Dr Martin Luther-King, jr

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

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

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)

“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

My Notes from the Book ‘Basic Christianity’ by John Stott: “Who on Earth is Jesus Christ” (Part One)

THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST
He hated hypocrisy in others and always demonstrated utmost sincerity. And most importantly, his character appears to support his claims. He does appear to be who he said he was – with no discrepancy between his words and deeds. In short, his character was unique. If he was sinless, he was distinct from us, supernatural. He was “the light of the world.” And “born to be their Saviour”, the “bread of life” to the hungry in spirit. He possessed a keen moral judgment: “He knew what was in man.”

What Christ himself thought
Jesus stated directly that he was without sin. He lived a life of perfect obedience to his Father’s will (“I always do what is pleasing to Him”). It is clear that Jesus believed himself to be sinless, as he believed himself to be the Messiah and the ‘Son of God’.

What Christ’s friends said about him
They too said that he was without sin. “All we like sheep, have gone astray.”
He believed ardently in what he taught (though his doctrine was unpopular to the masses), but he was not a fanatic (though perhaps a bit “zealously eccentric”). Still… and most importantly, there is as much evidence for his humanity as his divinity. He gets tired, needs to sleep, eat and drink, like other men. And vitally, he experiences, fully, the human emotions of love and anger, joy and sorrow. He is fully human; yet he is no mere man!
Above all, Christ was unselfish. In thought he put himself first: in deed last. He exhibited both the greatest self-esteem and the greatest self sacrifice. In Him the Lord became servant..
He said he was going to judge the world; yet he washed the apostles feet.
Christ demonstrated complete self mastery, self control (he never retaliated, when provoked). In his life: “I seek not my own will, my own glory.”
There is no self interest in love. The essence of love is self sacrifice.
Jesus was sinless, because he was selfless. Such selflessness is love. And God is LOVE.

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: My Notes from the Book ‘Basic Christianity’ by John Stott: “Who on Earth is Jesus Christ” (Part One)

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (Key Words/Tags): Christianity, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Thoughts on Jesus, Spiritual Growth, Faith, Empowerment, Transformation, Inspiration, Empowerment, Spirituality, Spiritual Growth,
Spiritual Writings, Awareness, God

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 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 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 and may be freely published)

Publishing Guidelines:

These thoughts in point-form (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

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

“WHO ON EARTH IS JESUS CHRIST?” (PART ONE)

Submitter’s Note:

A Summary of the Book ‘Basic Christianity’ by John Stott (Published by Inter-Varsity Press, UK (First edition 1958)

I took these brief notes from the above book – a most illuminating, revealing and enlightening read on the life and person of Jesus Christ). Incidentally, this book (and others by John Stott) is available for download (PDF) at http://www.pdflibrary.info/en/ebook/Basic%20Christianity%20John%20Stott-1.html

Here are some of my notes (in point form) from this “easy to read” book by John Stott,that I am currently reading and “studying”. And as I share, I learn more too. No matter what you may know or believe (or not believe) about this most significant (and controversial) figure in human history. Anyway enjoy…

THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST

He hated hypocrisy in others and always demonstrated utmost sincerity. And most importantly, his character appears to support his claims. He does appear to be who he said he was – with no discrepancy between his words and deeds. In short, his character was unique. If he was sinless, he was distinct from us, supernatural. He was “the light of the world.” And “born to be their Saviour”, the “bread of life” to the hungry in spirit. He possessed a keen moral judgment: “He knew what was in man.”

What Christ himself thought

Jesus stated directly that he was without sin. He lived a life of perfect obedience to his Father’s will (“I always do what is pleasing to Him”). It is clear that Jesus believed himself to be sinless, as he believed himself to be the Messiah and the ‘Son of God’.

What Christ’s friends said about him

They too said that he was without sin. “All we like sheep, have gone astray.”

He believed ardently in what he taught (though his doctrine was unpopular to the masses), but he was not a fanatic (though perhaps a bit “zealously eccentric”). Still… and most importantly, there is as much evidence for his humanity as his divinity. He gets tired, needs to sleep, eat and drink, like other men. And vitally, he experiences, fully, the human emotions of love and anger, joy and sorrow. He is fully human; yet he is no mere man!

Above all, Christ was unselfish. In thought he put himself first: in deed last. He exhibited both the greatest self-esteem and the greatest self sacrifice. In Him the Lord became servant..

He said he was going to judge the world; yet he washed the apostles feet.

Christ demonstrated complete self mastery, self control (he never retaliated, when provoked). In his life: “I seek not my own will, my own glory.”

There is no self interest in love. The essence of love is self sacrifice.

Jesus was sinless, because he was selfless. Such selflessness is love. And God is LOVE.

CHAPTER FOUR: THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

The disciples were changed.

It was the resurrection that transformed Peter’s fear into courage, James’ doubt into faith… and Paul, the fanatical Pharisee and persecuter of Christians into Paul, the greatest apostle for Christianity.

A few final thoughts on Jesus Christ and why he came to live on earth (as a human being). Jesus came to restore our relationship with God. Also to seek and save the lost as we have all been at some time in our lives.

“Lord

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

Lord, touch me where I need the touch the most.

Let more people experience the REAL YOU, Who You really are.
God, Use my ‘little’ life as a focus for YOUR infinite possibilities.”

Shared by craig (with gratitude to John Stott)

(“Information an Inspiration Distributor, Writer for Self Empowerment, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

“Faith sees the invisible,
follows the unfathomable…
and achieves the impossible.”

“I’d rather attempt something great and fail, than attempt nothing and succeed.”
– Dr Norman Vincent Peale

About the submitter:
Craig 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 too airey-fairey, arty-farty, goody-goody boring two shoes” (as he’s lost the other one and
anyway, they may be different colours!)
http://www.craiglockbooks.com

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

Hard-copies and e-books, fiction and nonfiction: self help, novels, travel, humour, writing, inspiration and money management

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children – mine!

(Come on now, craig. Where is your faith!)

Craig’s novel ‘The Awakened Spirit’ is based on some true stories from the ‘beloved country’ of South Africa. Inspiring stories of endless possibilities of the indomitable human spirit, that lies within each one of us.

The submitter is currently writing his own “work” (a “real labour of love and enlightenment” (to himself) titled ‘WHO ON EARTH IS (WAS) JESUS CHRIST?’
and is posting extracts on his new blog at www.basichristianityfordummies.wordpress.com

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 bookstore”

“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).

“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

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

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

May the light of God brightly light your path up ahead

A NEW HEART (Part Two)

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

A NEW HEART (Part Two)

by craig lock

Stories of hope, renewal, transformation, the redemptive power of LOVE and ultimately the pursuit of PEACE. A never-ending” story!

“We can learn far more from our tears than from our laughter”

“This too shall pass and things WILL get better”

“Peace: This does not mean that we are immune from life’s daily struggles, trials and tribulations (and also the tragedies and wars occurring around the globe. It’s a choice of living amidst the disappointments, the daily “ups and downs”, yet having a calmness in our hearts and truly being at peace …with ourselves and the world.”

craig (20th Dec 2011)

Have just started this ebook 20th Dec and will upload to Amazon as I write. Enjoy …

“Let us tear down the walls of our hearts in order to tear down the walls of concrete”

– Fouad Twal (top Roman Catholic official in the Holy land and Palestinian citizen of Jordan)

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

A NEW HEART (Part Two)

by craig lock

Stories of hope, renewal, transformation, the redemptive power of LOVE and ultimately the pursuit of PEACE. A never-ending” story!

“We can learn far more from our tears than from our laughter”

“This too shall pass and things WILL get better”

craig (20th Dec 2011)

Havejust started this ebook 20^th Dec and will upload to Amazon as I write. Enjoy …

“Let us tear down the walls of our hearts in order to tear down the walls of concrete”

– Fouad Twal (top Roman Catholic official in the Holy land and Palestinian citizen of Jordan)

* *

CONTENTS

“PRELUDE”

Chapter One:

“We must NOT Hate”

To The End of the New Rainbow

The Spiritual Path: “The Way (of Spirit)”

Chapter Two

The Pursuit of Excellence (Racing and Writing in the Zone) The Chequered Flag: The (My) Greatest Race

CHAPTER SOME SPIRITUAL “TORTS”, FORGIVENESS and THOUGHTS ON PEACE

The Legacy of Amy Biehl

“PRELUDE”

The Story of a Humanitarian Aid Worker in Africa

“I work for the betterment and upliftment of humanity, working for and attempting in some small way to advance the cause of peace… or at least a slightly better and more peaceful world.”

“We can choose” to do the highest good for the greatest number of people.”

Go to http://eastafricanfamine.wordpress.com/ and http://eastafricafamine.wordpress.com/

Make a donation to this worthy cause, should you wish (not me, but Oxfam or another charity)

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

“The power of love and knowing that you have made a difference keeps you strong.”

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

CHAPTER ONE: “We must NOT Hate”

The redemptive power of love in action.

“I have a passion for mutual tolerance, moderation and self-responsibility.. and I want to break down barriers between people and cultures.”

“Treat everybody with respect, no matter who they are…or where they come from.”

just click on the image above (or the link below)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JD1XTO

“I try to give people their humanity.”

“The principles you live by create the world you live in.”

TO THE END OF THE NEW RAINBOW

“I write to impel some kind of ACTION (or reaction) in readers. YOU CAN , one person at a time, make some impact on the world, through planting “seeds of hope” (from ‘Seeds of Hope to Endless Possibilities’, ‘Far and Grand Horizons’).”

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”

just click on the image above or the link below (got it now!)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006OBB6GQ

“There are better ways than war to resolve conflict.” “Together, let’s sow a seed, one mind, one soul, one life at a time.”

The Spiritual Path: “The Way (of Spirit)”

“I truly believe in the triumph of the human spirit; so love writing about and sharing stories of ‘seemingly ordinary’ (what’s that?) people and the resilience of humanity.”
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006M4IP7I

“Your goal in life is to create the perfect conditions for the full flowering of your essential self.”

“Together, one mind, one heart, one soul , one life at a time, let’s plant and sow seeds of hope,

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

CHAPTER TWO

The Pursuit of Excellence (Racing and Writing in the Zone) “Your goal in life is to create the perfect conditions for the full flowering of your essential self.”

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006KXUWAE

“Respect everybody

Do your best Never Give up and Don’t take life (and yourself) too seriously.”

THE CHEQUERED FLAG: THE (MY) GREATEST RACE

“It takes self reliance + self discipline + self sacrifice.”

’Enter a new golden age of self responsibility… a new dawn’

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064R6D36

“The principles you live BY create the world you live in.”

CHAPTER “LUCKY SEVEN RACING (and WRITING) IN THE ZONE:

“CHOOSE to do the highest good for the greatest number of people.”

“Plant seeds of hope.”

Together, One Mind, One Heart, One Life at a Time, Let’s Break Down Barriers and Build Bridges of Reconciliation (The Greatest Race: The Race of Life) |

Click on http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006G0A4TA

Then if you like the “airey-fairey” realm (dimension) of

SPIRIT

“Plant seeds of hope.”

“Every problem has a spiritual solution.”

http://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Spirit-Craigs-SPIRITual-ebook/dp/B005GXS2XS/ref=sr_1_20?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314372628&sr=1-20

“CHOOSE to do the highest good for the greatest number of people.”

“Sow a seed, one mind, one soul at a time.”

http://www.amazon.com/A-New-Dawn-ebook/dp/B005GXS350/ref=sr_1_21?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314372718&sr=1-21#reader_B005GXS350

Perhaps even write about…

THE PURSUIT OF PEACE???

http://www.amazon.com/Peace-Lives-Within-ebook/dp/B005H3N4D0/ref=sr_1_26?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314372844&sr=1-26

Themes of renewal

The Resurrection of Jesus. Values of justice, truth and grace

“I try to give people their humanity.”

“The principles you live by create the world you live in.”

Sow a seed, one mind, one soul at a time.”

A NEW HEART

By craig lock

Stories of hope, renewal, transformation, the redemptive power of LOVE and ultimately the pursuit of PEACE. A never-ending” story!

“We can learn far more from our tears than from our laughter”

“This too shall pass and things WILL get better”

“Peace: This does not mean that we are immune from life’s daily struggles, trials and tribulations (and also the tragedies and wars occurring around the globe. It’s a choice of living amidst the disappointments, the daily “ups and downs”, yet having a calmness in our hearts and truly being at peace …with ourselves and the world.”

craig (20th Dec 2011)

Will start putting together today – writing, testing and further developing this “interactive” ebook

Themes of justice, hope, love and peace.

The great power of LOVE to effect transformation…in people’s lives, in countries…everywhere.

The characters (and readers) can/will choose different stories, different paths…and we’ll see where it all leads (and test my creative imagination)…

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,

“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

Mary Stevenson, 1936

Footprints
Also Known As “I Had a Dream”

One night I dreamed a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.

“Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I’m aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don’t understand why, when I need You most, You leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.”

Margaret Fishback Powers, 1964

Footprints

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.

Carolyn Carty, 1963

“‘The Journey’ entails a man or woman confronted with reversals, difficulties or tragedy, but who through courage and perseverance confronts each of these in turn and overcomes them.

At each step the hero ascends to a higher level of wisdom or maturity, until by the completion of the journey, she or he has reached some state of equilibrium, an accommodation with life, a sense of serenity or acceptance. Or NOT!”

– fine words on writing by John Cranna (Founder of the Creative Hub* and AUT Centre for Modern Writing) * Web site: http://www.thecreativehub.net.nz/page/tutors_and_workshop_leaders.html

and like John, Craig too loves to write about similar uplifting, empowering and inspiring themes in his various books.

Craig Lock has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally so cruel, yet always amazing world He loves ‘telling tales’, sharing true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and perhaps hopefully even inspired. He loves to try to “test his writing limits and imagination “and is currently writing ‘To The End of the Rainbow’.

“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.”

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

“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 a man’s best friend. Inside a dog it’s too hard to read.”
– Groucho Marx

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

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light… and where there is sadness, joy. I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

– St Francis of Assisi (thanks, dearest mom for sharing those inspirational words with me)

Together, one mind, one heart at a time, let’s walk (or march) bravely into a bright new tomorrow

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

Some thoughts (key themes) which are central to my stories and on which to elaborate (big word, eh!)

There are better ways than war to resolve conflict

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”

– Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

Themes (points) to include

threads of hope

“I try to give people their humanity.”

“We can choose” to do the highest good for the greatest number of people.”

The redemptive power of love in action.

“Respect everybody

Do your best

Never Give up

Don’t take life (and yourself) too seriously.”

SPIRIT

SPIRITUAL “TORTS”

“Every problem has a spiritual solution.”

Themes of renewal

A new golden age of self responsibility

+ self reliance + self discipline + self sacrifice

The Resurrection of Jesus (whether literal or symbolic?) . Values of justice, truth and God’s Infinite Grace

“I try to give people their humanity.”

“The principles you live by create the world you live in.”

“Lord,

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

Lord

Use my ‘liitle’ life as a focus for your (infinite) possibilities

Let YOUR Spirit shine through these words.

CHOOSE to make God as BIG, as you can possibly conceive

“A New God for a New World”??

THOUGHTS ON FORGIVENESS

FORGIVE. Move ahead (see the following chapter)

Sow a seed, one mind, one heart, one life at a time

CHAPTER A Story of Forgiveness: The Legacy of Amy Biehl

Article Title: A Story of Forgiveness: The Legacy of Amy Biehl
Submitted by: Craig Lock

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

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