To be questioned about ones religion is the heart and soul of their very being. To be a Christian is to know why and what you believe. Obtaining knowledge is the center core of Gods word and the opposite of that is ignorance which God despises. This is more of a problem then people of faith realize. How will Christians be able to help others if you don’t know what you believe yourself? When you ask someone a question regarding their belief you will find that some don’t even know and will just say, “Oh I don’t know that’s just the way we’ve always done it.” Also some folks will say, “That’s just the way we were raised,” without ever questioning it. There are some churches that believe it is not the commission of the modern day church to spread or even know the gospel.
In the Bible the early Christians were told to spread the word. They were told to share their faith. In order to do this they would have to hear the gospel. How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:14;17. Another good example of hearing is found in the book of Acts. An angel of the Lord told Philip to arise and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza. Acts 8:26. When he arrived he was met with an Ethiopian who was reading the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading and it was obvious by his remark that he didn’t. The Ethiopian said, “Well how could I unless someone guides me?”
Society runs in circles one preaching this doctrine and someone else another. No one knows what to believe or even if they need a “position” at all. Some just believe what they believe because that’s the way they were brought up or it’s just the popular viewpoint. When questioned or challenged some will even shut down and not have any type of discussion about it at all. Is it because they don’t know or is it possible they just don’t care. Is it important to know what to believe?
The Christians in Berea thought it was important because they examined the scriptures daily to make sure what they were being told was correct. Acts 17:11. In fact they were considered more noble minded then the others. The apostle John told the Christians to test the spirits to see if they were from God. If the Christians didn’t have the knowledge or know what to look for I guess it would be kind of hard to test them. Paul told the young evangelist Timothy that if anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words then that person is conceited and understands nothing. If Timothy didn’t know what the doctrine was to begin with then he wouldn’t know which one was the right one. I Timothy 6:3-4. I believe some get caught in the trap of habit; they just go through the routine and motions of life.
Paul says that we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming. Ephesians 4:14. By now as adults we should know better and understand why we believe what we believe. How else will we be able to fulfill the great commission of the church? Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20. God commands that we have the knowledge that only comes through knowing Him and what is written in the Word. The whole Bible alludes to some type of action against those who are not “in the know.” God’s people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6. It’s more then just the knowledge you possess but the hope, the reason for you. The comfort and love that you can give to another individual because of what you know. Peter says that Christians are always to be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you. I Peter 3:15.
Christians must be able to defend the faith and they need to possess the knowledge to be able to do that. James commented saying that if anyone lacks wisdom; let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously. He goes on to say to ask in faith, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6. Are Christians being tossed by the waves and wind? Are we able to answer the hope that is within us? Why do you believe what you believe? What is your “position” and what are you going to say in defense of your faith?
© 2006,Cypress Street Publishing. This article may be used for reprint as long as authors byline and live link is intact.
C. F. Bettridge has loved writing since early childhood. She has written plays, poetry, and many articles. Her latest e-book titled End Time Secrets had caused quite a stir among the religious world also can be found at http://endtimesecrets.com
Do you pray with your child(ren) on a daily basis? I think most
parents encourage their kids to say a bedtime prayer and maybe
even a meal prayer. But what I’m talking about is praying
throughout the day for big things and even little things! The
bible says we should pray without ceasing. Let me tell you when
I first heard that I though yeah right, you’ve got to be kidding
me. I barely have time to pray at night before crashing in bed.
Then I got some insight on that verse. God doesn’t expect us to
be down on our knees all day long reciting a well thought out
prayer. He knows we are busy with a limited amount of time. In
fact much of what we do is possible because of him, so he
wouldn’t want us shirk our responsibilities. But he would like
for us to have lots of daily chats with him. I used to think
that my prayers had to be long winded and biblically appropriate
but now I know better. Do you remember the verse in the bible
that states we have to become like little children before
entering the kingdom of God? How many kids do you see coming up
with eloquent, drawn out prayers with big, lofty words in them.
Most kids simply ask God to bless others and ask for things that
they want. And do you know that makes God incredibly happy. He
knows us, loves us (probably even better than we know ourselves)
and just wants to spend time with us. If we have to take the
time to say the right things in the right way to God then we
probably won’t take the time at all.
It is really important that all throughout the day we
continuously speak to our heavenly father. But I believe it is
even more important that our children see us speaking to him.
When you are at work or in public pray silently to yourself. But
when you are home, try to get into the habit of praying out
loud. In the beginning, your kids may look at you like you’ve
lost your marbles-especially if they are older and you’ve never
done anything like that before! But, in time they will get
accustomed to it and begin accepting it as reality. You may be
inclined to pray in front of them only prayers of thanksgiving
or intercession; such as thanking God for all your blessings or
praying for a sick relative. But it is really important that
your child also sees you praying prayers of petition out loud
(such as “God help me, I can’t do this alone”). Many parents,
especially dads, believe they will appear ‘weak’ in front of
their children if they ask for things or help, but just the
opposite occurs. You are fostering a dependence on God that no
other role model can establish. Your kids see you as their
provider, leader and protector. Something very powerful occurs
when they see you reliant on God for everything. They realize
that the key to your power lies in your ability to humble
yourself to God and ask him to intercede for you in the things
you cannot do or need help accomplishing. What a powerful
witness you can be to your children! It may take some practice
and courage to begin humbling yourself to God in front of your
kids, but after a while it will become easier. And one of the
benefits you may experience one day could be watching your own
child cry out to God for help and guidance.
Student’s Anuvrats I will not resort to unfair means in the
examinations.
I will not vandalize nor take part in violent activities.
I will not use obscene language, will not read pornographic
literature, and will not see obscene movies.
I will not use drugs and intoxicants.
I will not resort to unethical practices in elections.
I will not marry for a consideration in the form of dowry and
under conditions of ostentation, nor will I participate in any
such marriage.
I will not cut down trees and will not contribute to pollution.
Teacher’s Anuvrats I will help as much in the building students’
character as in their mental development.
I will not adopt illegal means in helping students pass the
examinations.
I will give no place to party politics in my educational
institution; nor will I encourage my students to take part in it.
I will not use drugs and intoxicants.
I will contribute to the expansion of the Anuvrat Movement.
Businessmen’s Anuvrats I will refrain from adulteration and
from selling counterfeit goods.
I will not indulge in underweighing or false measuring.
I will not trade in or undertake the import or export of
contraband, nor will I act as a smuggler.
I will not go back on my pledge to return articles under my
custody or mortgaged by others.
I will not indulge in hoarding. Officer’s/Employee’s Anuvrats I
will not accept bribes.
I will not abuse my authority.
I will not use drugs and intoxicants. Election Candidate’s
Anuvrats I will not seek votes through fear or temptation.
I will not indulge in character assassination of of my
opponents.
I will not adopt illegal practices during voting and counting
of votes. Voter’s Anuvrats I will not cast my vote out of fear
or temptation.
I will not impersonate as a voter
Church building is a term used to designate both the physical building of a church facility, and the spiritual building of a group of people into a unified body of believers. The physical church buildings are made of wood, stone, mortar, and brick, but the act of spiritual church building comes at the cost of evangelism, preaching, and teaching. Church building sometimes involves both acts together when a new building is being built and a new congregation is being pulled together. Those that build them with the eternal purposes of Jesus Christ in mind consider Church buildings a ministry in themselves.
A church building is the physical location where a group of Christian believers come together each week to worship God and fellowship with one another. Church buildings often require a great monetary sacrifice on the part of the church members, and often a church building project can last for years. Church buildings can be small or large and the capital necessary to build them varies as well. Sometimes a capital campaign is launched to generate giving on the part of committed church members. Other times church members that are craftsmen or artisans donate their time and services to help lighten expenditures.
Church building requires wise counsel and experienced help to pull it all together. Learning how to build a church to meet the needs of your particular ministry often requires experienced consultants that can offer peace of mind by helping you lay the groundwork both figuratively and literally. Knowing what you can afford to build and how you will pay for it are vital concerns for church building campaigns, and many times just making those decisions with wise counsel can reduce stress, uncertainty and effort. Church buildings are an integral part of a church’s ministry to the community, and therefore much thought and planning should be undertaken. Church building is a blessed work and worthy of much prayer and forethought.
Church buildings are places where the Word of God is taught and people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Acts 14:27 says, ” And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.”The work of the Lord that occurs in a church building is holy, blessed work, and everything involved in that church building, from initial construction to the day to day care and cleaning should be right. Church buildings are where God’s church, his people, grow up together in love.
For more information about church building and church buildings, visit:
http://www.christianet.com/christianbusinesses/churchbuilding/index.htm
http://www.christianet.com
Civilizations all over the world have always relied on their faith in spiritual or mystical powers to accomplish truly amazing feats. Long before modern medicine came on the scene, most health concerns were traditionally handled by applying a dose of spirituality, voodoo, witchcraft, astrology, or psychic power from any number of paranormal sources. Hundreds of years ago, one simply couldn’t get through the day without help from the “unseen” world. Of course, that was in the “dark ages” before we were enlightened by the miracles of modern science. But is it wise for people today to scoff at all that seemed to work for so many people, for so long?
In a world where mainstream religion is often mocked, it’s easy to laugh at those believe in the powers of the paranormal, occult, magic, psychic or new age remedies. We often label them as misguided kooks or blind followers of today’s trendy Hollywood scene and counter-culture. But as humans, it is built into our composition to search for truth, and solutions to the many problems we face. And let’s face it, today’s world is filled with day-to-day problems that we strive to overcome… issues dealing with love, money, health, just to name a few. Life is a difficult struggle for millions of people worldwide who seek relief, and solutions to their problems by turning to magic spells. Just go to Ebay and do search on love spells or magic spells. You’ll find an endless potpourri of psychics and spell casters who can make your problems disappear, or bring you amazing results for just a few dollars. Think that’s funny? It gets better. When asked, most people who buy these spells will tell you that they really work… and they do.
So how can a love spell performed by a psychic actually attract a soulmate to a lonely person seeking a love partner? Did that money spell really make that struggling secretary get a job promotion and a salary raise? And what about that healing spell that cured my neighbor’s back pain? The unbelievers will likely point to coincidence, some sort of logical explanation, or attribute the results to simply “mind over matter.” But those who believe in psychic powers and the paranormal world think otherwise - there must be a spiritual or metaphysical helping hand involved.
As a self-professed psychic and paranormal expert, who has studied spirituality, psychic phenomena, and the art of spell casting, I personally believe that there is much more to this than meets the eye. Most mainstream religions accept the power of prayer as a way to receive blessings, protection and goodness from spiritual sources. Even medical professionals are now recognizing that an individual’s faith and beliefs can play a major role in improving quality of life and health. However, while many doctors will admit that there is some benefit to holistic and alternative medicines, you’ll be pressed to find any who will publicly encourage seeking answers from a psychic or magic spell.
There has always been a stigma in going to a fortune teller, psychic or spell caster, which keeps people from easily accepting their virtues. As an industry, the psychic business has brought on much of this skepticism itself. Shoddy late night television infomercials for psychic readings, con artists or carnival fortune tellers are the images that come to mind for many, when they think of psychics. Just look at how astrology and other psychic-related ads have that tiny disclaimer at the bottom that says “for entertainment purposes only.” It’s about as phony as pro wrestling, right? Well, don’t be too quick to agree.
There are more people than you think who use money or love spells on a regular basis, in an attempt to restore a bad relationship, or gain financial freedom. And these are folks from all walks or life, professions, income levels, religious affiliations and nationalities. Sure, some may rely too much on seeking guidance and help from the psychic world, but most of them are die-hard believers of the occult and would not have it any other way. They will tell you that these spells work for them, their lives have been enriched, and you are the foolish one who doesn’t know what you’re missing.
People always ask me, “Are these spells real? I mean, can they actually make things happen that I can’t do on my own?” If spells can do what they claim they can do (improve love life, attract more money, better luck at gambling) then the answer has to be “Yes.” A spell that does what it is supposed to do has got to be real. Of course, it helps if you have a positive outlook, and believe that the spell can truly help you. But if the spell delivers results, then it has to be real. Believers will tell you that those who refuse to open their minds to the possibilities of magic spells and spiritual solutions will never know what they are missing. Perhaps it is the unbelievers who are experiencing “mind over matter,” only their mindset is narrowly fixed on the opposite end of the belief scale.
Why limit your world to just the few things you can see and touch? After all, what you see isn’t always what you get.
© 2005 KPS Services.
Katerina Guarente is a writer, paranormal specialist, founder of KPS Services, and Ebay’s top psychic. She offers custom spell casting and psychic services at free-love-spells.net to clients worldwide. Visit free-love-spells.net for more information about psychic spells.
I fail to understand why this great country of ours is constantly attacked by civil liberties groups, in an attempt to abolish all forms of God from all government institutions, or anything that is government subsidized, like our public schools.
The oath of office to be sworn in with, at most government posts, whether is be legislative or judicial ends in “So help me God”, including the office of the President of the United States. Shall we remove this ending from the oath and just take a chance that they will do the best that they can, because they are such a nice person? When we are in a court of law, should we not ask a witness who is about to give testimony an oath to give, “The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”, and then not add “So help me God”, which is meant to hold them accountable to a higher authority?
While we are at it, shall we burn all the U.S. currency and re-mint every coin so that we can remove the phrase “In God We Trust”? Our country has always been deeply rooted with God interwoven throughout it as a way of life; personally, publicly, fraternally and throughout our government. This relationship with God is a character trait as patriotic as any other identifying mark that you can associate our United States of America with as a symbol of who we are.
Next they will want to change and take out “One nation under God” in the pledge of allegiance?
George Washington once said, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible. Do not ever let anyone claim to be a true American patriot it they ever attempt to separate Religion from politics.” Most historians regard George Washington as one of our greatest leaders. Could have George Washington felt this way, and knew something that we now regard as useless and intrusive in our land of the free, and home of the brave? What are we coming to in this great land when some go out of their way to wipe out any form of God in our government that has been a strong way of life for America?
I can only hope that our families fight this challenge to abolish God from our government at all levels and do not let this happen!
Steven Coffman
Family-eStore.com
I am the owner of Christian gifts and patriotic gifts themed internet store and ministry called (Family-eStore.com). I like helping others and also offer prayer requests to those in need. I donate 10% of my sales to charity. I am a honest, sincere person with high morals. I am also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually grounded. I praise God for my gifts and His grace, mercy, and blessings that I receive from Him. National Essay (contest winner 1969
God Lifts our Burdens
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wish you could have all been along that afternoon in southern
Mexico. It was a beautiful day and there is nothing better than
a good lunch and then a nature hike after church.
My wife and I were in the middle of a year of volunteer work in
Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico. We had driven an old Chevy Nova
down there, so we were able to occasionally get away. We had
found some other young ‘gringos’ up in the mountains of Chiapas
and spent most of our available weekends with them.
This time, we went with them to a church that they had helped to
build. It was in a very pretty mountain valley. It seated about
300 people and was a great new addition to the local ministry.
While they had been there with the building project, they had
found this place to hike and wanted to show it to us.
We parked at the end of a road and started off over a flat area.
Being the nosy naturalist that I am, I soon found a flat rock to
turn over. Under it was a mother scorpion with a back full of
tiny babies. She looked like a little wind-up toy. She scuttled
around looking for cover.
Soon we came to the edge of a deep ravine. At one end of the
ravine was a waterfall. There was about a quarter mile where the
river ran fairly level and then went over another waterfall. It
was a perfect place to explore.
On the steep climb down the ravine, it was amazing to see that
this side of the steep bank was actually a farm. It was so steep
that if you stood straight up, you could almost touch the ground
just by stretching out your hand. But, the hard working farmers
had cleared it and had planted corn there.
When we got to the river, it was plain to see that the good
exploring was on the other side of the river. There was a place
where there was a rock about six feet tall. At the base of the
rock, the river was pressed into a narrow channel. At that point
we were able to jump across.
On the other side, there was a large flat bedrock area. On the
edge of it the other side of the ravine was a steep cliff. It
was covered with trees, moss and ferns. In the trees and rocks
were orchids and bromeliads. It was an amazing place.
There were also many large yellow and brown butterflies. They
were flying all over the area. The waterfall had a fairly large
grotto that had been carved out under it behind the water. I
later found out that there were hundreds of the butterflies
hanging upside down from the roof of that grotto.
We spent several hours there enjoying the nature. Then it was
time to get back across the river. It was at that point that I
found out that the only way back was a narrow path at the back
of the grotto.
At the far end of that path, the roof of the grotto came down
within about 3 feet of the path. One one side of the path was
solid rock. The other side was a thick wall of brush and small
trees.
The big problem is that I am a lot bigger than the people that
normally use that path! I’m about 6′3″. I had a friend that also
worked at the hospital. He was an average Mexican size. When we
walked around together, the people called him David and they
called me Goliath!
When I came to that low spot, I had to get down to a low crawl.
I was the last one through. I got down as far as I could and got
through there. But…
When I came out the other side, my wife took one look at me and
asked me, “What happened?”
I was very pale and very shaky. It was obvious just by looking
at me that something had affected me terribly. What had happened
is that when I passed a particularly low spot, I had brushed up
against the overhanging rock with my back. Then, when I came
down lower again, the rock came with me!
I can’t remember a moment of greater panic! I was at the bottom
of a tall cliff of rock and I could just imagine the whole cliff
coming down on top of me. You can imagine that I immediately
shook that rock off my back as fast as I could. The rest of the
track went bye in a blur and I was out!
I’ve thought about that afternoon often since then. For several
reasons… It is a pleasure to remember the beautiful time that
we had there enjoying the beauties of nature that God created
for us to enjoy.
I also remember the feeling of that large rock coming down on my
back. That has made me think of the way the Bible describes the
load of sin that we each carry. If only I had the sense of
urgency to get rid of the sin - the same sense of urgency that I
had getting rid of that rock!
How fast would I be running to the cross, crying for God to take
my burden of sin if I was sensitive to my need.
I pray that we will be less willing to carry our sins around.
The cliff of sin above us is ready to crush us. We must get out
from under it or it will kill us. Let’s pray that we are not
content to carry that burden around any longer.
Until next week, may God bless. Ron McCluskey
What is the cross? Was it a medieval tool to ward off vampires?
Is it a fashion statement warn by rockers, rappers, and reggae
crowds? Is it a bumper sticker on the back of a mini-van or on a
chain dangling from a rear view mirror? Or is it a symbol by
which many religious people habitually bow? What is the cross?
Simply stated, the cross was a tool of execution. The Roman
Empire invented and used crucifixion as their primary and
practical means of carrying out the death penalty. It was
primary because it was horrific. It was practical because it
sent a terrifying message; the Empire was not to be taken
lightly.
Crucifixion was both physical torture while psychologically
degrading. It was not meant to break the criminal in order to
get him to recant. It was the final death blow, to the body and
the spirit. While the physical-medical-scientific aspects of
crucifixion can be found in the encyclopedias, one thing is for
sure, it was a bloody spectacle. Some criminals, if not most,
were introduced to the cross after having been flogged. The
back, already bloodied and torn by a crude whip, was then placed
on a beam, and the wrists and feet were than nailed to the death
tree. Nailed!
To be sure, death came slowly by way of the cross. With hours of
bodily suffering and emotional anguish, the pain and humiliation
was too much for any human to bear. Crucifixion was a common
form of capital punishment in Rome’s day, just as the electric
chair has been in our country. So I have to ask, when have you
ever seen someone sporting a miniature electric chair, a
hangman’s noose, a gas chamber, or a syringe from someone’s
neck? The cross is not fashionable. It is death.
Historically we know that many offenders died by means of Roman
crucifixion. So what sets apart the cross from every other form
of punishment throughout history? What makes the cross a
recognized monument throughout the world? Is it not the person
that hung on the tree two thousand years ago that draws our
attention? So the question is rather, who is this Jesus that
died on the rugged cross? And what was His crime?
Skeptics mock Him, while others worship Him. But what did Jesus
say of Himself? If you dare, you can take up the Bible for
yourself and read the accounts of His life, death, and yes, His
resurrection. Jesus made astounding claims in the Bible. One of
the boldest declarations He made was when He told His disciples,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No man comes to the
father but by me” (John 14:6). His statement there is one reason
many find Jesus so unattractive today. You see, Jesus was very
matter-of-fact. Did He say, I am a way, or one of many ways? Or,
I am a truth, or one of many truths? If you look closely you
will notice Christ’s emphatic emphasis on the word “the.” So
when Jesus announced that He is “the way, the truth, and the
life,” what were the implications? Quite simply, all other ways
to God and heaven are false, fabrications, and farces. And all
other deities are counterfeits. Now before you pick up stones,
remember that these words came out of the mouth of Christ
Himself.
Furthermore, if you investigate the Gospel of John you will
discover the same Jesus claimed to be the expected Messiah (John
4), said He came from above (John 3), stated that His kingdom is
not of this world (John 18), and declared that He and the Father
are one (John 10). John’s Gospel also states that this Jesus not
only created the world, but that He came in the flesh among His
creation (John 1).
Jesus is God incarnate. That is who hung on the cross. And that
is what makes the cross eminent.
What was Christ’s crime? Other than declaring that He was God
and the only way of salvation, He also forgave sins and dined
with sinners. For these He was ushered to the cross. But was
this not the reason He came into the world, to save sinners?
Jesus said of Himself, “For even the Son of Man did not come to
be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for
many” (Mark 10:45).
So the next time you pick up the Bible and read the Gospels, ask
yourself if what I wrote is true? And whenever you see a cross
on a church building, around someone’s neck, or tattooed on
someone’s limb, remember who it was that hung on the cross and
that His crucifixion was for our redemption…not to make a
fashion statement..
It has been said that the one constant in life is change. Most of us, however, don’t exactly welcome change with open arms. In many cases dealing with change can make us want to stay in bed with the covers pulled up over our heads. The odd thing is that we may have the same reaction whether the change is positive or negative. While everyone expects someone to go through a difficult period of transition after a death or divorce in the family, it can be surprising to find that adjusting to a new career opportunity, or a new child, or the new-found freedom an empty nest or retirement provides can sometimes be just as hard.
There are times when change is not that profound. We may not even be able to put our finger on what is different and yet we sense that change is occurring. We often just want things to go back to the way that they were, when we had our comfortable routine and knew our place in the world. Eventually, we know that we will adjust and develop a new routine. Until one day, out of the blue, when we are back to feeling quite comfortable with life, a new change will come and once again turn our life upside-down!
How, then, can we attempt to make change a little less stressful? Here are four ways to help make transitions somewhat less frightening.
1)Pray for Guidance.
One of the scariest things about change is the “unknown” factor. We do not know where the change will lead us. We can often feel like we are being swept away by the current with no control over the voyage. Sometimes, however, there are choices to be made. Those choices can be frightening due to their life-changing implications. Should I take a new job? Should I move to a new city? Which house should I buy? How should I best care for my aging parents? Any one of those questions (and many others) can have you lying awake at night counting the ceiling tiles. Turn over your concerns to God. It’s helpful to know that even though it may seem that way sometimes, we are not alone in this life. God will help you to find the answer. It may not come as quickly as you might like, but be patient and the answer will come.
2)Acknowledge your emotions, but prepare to move on.
Some changes in life, such as the death of a loved one, an illness, or being laid-off from your job, come without any warning. It’s okay to be angry, sad, grieving, and confused. It’s also okay to let God know your displeasure. God already knows your anger and frustration. God knows the depths of your heart. Why try to hide? Share your feelings with God and offer them to Him.
The time will come, however, to accept the cards that you have been dealt. After praying for guidance, take concrete steps to move forward with your life. If you are grieving, attempt to rejoin the world in some small way. Perhaps do a kind deed for someone else to reconnect with the positive in life. If you are ill, take steps to heal or to manage your illness as best as possible. If you have lost your job, begin to search for new employment. Taking even small steps will help you feel more in control of your situation and provide some hope for the future.
3)Create a Ritual.
There is a reason we have rituals for significant events in life. Rituals are an outward sign of an inward reality: baptisms mark a spiritual new life, confirmations and graduations mark entry into adulthood, weddings celebrate the beginnings of a new family, and funeral rites help us to grieve. Some events are no less profound to the life of an individual but are not acknowledged by a formal ritual. In these cases, it may be appropriate to create one. Marianne Williamson encourages the use of ritual in “The Gift of Change: Spiritual Guidance for a Radically New Life.” “If things are good, perform a ritual to praise and thank God. If things are sad, perform a ritual to call the angels to help you endure. Either way, a ritual will envelop you in a light that no material force has the power to bestow.”
4)Acknowledge that God has the Master Plan.
If you look back on your life, you may see a pattern emerge. A set of circumstances that was inexplicable a few years ago may now have greater clarity. What seemed like a devastating loss may have led you to a greater good. God has a strange way of working in our lives. We desperately want to feel in control of our lives, and indeed God has given us free will to make decisions. But so many things are truly beyond our control. We need to trust that God is indeed leading us somewhere. We are the lump of clay in His hands and only the potter knows the beauty of the vessel we will become. Sometimes when we are in the wilderness of change, we need to simply trust in God?s goodness that, eventually, all will indeed be well.
Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur is editor of “The Spiritual Woman Newsletter” (http://www.spiritualwoman.net) and author of “Letters to Mary from a Young Mother” (iUniverse, 2004).
About the Author
Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur is editor of “The Spiritual Woman Newsletter” (http://www.spiritualwoman.net) and author of “Letters to Mary from a Young Mother” (iUniverse, 2004).
Thousands of people from around the world diagnosed as terminal
or incurable by modern medicine travel thousands of miles each
month, enduring long international flights and exhausting bus
rides to Abadiania. A small town in the mountains of central
Brazil. They come to see miracle healer, Joao Teixeira de Faria,
the man the people of Brazil have affectionately titled, “Joao
de Deus” or “John of God”.
Joao is a simple man of humble beginnings who devotes three days
of every week to healing his fellow man without payment for his
services.
As a young boy, Joao experienced black out spells. On awakening
he learned he had performed miraculous healings. Religious
leaders, the medical field, the police and those in power
threatened by Joaos abilities had him beaten, thrown in jail
then cast out of town. This was a pattern that went on for
years. Even with that, Joao still treated those who persecuted
him when their own incurable illness arose. Joao frequently
states, “it is not me who cures, God is the healer, I am simply
the vessel”. Joao is known as an unconscious medium; he never
recalls any of the healings he’s performed.
Not everything can be explained scientifically or rationally as
there are over 35 Healing Spirit Guides including King Solomon
and Saint Ignatius that use Joao as their instrument, completely
taking over his body and mind. Guided by these Spirits, Joao was
told to buy a specific piece of land in Abadiania and build a
healing sanctuary on it. Joao named it the Casa de Dom Inacio,
after his Patron and Master Guide, Saint Ignatius.
Since he began 44 years ago, Joao has treated and healed
millions of people. While incorporated by the Healing Spirits,
Joao will see all who come to him without stopping to rest. The
poor and the famous alike stand in line, up to thousands a day.
They come to witness miracles and hope to receive one of their
own. For example actress Shirley Maclaine who was told by
Western Medicine she would never dance again. That was until
Joao removed a tumor from her stomach.
Joao is acclaimed to be the most powerful spiritual medium of
our time and the greatest healer since our beloved Jesus the
Christ. From curing cancer, AIDS, tumors, heart conditions,
addictions, helping the lame to walk and the blind to see, Joao
treats every form of illness imaginable. Many people report
powerful outcomes that can be measured; X-rays before and after
for example. The proof is a room at the Casa filled with
thousands of discarded crutches, leg braces and wheelchairs.
The two kinds of surgeries performed through Joao are visible
and invisible. Visible surgeries are done with forceps, a scapel
or knife. Patients experience minimal pain, bleeding or anxiety
during surgery. There are no tranquilizers, pain medication or
antibiotics used before, during or after surgery, and no case of
infection has ever occurred throughout Joao’s many years of
work. Invisible surgery is performed while meditating in what is
known as the Current room at the Casa. Healing Spirits
energetically bring about miraculous corrections on mental,
emotional, physical and spiritual levels. Healing can be
immediate, others recover over time, and some may require
additional visits.
Thousands of written testimonies and personal letters of
gratitude fill the Casa office along with stacks of newspaper
articles. Reports from clergymen, scientists and doctors
worldwide support claims of Joao’s work.
“I’ve seen some things happen here at the Casa which are not
only unexplainable in terms Western Medicine might use, but
unbelievable!” -Stephen York, M.D.
Joao de Deus and his Casa de Dom Inacio Healing Sanctuary give
us the opportunity to witness and experience God’s love and
deepen our connection with him. A place where our hope turns
into faith, and faith into certainty. For the thousands who
travel to Joao each month from around the world, it is a
spritual awakening, a spiritual transformation, and the
beginning of the end to their illness, on many levels.
