In a country that is supposedly tolerant to one's religious beliefs we sure are making a big smoke about whether or not Obama is a Muslim. As a private citizen we have a right to say and believe what we want and I surely don't have a problem with that. But when use freedom of speech erroneously and deceptively we cast aspersion that creates a frenzy! When will the madness stop and when will we truly keep at the forefront the concerns of our Nation that are more pertinent i.e, a failing educational system, violence in America's cities, the health crisis, etc. As the guys on ESPN Sunday Night Live would say "C'mon man!"
That there is widening belief in erroneous information is deeply disheartening. It reveals a widespread willingness to take as sacrosanct that which is implied by celebrities even when it contradicts a personal memory of events. -Dylan Brody
One's religious beliefs should be their own personal business -Kenny Gamble of Gamble & Huff
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Timid Tuesday!
The things in life that cause us to be timid will eventually hinder us and prevent us from reaching the various goals we have set forth. When a person is lacking in self-assurance, courage, or bravery it opens the door to fear. Not the kind of fear we have of a parent or of God but the fear of hopelessness and helplessness. One of the ways some people address their fears is by "taking them head on." For example, let's say I have a fear of heights and I am terrified to fly on an airplane. The only way I can overcome this fear is by developing the courage to fly. Granted overcoming our timidness is not as simple or as easily obtained as described above. Some of our fears are much more deeply rooted than just being merely afraid of flying. In many cases, it takes years and years of personal and spiritual development, study, and acceptance for one to overcome their fears.
As spiritual beings we have a sure force in the universe who is the source of all courage and power to help us overcome our deepest fears. No matter what monotheistic religious faith one practices the central force behind all courage and power (grace) is God. Whether we believe he has sent prophets and His Son or prophets alone to represent Him, His power(grace) and authority remains the same throughout the universe. That's why he is described as Omnipresent! When we lean on Him the fears of this world such as physical death have no hold on over us (Prov 3:5-6 NIV).
Utilizing the examples of Jesus (PBUH) is a wonderful way for us to began to overcome our timidness of the adverse conditions that this world brings us. From a biblical perspective we know that God sent Jesus to die on the cross and was resurrected. In that act alone there is much power and courage for us to look at and apply to our own lives. Also, it reminds me of why my grandmother's loved the song "Blessed Assurance." When we utilize the ability that God has given us to overcome the fears of this world, it assures us about His protection over our lives because of His divine love and mercy for us. (Ep 2:4-5)
In closing, when we wholeheartedly implore the power and courage of Almighty God we no longer have the fears of this world. We overcome the fears that have hindered us and we become the master of our fears (fearless). Which leads us to becoming only fearful of Him who is Elohim (God Almighty) and lean totally on Him and Him alone! May God continue to protect and restore us daily with His unchanging authority and power forever and ever! Thank God, Amen!
Quotes on Fear:
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” -Yoda
“Normal fear protects us; abnormal fear paralyzes us. Normal fear motivates us to improve our individual and collective welfare; abnormal fear constantly poisons and distorts our inner lives. Our problem is not to be rid of fear but, rather to harness and master it.” -Dr. MLK Jr.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” -Dr. MLK Jr.
"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost,
to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences."
-Unkown
Keep your fears to yourself but share your courage with others. -Robert Louis Stevenson
Many of our fears are tissue-paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them. -Brendan Francis
There is much in the world to make us afraid. There is much more in our faith to make us unafraid. -Frederick W. Cropp
"Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark."
-Francis Bacon
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
— Marianne Williamson (A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles)
“Always do what you are afraid to do.” “He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.”-Ralph Waldo Emerson
“FEAR is an acronym in the English language for "False Evidence Appearing Real"” -Neale Donald Wals...ch
“You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith." -Mary Manin Morrissey
Scriptural Footnotes:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Prov 3:5-6)
What he trusts in is fragile; what he relies on is a spider's web. He leans on his web, but it gives way; he clings to it, but it does not hold.(Job 8:14-15 NIV)
During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. (Heb 5:7 NIV)
but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (2 Tim 1:10 NIV)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ep 2:4-5)
Then you turned back after that; so were it not for the grace of Allah(God) and His mercy on you, you would certainly have been among the losers. (Surah 2:4)
Our Lord! make not our hearts to deviate after Thou hast guided us aright, and grant us from Thee mercy; surely Thou art the most liberal Giver. Our Lord! surely Thou art the Gatherer of men on a day about which there is no doubt; surely Allah (God) will not fail (His) promise. (Surah 3:8-9) He specially chooses for His mercy whom He pleases; and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace. (Surah 3:74) So they returned with favor from Allah (God) and (His) grace, no evil touched them and they followed the pleasure of Allah (God); and Allah (God) is the Lord of mighty grace. (Surah 3:174)
And when there comes to them news of security or fear they spread it abroad; and if they had referred it to the Apostle and to those in authority among them, those among them who can search out the knowledge of it would have known it, and were it not for the grace of Allah (God) upon you and His mercy, you would have certainly followed the Shaitan save a few (Surah 4:83)
As spiritual beings we have a sure force in the universe who is the source of all courage and power to help us overcome our deepest fears. No matter what monotheistic religious faith one practices the central force behind all courage and power (grace) is God. Whether we believe he has sent prophets and His Son or prophets alone to represent Him, His power(grace) and authority remains the same throughout the universe. That's why he is described as Omnipresent! When we lean on Him the fears of this world such as physical death have no hold on over us (Prov 3:5-6 NIV).
Utilizing the examples of Jesus (PBUH) is a wonderful way for us to began to overcome our timidness of the adverse conditions that this world brings us. From a biblical perspective we know that God sent Jesus to die on the cross and was resurrected. In that act alone there is much power and courage for us to look at and apply to our own lives. Also, it reminds me of why my grandmother's loved the song "Blessed Assurance." When we utilize the ability that God has given us to overcome the fears of this world, it assures us about His protection over our lives because of His divine love and mercy for us. (Ep 2:4-5)
In closing, when we wholeheartedly implore the power and courage of Almighty God we no longer have the fears of this world. We overcome the fears that have hindered us and we become the master of our fears (fearless). Which leads us to becoming only fearful of Him who is Elohim (God Almighty) and lean totally on Him and Him alone! May God continue to protect and restore us daily with His unchanging authority and power forever and ever! Thank God, Amen!
Quotes on Fear:
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” -Yoda
“Normal fear protects us; abnormal fear paralyzes us. Normal fear motivates us to improve our individual and collective welfare; abnormal fear constantly poisons and distorts our inner lives. Our problem is not to be rid of fear but, rather to harness and master it.” -Dr. MLK Jr.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” -Dr. MLK Jr.
"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost,
to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences."
-Unkown
Keep your fears to yourself but share your courage with others. -Robert Louis Stevenson
Many of our fears are tissue-paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them. -Brendan Francis
There is much in the world to make us afraid. There is much more in our faith to make us unafraid. -Frederick W. Cropp
"Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark."
-Francis Bacon
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
— Marianne Williamson (A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles)
“Always do what you are afraid to do.” “He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.”-Ralph Waldo Emerson
“FEAR is an acronym in the English language for "False Evidence Appearing Real"” -Neale Donald Wals...ch
“You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith." -Mary Manin Morrissey
Scriptural Footnotes:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Prov 3:5-6)
What he trusts in is fragile; what he relies on is a spider's web. He leans on his web, but it gives way; he clings to it, but it does not hold.(Job 8:14-15 NIV)
During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. (Heb 5:7 NIV)
but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (2 Tim 1:10 NIV)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ep 2:4-5)
Then you turned back after that; so were it not for the grace of Allah(God) and His mercy on you, you would certainly have been among the losers. (Surah 2:4)
Our Lord! make not our hearts to deviate after Thou hast guided us aright, and grant us from Thee mercy; surely Thou art the most liberal Giver. Our Lord! surely Thou art the Gatherer of men on a day about which there is no doubt; surely Allah (God) will not fail (His) promise. (Surah 3:8-9) He specially chooses for His mercy whom He pleases; and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace. (Surah 3:74) So they returned with favor from Allah (God) and (His) grace, no evil touched them and they followed the pleasure of Allah (God); and Allah (God) is the Lord of mighty grace. (Surah 3:174)
And when there comes to them news of security or fear they spread it abroad; and if they had referred it to the Apostle and to those in authority among them, those among them who can search out the knowledge of it would have known it, and were it not for the grace of Allah (God) upon you and His mercy, you would have certainly followed the Shaitan save a few (Surah 4:83)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Mercurial Monday!
Mercurial Monday! More often than not Monday's are one of the most somber and unpredictable days of the week for most people. The mindset of many people on Monday is "back to the grind," "back to the slave," or "back to that damn job!" But, I liken Monday's to meeting new people for the first time--you need to break the ice! Our Monday's and any day for that matter can be more marvelous if we break the ice when we are feeling down. Starting one's day with prayer is a great way to break the ice of a mercurial outlook. When we acknowledge the One who is the author of life--we begin to see a rapid change in our demeanor that is very consistent when align ourselves with The Creator. When we look at Jesus and all the prophets (PBUT) we see them not relying on the ice breakers of this world. They never missed a beat when it came to acknowledging The Master Creator. So, don't let the low valleys of this world get you down just remember that there is an ice breaker who is marvelous all day every day 24/7/365 and his name is God!
Scriptural Footnotes:
Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. (Duet 4:39 NIV)
"Be still, and know that I am God;I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalt...ed in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (Ps 146: 10-11 NIV)
Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." (Hosea 6:3 NIV)
but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. (1 John 4:3 NIV)
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NIV)
Allah (God) amplifies and straightens the means of subsistence for whom He pleases; and they rejoice in this world's life, and this world's life is nothing compared with the hereafter but a temporary enjoyment. (Holy Qu'ran 13:26)
Our Lord! make not our hearts to deviate after Thou hast guided us aright, and grant us from Thee mercy; surely Thou art the most liberal Giver. Our Lord! surely Thou art the Gatherer of men on a day about which there is no doubt; surely Allah (God) will not fail (His) promise. (Holy Qu'ran 3:8-9)
Thesaurus:
Scriptural Footnotes:
Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. (Duet 4:39 NIV)
"Be still, and know that I am God;I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalt...ed in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (Ps 146: 10-11 NIV)
Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." (Hosea 6:3 NIV)
but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. (1 John 4:3 NIV)
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NIV)
Allah (God) amplifies and straightens the means of subsistence for whom He pleases; and they rejoice in this world's life, and this world's life is nothing compared with the hereafter but a temporary enjoyment. (Holy Qu'ran 13:26)
Our Lord! make not our hearts to deviate after Thou hast guided us aright, and grant us from Thee mercy; surely Thou art the most liberal Giver. Our Lord! surely Thou art the Gatherer of men on a day about which there is no doubt; surely Allah (God) will not fail (His) promise. (Holy Qu'ran 3:8-9)
Thesaurus:
| Adj. | 1. | mercurial - liable to sudden unpredictable change; "erratic behavior"; "fickle weather"; "mercurial twists of temperament"; "a quicksilver character, cool and willful at one moment, utterly fragile the next" |
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Spirit Sunday!
Spirit Sunday! How is spirit defined: The vital principle or animating force within living beings. The essential nature of a person or group. A person as characterized by a stated quality. One's spirit plays a vital role in the way one goes about how they live their lives. The spirit of a man/woman is what ultimately substains them in times of comfort or chaos. However, if the spirit of a man is not properly developed it won't sustain him in times of comfort or choas. That's why we learn in the Word of Yahweh (God) that he and he alone is our Help...help in that He sustains us if we put our total trust in Him and submit to do His will our spirit-man will be at peace and exude joy at all times. Jesus was described as having a perfect peace (Is 26:3-4 NIV) because his mind was steadfast on the Father. Our souls will only find perfect peace in Him who is peace, we must continue to trust in the Lord throughout all of our days on this planet because He truly is our only salvation!
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. -Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963
If you keep in tune with Christ, you can sing even in the dark. -RBC Ministries
Scriptural Footnotes:
Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved (Ps 62:1-2 NKJV).
Do NOT put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom THERE IS NO HELP...Happy is he who has the GOD of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his GOD." (Ps. 146:3-5 NKJV).
Thee do we serve and Thee do we beseech for help. (Holy Qu'ran 1:5)
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. -Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963
If you keep in tune with Christ, you can sing even in the dark. -RBC Ministries
Scriptural Footnotes:
Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved (Ps 62:1-2 NKJV).
Do NOT put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom THERE IS NO HELP...Happy is he who has the GOD of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his GOD." (Ps. 146:3-5 NKJV).
Thee do we serve and Thee do we beseech for help. (Holy Qu'ran 1:5)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Focus Friday!
It's Focus Friday! Do you we truly have order in our lives or do we allow the things that aren't so important take our focus away? When we look at the lives of those who are successful and have an objective to obtain their focus is razor sharp! When we look at it through the eyes of Jesus we see just of how razor sharp he was in spite of the many trials that came his way. We must never shrink in the face of hard trails because no matter what they are going to come. If we are able to focus on God then we can endure the test. (James 1:12 NIV) and truly understand that God is not the author of confusion! We can never disrespect God's presence and authority over our daily lives. We must be vigilant believers in the sense that obtaining God's mind is our main objective while on this earth. Pride and self-serving attitudes must never cloud our spirit but if they do--that's when we have to call on that razor sharp focus that Christ had. He never left his Father's light even though there was darkness all around him (John 12:35, Matt 6:23 NIV). Our service to The Father must be mature and complete not lacking anything which produces the patience required for us to be stayed on Him (James 1:2-4 NIV) so that we will never be far from Him. The moment our focus shifts it can spell disaster for even the most seasoned believer . But God truly is not the author of confusion but of peace. (1 Cor 14:33, Jer 29:11 NKJV)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Why Suffer?
Why suffer? the student asks his teacher?" Yeshua (Jesus) taught that the world seen from God's viewpoint is tilted in favor of the oppressed." The student asks "but why would God single out the oppressed for special attention?" The teacher responds by saying suffering helps us to deny self as Jesus taught--suffering helps us to totally rely on God, suffering helps us to distinguish between our needs and wants, and suffering helps us to bear witness to God's word and surrender ourselves totally to his beneficence, mercy, and grace.
Scriptural/Literary Support:
"That in our darkest hour, an hour when you think you should give up because the forces arrayed against you are so mighty; so powerful; and they look as though they have totally overwhelmed you, it is in that hour that your greatest opportunity for triumph is in you." "And it is in that hour that most people give up the struggle and they never come to victory over the forces that are now apparently overwhelming them." -(Hon. Min. Louis Farrakhan, excerpt from Closing the Gap)
"The hardships we experience, the trials we face, will teach us that we're strongest when we're trusting in God's grace. -Sper
"Hard trials are necessary..."-Hon. Min. Louis Farrakhan
In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. -Heb 2:10 NIV
-To be continued next time God Willing...
Copyright June 2010 Bro. Lamon Caldwell II
The Spiritual Institute of Divine Teachings is an organization of Believers of the Universal Divine Creator/One God of the Universe whom are students of Divine scriptural teachings who cross generational, religious, and cultural gaps to promote healing and to reveal the linkages between all Believers of the Universal Divine Creator/One God of the Universe... by whatever name you call Him, He is the same Universal Divine Creator/One God of the entire Universe.
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A place where there are no more questions about your existence and presence in the earth. The sight of grandeur and majesty comb the landscape of this vast region. The purity and organic essence of life itself is the order of the day here. A place where all is still and all is well. To be in the grasp of such beauty is an honor as if I've tasted sweet honey. This is the voice of freedom in its authentic state. This experience is like heaven on earth--a place to call forever and ever. To describe it is like flipping the number eight on its side. My eyes have seen and dreamed of a place like this--this place is the source of civilization...
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