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What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
~ The Preacher’s Answer ~
(suggested midi - Sanctuary)
I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits: I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?
What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.
Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.
In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.
And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Glimpses of God © by Joyce C. Lock
http://www.aspecialplace.net/ChristianityMadeSimple/
This scripture selection may be used in its entirety,
with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.
About the Author
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the e-mail ministries “Heavenly Inspirations” http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and “Share a Smile” http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/. Joyce’s writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.
Chamonix town is a prestigious alpine town with the infamous Monte Bianco as well as tumbling glaciers. My friends love to go skiing or even taking the tourist train. I normally fly from Sault Sainte Marie and stay at a Chamonix self catered chalet for the duration of my holiday.
My family and I previously visited Rochester Concept unfortunately it never matched its its advert: The European-style hotel Rochester Concept is located approximately one block from the downtown shopping and entertainment area of cosmopolitan Florida Street and five miles from Aeroparque Jorge Newberry Airport. This location is also four blocks from the Obelisco, five blocks from Colon Theater, half a mile from Madero Beach and Recoleta, and two miles from la Boca and the zoo and botanical gardens. Hotel amenities include the complimentary full buffet breakfast with freshly brewed coffee, homemade pastries, fresh juices, cereal choices, and a variety of hot dishes made on the spot. Free wireless Internet access is available in the lobby. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service.
On the other hand in Chamonix France the luxury chalet is always good. Also dining in our preferred bar, Brass Saddle, munching chocolate danish dessert is a pleasure. Chamonix France is a large enough place to insure that there is lots for the visitor to do. Amongst other things it includes a cross country skiing track and a weekly market with fresh local produce, Chamonix offers a combination of walking, old town charm and sightseeing which not many French ski resorts can hope to rival.
On December 19, 2003, I was missing my parents, who had gone on to be with Jesus.My Dad, Rev. A.J. Rozier, died on December 22, 1966. He was 40 years old and we buried him Christmas day, 1966. My mother, Mary, died on January 7, 2001. She was 71.
I woke up that cold December morning and drove to the family cemetery where my parents are buried. I arrived there, and sat in my warm truck as I recalled precious memories of Daddy and Mama. After several minutes. I opened the door of my truck, got out, and slowly walked the short distance to my parents’ graves. As I did, I pulled the collar of my jacket tightly around my neck. We had already had several days of freezing weather and it was cold and windy that morning. I approached my Daddy’s grave, saw something, and stared with disbelief. There, growing beside the grave, was one Easter Lily…IN FULL BLOOM. As tears filled my eyes, the presence of the Lord was strong as He gently reminded me through this flower, that He still lives. And because He lives, my parents live also, and I will see them again one day.
With rejoicing in my heart, I picked the Easter Lily, carried it to my sister, and it blessed her, too. Consider the lilies, how much more does Jesus care for us.
Luke 24 verse 5 “And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?”
Verse 6, ” He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,”
Irvin L. Rozier, author of My Walk with the Lord, www.selahbooks.com
About the Author
Author of My Walk with the Lord, www.selahbooks.com, preacher, retired Captain US Army
How many times in the past have you tried to change something about you?
Have you read an article discussing the benefits of time management and made a promise to your Self to follow the steps? Or, maybe the last seminar or teleclass you attended had some great ideas for changing your financial standing. Writing a book? Losing some weight? Self improvement?
How far did you get?
Don’t worry, you are not alone. Most of us at one point or another decide to do something for ourselves or someone else. We have the best intentions in mind. We might even make some changes towards our goals, and go so far as to take some action steps. Have you ever bought an exercise machine? Yes, me too.
What happens to us? Why is it so hard to make these changes? There are several reasons.
The first and hardest challenge is our old friend the ego. Our ego is completely happy right where it is. Furthermore our ego absolutely hates changes and will go to great lengths to convince you that change is the worst idea you ever had. In fact, your ego will actually fabricate fear and pain in order to keep the status quo!
We have all heard it takes 21 days to create a new habit. We could change the statement to: it takes 21 days to break our ego of its old habits!
Another challenge is our network of friends and family. They don’t want us to change either. If you change, they have to change as well. Since they know you as you are, if you change to something new they will have to adapt to the new you. Now your friends and families’ egos are all up in arms too!
So how do we change?
1. Find a group to help you. Get some new friends who think like you. Find someone you know who is already doing what you are doing.
2. Plan your change carefully. If you have a plan to follow, it is much simpler to keep to your path. Blindly stumbling around attempting to make changes allows your ego way too many chances to throw blocks in your road.
3. Use a calendar to track your progress, and to make your plan. Review and celebrate your accomplishments as you reach them. We tend not to look back at where we have been. You will need the encouragement as you reward your Self. Review your calendar daily to remind you of your steps to come.
Make room in your schedule and do these crucial-to-your-future tasks first!.
Here is the last thing to remember about change. It is sometimes better to change gradually than all at once. If you hold a vision of what you want the changes to look like, set a plan to get there, and take action on a regular basis, one day you will realize you are living your vision.
Of course by then, you will have another, different, and better vision.
Your Coach and online friend,
Miami
Miami Phillips
Helping others find their path - and stay on it.
www.creativemasterminds.com
Quotation of the Week
“Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.” Confucius
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Miami Phillips is an ANSIR Certified Personal Coach and the founder of Creative MasterMinds who believes personal growth is an essential ingredient to being happy and contributing to this world. While his main focus is affordable personal and business coaching, he also offers motivational teleclasses, ebooks, reading recommendations and much more. To find out more visit his site at http://www.creativemasterminds.com or send him an email at coach@creativemasterminds.com
Considering the anniversaries of the murders of Prime Minister Rabin and Israeli Parliament Member and rabbi Meir Kahane are fast approaching, this letter sent to Jewish friends in America during my sojourn in Israel during that tragic time reveals on the scene details about the dark shadow that continues to haunt the Holy Land today:
Mon., Nov. 13, ‘95
Shalom from Jerusalem!
May this find you well - all things considered. The enclosed magazine “In Justice” has an excellent article about the Temple Mount - addressing many of the religious concerns & clearing up a lot of the unnecessary confusion that the rabbis have contributed to. There’s also an excellent article by Rabbi Meir Kahane about Eretz Yisrael.
I went with my lawyer friend from the Temple Mt. Faithful to Rabbi Kahane’s gravesite where I lit a candle in the prayerful hope that as our situation grows darker, his light will grow brighter. Of course there were police taking photographs of all those paying their respects.
This hypocritical government forbid a memorial rally in Zion
Square (planned before Rabin died), while encouraging the leftist rally in Tel Aviv. I’m afraid the secular situation could lead to our deportation back to “Babylon.” It’s frightening that the Attorney General Ben-Yair is threatening journalists not to interview or publish anyone who might approve of Rabin’s death. (I was interviewed by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Ben-Yehuda mall).
Today he went further acknowledging how undemocratic he’s acting in threatening to stop buses from reaching demonstrations! They’ve already done that when they declared the highway from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem a military zone & blocked ZO ARTZEINU buses from reaching Jerus. this summer! I knew Rabin’s death would give them an excuse to
try & crush the opposition with an iron fist.
The J. Post said they’d run a letter soon I wrote about my arrest on the Temple Mt.
A rabbi I know here is now trying to help me obtain at least permanent residence. The president of Root & Branch also wrote a letter of recomm. for me. So much to say but I’m off soon to tonight’s Root & Branch lecture. They’re interesting.
To be cont.
David
About the Author
David Ben-Ariel, an American author who has travelled widely and who has lived throughout Israel, shares a special focus on the Middle East and great interest in Jerusalem, reflected in hard-hitting articles that help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out www.benariel.com
A:
1. Jesus Christ claimed himself to be the son of God.
2. It’s also said that God sent his only son (Jesus) to the earth for…
3. On the other hand, Jesus himself is believed to be God.
Points 1 and 2 clearly suggest that God and Jesus are both conceptually and ontologically different entities. Thus point 3 is in contradiction with points 1 and 2.
This contradiction could be resolved if the term God is meant to denote a form of species like the term Man. However, the term God is not at all meant to be a Species but rather a unique almighty entity, over and above everything in the universe.
B:
Where are heaven and hell located ? Up ? If yes, then after few hours they will be down, as earth is spherical and revolves around itself.
C:
What’s the nature of mind, according to Christianity ? Is it spatial or non-spatial ?
D:
What’s the mechanism or the way one goes to heaven / hell after death ?
E:
Won’t even heaven be boring considering one has to live there forever ?
F:
What does God look like ? Is he like Man ? Is his sex male ? Does he do sex then ? If yes, with whom ?
G:
The image of God seems to be that of an extremely self-centered entity. He wants his children to love him. And if they don’t he would think of it as a rebel and ultimately send them to hell, forever.
H:
Christianity advocates immovable as well as flat earth theories.
I:
People don’t necessarily get punishments in accordance with their sins. For example, someone could be born orphan, disabled, etc.
J:
God, who is supposed to be eternal, created the non-eternal material universe. However, eternal cannot create anything. Because if it does then it is a form of process and thus non-eternal.
Christianity must address these problems.
About the Author
Father of Superultramodern Science (FSS)
http://superultramodern.blogspot.com
Before we get the new heaven and new earth, there is one more event that
must take place - the Great White Throne Judgment. In my last article, Satan is Let Loose One More Time, you saw that Satan will end up in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone forever and ever - never to bother, harm or tempt humans ever again! Now what happens to the rest of unsaved humanity?
They will all come before God in what is called the Great White Throne Judgment. This event has to be the most disturbing and most bothersome event in all of Scripture. Before this happens, the Bible tells us that all the unsaved people are kept in a place called Hades (Hell) until the Millennium Kingdom is up. Hades (Hell) is a temporary place of torment that these souls are kept in until they have to appear before God in this final judgment, which will determine their eternal fate once and for all.
The New King James version calls this place Hades. However, the Original King James version calls this place Hell. Either way - Hell or Hades is a temporary place of torment where all unbelievers go to before this judgment comes to pass.
Here is the verse giving us the details on what will be happening in this judgment of the unsaved.
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.” (Revelations 20:11-14)
Remarks
1. The above verse refers to a “second death.” The first death is when the unsaved are thrown into Hades after they physically die and are kept there until the Millennium Kingdom is up. The second death refers to when the unsaved are cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone where they will remain for all of eternity.
Notice that the above verse definitely establishes that these unsaved people are in kept Hades until this judgment comes forth. The verse says that “Hades delivered up the dead who were in them.”
2. After this final judgment is pronounced, not only are the unsaved cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, but Hades itself is also cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. This would thus be a “merger” of Hades and the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. Not only is God going to merge His heaven with our earth when we get the new heaven and new earth - God is also going to merge Hades (Hell) with the Lake of Fire and Brimstone when all is said and done. This will God’s final ultimate end for the saved and the unsaved.
The Bible does not give us the specific details of the nature of the torment that they will be under once they are thrown into the Lake of fire and Brimstone. And God may never tell any of us, even when we get into the new heaven and the new earth. It may be something He may never really want us to know about and we may be better off not knowing the full details.
However, just the thought that a certain percentage of humanity will not make it into the new heaven and new earth, and will have to spend the rest of their eternal lives in this horrible place of torment just blows the human mind!
Some people ask how could a loving God create such a horrible place of torment for people to end up in if they choose for whatever reason not to accept Him. I believe there is only one answer to that question.
I believe God has everything set up on a “all or nothing” principle. There is only maximum life or maximum death. If you choose God and Jesus, then you will end up with maximum life in the new heaven and new earth. If you do not choose God and Jesus, then you will end up with maximum death - which is the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. There is no middle ground or neutral areas! It’s all or nothing. It’s God or the Devil. It’s heaven or hell. It’s maximum life or maximum death. It’s really all black and white.
God the Father is a God of maximum intensity. He is not playing games. There is only one God and one Savior - Jesus Christ! There is only one way to live and that is to choose God and Jesus and follow all of Their ways and all of Their commandments. Here is the Scripture verse that I feel really captures this thought:
“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days …” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
I don’t think God could make things any more clearer than the way that He has it spelled out in that verse. That verse is about as black and white as you can possibly get. You’ll notice that God says nothing about any type of neutral areas or any type of middle ground. However, the actual choice is up to each and every person. God will not force Himself or His ways on anyone. Each person has to freely choose God and His ways with their own free wills. If they don’t - for whatever reason - the consequence will be maximum death in the most horrible place imaginable.
The other thing to understand about why God would create such a horrible place is to just look at some of the people who commit pure evil in this life. The serial killers, the rapists, the murderers, the leaders of nations who enslave and torture their own people. Just look at the nature of Satan himself and all the horrors and evil he has caused throughout the history of our earth. Some of these fallen angels and evil human beings deserve nothing less that maximum death, which really does line up with their evil natures and personalities.
The real sad part about all of this is why a certain percentage of the angels and humans have chosen to live their lives on the “dark side,” and to allow themselves to deteriorate to the lower levels of the dark side where they themselves have now become pure evil - giving God no other alternative but to throw them into this lake of fire for the rest of their eternal lives.
None of these angels and humans were born or created pure evil. They became pure evil over the course of their lives and they freely chose to do so with their own free wills. To fully understand why these humans and fallen angels have chosen to live this life on the dark side, when they also had a chance to choose God and the “good side” of this life will probably always remain a mystery.
But for those who have chosen God and His ways - you will not have to go through the Great White Throne Judgment. Your reward is going to be maximum life - and this reward is going to be the new heaven and the new earth. I will discuss what the Bible has to say about this new paradise in the next article.
About the Author
Article written by Michael Bradley of Bible Knowledge Ministries. Their website is a resource of Bible Knowledge and commentary.
You have permission to print off this article on their website atGreat White Throne Judgment
Getting to Know God in Nature and Everyday Life
An Author Interview with Randall Cirner, White Water, Bears, Dry Flies and Other Ways God Speaks to Guys
By Lisa M. Hendey
I have been struck in recent days by the many images of our beloved Pope John Paul II in his younger, more active years, actively skiing, hiking and pursuing outdoor activities. One relatively recent photo shows him reclining amidst a grove of trees in deep prayer. For me, this photo brings to mind the thought of Jesus Christ, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to his crucifixion. Many of us keenly sense the presence of God when in we find ourselves interacting with nature. Others succeed at treating everyday occasions as an opportunity to serve and to love in the manner taught by Christ - to have “God sightings” in their own homes and communities.
In his book White Water, Bears, Dry Flies and Other Ways God Speaks to Guys (Servant Publications, September 2004, paperback, 104 pages) author Randall Cirner looks at life’s ordinary moments as opportunities for divine encounter. Within the context of 52 frequently humorous vignettes, Cirner encourages readers to look for God in their own day to day lives, and to tune our ears to listen to spiritual truths. Each of the book’s chapters contains a story from Cirner’s own life, an insightful reflection, a specific action item and a relevant scripture passage. While aimed at “guys”, girls like me in search of a deeper, more personal relationship with the Lord will also benefit from their experience of reading this book.
I recently had the opportunity to pose a few questions to Randall Cirner about experiencing God in our world.
Q: Randall Cirner, author of White Water, Bears, Dry Flies and Other Ways God Speaks to Guys, thanks for taking time for this Book Spotlight. I have to say, even though I’m not a “guy”, I loved your book! Tell us a bit about yourself and your family.
A: I have been married to my wonderful wife for 35 years. We have 5 grown children who live in different places and 1 grandson (9 years old and a really, really great kid). Therese and I recently moved to Vero Beach, FL where she has a private practice as a psychotherapist and I am beginning a new career in real estate. Our family has always loved nature. We have spent many wonderful days hiking, camping, fishing and just generally being outdoors.
Q: Could you please summarize this book for our readers?
A: This little book is my attempt to close some of the gap between the spiritual and the natural which we experience. God acts in both spheres to reveal Himself and speak to us. In fact, he gave us bodies with all of our senses to enjoy and to experience His presence and love within this creation. The Bible is replete with examples of how God speaks and reveals through the natural. Jesus’ use of stories and human situations to convey spiritual truths provide us with some of the most memorable and compelling passages in the Gospels.
Q: I love your ability to see God in the everyday facets of life and your comment that you find God, “readily in the beauty of his creation” and through your attempts to enjoy that creation. I know many men who enjoy outdoor activities and spend much time hunting, running or in other similar pursuits. Frequently, they state that they don’t need to go to Church, read the Bible or pray - that they are communing with God in their own way through these activities. What would you say to this type of person?
A: These people are making the opposite and just as erroneous mistake as those who want to confine God’s activities to the purely spiritual realm.
In the early chapters of Romans, St. Paul addresses those who claim that the existence of God is unknowable. Paul’s rejoinder is that the order and beauty of creation is itself proof that God exists. At the same time, scripture reveals that God isn’t content just to let us know He exists. He loves us and passionately wants to have a personal relationship with each of us.
Jesus is the full revelation of the Father. We live our relationship with Jesus on a daily basis and the Church, the Bible, and the Sacraments are an indispensable part of that relationship. If a person is not living all of what Jesus gives us it is impossible to appreciate what nature is actually all about.
Q: Why are we so touched by experiences of God in nature?
A: Creation is a reflection of the loveliness and glory of God. The mysterious melding of matter and spirit that is the human person is God’s perfect creation and, in His love, He wants us to be in touch with Him in all of our existence. We were created to be touched by nature.
Q: Why is it vital for men to take time for spirituality in their busy lives?
A: All of us face the stresses of job, finances, family relationships and so on. Without a daily relationship with the Lord, life loses its focus and we can really get beaten up by it. Spending some time with God each day puts us in touch with the source of strength, wisdom and perseverance we all need. Also, it is a clear statement on our part that God is more important than the quest for material things.
Q: The book contains a series of 52 vignettes, each followed by personal response and reflection questions and relevant scripture passages. How would you suggest that men incorporate the book into their prayer routine? For those who don’t have an active prayer life, how can your book help them to get rolling with one?
A: 52 weeks in a year, 52 vignettes - pretty neat, huh? I did, in fact, do this on purpose. For men who are just getting started in a spiritual life, I would suggest taking one story per week:
1. Read the story and the lesson I learned and try to make some personal connection with it.
2. Read the Scripture passage(s) and reflect on what God may be saying to you in that passage. Use the passage the rest of the week as a daily jump start for keeping a focus for the entire day.
3. Take a few days to put into practice the personal response section.
My hope is that whether men use it on a weekly basis or in some other fashion, it will inspire them to pursue a closer relationship with the Lord.
Q: Please discuss the “spiritual menu” you describe in the book. What portions of the spiritual diet do men typically neglect? Can you give some creative suggestions for incorporating all aspects of prayer and service?
A: Men, women too, generally do those things which are viewed as an important part of life and “forget” things which are not. Every guy who watches football just naturally schedules his weekend around which games he wants to watch, it’s a normal part of life (much to the dismay of most women).
Likewise, for many Catholics, Sunday Mass is an important part of life and it requires a deliberate decision to miss it. On the other hand, personal prayer and scripture reading are generally not seen as important and are easily forgotten in the press of other demands.
We talk a lot these days about planning and scheduling but few people actually make a schedule and fewer still stick to it. But I believe that is the only way to make sure that our spiritual priorities are taken care of. Decide what your spiritual priorities, decide when to do it and then stick to it. Its not rocket science, its discipline.
Q: I laughed with and related to so many of the stories you share in your book. Do you have a favorite experience you’d like to share with us?
A: I would have to say the camping experience with the bear, my wife and the sleeping bag.
Q: Randall Cirner, thank you again for your time and for this great book. Are there any parting thoughts you’d like to express?
A: My stories generally involve nature and outdoor activities but God wants to speak to us in the everyday circumstances of our lives whether we live in the woods, in the middle of a large city, or somewhere in between. The key is being open to God and learning to be sensitive to His voice.
For more information on White Water, Bears, Dry Flies and Other Ways God Speaks to Guys visit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0867166185/catholicmomcom
Lisa M. Hendey is a mother of two sons, webmaster of numerous web sites, including http://www.catholicmom.com and http://www.christiancoloring.com, and an avid reader of Catholic literature. Visit her at http://www.lisahendey.com for more information.
About the Author
Lisa M. Hendey is a mother of two sons, webmaster of numerous web sites, including http://www.catholicmom.com and http://www.christiancoloring.com, and an avid reader of Catholic literature. Visit her at http://www.lisahendey.com for more information.
Years ago, my minister spoke to us about how you could solicit the help of your guardian angels to help with conflict resolution. She told us stories about how she and others had successfully asked their guardian angels to speak to the enemy’s guardian angel. The idea being that when you find yourself in an argumentative situation with someone, that you could request that your guardian angel talk angel to angel with their guardian angel about finding a win-win situation. She gave us examples of times when after asking for the angels to help mediate the problem, that the other party suddenly softened and the solutions began to easily show themselves. As she told the stories of her successes with this approach to problem solving, I began to think about how to use it in my own life.
I’m not much for praying in the traditional down on your knees with templed hands approach. I can’t concentrate like that. My knees hurt and I pay more attention to keeping my hands in that saintly position and forget to really connect with any form of a higher celestial type being. It works better for me to take out pen and paper and to hand write a letter to my angels. In really thinking through what I want to say in the letter, I guess I end up sending out a prayer after all. It’s just a different form of prayer. So, when I decided to use my minister’s advice about requesting angel to angel intervention for my problems in life, I immediately started writing letters to my angels and sometimes I wrote the letter directly to the other person’s angel if I could get a ‘feel’ for which angel was looking after them.
It really worked very nicely. I don’t usually have enemies per se, maybe just grumpy coworkers and such, but I did see a softening of spirit and things always got better. Yes, I admit the softening may have come from me, but that’s not what’s important. What matters is that the process served its purpose and peace and harmony was created much easier than before I had started writing to the angels.
So, if they can help us with bad relationships, then why can’t they help us with good ones too? I started using the letters to the angels to help with my love life. I’m sorry to report that the angels will NOT help your crush fall in love with you. Bah! But they will help someone who’s a bit shy but interested feel more comfortable about taking that leap of faith and asking you out. Okay, fair enough. When you just can’t find the words to tell someone that you care about just how much they mean to you, then try writing it to your guardian angel and asking them to deliver the message for you. Again, whether you pray to them or write to them, it forces you to find the words to say exactly what it is you want to say. Perhaps that’s where the magic lies. I don’t know, but when I just write to some vague nothingness in the sky, then nothing happens. It only works when I’m writing to the angels. Maybe they’re real and maybe they’re not, but believing they’re real and that they’ll help seems to work its magic on me and on my relationships.
I read an email from a new friend who had read somewhere that this was a good way to repel negativity. She gave some examples of how she had used it recently in her personal life. The one I thought was very interesting was how she used the angels’ help to protect her sense of personal space. She doesn’t like feeling crowded by strangers and asked that the angels keep everyone back to a comfortable distance. Apparently it worked. That’s an area I hadn’t thought to use it in. I am reminded of walking in dark parking lots to get to my car, or when taking small children to the fair and not wanting to get separated. I will try asking for the angels’ help with these little comfort and safety areas.
I’ve also used the letters to angels technique in my work too. One such letter became an article because they told me it was a universal prayer and needed to be typed up formally for everyone’s benefit. Click here to read The Entrepreneur’s Prayer if you haven’t already. In the past, I’ve used the prayer letters to help me find start up capital for my business and to help me find the right office space to lease. I keep an open-ended request for guidance in all of my spiritual work. I ask them when to write, what to write, when to pitch my work, when to rework the website, and when to have a toes-in-the-sand-at-the-beach-day so as to become re-inspired again. As long as I’m listening, I pretty much always get great advice and am in the flow of some sort of cosmic divine timing. When I can’t ‘hear’ them and need direction, then I will write the letters again. Soon afterwards, I am able to ‘feel’ their presence and can spot the signs again that they’re still here helping me.
I don’t use them too much for personal gain, because I have this funny little voice that says I’m not supposed to bug them for money and material possessions. I am working to get past that belief system because when I have asked them to help with creating a new car or to find the new home we’re meant to live in, they’ve always taken excellent care of us and found the perfect car or the perfect home for us at that time.
Find your form of prayer. I don’t think it matters how you create the prayer, but I do know that it works. Call on them and they will help you, in their way, in their time.
Copyright 2004, Skye Thomas, Tomorrow’s Edge
About the Author
Skye Thomas is the CEO of Tomorrow’s Edge, an Internet leader in inspiring leaps of faith. Her books and articles have inspired people of all ages and faiths to recommit themselves to the pursuit of happiness. After years of high heels and business clothes, she is currently enjoying working from home in her pajamas. To read more of her articles, sign up to receive her free weekly newsletter, and get free previews of her books go to www.TomorrowsEdge.net.
Amos was a shepherd who lived in the region of Tekoa, not many miles from the city of Jerusalem. He earned his living by raising sheep and taking care of sycamore trees. He was not a prophet, son of a prophet or priest. He was an ordinary man chosen by God for a specific purpose: to prophesy to Israel. God called him, shepherd’s staff in hand, and sent him forth to warn his straying people.
Amos’ message was to an age of unprecedented post-war prosperity in the middle of the 18th century. Materialism had become the order of the day. Politically, the kingdom was secure. Samaria, its capital, was considered impregnable. Under Jeroboam II, Israel enjoyed a remarkable cultural, social, and economic revival. It was the last glorious period in the history of the kingdom of Israel. The hopes and expectations of the people were lifted to the highest heights. They looked forward with great anticipation to even greater success and declared a great “Day of the Lord” when God Himself would take the battlefield against their antagonists.
It was also a time of fervent patriotism. Everyone seemed unanimous in the conviction that God had at long last begun to fulfill His ancient promises to the nation (Genesis 9:25-27). Such was the climate into which, without warning, was catapulted the dynamic personality of Amos.
The prosperity enjoyed by the Northern Kingdom was accompanied by an almost unparalleled degree of social corruption which was caused primarily by the demoralizing influence of Canaanite Baal-worship which Jeroboam II developed at the local shrines.
The effect of this degenerating influence upon Hebrew society began to be felt in the corruption of justice, in willful and luxurious living of the upper classes, and in the general decay of social unity. The wealthy exhibited no responsibility towards the poor, and instead of relieving their economic distress, the rich seemed hell-bent upon depriving their less fortunate counterparts of all their property. Within a short period of time, the nation whose strength had subsisted in the mass of its independent citizens was divided into the dissolute rich and the oppressed poor. In just a few short years the poor had been reduced further to the level of serfs, and when circumstances dictated, they were frequently sold into bondage by their masters for trivial considerations. The virtual disappearance of the middle class marked a turning point in the stability of Israel’s life.
The impending downfall and utter collapse of the Northern Kingdom is the predominant theme of the book of Amos. The basis for his prophecy is the injustice and immorality expressed in the political, economic, and religious life of the nation. It was Amos’ conviction that Yahweh is a God of justice and His power over the nations of the earth is evidenced by the fact that transgression of the principles of justice and social righteousness will inevitably be followed by utter ruin and decay.
About the Author
Rev. Saundra L. Washington, is an ordained clergywoman, social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow, Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances, Homilies that Teach. To learn more about the author and AMEN Ministries please visit her site at http://www.clergyservices4u.org.