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lsztcdl

Alfrescian
Loyal
attachment.php


Biz as usual for M/V Leisure World, the casino ship on 29/03 during the farewell parade for our beloved founding father's Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Leisure World accept illegal Singapore 4D betting and also provide loanshark services to their players.
Albert Ng Cheow Leng, the boss of New Century Tours is making more more money since RWS, MBS and Singapore Turf Club are close to mark the respect of Mr Lee.
Hope the authority could stop Leisure World operation for a day otherwise Leisure World will be seen above the law.

 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Tell Those Who Don't Know


The story is told of a Christian college where the preacher students took turns speaking in chapel every Thursday. There was one freshman preacher student, though, who had avoided the dreaded task of preaching at chapel long enough that it came to the attention of the Chapel Master. The following conversation ensued:

"I'm scheduling you to preach at chapel next Thursday."

"Oh, please. I'll do anything. I'll write a paper, do extra homework assignments, even clean the toilets. Just please don't make me speak in public yet."

"You are not getting out of this, and there will be no excuses."

Thursday rolled around and, with desperately quaking knees, the young student stood up to preach, and asked, "Do you know what I'm going to say?" Everyone shook their heads no. "Neither do I. Go in peace."

The Chapel Master was really angry. "That is not acceptable. You are right back on the schedule for next Thursday, and this time you will preach, and it will be an example of diligent preparation, and there will be no excuses."

Thursday rolled around and, with yet more quaking, the young man stood up to preach and asked, "Do you know what I'm going to say?" Everybody nodded their heads yes. "Good. Go in peace."

The Chapel Master was absolutely outraged. "There will be no more of these shenanigans. You *will* preach the word of God next Thursday. You will not fail, or you will be removed from school immediately."

Thursday rolled around and, barely able to stand, the student got up to preach and asked, "Do you know what I'm going to say?"

Some shook their heads no; others nodded their heads yes.

"Good. Those who know, please tell those who don't. Go in peace."

Not a bad summary of the Great Commission and our task of evangelism. Those who know ought to tell those who don't.

"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' " (Matthew 28:18-20).

If you are among those who know about the gospel, share it today with someone who doesn't.
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Ten Little Christians


Ten Little Christians came to church all the time, one fell out with the preacher, then there were nine.

Nine Little Christians stayed up late, one overslept on Sunday, then there were eight.

Eight Little Christians on their way to heaven, one took the low road, then there were seven.

Seven Little Christians, chirping like chicks, one didn't like the singing, then there were six.

Six Little Christians seemed very much alive, one took a vacation, then there were five.

Five Little Christians pulling for heavens shore, one stopped to take a rest, then there were four.

Four Little Christians each as busy as a bee, One got his feelings hurt, then there were three.

Three Little Christians couldn't decide what to do, one couldn't have his way, then there were two.

Two Little Christians each won one more, now don't you see, two and two make four.

Four Little Christians worked early and late each brought one, now there were eight.

Eight Little Christians if they double as before, in just seven Sundays, we have one thousand twenty four.

In this jingle there is a lesson true, you belong either to the building, or to the wrecking crew.
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Thanks To God


I woke up this morning and knew that today,
the sun would not be shining and the clouds would be gray.
As I stepped outside, rain fell upon my head.
My car wouldn't start so I walked to school instead.


I forgot all of my assignments, I failed all of my tests.
I dropped my head in disgust and asked the Lord for one request.
"Lord, why is it that things won't go my way?"
He gently replied, "Dear child it is because you didn't thank me yesterday.


I woke you up and enabled you to see the sun again.
I gave you shelter, protected your family, and even let you make a new friend.
I blessed you far greater than I ever had before.
But you were too busy to thank me once more.


You didn't feel sick because I maintained your health.
You had money in your pocket because I maintained your wealth.
You had shoes on you feet and clothes to wear, too.
You had plenty of food to eat, and what did you do?


You ignored me and went about your tasks.
But when you wanted something you never hesitated to ask.
I was there when you needed me, and that wasn't too long ago.
But when things started going your way, it was me you did not know.

As if that weren't enough, I provided your favorite luxuries.
This was something I didn't have to do-they weren't even necessities
And when it was time to get on your knees and show your gratitude,
you decided that after such a fulfilling day, you weren't in the mood.


So I decided to give you just a little test.
To show you how it would feel to stop being blessed."
I began to realize what the Lord was saying.
And when I got home, I fell to my knees and started praying.


He said, "My child, you have learned and you know I do forgive.
But remember to remember this day as long as you shall live.
I love filling your life with joy, and your pain I'll alleviate it.
But just a simple thank you would show how much you appreciate it."


Pass this on to everyone you pray the Lord will bless.
There are no catches or rules just this simple test.
How many people to send it to is all in your hands.
Just another Cyber Blessing sent from God through Man
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
A True Story

​ By: Mildred Honor​


At the prodding of my friends I am writing this story. My name is Mildred Honor and I am a former elementary school music teacher from Des Moines, Iowa. I have always supplemented my income by teaching piano lessons - something I have done for over 30 years.

During those years I found that children have many levels of musical ability, and even though I have never had the pleasure of having a prodigy, I have taught some very talented students.

However, I have also had my share of what I call 'musically challenged' pupils - one such pupil being Robby. Robby was 11 years old when his mother (a single mom) dropped him off for his first piano lesson. I prefer that students (especially boys) begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby. But Robby said that it had always been his mother's dream to hear him play the piano, so I took him as a student.

At the end of each weekly lesson he would always say 'My mom's going to hear me play someday'. But to me, it seemed hopeless, he just did not have any inborn ability.

I only knew his mother from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick him up. She always waved and smiled, but never dropped in. Then one day Robby stopped coming for his lessons. I thought about calling him, but I was also glad that he had stopped coming - he was a bad advertisement for my teaching!

Several weeks later I mailed a flyer recital to the students' homes. To my surprise, Robby (who had received a flyer) asked me if he could be in the recital. I told him that the recital was for current pupils and that because he had dropped out, he really did not qualify. He told me that his mother had been sick and unable to take him to his piano lessons, but that he had been practicing. 'Please Miss Honor, I've just got to play' he insisted. I don't know what led me to allow him to play in the recital - perhaps it was his insistence or maybe something inside of me saying that it would be all right.

The night of the recital came and the high school gymnasium was packed with parents, relatives and friends. I put Robby last in the program, just before I was to come up and thank all the students and play a finishing piece. I thought that any damage he might do would come at the end of the program and I could always salvage his poor performance through my 'curtain closer'.

Well, the recital went off without a hitch, the students had been practicing and it showed. Then Robby came up on the stage. His clothes were wrinkled and his hair looked as though he had run an egg beater through it. 'Why wasn't he dressed up like the other students?' I thought. 'Why didn't his mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?'

Robby pulled out the piano bench, and I was surprised when he announced that he had chosen to play Mozart's Concerto No.21 in C Major. I was not prepared for what I heard next. His fingers were light on the keys, they even danced nimbly on the ivories. He went from pianissimo to fortissimo, from allegro to virtuoso; his suspended chords that Mozart demands were magnificent! Never had I heard Mozart played so well by anyone his age. After six and a half minutes he ended in a grand crescendo, and everyone was on their feet in wild applause!

Overcome and in tears, I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby in joy. 'I have never heard you play like that Robby, how did you do it?' Through the microphone Robby explained: 'Well, Miss Honor, remember I told you that my mom was sick? Well, she actually had cancer and passed away this morning. And well ..... she was born deaf, so tonight was the first time she had ever heard me play, and I wanted to make it special.'

There wasn't a dry eye in the house that evening. As the people from Social Services led Robby from the stage to be placed in to foster care, I noticed that even their eyes were red and puffy. I thought to myself then how much richer my life had been for taking Robby as my pupil.

No, I have never had a prodigy, but that night I became a prodigy ......... of Robby. He was the teacher and I was the pupil, for he had taught me the meaning of perseverance and love and believing in yourself, and may be even taking a chance on someone and you didn't know why.

Robby was killed years later in the senseless bombing of the Alfred P. Murray Federal Building in Oklahoma City in April, 1995.

And now, a footnote to the story. If you are thinking about forwarding this message, you are probably wondering which people on your address list aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message. The person who sent this to you believes that we can all make a difference!

So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice. Do we act with compassion or do we pass up that opportunity and leave the world a bit colder in the process?


Thank you for reading this.. May God Bless you today, tomorrow and always. If God didn't have a purpose for us, we wouldn't be here!
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
The Atheist

By: Rita Wood

There was an atheist who went through life like most people. He had his good times and his bad. He died at an old age of 88. He woke up and saw a man standing in front of him. He said, "Who are you?" The man said, "Well, Joe, it doesn't matter now, you didn't know me while you were on the earth and it's too late for you to know me now." Joe said, "Just tell me your name, maybe I did know you and I just don't remember." The man said, "Well, Joe, my name is Jesus and I'm the one who died for you." Joe said, "What? You aren't real -- there is no God. How can this be?"

Jesus said, "Joe, do you remember the day you met your wife?" Joe said, "Well of course I do. It was the day she ran into the back of my car on the freeway and I got out to yell at her. Of course I didn't, instead I fell in love with her." Jesus said, "Joe, I made sure your wife ran into your car that day." Joe couldn't say a word. Jesus said, "Joe, do you remember the time you were at work and on top of that tall building?

You fell that day and if you had fallen to the ground you would have died." Joe said, "Yeah, but I didn't fall." Jesus said, "No you didn't because I sent one of my angels to catch you." Joe couldn't say a word. Jesus said, "Joe, do you remember the day your baby girl was born?"

Joe said, "Well of course I do, that was one of the best days of my life!" Jesus said, "I held that baby girl close to me before I sent her to you hoping you would see that beautiful creation and believe in me. I sent Christians to witness to you but you would not listen. I did everything I could possibly do to make you believe in me but you would not."

Joe said, "Jesus, please let me go back just one time so I can tell everyone the truth!" Jesus said, "Joe, I am sorry but it is too late. Depart from me, I never knew you."
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Death Disrobed

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord


What happened between Jesus death and ressurection? What can we learn from the prophets? For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10). As the heart of the prophets is to bring us into the presence of God let's start with John in Revelation 12:10...
The devil accuses us before our God day and night - what does this mean?... God uses the enemy to transpose our sins to the court of heaven. Here we have no other disposition other than to kneel in humility and confess the truth of our guilt.

And how does Father God handle our guilt? Read with me in Romans 15:3 - the insults of those who insult us have fallen on Jesus. Jesus wore our guilt upon himself at the Cross. This transferred sin was so obnoxious that the Father could not even look upon his despoiled son on the Cross. Jesus was disgraced with our disgrace.

He was vicariously disfigured by our guilt that he carried to the point of crying out - "My God, my God why have you forsaken me" (Matt 27:46) and in Isaiah 52:14 - "his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness".

This is all about us. Our debt. Our being effectively crucified in Christ, as in Gal 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me". Do you not see the love of his Holy identification? His complete acceptance of the transference of our sin to himself. The transference of our guilt to the innocent Jesus?

Zechariah now takes over the story. We know the following is the prophet's insight into Jesus time in hell because his revelation is: symbolic of things to come, when God removes the sin of the land in a single day (Zech 3:8-9)...

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by (Zech 3:1-5).

Death Disrobed

The name "Joshua" in Hebrew and "Jesus" in English are the same word. Here the prophet is sharing with us what happened to Jesus after he died on the Cross. Here is the prophet's account of Easter Saturday...

The filthy robes represented the satanic accusations transferred by the court of heaven, from the prosecution against us, to Jesus the sin bearer. Jesus carried these accusations upon himself to death and hell - from where the power of God raised him to life. A resurrection so powerful that even the dead were raised to life to walk free in Jerusalem -

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people (Matt 27:50-53).

The curtain in the Temple between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place was split from top to bottom. No longer do we need a priest to come into the holy of holies on our behalf. The blood of Christ has fulfilled every need for sacrifice.

The angel in Zechariah 3 called out - "Take of his filthy clothes". Do we understand what took place people? Do we hear and understand? Are we the good soil who hears and understands, as Jesus said in Matt 13: 23?
Zechariah tells how our sins were stripped off Jesus in hell itself.
Permanently transferred via the cross - to hell.
Our sins, past, present and future no longer have any power in them. They are dead. They have been disposed of for ever under our feet in hell where they belong. Cry out now people - Y E S ! Thank you Jesus for such deliverance -

“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” (Romans 4:7-8).

Now Jesus - and we in him - are given resurrection garments to wear. Clothes as white as snow (Zech 3:3, Matt 28:3). No longer despoiled. Now clothed with the victory of sinless purity. These are the robes we need to wear at the wedding banquet of the lamb (Matt 22:1-14).

No longer did Jesus wear man's crown of thorns on his head but the new turban (Zech 3:5) of the High Priest (Heb 8:1). Jesus now took over the role of Aaron -

"Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord. Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the Lord (Exodus 28:36-38).

From this dear reader we can see that Jesus is the fulfilment of Israel. Jesus is a Jew and we who are gentiles are grafted into the redeemed Israel through Christ. There is no replacement theology. The true church is grafted into Israel through our Jewish High Priest and the prophet tells us that one our Jewish brothers and sisters shall also come into the same revelation of fulfilment in Christ (Zech 12:10-14).

Jesus' Unchangable Defeat of Satan

At the crucifixion Satan thought he had won. He started an insurrection amongst God's created people to crucify and kill the author of life. Do you understand this dear reader?

In his pride and arrogance we can imagine him strutting through the catacombs of hell with his enemy Christ dead! But wait, what is this? An emerging light in the darkness of hell. How can this be?

I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades (Rev 118).

The hairs stand up on the back of Satan's neck. Shivers transverse his spine. The realisation hits him like a brick. The RISEN CHRIST IS NOW IN CHARGE IN HIS TURF.

Satan has lost the war and can never turn it around. Over. Done-in. Defeated for Eternity. Jesus now turns to Satan with the words of the victor: GIVE ME THE KEYS! Jesus now holds the keys of death and hell. Our future is now in Jesus hands, not the enemies. TURN TO JESUS PEOPLE !

On resurrection Saturday Jesus walks through the prison of hell and preaches freedom and release to the repentant of heart. Freedom from the gloomy bondage of hell - but no freedom for the fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4, Heb 10:26-27).

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits (1 Peter 3:18-19).

For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit (1 Peter 4:6).

So now we are ready to worship on Easter Sunday. Ready to come before our God with praise and thanksgiving, free in Christ with a magnificent future ahead of us -

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? (Eph 4:7-8)

Let us rejoice that Jesus descended into hell to unload our sins, take on the devil, preach the good news of forgiveness and draw us to himself through the redemption of his life given for us. We were the captives but now he gives us gifts of redemption, forgiveness and a new life. He raised us from the lower earthly regions. Yay !!!

And now he calls us to this future:

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

As we his people walk and talk and live out this calling in the unity of John 17 we can take back this nation for Christ. There is no enemy that can stop us apart from ourselves.

So come on Church - arise to our calling in the 21st Century. Let's release the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit to her destiny (Psalm 2:8). Let us give unto God this nation through the power and calling of the Great Commission....

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20).
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
The Bishop's Gift


Once a church had fallen upon hard times. Only five members were left: the pastor and four others, all over 60 years old.

In the mountains near the church there lived a retired Bishop. It occurred to the pastor to ask the Bishop if he could offer any advice that might save the church. The pastor and the Bishop spoke at length, but when asked for advice, the Bishop simply responded by saying, "I have no advice to give. The only thing I can tell you is that the Messiah is one of you."

The pastor, returning to the church, told the church members what the Bishop had said. In the months that followed, the old church members pondered the words of the Bishop. "The Messiah is one of us?" they each asked themselves.

As they thought about this possibility, they all began to treat each other with extraordinary respect on the off chance that that one among them might be the Messiah. And on the off, off chance that each member himself might be the Messiah, they also began to treat themselves with extraordinary care.

As time went by, people visiting the church noticed the aura of respect and gentle kindness that surrounded the five old members of the small church. Hardly knowing why, more people began to come back to the church. They began to bring their friends, and their friends brought more friends. Within a few years, the small church had once again become a thriving church, thanks to the Bishop's gift
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
The Boy

I was walking home from school one day
when I saw a young boy crying.
When I asked what was wrong,
He said, "I'm Dying."

I sat down and we talked a while
not even knowing each other's name.
He told me how he'd always been bad
and how he'd played his life like a game.

He said, "my mother goes to church
and lives like a woman should.
I just thought I'd live forever...
be invincible if I could."

He told me about the Violence;
using guns in place of words.
He told me how he'd joined a gang
and beat people up on curbs.

He told me about the drugs
and how they gave him the ultimate high.
How he'd wake up on the street corners and watch the cars pass him by.

He told me about the sex.
with anyone, anytime, anywhere.
he'd heard about AIDS...
but he didn't even care.

He told me about the doctors
and how thwy explained STD's.
Then he told me how bad it felt
to be called positive HIV.

Soon, a man came up to us.
"What's wrong my child," he said.
I looked up and with tears in my eyes
I gently replied..."He's Dead."
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Thankful

I had done a lot for some people but they were ungrateful and this was bothering me. Then during my quiet time I heard God boom into my spirit.

' The blessing is in being thankful and not in being thanked '
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
The Cold Within


Six humans trapped in happenstance
In dark and bitter cold.
Each one possessed a stick of wood,
Or so the story's told.

Their dying fire in need of logs--
The first woman held hers back,
For of the faces around the fire,
She noticed one was black.

The next man looking across the way
Saw not one of his church,
And couldn't bring himself to give
The fire his stick of birch.

The third one sat in tattered clothes,
He gave his coat a hitch.
Why should his log be put to use
To warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought
Of the wealth he had in store,
And how to keep what he had earned
From the lazy, shiftless poor.

The black man's face bespoke revenge
As the fire passed from sight,
For all he saw in his stick of wood
Was a chance to spite the white.

The last man of this forlorn group
Did naught except for gain,
Giving only to those who gave,
Was how he played the game.

The logs held tight in Death's still hands
Were proof of human sin,
They didn't die from cold without,
They died from the cold within
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
The Blessing.

The issue entitled "The Blessing" caused me to think about
something that happened during my drive into work today. I was
listening to an intriguing song. The singer was asking God to
let his spirit flow and grow thru him that others that come in
contact with him would be blessed by his healing power.

It caused me to ponder my own walk with God. I asked if one of
the reasons God blessed me to be born is so others can see and
feel His living presence on the earth. I was then reminded of
something my former pastor used to say "I would rather see a
sermon than hear one any day." That quote has stuck with me for
30 years.

When I come into the office each day, I make it a point of
saying hello to my co-workers and calling their names. I try to
compliment them on something good that I see in them. However,
that song made me more aware of the power of our influence.

While riding in my car this morning, I began to think about
Christ's walk on the earth. The people around him did not know
that he was God's son or that he had a vast amount of wealth in
heaven. Instead, they wanted to be in his presence as an
ordinary man because there was something different about him.

He made each person feel good about themselves. When he walked
in a room, all eyes were on him because no one ever spoke as he
spoke, loved as he loved, cared as he cared, helped as he helped
or was a "Blessing" in the way that he was able to bless.

Always remember, to whom much is given, much is required (even
if you don't receive an outward display of thanksgiving now).
The older I grow, I realize like never before that it is more of
a blessing to be in the position to help than to be the one that
needs to be helped.

When Christ healed the 10 lepers, only one came back to say
thanks. Why did only one come back? Did he suffer longer than
the others? I don't think so. I think his mature awareness
kicked in and it didn't take him long to realize his life was
changed and he had to go back to the one that brought about that
change.

One day you will do something for someone and the blessing for
you will be in knowing that you gave them their start but a
greater blessing will come when they do come back to say thanks.
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
The Common Battle

He tightens up his viselike grip,
To further ease your pain,
Whispering sweet nothings in your ear,
Showing you the pleasure to gain,

"It's what you want," he chides you,
"This will make things right,"
So you breathe a little deeper,
And decide not to continue to fight,

What others don't know won't hurt them,
You rationalize your sin,
And justify the common battle,
That's raging deep within,

That little twinge of truthfulness,
Is stifled by the rush,
"You deserve this" is what you hear,
You tell that doubt to hush,

But deep within your soul hungers,
Struggling to be free,
From the clutches of the evil one,
Who tries to steal your identity,

"But this is what I really want,"
"I'm in charge of my life",
Then why does it feel so empty?
And cuts your core like a knife?

Its right then that you can see it,
You're in the full brunt of the storm,
But there is someone who is waiting,
To help you be reborn,

So you reach out with faith of a mustard seed,
As little as it seems,
It's enough though to show the way,
And help you back to your dreams,

He won't stop trying not ever,
He wants to rob and steal,
But with the love of Jesus Christ,
Your heart and soul will heal.
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Top Five

Several nights each week, we hold a study session with our four
boys. During one of our beginning study nights, I began
discussing the different areas of life and their importance.

Kids, just like adults, have a tendency to prioritize things
based on what modern culture emphasizes. So I thought that I
would go over things in their proper priority to start with.

We first defined the areas. They helped to determine them.
Then, we went over them in the order of their importance.
They also helped to determine that.

These are the five areas of life:

1. Spirit

Defined as the nine fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22.
They are: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Not religion, but "spirit" is what we discussed. We are Christian
but there are over 40,000 different denominations of Christianity.
Many of which are mutually exclusive meaning they state that
they are right and everyone else is wrong and going to hell.
And that's just Christianity.

Just because you are a particular religion does not mean that
you are fulfilled in life.

The divorce rate, illness rate, and even suicide rates are in
many cases higher. For example, suicide is higher among those
whom practice Christianity and Islam (both which strongly
prohibit suicide) than those whom practice Hinduism and Buddhism.

The vast majority of people whom I associate with are Christian,
yet the joy and fulfillment runs from fulfilled lives to miserable
lives. I've traveled the world and visited both wealthy industrial
nations and extremely poor nations. The poorer nations appear to
be happier as long as they are not starving.

Thus, "spirit", not circumstances, was the first of the five.

With the right spirit, even prison can be a paradise.
With the wrong spirit, you will be unsatisfied even in heaven.
Ask the third of the angels who were cast out of heaven.

2. Health

It is difficult to enjoy anything if you are sick, in pain or
debilitated. Health is your most valuable material possession.
My company focuses on health at TheWoman.com and the
church at Do42.com and RinGOMaXX.com.

My father used to tell me that many people spent all of their
health to get money and then had to spend all of their money
trying to get their health back. The problem is, you often can't
buy your health back at any price once it is lost.

If you feel great and realize the blessing of that feeling, you
can handle a lot. We think cars, houses, clothes, jewelry, money
and other material possessions are important. However, once you
lose your health, all of that is put on the back burner.

A man who has health has hope and a man who has hope has everything.

3. Relationships

"Success is nothing without someone you love to share it with."
That's a quote from the movie, 'Lady Sings The Blues'.

Man is not meant to be an isolated creature. Our health and
well-being depends on our interactions with others. God spoke to
me one morning, "A friend is more valuable than a fortune."
I have a deeper understanding of that now. It is relationships that
make life rich. Whether it's a bond of blood, marriage or just a
friend, two on one accord are far more powerful and happier than
one.

4. Money

Yes, it definitely does matter but not as much as Americans
think. The psychological studies have shown that once a person
earns $75,000.00 a year, there is no real appreciable difference
in happiness beyond that amount. Increasing money does not
increase happiness, but the lack of money can cause extreme woes.

I had the boys watch the movie, HAPPY, which detailed the
scientific studies and results of happiness. In a nutshell,
in the U.S., there is a huge difference in happiness between a
person who earns $5,000 a year and a person who earns $50,000 a
year.

At the $5,000 level, you usually cannot cover basic expenses and
you will usually live in constant lack of what we call the basics.
At $50,000 annually, you are concerned about luxuries but you
will generally have the basics.

Many people will understand the happiness difference (in the U.S.)
between a $5,000 and $50,000 salary. What most don't realize is
what else the studies found.

There is basically no difference in happiness between a person
who earns $50,000 a year and one who earns 50 million a year.
It is the illusion of riches and the mistaken belief that it
will bring joy. It won't.

The movie, HAPPY, stated that the happiness level of a rickshaw
driver in India was about the same as the average American, yet
the income level is a huge difference.

I remember sitting in a hotel restaurant in The Gambia,
a relatively economically poor country in Africa. All of the
other guests were European and the hotel was a rather expensive
hotel. I watched the guests and the servers. I watched the
servers even as they went out of sight of the guests.
I saw a marked difference in the facial expressions.

ALL of the guests had worried frowns on their faces.
ALL of the servers had what seemed to be genuine smiles of joy
on their faces. I have seen this echoed in many countries where
I have traveled and have become convinced of the truth of what
science and the Bible says.

Money absolutely does not buy happiness.

In the words of Jesus, "and the cares of this world, the
deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things
entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."
(Mark 4:19).

5. Knowledge

Why did we place knowledge below money?
We grouped formal education and life experience in the knowledge
category. I've also found that just because you are educated
does not mean in any form that you have the other four things in
order. Just because you've had a lot of experience doesn't mean
that you have the other four things in good shape and order
either. True higher level knowledge affects the other four
things but knowing something doesn't equate to having knowledge.

It only means that you are aware and knowledge without following
the knowledge does little good. It may even be better if you were
ignorant than to have knowledge but not follow or use it.

These are the areas that our family determined are the five areas
that you should have in proper perspective.

You may disagree with the order of these five.
That's fine if you do.
It's your life.
It's your family's life.
It's their future.

Whether it's these five or others, get things in a proper order
while it's still time and while the consequences of disorder
aren't so high.

That's the spirit!
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
The Crane








There is an old legend of a swan and a crane. A beautiful swan alighted by the banks of the water in which a crane was wading about seeking snails.

For a few moments the crane viewed the swan in stupid wonder and then inquired: "Where do you come from?"

"I come from heaven!" replied the swan.

"And where is heaven?" asked the crane.

"Heaven!" said the swan, "Heaven! Have you never heard of heaven?" And the beautiful bird went on to describe the grandeur of the Eternal City. She told of streets of gold, and the gates and walls made of precious stones; of the river of life, pure as crystal, upon whose banks is the tree whose leaves shall be for the healing of the nations. In eloquent terms the swan sought to describe the hosts who live in the other world, but without arousing the slightest interest on the part of the crane.

Finally the crane asked: "Are there any snails there?"

"Snails!" repeated the swan; "no! Of course there are not."

"Then," said the crane, as it continued its search along the slimy banks of the pool, "you can have your heaven. I want snails!"

Why do we hold on so tightly to what we are familiar with? The things of heaven are so much superior; but we would hate to give up our "snails."

Lord, help us to desire the things of heaven
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
The Difference


I got up early one morning
and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
that I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me
and heavier came each task;
Why doesn't God help me? I wondered
He said,"But you didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty
but the day toiled on, gray and bleak
I wondered why God didn't show me.
He said, But you didn't seek.

I tried to come into God's presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
My child, you didn't knock.

I woke up early this morning
And paused before entering the day.
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray!
 

beensetfree

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
He Knows

George is the youngest of our four sons. He is 15 months old.

I stood holding him on the morning of September 22, 2006. The
birth of George is an interesting story involving the prophetic
and destiny. His name was spoken by God over three years before
he was conceived. Of our four boys, it is George who has an
extreme attachment to his father.

George can't talk or at least he can't talk very well. He calls
my name but he calls it Muhmaamuull. It's Nathaniel. He can't
pronounce the "N", the "A", the "T" or the "iel." He can't say
any other words either with any better clarity, and he had never
verbally answered me. He understands but had never answered with
words.

Today as I held him, I looked at him and said,
"Daddy loves you more than you will ever know."

It was a statement from the heart. Children often never realize
how much they are loved by the father.

George looked back at me; and in a voice as clear and as well
enunciated as a college English professor, said three times,

"I know. I know. I know."

I stood in disbelief of what I had just heard. Not just in the
fact that he understood the concept, but also that he was able to
clearly vocalize it.

The first words that George spoke to me were not the typical
"Daddy" but the very atypical, "I know."

Never underestimate what a child, no matter how small they are;

"knows."

Behave accordingly.
 
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