Just Bloggin

There is a great need for spiritual anchoring in times of turbulence and change. Anchoring in a deeper truth helps us to weather the currents of emotion that pass through us due either to external events that we experience directly, or to taking in the reactions of others to these events.

Sometimes our own fears are all that seems present to us in our consciousness, and sometimes it is hard to distinguish what is our own and what belongs to the collective consciousness that we are part of.

Within today’s rapidly moving events, both change and turbulence are widespread and there is much anxiety about how life is going to continue. Financial worries, job insecurity, and health concerns are present for many and the economic picture seems bleak. At such a time it is important to be able to stabilize oneself in a place of peace and trust – a place that is not built on a fantasy that everything is alright with the world as we know it, but on the reality that we will be upheld and maintained through whatever it is that needs to be undergone. This sense of being upheld acknowledges the presence of the Divine within our everyday lives. It can be a source of strength and of stability, both emotionally and vibrationally.

Spiritual anchoring connects us with this deeper sense of trust and conveys to us that no matter what outer circumstances may look like, there is a larger picture in which they are being held. Such optimism may be considered foolish by some, yet it is what a spiritual life rests upon, and each soul must choose what they wish to believe about the nature of reality. This choice is especially important at times of collective difficulty or distress.

Among the many ways of anchoring, there are mantras or repeated sacred phrases that one may employ for the purpose of stabilizing the self that can be said to oneself many times throughout the day. These carry a vibration of truth and of sacredness so that repeating them, one incorporates their energy whether they are fully believed in on the mental level or not.

Mantras can contain any words that are powerful to the heart and soul, and especially those that have been used by others in meditation or prayer. When this is the case, one’s own saying them combines with their historical use which strengthens their potency.

Some mantras that can be said throughout the day for purposes of anchoring are:

“Thy will be done.”

“Lead me and guide me in Thy light.”

“Om, shanti, shanti, shanti.”

“Make me an instrument of Thy peace.”

“Let peace prevail and darkness disappear.”

“I am a pure and blameless child of God.”

“I am one with the highest light.”

“Kadosh, kadosh, kadosh, Adonai, s’vaote.”

“I am one with the Divine light within me.”

Words of one’s own choosing can also be used as a mantra and said repeatedly as long as they hold a sacred vibration and feel uplifting to the heart and soul.

Sacred words, said repeatedly, in the secret chambers of one’s thoughts and heart, are powerful conveyors to the conscious and unconscious mind of a truth that can deepen as one reaches for it. Even if belief is not entirely present in the beginning, repetition can cause the vibration to insinuate inself into both the physical and spiritual bloodstream, so that it becomes part of one’s body consciousness and energy field.

Striving to remain centered and anchored during times of difficulty is important not only for ourselves, but for those around us. For the energy that we are able to incorporate and to maintain within us can have a wider effect on the circle of friends and acquaintances we come into contact with on a daily basis, rippling out to bring greater peace and hope to others, as well as to ourselves.

Julie Redstone is a teacher, writer, and founder of Light Omega, a center for spiritual teaching and healing whose purpose it is to create an understanding of the sacred transition into light that the Earth is presently going through and the changes this will bring to individual and planetary consciousness.

I am not about to start discussing religion in this article. I think that beliefs are a personal matter. If you are interested in religious jewellery because it reinforces your faith or because you find it pleasing to wear or any other reason then that’s ok by you so it should be ok with everyone else.

I must admit though, I did feel sorry when I heard that a member of British Airway crew had been told to remove his crucifix in case it offended other religions in other countries, He had apparently been given it by his grandma so I think it was more a case of a loving reminder of his grandma than a statement of his faith. I always wear a gold ring that was give me by my mother-in law and I would be devastated if I ever had to take it off. I believe British Airways has back peddled since. The announcement to withdraw the ban was made five hours after the Church of England threatened to sell its £6.6 million worth of BA shares because of the ban. Here in England we are very tolerant of other people’s beliefs and religions so find it hard to understand when others don’t tolerate us.

Throughout history all religions have been subject to bloodshed and persecution. According to our scriptures Jesus was on the cross for less than one day and over 2,000 years later the cross or a crucifix (which is a figure of Jesus on the cross), is worn as a piece of jewellery by Christian men and women as a statement of their faith.

Crucifixes first appeared in the 5th century but at that time the figure of Jesus was symbolized as a lamb. As well as gold and silver crosses and crucifixes on the Waldorf Elite web page you will also find other items of religious jewelry including the Sacred Heart Medallion and “ZION” Star of David

Zion is a term that most often describes Jerusalem and the Land of Israel. The shape of the Star of David is six-pointed geometric star figure a mixture of two equilateral triangles. This shape is called a hexagon. The hexagon shape has been used by other religions and is still used by the occult. During the Second World War the Jews were identified by the Germans with A Star of David. The star had the word Jude on it which was German for Jew and during the holocaust all Jews above the age of 6 were required to wear this star which was usually a yellow color. In other German-occupied areas the word Jew was inscribed on the star in the other areas language.

In 17th century Paris, a, Roman Catholic nun, Margaret Mary Alacoque had visions of Jesus Christ. From these visions she learned the devotion to the Sacred Heart. The heart of Christ is a symbol of Christ’s love for mankind. The Sacred Heart is almost always seen on Jesus’ chest .The heart is depicted as a flaming heart shining with divine light, pierced by the lance-wound, surrounded by a crown of thorns, and bleeding The wounds and crown of thorns refer to the manner, while the fire represents the divine love for humanity.

Jayne Waldorf has been an internet marketer for over two years.If you would like more information on Jewellery or to see some great religious jewellery products please visit Jayne at her Waldorf Elite Web Site Today

There are many different Christian sex beliefs which people will claim to be right and wrong. The problem is, there are some who believe one particular practice is wrong, while another group will find the practice perfectly acceptable. So how do you discern who is right and who is wrong? Here’s how to get to the bottom of Christian sex beliefs, and what is right and wrong for Christian intimacy.

1. Listen to the different views.

Don’t automatically accept one view that may say that a particular position is absolutely sinful and should not be practiced. Many Christians have done this, only to find years later that there are other views that point directly to scripture, showing that the position is an actual sound practice within Christian intimacy.

Research the different points of view on Christian intimacy. Then and only then, as a couple, make a sound decision on what you feel should be allowed in your relationship. Below you will find an excellent starting point when it comes to the rules.

But for now just remember, if you have already heard one point of view that sounds extremely limiting, rest assured there will be other opinions which will argue for a much more non limiting intimacy practice. In the end it will be between the two of you to make a sound decision. This decision should be arrived at by not only discussing it with one another, but also praying on the subject with one another.

2. The two main rules:

There are two main rules that you and your partner can agree on right away and begin to adhere to. These two rules have to do with: Safety and enjoyment.

Your intimacy practice should be safe. That’s a fairly straight forward, common sense rule that any Christian can agree with and adhere to. Any practice that places obvious harm, should not be allowed. Below you will learn how to find out what practices are safe and allowed. You likely will be pleasantly surprised at what practices are safe and acceptable within Christian intimacy.

Next, enjoyment should be paramount. You should focus your sex life on the enjoyable nature in which it is meant to be. Focus on techniques and practices that will make for a joyous, exciting and intimately pleasing experience.

3. The Christian sex manual:

Getting a Christian sex manual is a must. A good manual will outline what is said to be allowable and what is not, as well as provide amazing and exciting tips and techniques for Christian sex. You can gain a wealth of knowledge just overnight by reading up on acceptable ways to greatly increase your intimate Christian experience.

You will also learn tips, techniques and even intimacy tricks to become more pleasurable and pleasing during intimacy. And of course everything is considered Christian safe. There are even Christian sex toys which are allowable. Christian intimacy manuals will describe the best and most safe forms of intimacy toys which can add excitement, pleasure and variety to your relationship.

Here’s an excellent Christian Sex Manual which outlines rules as well as intimate tips and techniques - Christian Sex Manual This was written by an average Christian who made it his life’s work to bring Christian couples closer to one another -Christian Sex Manual

Organized religion and the standards of marriage have been intertwined for centuries but in the early Roman period the Catholic Church eliminated other forms of marriage and established monogamy as the appropriate marital relationship. As Christianity took root in Europe so did monogamy and other forms of marital relationships receded to the fringes of societies. When the Mormon Church first established polygamy it was practiced secretly by only a few select members because it violated long standing values of monogamy within religious communities.

There was a strong anti-American sentiment among early Mormons who felt persecuted by the government whose democratic values threatened their rising theocratic system. The general public was opposed to the strange movement known as Mormonism and mobs formed among the populace that drove the Mormons from one location to the next. They were eventually driven out of the United States into Utah Territory which at the time was an isolated and hostile environment where the Mormons hoped to be left alone where they could practice polygamy openly.

And indeed, Mormons had cause for such anti-Americanism. They were brutally persecuted wherever they went with government officials often looking the other way. There was a strong resistance to the establishment of Mormonism in America. It was often due to the mixing of church and state as well as rumors of men practicing a peculiar law of marriage that violated old Christian standards of monogamy.

Once Mormonism settled in Utah, polygamy was openly practiced. The church controlled businesses and schools and frowned upon any contact with gentiles. As a result, there were standoffs between the US government and Mormons whose strange practices and huge memberships in the thousands (with thousands more immigrating from Europe to Utah territory), posed a threat to the survival of the infant United States who was still establishing an identity. The Mormons hoped to be left alone in Utah Territory to practice polygamy and establish their own rules of conduct but it was not meant to be. Utah was the central point in bringing East and West together with the joining of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 and was destined to become a part of the United States. But the United States would not allow Utah statehood as long as polygamy was flourishing under a theocratic system.

In 1878 leaders of the Mormons, believing that the constitution would protect their religious freedoms decided to challenge the Bigamy Act. In the case of United States versus Reynolds the Supreme Court confronted the First Amendment’s free exercise of religion. After much debate and scrupulous study of the founder’s intent for the First Amendment, the Supreme Court carried a unanimous vote to uphold the Bigamy Act and created the Edmunds-Tucker Act which unincorporated the Church and disenfranchised the women. The Edmunds Tucker Act was essentially separating church and state. The Mormons’ plan had backfired. It appeared that polygamy was on its way out except that in 1886 John Taylor who succeeded Brigham Young in the presidency of the Mormon Church received a revelation demanding the preservation of polygamy. The alleged revelation remained a secret and in 1890 the Mormon Church issued a manifesto renouncing polygamy.

In 1896 Utah entered the Union and Mormon Fundamentalism was born on the underbelly of the Church. It wasn’t until the 1940’s that Mormon fundamentalism divorced its parent. For many years, well into the 1920’s and 30’s Mormon fundamentalists were encouraged to remain members of the church as long as they could knowing full well that many of the Church leaders were practicing polygamists. It didn’t take long after excommunication for Mormon Fundamentalism to splinter off into groups each of them struggling over the issue of authority.

The first ordination of authority for Mormon fundamentalism in 1886 was performed in secrecy. This secrecy became a feature of Mormon fundamentalism in every respect. Marriages were performed in secret, meetings were held in secret, plural wives lived in secret and children were born in secret. Many children were born with falsified last names on birth certificates as well as imaginary fathers. During the early years, reprisal by the government was of great concern and posed a huge threat to the struggling groups.

Secrecy is a dark veil that hides corruption. Behaviors of abuse, both sexual and physical were not promoted by Mormon fundamentalists but were natural products of the secrecy to which they were bound. To reveal an abuser within the group meant to reveal the group. So Mormon fundamentalism became a safe haven for abuse, control, and the violation of personal rights for there was no one to be accountable to. This dynamic existed within families as well as within the different groups as a whole.

In 1946, a group of men were arrested, convicted and jailed on charges of polygamy/bigamy and some of them spent several years in prison for refusing to sign documents stating that they would not live polygamy and would leave their non-legal wives. Most of the men did not sign and therefore served their sentences simultaneously providing Mormon fundamentalism with heroes and martyrs.

In 1953, Arizona officials raided the town of Colorado City then known as Short Creek. Children were taken from their parents and placed in foster care and men were taken to jail. But ultimately the public was against this action taken by the government and there was tremendous media sympathy. The government, realizing that the American public would not support the removal of Mormon fundamentalists by force, began to leave them alone. In spite of this, the continued fear of being discovered or taken to prison was very real and lingered on in the minds and hearts of those who experienced it. This fear was planted in the hearts of children who were isolated from all societies but their own. These fears reinforced the secrecy and the secrecy reinforced the fears. In spite of the fears there was a long period of quiet for Mormon fundamentalism and the separation between the LDS Church and Mormon fundamentalism widened. That ended in April when Texas officials raided an FLDS compound in Eldorado.

Mormon fundamentalism as it stands today is diverse in beliefs and doctrine as well as divided on issues of authority. Most of these splinter groups have a selection of men that reside as the authorities and each group claims the true chain of command. Others practice what is referred to as the one-man doctrine such as the FLDS. Some Mormon fundamentalists defy any religious authority and practice polygamy as independents. Some have strict dress codes while others are very liberal in their appearance.

Many of these groups are struggling to evolve and reform but the need for secrecy prevents them from being able to create the level of accountability necessary for reform. By understanding the history of these groups there can be hope for reconciliation between Mormon fundamentalists and the government of the United States. This is a pivotal point for both sides. Will history repeat itself or will both parties recognize the opportunity that stands before them?

Only time will tell.

Susanna Barlow is the 23rd child of 46 children, the quintessential middle child. Her fundamentalist religious upbringing shaped her life, her values, and her views on literally everything. Though no longer affiliated with polygamous groups on a religious level, she is surrounded by family & friends who practice polygamy. For more information, visit: Susanna Barlow.

Mormon fundamentalism is decidedly hierarchal as are many organized religions but in the case of Mormon fundamentalism there are also the factors of polygamy and patriarchy which are not merely cultural elements but are actual tenets or requirements in order to receive salvation. There is much dysfunction and mismanagement of power because of the lack of democracy in these groups. Any time an organization develops a pecking order there is loss of power for some and excess of power for others creating an imbalance. It may be said that to remove the hierarchy would resolve this dilemma and create a democratic environment.

But hierarchies are not always dysfunctional. Consider a pack of wolves. It is a form of hierarchy where one’s rank must be earned but there is a distinctive democratic element. One is not arbitrarily ranked but is free as an individual to act. Any wolf within the pack can challenge the alpha male. The alpha male can be replaced easily by another male that can defeat the alpha in a test of strength, courage and endurance. The pack members follow the toughest and most able leader. The females will only mate with a male that has proven his fitness for the job. Once the ranking is established everyone accepts their place and there is group solidarity and cohesion.

Mormon fundamentalists have established their own pack; but it lacks democracy. Men do not challenge the leaders and women do not challenge their husbands and children do not challenge their parents. This has a polarizing effect keeping the weak and the strong separated and preventing the exchange of power. The argument is made that all individuals are not equal. A child is not equal to a parent for example in experience or development. Democracy does not claim equality of individuals but equality of opportunity. It is diversity and change that is at the premise of creation and survival. Humans are social creatures and seek out groups to ensure survival as well as companionship. But it is this tendency toward tribalism that has created so many of the existing problems with any social order from large corporations to the military to organized religion. But social groups can work if there is freedom and individuality.

A good example is the common book club. Membership into the group is voluntary. Everyone in the group agrees to read the same book then meets together to discuss different perspectives and viewpoints. The club or group benefits from the contributions of each individual member but only when all members are encouraged to express their opinions particularly when those opinions differ from the other members. The foundation of the group is built upon freedom of choice while individuality is the life’s blood of the group. It is the freedom that allows the group to develop and grow and the individuality that keeps it alive. There may be many levels of intellect, some greater and some lesser but there is equal opportunity for all.

But there is catch to social orders and groups: the need to belong. We will often tolerate much that we don’t like in order to belong. In herds of wild horses the worst punishment the matriarch of the herd can inflict on an unruly member is rejection. All the horses turn their backs to the member being punished. It is very effective and it isn’t long before the outcast is humbled and begs back into the herd. The need to belong becomes a crutch with the need for approval following on the heels belonging. Acceptance of the tribe limits free thought and the expression thereof. Freedom comes with a high price tag that many folks aren’t willing to pay.

In early human history, freedom was a currency that was exchanged for the security of belonging and survival. Tribes were formed and civilizations arose while freedom and individuality waned. Organized religion is a tribe that centers on spiritual survival rather than physical survival. Freedom is exchanged for the security of the promise of salvation. The group connects and forms bonds based on similarities while rejecting the one thing that would prevent it from becoming corrupt: differences.

Individuality and freedom magnify the polarities of human nature. But it also offers human development an opportunity to evolve beyond survival of the fittest. Before democratic communal living can work the individual must be fully developed and liberated. Civilizations have risen and fallen because they failed to recognize the power of the individual to drive change and being unwilling to adapt to change, they failed. In order for civilizations to last they must never become static.

A good example of this is the TV series ER. It has run now for fourteen years. While other dramas come and go it has had the staying power those others shows have simply run out of. Why? The answer is simple. The show has a revolving cast. It is in a constant state of change bringing new characters and different dilemmas to the forefront. But this created a conflict. Would the show lose its following of viewers if it killed off the cast? Several major characters have died on the show and are replaced. Did ER lose some of its viewers? Yes; only to gain new viewers. The argument can be made that you shouldn’t eliminate characters from a show that is distinctly character driven. It would appear to be television suicide. ER does something unique from other medical dramas. When the characters have been fully exhausted instead of recycling the characters with redundant issues they are replaced by fresh new faces with new crises to resolve. This is the secret to the show’s longevity.

Likewise, Mormon fundamentalism has reached a pivot point. It has fully exhausted its resources and its ideals. It will either reform itself or it will fall. Like empires of the past that have imploded because of hubris and denial of freedoms Mormon fundamentalism has become top-heavy. It is an authority driven society that limits freedom and creates spiritual dependency. Solidarity is based upon twin fears: fear of the outside world and fear of rejection from within. Individuals within Mormon fundamentalism must challenge the system and allow the old to die to make room for the new.

Individuality is the foundation for reform and without freedom individuality is sacrificed on the altar of security. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Anyone willing to trade freedom for security deserves neither freedom nor security.” Mormon fundamentalism does not deserve the security or the protection of the constitution unless it is willing to establish a freer environment, one that offers equal opportunity to its members. It can reform itself and must reform itself by respecting individuality and freedom as the cornerstones of lasting societies.

Susanna Barlow is the 23rd child of 46 children, the quintessential middle child. Her fundamentalist religious upbringing shaped her life, her values, and her views on literally everything. Though no longer affiliated with polygamous groups on a religious level, she is surrounded by family & friends who practice polygamy. For more information, visit: Susanna Barlow.

Today we are living in a world where conflict is raging out of control and all are seeking ways of making peace, resolving conflict in the world, their families and personal relationships. The practices of both Judaism and Zen, have time tested practices which lead us to become balanced, positive and clear, no matter what is going on.

The overall purpose of Jewish practice is Tikkun Olam, healing the world. In order to do this however, individuals must start closer to home. In Jewish practice, the family is the core upon which the world is built and the home is the sanctuary. The family is the place where we are taught to share, love, and grow into the person we are meant to be. The family is also a place where we are challenged and confronted with intense, often conflicted emotional relationships. In order for us to have good relationships in the world at large, it is crucial to learn how to be at peace with our family. This is probably the most difficult challenge of all.

Jewish Practice teaches us that difficult family relationships are not a matter of chance. Family members are given to one another as teachers, to learn grow, be able to correct past errors and develop new parts of ourselves. Whether or not you like a family member, the bond goes deep. Overlooking the difficulties and needs of your brothers or sisters is considered a grave mistake. The way you treat your brothers and sisters is a training ground for your relationship with the whole world. Jewish practice offers various mitzvot, actions to take and to refrain from taking which serve to create healing and peace in the family and the world.

A foundational mitzvot is, “You are your brother’s keeper. Take good care of him.” No matter what differences exist, put your brother’s and sister’s needs above your own. Deeds of kindness are needed, no matter how you feel. Share, listen, go out of your way, put your selfishness aside. When you learn to make peace with your family, then all other relationships can flourish and grow.

In Zen practice the students with whom we practice are called the sangha. In this spiritual family, we also experience and work through our deepest needs and vulnerabilities. The practice of sangha is to offer unconditional acceptance, encouragement, and sanctuary to one another. The sangha comes from all walks of life, all races, religions, conditions, and educational backgrounds. As you practice together, you forge a profound, timeless bond and after years experience a deep sense of oneness, wherever you go, you are all one.

Of course, as in the family, problems arise in the sangha as well. These problems are fuel for practice and an aid to growth. The Buddha gave a great teaching for dealing with problems in the sangha, family, and world at large: “Do not look at the faults of others. Look at your own deeds, done and undone.”

Zen practice focuses upon first healing the war within. When you wish to create true and lasting peace, do not focus on fixing or changing others, or casting blame. Instead, take total responsibility for your part in what is happening and look within. The only one you can change is yourself. Zen teaches that correcting yourself is the best way to alter a difficult situation.

The modern-day Zen master Thich Nat Hahn describes this beautifully: “Although we cannot cover the entire world with peace, we can cover our own feet and, one step at a time, walk along, bringing peace with us.”

Zen practice reminds us that if you try to fix a troubled world while you yourself are filled with anger and confusion, you are of little value. Your ultimate contribution is who you are. First sit down on the cushion and face yourself. When you are ready, you can bring true ease of heart wherever you go.

·

Discover how Jewish ane Zen practice can heal your life in best selling book Jewish Dharma (Guide to the Practice of Judaism and Zen) www.jewishdharma.com, by Dr Brenda Shoshanna.

Have you ever found yourself putting great dependence on some area of your life or confidence in yourself? Maybe an area that you take great pride in, your education, your career, your possessions, your wealth, your good looks, your achievements , athletic ability, you communication skills, your intelligence, your status at work or among your friends or simply the independent pursuit of such things are the total focus or top priority in your life.

When you consider your accomplishments you may think; my hard work produced this for me and I achieved this with my own abilities, skills and intelligence. As you reflect back it is easy to become prideful, even arrogant about your own abilities & Accomplishments. When we think we have reached the pinnacle of self control, God will choose to use that very thing in which you take pride in as an eye opener about where your good blessings came from. God will use the very gift or strength with which we place value in and use it to break us of our belief that we have complete control and live according to our own will. The bible says that God has a purpose and a plan for each of us, and while he may allow us to have free will, for those whom he wants to use for his purpose will be brought to brokenness so that they may serve to glorify him.

Proverbs 11:2

2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 19:20-22

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

What is Gods Will?

John 12:24-26

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Philippians 2:2-4

then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Gods’ purpose and will for us is twofold: first is that we seek him as the first priority in our life and second is that we let our light shine so others can see and become like disciples and glorify god. Consider the verses above as explained by leading pastor. The kernel of wheat represents the self life, when we die to ourselves only then can God begin his good work in us. When we die to ourselves and focus our life on Gods purpose for us can we truly become fruitful and experience Gods blessing. Those who seek only worldly treasures will find only worldly rewards. These rewards die when we die and will account for nothing in the spiritual life. While we certainly have to work and provide for ourselves in this life we are not to make them our only priority. Is it not amazing the time we commit and confidence with which we place in ourselves and the things that we produce. In the world we measure people by their level of worldly success, wealth knowledge, abilities, appearance, and skills. We put such great confidence in these things it is no wonder God uses them to get our attention.

John 15 :5-8

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Greed, Pride, Deceit, Selfishness, Fear we all may posses some of these character traits, yet God reminds us that there is no place in the life of a Christian for them. In the bible God brought several men in the bible to brokenness then used them for his purpose. These same men at one time were sinners: Peter was broken of Pride when he denied knowing the Lord at his crucifixion after stating he would never deny him, Jacob selfishly and deceitfully stole Esau’s birthright and blessing, David committed adultery with Bathsheba the wife of Uriah the same David whom God said was a man after his own heart. Moses who lost all confidence in himself yet led Gods chosen people to a new land.

James 3:13-15

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil

Matthew 23:11-13

The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

So if you are feeling as thought you have been broken and everything seems a mess then you may be very well experiencing God breaking you , bringing you to the very end of yourself where you say I cannot do this anymore I give every desire to you Lord please complete your will and not my own. The bible says we are pressed but not crushed, in other words if we are resistant to the breaking then the pressure may intensify , but God will never break your spirit or give you more than you can handle with his help. This can be better described as a forced dependence on God rather than self dependence, but only if you are open to it.

Psalm 34:17-19

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Paul told the Corinthians to be pleased if they were experiencing heartache and difficulties in this world and that it meant they were being prepared for blessing.

Psalm 119:35-37

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word

The Bible says that God is able to comfort others with the peace He gives to us in broken times. We cannot avoid having our plans and personal will broken through broken dreams, broken promises, and broken relationships. But when our brokenness has been completed, God can use our shattered circumstances to draw others to Him, and we can find joy in the fact that he is using us for his purpose and glory.

After all, Jesus himself was broken at the cross for all of us.

Chris Beard is a virtual insurance agent providing automated online and tele-service insurance services to protect Florida families with health insurance, HSA’s, life insurance, and short term medical plans. Visit his web site for more information on Individual and Family Health Plans. www.trinity1financialgroup.com Instant online quotes: Individual Health Insurance Quotes

While some sections of the Bible are designed to give a historical perspective of drinking, and others use drinking to help illustrate a point, there are some places in the Bible that specifically deal with the ethics of drinking. One of these that stand out is Proverbs 31: 29-35. It says:

“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.

Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. ‘They hit me,’ you will say, ‘but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?’”

Verse 29 and 30

This verse is an explanation of the sorrow and the pain that is felt, more of an interjection than an actual question. It explains that pain of those who have a habit of drinking too much.

Verses 31 and 32

These verses sound poetical, but they explain how innocuous a glass of Dolcetto (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Dolcetto/) appears, yet how it holds great pain in its after effects.

Verse 33

This is meant to be as a warning of what happens when someone becomes drunk. It speaks to the hallucinations that occur when someone has had too much to drink and how the alcohol can play with their mind. Hallucinations while drinking have also been seen in other areas of literature, leading to the presumption that it has been a problem for some time.

Verse 35

There is no one mentioned in the Bible who actually hit a drunk person, and therefore, this is often attributed to the other drunkards who accompany him, perhaps he is getting bruises from stumbling and falling due to his physical impairments caused by drinking.

Similar language is used elsewhere in the Bible, and can be used to describe everything from wickedness to Demons to Satan himself. However, because of the ranting and half-awake phrases, it seems that the drunkard is attacked by visions in his own mind.

Highlighting the evil

The words in this passage highlight the struggle of the drunkard. While we may feel pity for him after reading it, there are many more just like him enduring the same suffering on a daily basis who have a few too many glasses of Barbera the night before.

It also shows that alcohol and its overconsumption is not a new problem – it has been going on for thousands of years. Not only was it a social, personal, and moral concern in Christ’s day and earlier, it still remains a concern today. From verses like these, it becomes clear that the Bible does not condone drunkenness, and therefore does not condone the drinking of alcoholic beverages.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in the history of cuisine, wine, and religion. For an amazing variety of wine varietals such as Barbera and Dolcetto, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com/.

If there is no question as to what the Bible says about wine and drunkenness, it leaves you to wonder just what sort of wine this is. There is no doubt that it is alcoholic, though it was probably much less so than a strong drink we know today.

However, the wine does appear to be of the highest vintage – bright in color and sparkling, with a smooth taste that made it easy to drink, similar to a Grenache (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Grenache/) perhaps. Mixed drinks are also mentioned in the Bible, though more as the second type of drink – which causes excitement, but is between the wine that is good to drink and the wine that intoxicates.

According to Solomon

Solomon was conservative and experienced, as well as wise. So many people would expect him to say that moderation was fine – that you should rationally use the gifts that God has given. Instead, he passes on the idea of abstinence, telling those to turn away as though wine was deadly and poisonous.

The wine of Biblical times was certainly purer than those you find today, with beautiful color and taste to make it all the more tempting. And because it was so tempting, it made it all the more perilous. Many think that because Solomon set forth some of the best known guidelines for living, and that this guideline should also be followed.

Proverbs 31

There are other passages that speak similar words. King Lemuel was told that kings were not to drink wine. This was because wine could cloud their judgment and cause them to forget the law and make poor rulings. The idea that wine was not for kings was repeated several times. This idea can be applied to not only kings, but to anyone who has power and authority, and not for anyone that is connected in some way to the well being of others.

This is because if they allow alcohol, even if it is a fine Malbec, to cloud their mind, then they will forget their duty. Nearly every person in the world has authority for someone, whether it is a friend, family member, neighbor, or someone with a job that offers them authority over more people.

Only those in poor health

The only use of alcohol that is recommended is to give it to those who are dying and who are “bitter in soul.” This is a medicinal use of alcohol – to provide strength to a dying person while waiting for help to arrive, or to dull the pain for surgery or other medical procedure when no other pain reliever is present, or as a way to help alleviate some deadly fear. Therefore, it seems totally clear when alcohol can and cannot be used according to the Bible.

With the Bible being as clear as it is, there seems to be no room for negotiating. It surely speaks to abstinence, total abstinence, except in the rare cases of medical necessity. If Solomon spoke to abstinence, and King Lemuel told that it was not for kings, how can the use of alcohol today be justified?

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in food, wine, and it’s influence on religion. For a great selection of wine varietals such as Grenache and Malbec, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com/.

In a world that we live in today can be a very dangerous place with terrorism, natural disasters and human hatred at an all time high as never seen before in history. We as God’s people must understand the reality of God’s Angels. No matter what your denomination or background we are able to walk in safety in today’s dangerous world. The Lord does not look at denominations, color or background, He looks at the heart. If you live a surrendered life in the Lord then you are promised Angels for protection.

Never again do you have to live a life full of worry and fear. You can walk through life with peace and joy knowing that there are Angels walking with you and your children. Some think that God won’t protect them because of their failures and mistakes that they made in life; however we must understand that the Lord doesn’t look for perfection He looks for surrender. His word promises great protection for those who seek Him and live for Him even in today’s busy life.

Angels are ministering spirits, they minister for the saints but they do not minister to us (Ps 104:4) (Heb 1:7, 14). Only the Holy Spirit ministers to us however Angels minister for us. In times of great danger you can count on an Angel/Angels being their, because you are God’s child and He cares for you. In your worst moments you can walk assured that everything is going to be alright. When your enemies surround you pick up your head and be full of strength because you’re not alone in this battle.

When you decide in life to walk out into God’s plans you will be faced with danger on every side and every time you will see the power of God as He makes a way where their seemed to be no way through that battle and many times He will send Angels to fight and clear the path that you’re walking, because nothing and no-one can stop God’s plans for your life not even satan himself.

There have been times in my life that I have seen supernatural events of Angels working in my life concerning protection. Like the time when a car was coming right towards me both of us were doing around seventy miles per hour on a major highway in the state of Florida, the car jumped lanes and came right for me when all of a sudden I seen that car thrown off to the side as though a unseen hand pushed the car out of my way. I have had many other victories like this that’s why I am writing to you about Angels they are real and they are there for you.

Relationship, that’s what it is all about; your relationship with Jesus Christ is where it all begins. They who fear the Lord have Angels encamped around them the Bible say’s, so it all starts with relationship with the Lord. It is Jesus that should be worshiped not Angels. It is the Lord that paid the price for you and as that relationship is developed then you will experience supernatural protection that the Bible teaches. Today begin to live this life without fear and worry then you will experience the abundant life that Jesus came to give you.

Jason Powers a Christian Writer in the state of Florida. His books have touched many lives from around the world including India, Pakistan, Africa and the UK. For more information about Jason Powers or his writings visit Jason Powers Ministries