Spirituality Tips Guides

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

I don’t know about you, but I often don’t know whether I should act on something or just surrender it to God and let it show up in my life.

Reviewing my experience with both these approaches, I find that both have worked and both have failed.

Sometimes when I surrender, things do show up. Sometimes nothing happens until I act.
And sometimes I do the wrong things, too, and it still doesn’t show up.

Last Sunday, I got lost on my way to a new location. I decided to surrender. Intuitively, I knew when to turn left or right on each crossroad. Suddenly, remarkably, I found myself upon familiar ground and was able to complete my journey to my intended destination.

Last night, for example, no amount of praying helped me ease my hacking cough. Since I had not been able to sleep for three days because of coughing every time I dozed off, I was in a highly agitated state. Finally, out of desperation, I jumped out of bed, wrapped myself up in multiple layers of clothes, stumbled out into the freezing night, climbed into my car and drove around until I could find a pharmacy that was open past midnight. I found one; purchased a coughing-sneezing-aching-let-you-sleep at night medication.

For the first, in what seemed like a very long time, I slept very deeply and woke up completely refreshed.

I know that these are small and perhaps trivial examples, but they do point to a much larger theme. God helps those who help themselves.

Basically, you have to act in this world to get things done. Rarely do things just show up by themselves. This does happen, but not at a statistically significant level to count on it.
However, after you act, you have to let it go. You can’t predict the outcome, and you definitely can’t control it. Thus, I have come to the conclusion that our best recourse is to do what we can and then let go the results. Basically, we act and then we surrender.

Here is a small fable to illustrate my point:

In a time long ago, there was a clever merchant who bought some camels from a distant town and had to transport them to his home through the desert. On his first night in the desert with his new herd of camels, he did not know whether to take the time to tie them all up before he went to sleep that night in his tent. Should he just trust God and hope that he would be able to see them still flocked around in the morning? Should he make the effort of spending several hours tying up each camel to a stake in the ground?

Mysteriously, a monk showed up. He was passing through and asked the merchant for some food and shelter.

After dining the monk, the merchant asked him what to do about his camels.

“Tie up the camels,” said the sage, “and trust God to keep them there until morning.”

And here is a true story that illustrates it:

I once worked with an MLM person. I joined his team when he was making direct sales and doing $10,000 a month. He was a wizard at the cold call. He could charm the fleas off a dog with his words. He was also highly religious. What he did was make the effort and surrender the result. Avalanches of abundance flowed to him.

Then he became enamored with the surrender texts in his Bible and shirked the doing part. Within four months, everything that he had built up collapsed.

In conclusion, God is the ultimate mystery. Sometimes our life lessons are to be proactive and change the world. Sometimes it is to be passive and let the invisible powers make all the necessary contacts and experiences. As human beings, we seldom recognize the lesson until later on. From our limited perspective, we don’t know what things mean and what to do. Thus, I think action and surrender is the best way to play the game of life.

Keywords: God, surrender

Saleem Rana is a psychotherapist in Denver, Colorado. He has discovered something remarkable that can change anyone to be highly successful. Simply go here to download his gift for you: http://saleemrana.blogspot.com/

I know a man who can take you to Narnia.

Well, not really Narnia, but to the very spot in England where Narnia was born in the mind of C.S. Lewis, author of “The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe”, which was recently released as a major motion picutre by Disney, and the entire Chronicles of Narnia series.

His name is Ron Brind who was a childhood pal of Lewis’s stepson Douglas Gresham and a frequent visitor to Lewis’s former Oxfordshire home in the 1950’s.

This wonderful tour takes place in Oxfordshire, England, and visits places of interest including Lewis’s former home ‘The Kilns’ and the beautiful Holy Trinity Church, Oxford, which was Lewis’s final resting place.

The tour duration which is approximately 3 hours and commences from outside the Randolph Hotel in Beaumont Street, Oxford, which is noted for its connections with Colin Dexter, who wrote the very famous Inspector Morse novels, and frequents the Randolph. En-route you will see the remains of the old ‘City Wall’, Magdalen College from Longwall Street where Lewis was elected a Fellow in 1925, Magdalen Bridge, where the famous Oxford May Day celebrations take place, and Magdalen College School, which was attended by Doug.

You will be taken through Headington to see one of the former homes of J R R Tolkien and to The Kilns, Lewis’s former home which was purchased jointly in October 1930 by Mrs Moore, Jack and Major Lewis. A short stroll away is the lake that yielded the Punt from the murky depths, owned by Lewis. How did the Punt get there? Find this out on the tour!

In leaving the Kilns, the tour passes a local watering hole used by Jack and Warnie and travels to Holy Trinity Church in Headington Quarry, where the vicar Mr Tom Honey will, subject to commitments, allow you to see inside this beautiful building. Outside in the Churchyard you will see the grave of C S Lewis and Mrs Janie King Moore, mother of the writer’s close friend Paddy Moore.

You will also see the entrance to the Mayfair Suite at the former Wingfield Hospital, today the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, where Jack and Joy’s marriage was blessed in a bedside ceremony in December 1956 because her death was thought to be imminent. The penultimate stop will be Oxford Crematorium to see the memorial plaque to Joy Davidman in cloister 2 and if you wish knowledge of exactly where Joy’s ashes were scattered.

The tour finishes at the Eagle and Child pub in Oxford’s magnificent St Giles thoroughfare. This famous watering hole was regularly used by Lewis and his circle of intellectual and literary friends known as ‘The Inklings’. It is here that you will be presented with a personalised Certificate recording your visit to ‘The Kilns’ - a memento of your tour and a reminder that the Lewis legacy lives on.

So even though he can’t take you as far as Narnia, he can take you to the very places where Narnia was conceived and born. And if you’ve seen the Disney movie titled “The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe”, it’s likely that you would love to see where and how Narnia was born.

Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music courses and operates http://www.playpiano.com where he offers a free newsletter on piano chords. Find out about his recent trip to Narnia by going to:
http://www.picturesofengland.com/oxford/cslewistours/index.html

Look around you and you will see them. Close your eyes and you will feel them. I’m talking about angels. They come in many forms, many colors, and many sizes, including male, female, and animal forms. They have different roles and serve different purposes. There are healing angels, messenger angels, protective angels, warrior angels, guide angels, teaching angels, and angels that inhabit certain places.

Angels are super compassionate beings that vibrate at a very high frequency, so consequently they are flooded with brilliant light in their natural form. There are hundreds and thousands of them with us. They need human prayers, either spoken out loud or in thought to move them to action. There is a symbiotic relationship between humans and the angelic beings. They cannot interfere unless they are asked through prayer or meditation.

That’s why anyone could be directed in a moment to pray for a total stranger, so that the angels may act even half way across the world. Angels also can be directed or commanded into action long before an accident or a tragedy has occurred, because you have already called them and released them into action by your words or your thoughts on a continuous basis long before anything has happened. If you are moved to pray for someone or some place and you don’t know why, just stop and pray. Direct angels to work on the behalf of the person or place that you are praying for.

If you don’t know the cause of your urgency to pray release and call all angels that may be appropriate. Call the healing angels, guide angels, warrior angels and protective angels. Speak to them directly and tell them that you want them to go immediately to the person or place that you are feeling or seeing at the time. “Angels protect her/him, help her/him right now. Do everything that you need to do to help her/him.” Or you could say, “I wrap this place in light right now. Warrior angels stand guard right now.” You can be very specific with them, or you can be more vague. But as clearly as you can direct them, it will ensure that the mission will get done very accurately and swiftly. The very precise angel for the job will be assigned. If you don’t know what to say, just say “Angels I command you to help her/him in every way that is needed right now.”

If there is healing to be done, that job is usually done by two or three angels. It is very rare that only one angel is required on a healing mission. Each one of us has a guardian angel that is always with us. When we gather in a group of people, thousands of guardian angels gather with us, at least one guardian per person. But there may be two or three assigned to one person at any given time. When we sing and worship, thousands of angels come to sing and hear the sounds and join in to celebrate. The Angels release a lot of joy and ecstasy in times of celebrations and prayer. One of their natural components is joy. They radiate joy and happiness.

When you direct them, you cannot direct them to manipulate, to hurt anyone, or destroy anything. They work on higher level of love and compassion and they will work with the best intention for everyone. They respect the free will of each person. For example, you cannot direct them to make someone love you or to be with you. You may pray or meditate that the best solution be done for all that are involved. Then the angels will act in the highest manner for each person. You may also pray that she/he be helped to see their ignorance of a situation. I’m sure you have had an encounter with an angel or two, maybe you didn’t even know it. But they are here!! So if you feel directed to pray on someone’s behalf, start praying, the Angels will take care of the rest.copyright 2006 Yoga Kat

Yoga Kat teaches children’s yoga ages 3-6, 7-12yrs and Adults in NJ. The Author of the book DAUGHTER BELOVED and created a children’s affirmation CD and an adult affirmation CD. Available for speaking and reached at yogakat@verizon.net or 201 970-9340–COMING SOON -http://www.thecircleofpeace.com

As pastoral staff, most of us have had the opportunity to go and visit someone in the hospital. It can be a pleasant experience as they welcome you with a smile, or they may cry as you offer prayer and comfort. It can also be awkward. For those members in your church, all of these situations can be frightening. Despite the fact that yesterday you were easily conversing as you hit golf balls together, today, he sees you coming and plunges under the covers. Do people really want you to come see them in that scanty gown? Should you bring a card? A gift?

What are you supposed to talk about as the nurses breeze in and out of the room? Should you try to cheer the person up? Pray? Here are some suggestions from chronically ill people who have spent time in the hospital. Feel free to edit this to use in your church newsletter as a resource guide to better equip your church with some special tools.

“I wish people would just ask ‘What can I do to help?’ If they could just bring me a sandwich or make me some iced tea…little things. Words like, ‘I admire your strength in what you’re going through’ would bring me comfort.” -Martha

“Someone brought me a little bottle of perfume and it just what I needed!” -Laurie

“When I am ill enough to be hospitalized, lots of visitors are not comforting. I feel I have to entertain. I prefer that they not stay too long and add to my distress. I do appreciate when they bring sources of spiritual healing, for example, a Guidepost magazine.” -Donna

“To keep me occupied in bed, I enjoy spiritual tapes to listen to and spiritual music to keep me occupied.” -Robin

“I have a friend who is a great laugher. It’s infectious and I always feel better being around her.” -Martha

“I would like friends to say, ‘Is there anything I can do for you? I know that you are hurting; Could I say a little prayer for you to maybe ease the pain a little?’” -Judy

“I wish friends would offer their help and just call to say hi. Nice words are a pick-me-up. ‘You’re in my prayers’ is a good one. It makes me realize that someone is praying for me. That seems better than praying by myself. The disease is lonely enough.” -Beverley

“The best gift while I was in the hospital was a box of crayons and a color book from my 5- year-old granddaughter.” -Marilyn

“Humor is always good (except just after surgery). I just had a spleenectomy and my friends came in and started cracking jokes thinking that making me laugh would be good. At that point it did make me laugh, but I ripped my stitches a bit and had lots of pain. So…” -Beverley

“My daughter sent updates to all of my on-line friends. Then she made copies of their encouraging words, scriptures, and prayers and brought them to the hospital.” -Martha

“Things that have brought me comfort were a new crochet book and a skein or yarn or thread, a pretty get-well card, a phone call from an old friend, some homemade cookies and can of soda.” -Judy

“I love to get mail, or pick up the phone to find a friend on the other end. I hope they understand that if I don’t respond enthusiastically it may be that my medications have me kind of zoned out or I’m just having a bad day, but I always appreciate their call.” -Terry

“I enjoyed the candy, flowers, books, hand cream, shower things, perfume. My favorite gift though was a burger from my favorite fast-food restaurant.” -Beverley

“Having my husband be there as much as he could helped the most. When I was in pain, having my daughter and a friend rush to my side and pat me and show love helped so much.” -Martha

Lisa Copen is founder of Rest Ministries, serving the chronically ill, &
editor of HopeKeepers Magazine. http://www.restministries.org
. Get 3 copies of her book Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage
a Chronically Ill Friend for just $10.

If you have given your heart to Jesus and confessed Him as your Lord and Savior, you belong to the family of God. Therefore, you are no longer a stranger, but a fellow citizen with the saints of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).

You were called to belong, not just believe! Remember, God said it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18).

You are a member of Christ’s body and you have a vital role to play in your local church. You are a church attender, aren’t you? I hope so. The church needs you for God has given a ministry for every believer. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says, “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”

There are a lot of Christians who do not attend church because of various excuses. The biggest excuse I hear is, “There are too many hypocrites in church.” Well, that may be true, but they are in the right place. The local church should be considered a hospital for sinners, or a classroom for the learning.

I believe most of the excuses I hear come from people who are in a self-centered state of mind. We have got to understand that we must be as committed to each other as we are to Jesus. After all, He expects us to give our lives for each other. 1 John 3:16 says, “Jesus laid down His life for us and we are to lay down our lives for our brothers.”

There is no such thing as a solitary saint. We form one body and each of us belongs to the other (Romans 12:5). Therefore, we are to serve one another.

You may say you cannot do anything. That is a lie from the devil. You can do something. As a member of the body of Christ, it is your duty to help the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy (Ephesians 4:16).

A large part of living an abundant and prosperous Christian life is simply giving. “Give what?” you may ask. Give time. Give money. Give food. Give encouragement. Give away your old clothes. Give away some new ones. Give smiles, hand shakes, and hugs. These things mean a lot! Especially if people who come into your local church do not experience this kind of love anywhere else.

You are extremely important in the body of Christ and we need you! Just like the individual parts of our physical bodies must be connected to the whole body to fulfill their roles, so you must be connected to the body of Christ to function as an
effective and prospering Christian. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

If Satan can get you unplugged from fellowship with fellow believers and isolate you from God’s family, you become perfect breeding ground for all kinds of negative circumstances to arise in your life.

Let God bless you by making you a blessing. Commit to your local church and to fellowship. Stay plugged in! The brightest light in the world will not shine unless it’s plugged in.

Daniel N. Brown is an entrepreneur and teacher of biblical success principles. Get his FREE report “Christian Prosperity Secrets” when you sign up for his FREE weekly newsletter.
http://www.Christian-Prosperity.com/freereport.html

Christian Debt Consolidation is simply a debt management process infused with Christian belief and set up as a support system. For any of those who have had to deal with debt, it can be a long process that takes much self restraint as well as a change of lifestyle which may not be so easily attained. Debt has been known to rip families apart and create long term mental illness in those it affects. Those dealing with financial difficulties get stuck in a vicious cycle of collector calls, paying bills with more credit cards, falling further in to debt. Christian Debt Consolidation was created in order to battle such difficulties and finding a sense of peace and control outside their debt problems.

Unlike standard debt management techniques, Christian Debt Consolidation focuses on a spiritual side that often is left behind in the corporate world that we live in. When one has lived in debt for so long, he or she may feel burned out, destroyed and a feeling of hopelessness which can be overwhelming to cope with for so long. Christian Debt Consolidation offers an alternate route to debt management that can help in the healing process often related to financial difficulties.

The problem with such programs as Christian Debt Consolidation is that just because a debt relief program is titled Christian, doesn’t make it so. Another problem that exists is that some people may also believe that just because a business has Christian in the title it should be cheaper than other businesses. The fact is, a business is a business, and even non-profit companies make money somehow. Often times the same credit card companies that you owe your debt too work in conjunction with the debt consolidation company that is supposedly trying to help you.

It comes down to a “weeding” process and picking and choosing the program that is right for you. Christian Debt Consolidation isn’t always going to be the best answer for everyone, just a healthy option for some. Also, it is important to do research on many financial institutions as they all do different things that may work better for your specific situation. It never hurts to learn about all your options when making such choices that affect your future.

Knowing all your options when making a smart financial decision make your choices more thought through and as a result, you recieve better results.

Many people also find other forms of Christian Debt services like; Christian Debt Counseling, Christian Debt Negotiation and other Christian-based services.

For those who don’t know how Debt Consolidation works, in a nutshell, it is a process of consolidating all of ones credit card debt in to a large lump sum. This sum is eliminated by paying a single monthly payment for two to five years. This processes is easier because instead of paying five to ten credit card bills a month, all with separate interest rates, one can make a single payment with one single lowered interest rates. This is a great alternative to bankruptcy.

Christian Debt Counseling differs from mere consolidation because it focuses on numerous methods to relieve debt other than strictly consolidating them. Some alternative methods could be negotiation in which ones debt is lowered through a process much like an auction. The negotiator asks the the to whom the debt is owed to lower the payments to a smaller amount which seems more attainable to the one in debt. Also those to whom the debt is owed, they understand that something is better than nothing, and this keeps individuals from filing bankruptcy and losing every chances of repayment.

Christian Debt programs value the spiritual and religious side of rehabilitation from debt. That is what makes these programs so special. It adds the faith factor in to a seemingly impossible fight which can clearly change ones perception on their ability to handle such a feat. Christian or not, one must take in to consideration the power of ones faith in completeling this most difficult of goals.

Another effort in creating success in financially troubling times is to gain knowledge and understanding of your debt and how it affects you. Every major obstacle we face, we must become the expert in dealing with them so they don’t re-appear in uglier ways. With that being said, one should read books about personal fianance and make a financial plan including a set of goals. These goals should give you a apecific map of how you plan to get out of debt. You should also seek the support of family and friends to help you with your spending habits. One of the common characteristics associated with people in debt, is that they have a need to spend more than they have. Changing your personal behavior and maybe changing your atmosphere may help contribute to achieving success with your finances.

Writer and Web-Publisher, Christian Debt Consolidation and Christian Debt Counseling information for Christian Debt Help