Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Reflection - Spiritual Mentors

Source (book): "Faithful to the end", Chapter 9, Question 3, Page 135.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012 

Source Website (Answers): http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/12-must-read-life-lessons-from-jesus/
Posted by Peter G. James Sinclair on April 23, 2011


Spiritual Mentors
PHOTO: Spiritual Mentors
Mentors have influenced our lifes, both dead and live, in the soul (mind) and body areas of our life, but there is only one who has also significantly impacted us in the spiritual area of our life. He is our Lord Jesus Christ.
Picture posted by Sarah on 3 January 2016 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit__zH8G3fyCAG8xkSMK3Kg5NfRTyBPX0VhzRtNs_8InES1rQR6ou-iVQ9HF6ouHXsyaqC275dUqJldcTul3D6eFHMLLo2HrvrWJYehrSrajAjNqPPYPbGj0OQms0GuYrmD-3Ae5DmHRs/s1600/canstockphoto22396843.jpg
http://fitnfaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/canstockphoto22396843.jpg
http://fitnfaster.com/ironman-or-bust-was-a-bust/



List some mentors (whether living or dead) who have taught you valuable spiritual lessons. Then list the key lessons you have learned from them. How do these lessons help you to trust God and remain faithful to Him? [2]

List some mentors (whether living or dead) who have taught you valuable spiritual lessons. [1]
I vaguely remembered  some of my spiritual 'mentors', and they were from my secondary school's days, and workplace colleagues of more than 15 years ago. We never met again and I couldn't recall their names. At best I could only remember their then young appearances, which are no longer appropriate now.



My spiritual 'mentors' were from secondary school's days
PHOTO: My spiritual 'mentors' were from secondary school's days, and workplace colleagues of more than 15 years ago. I couldn't recall their names because we never met again in my current days. I could only remember vaguely their then young appearances, which are no longer appropriate now.
Picture posted by Youth Vision Group on Tuesday, 7 June 2011 at 20:42 PM

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YD4lYim4kRb8lFukmMAJh61zRwSnZKsX2oHTqV83gT26tfCh6_E7G_EYJVThwKFMGSTkY3RKWvPzmqJebXPnrGfRWpEbSCZLUgVUBFFD_S0_MLIk5H7LECleqXFKFMIhzzi87hoQTTA/s1600/escalando-montanha.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJfq49EgDkk/Te63Cz2fHNI/AAAAAAAAAAY/bt7c3oieiPM/s1600/escalando-montanha.jpg
http://grupovisaojovem.blogspot.sg/2011/06/qual-e-sua-bandeira.html



Strangely, most of my mentors did not start with the Bible but by spoken words and their everyday actions. It was maybe because we were not in a conducive environment and there was no delegated time for spiritual development. We were young and our parents never mentioned about Christian's spiritual matters. The Bible was not used physically to explain about spiritual topics. The Bible was only referred to verbally. It was being mentioned just to enforce their spiritual messages. I did not own a Bible until my mid-thirties. A priest from an American army church in West Germany (1989) gave me the NIV Holy Bible when I attended the Sunday Mass, and Bible Study session. I am still using the same Bible although I acquired some more others as the years passed.



Most of my mentors did not start with the Bible but by spoken words and their everyday actions.
PHOTO: Most of my mentors did not start with the Bible but by spoken words and their everyday actions. It was maybe because we were not in a conducive environment and there was no delegated time for spiritual development.
Picture posted by Annelie on 10 November 2015 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3P1Plt3jckPfr9QT_XHLNtXIXT7NJHgDg8CnO02GxdTD2wurWRgqcJ5FfYp3PDbiaSF7Mt6fcpBwgxwSpIgLo7aqnlVP7ECEnbYJogSjYwiGu8Uu8G8clQdW72BNz-SMJ3cqjBPHXCSs/s1600/bible.jpg
http://cfdb.owmconsulting.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/bible.jpg
http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/cfdb-discussions/annas-heart-on-bible-movies/



Throughout the years I have had many mentors who have influenced my life, both dead and live, in the soul (mind) and body areas of my life, but there is only one who has also significantly impacted me in the spiritual area of my life (Jesus Christ).

In this secular world many people tend to forget that we are a triune being - spirit, soul and body, and that we need to tend each area that constitutes our life in order to live a full, balanced and successful life.

So let me introduce you to, in my opinion, the giant amongst mentors, taken from the most popular and best selling motivational book ever written (The Bible).



In this secular world many people tend to forget that we are a triune being - spirit, soul and body, and that we need to tend each area that constitutes our life in order to live a full, balanced and successful life.
PHOTO: In this secular world many people tend to forget that we are a triune being - spirit, soul and body, and that we need to tend each area that constitutes our life in order to live a full, balanced and successful life.
Picture posted by the abomination
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYxGYOYsP4ssZbaBPS9aTFFm3_MkId8gmSsGiylT7B1KE7oOrltyKSWGtMhpV4uiRdSS-YrspqSSrSdiDqFX1v5Z7y6dNTw2BHMr0NYT8c0i792PCcihAFhg7lpjdEJMKgjhuhCz7eiA/s1600/tumblr_o7jm1nyqUe1t7bnmio1_1280.jpg
http://65.media.tumblr.com/1c2a7d17791d9d0804cd3fddc67c4db4/tumblr_o7jm1nyqUe1t7bnmio1_1280.jpg
http://filthydivinity.tumblr.com/post/144714897715



Below are 12 powerful quotations from Christ Jesus with additional commentary from myself (Peter G. James Sinclair).


Then list the key lessons you have learned from them. How do these lessons help you to trust God and remain faithful to Him? [1]
1. To Serve Is To Be Great (Mark 10: 43)
Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.

Here is the secret to great leadership. Leadership is not about rulership. It is about serving others. And in giving to others you will never lack for any good thing in your life.



To Serve Is To Be Great (Mark 10: 43)
PHOTO: To Serve Is To Be Great (Mark 10: 43)
Here is the secret to great leadership. Leadership is not about rulership. It is about serving others. And in giving to others you will never lack for any good thing in your life.
Picture posted by fabio Articles on 19 December 2011 - The Good Samaritan
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSfIkuUhYRA5jbJGgg9WLDo82J4HYKUAAJ0gSfKK4jej4hwoQCtsgnRA8dIqlQhCMUwLkxgL1hNafzzEsPJZvRGG2VAsq8W-8ZekigtnYdcroobmtOih431UyluDPPJ_2H_VJQYXnH3c/s1600/TheGoodSamaritan.jpg
http://www.comentariojovem.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/TheGoodSamaritan.jpg
https://espiritoja.wordpress.com/2011/12/19/restaurando-os-caidos/



2. There Is A Cure For Worry (Matthew 10:26-31)
Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion - do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen colour and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers - most of which are never even seen - don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving.



There Is A Cure For Worry
PHOTO: There Is A Cure For Worry (Matthew 10:26-31)
Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers - most of which are never even seen - don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
Picture posted by jennygrace777 on 15 January 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw0c4a4MP2Ykn0EooZYq5hQ7n8kRqNXrJvQmqJ2mnb6rJm3UmPN_2isIHKn0pp7QzRCf_z84O9fVicmvFjTxvlXPOtd7LJ8p_pjs_37BwsfT_XPS7Mfsk8FN4h6ybjauENnGX6BEvaa8/s1600/Eden.jpg
http://i1.wp.com/hisgloryinourstory.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Eden.jpg
http://hisgloryinourstory.com/tag/sin/



To live a worry free life is a joy. Anxiety is a killer. So to be able to face each day, knowing that if the world can exist in such beauty and splendour, there is nothing that you need to be concerned about. Take a fresh look at nature and get the point.



To live a worry free life is a joy.
PHOTO: To live a worry free life is a joy. Anxiety is a killer. Take a fresh look at nature and get the point.
Picture posted by ? Shalom ? God bless us ? on Friday, 18 July 2014 at 10:45AM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWF-azy5-u2Ob4lsUZBZUiWCJIma0LxkgHybEJxnQ5_vtLJO465tpCtsTLekYNKRmVWiK57ppCifpdx2dPflfRa2LUgzTGGVRmo2YvDGEsd-LXDxZOQX8HcVMvPdmzhMaqGlfe2aJ0kM/s1600/8f5c67d6.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1tIAjE_Rst206MjY6OS-YzRA_aTa2CuYmsaPWU-qAmLOXgOt3yeItV8iCIiv2YzV3Gpxh1Ty4uWNYuWU_Z5LJq_N7qu5TeYLA0NzS4naUORgdvAQj5WfAeTSVFJAiimnRcWHBTxa8Zo/s1600/8f5c67d6.jpg
http://fantasymission.blogspot.sg/2014/07/blog-post_9654.html



3. Love Conquers All (Matthew 22:36-39 & Matthew 5:41-45)
"Teacher, which command in God's Law is the most important?" Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: Love others as well as you love yourself."



Love Conquers All
PHOTO: Love Conquers All (Matthew 22:36-39 & Matthew 5:41-45)
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: Love others as well as you love yourself."
Picture posted by Cer Roe on 4 June 2012
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https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p-iDX7-Tk2Q/T8zDSTSbc_I/AAAAAAAAAGw/n299PlWqipY/w567-h978/Jesus_004.jpg
https://plus.google.com/100997518428253420884/photos



also. . .

" . . . if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend', and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.'  I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves."

When it comes to love we are given three directives: Love God. Love your neighbour. Love your enemies.



Practice the servant life and Love your enemies
PHOTO: Practice the servant life and Love your enemies
Picture posted by Mery in Flickr.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFJVc7wSeH0O6Ov6wARwJqPQIShyphenhyphen-5N5btE680UP4lXFduHPpqAxJkcukIeRDYU8Kv7QC5kJ6HcWgWPiL_NyDU35pBcqmpBBfX-3WTpnuGQTW9vT9icIb4SXJUe1iy6d8WioAU6ppWWY/s1600/original-1.png
http://content.mery.jp/1100x2000/images/647794/6245291404_7b25334857_b.jpg/original
http://mery.jp/65967



The first step forward to develop this love in your life is to learn to pray. I have found prayer to be an incredibly energising practice. Now if this is not familiar to you, let me explain that this is not the point where you get all holier than thou on me. Prayer for me is simply sharing my heart with one greater than myself. You will often find me talking out loud as I pray, or sometimes I'm simply speaking quietly in the depths of my mind to one greater than myself.



Love and Pray for your enemies . . .
PHOTO: Love and Pray for your enemies . . .
Posted by Larry Neville on 7 March 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-IE5KPbWtC0tvOrpLF5eBKJ0ruLzllSjTdH_cUqRdh5LZqEC4keNp07ZyFIYFpyON9ttIhJVXWbGxYsUSbuxC080VttQxH5Zud4QO9EGzT4VqP926sEgN208Ly0qykd8T0V09hJaH8o/s1600/Jesus-corwn-thorwns-pray-for-.png
http://www.larryneville.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Jesus-corwn-thorwns-pray-for-.png
http://www.larryneville.org/love-and-pray-for-your-enemies/



I was actually up at 3.30am this morning praying. That happens to me from time to time. But I also pray while I'm at work. I pray while I stroll beside the ocean. I pray in the car. I pray as an individual, and we pray as a family.

But what is prayer? Simply handing over lifes good and bad that were handed to one far greater than ourselves - and that even includes our enemies. Seems back to front to conventional thinking - but I have seen many an enemy turned around 180 degrees through the power of simply praying that good happen in their life.



But what is prayer?
PHOTO: But what is prayer? Simply handing over lifes good and bad that were handed to one far greater than ourselves - and that even includes our enemies.
Posted by LOVE and REDEMPTION
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyKpUm4HZIaJXPcgvMblH1b1RbbkyRoe4jY53lh2bbVULEM5aJ77twPmtKHMQIhSpUFzBpd6wcVDYz_hpT_xTIOPk04VNQtVN4TTimahWBXAL-ffsXOeDUQVk57oWjSDeh17tj_3iYnU/s1600/cropped-armor-of-god-1.jpg
https://wwince511.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/cropped-armor-of-god.jpg
https://wwince511.wordpress.com/httpswww-reviveourhearts-comradiorevive-our-heartswe-have-been-approvedutm_contentbuffer4c579utm_mediumsocialutm_sourcefacebook-comutm_campaignbuffer/



4. Follow The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)
"Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behaviour: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them."

This is such a wonderful principle. Simply, do as you want to be done. Often the good turn won't come back from the one you did it for - but it will come back from somewhere in this amazing universe that we live in.



Follow The Golden Rule
PHOTO: Follow The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)
"Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them."
Picture posted by Bob Sumerecki
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3we9dIovGlxpzu-2I5dfoiUkQYGD_AFoMTfhVQVnoXf8qnGZr1-38XKrH3H04wfcWxLp8UuF9Mvh2-vw2pCKmzMl-oDokH8EzqUdrsUjaBE9-ST9hnEKrU7i4yA96o1rPv1YtqMagXIE/s1600/11986731383_f3c178be23_b.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3682/11986731383_f3c178be23_b.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/snapnpiks0304/11986731383/sizes/l/



5. Ask For What You Need (Luke 11:9-10)
"Here's what I'm saying: Ask and you'll get; Seek and you'll find; Knock and the door will open. Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game were in."

Go on, I dare you. Ask. In sales I learned very quickly that if I never asked for the sale I would never get the sale. The power is in the asking. Now I'm not saying that you are going to pull a sales strategy on God. But ask, and in your asking expect to receive. When my children ask me for something, as their father I cannot resist the pull that it invokes on my fatherly heartstrings to give them the best that I have to offer.



Ask For What You Need
PHOTO: Ask For What You Need (Luke 11:9-10)
"Ask and you'll get; Seek and you'll find; Knock and the door will open."
Picture posted by comments20.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvr9l_yVjCptd-SeDwjs2uBQ5MY3gEGjt2U354NumQqX591BM2hmo8MTvK9eglNJoGEUnbh1dlk7XXmt4cLqJj_dNHVSEyZEB8btp-ECWVQN7pt0OiyJQ6ZCu1jn1DboeyKku84vsjzk/s1600/Art-Paintings-517.jpg
http://www.comments20.com/punjabi/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Art-Paintings-517.jpg
http://www.comments20.com/punjabi/little-girl-2/



6. Judge Not (Matthew 7:1-5)
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, and criticize their faults - unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.  It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbour's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.  Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you', when your own face is distorted by contempt?  Its this whole travelling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbour."



Judge Not
PHOTO: Judge Not (Matthew 7:1-5)
Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, and criticize their faults - unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.  It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbour's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.
Picture posted by kaiyure on 23 September 2015  - Cast The First Stone Scripture
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3epJusbwTgojPL2KXhOlSpnRsURj5_c3nfe6Wdr7VPbb1X93cghnkqevz3wjsr6B5B62XAZZ6gjG0qmiiy_P9B0EZI454oMUFAcGgJDweih6Wi6ulDv80JjaCH4Jrt2j_jcfGfyZB6w/s1600/Judge_not.jpg
http://www.lostsecret.org/assets/images/Judge_not.jpg
http://ljsayg.com/?paged=1324&author=1



Point one finger in the direction of another in judgment and you have three pointing straight back at you. Not good. Resist the slippery slide towards judging others.

7. Keep Your Word (Matthew 5:37)
"Just say 'yes' and 'no'. When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong."

If you can say yes. If you can't say no. Don't muck about by telling a lie when you know that you cannot do what you have promised. The word 'no' can be your most liberating friend if used wisely. You can't do everything, so start practicing the use of it. And if you say 'yes' ensure that you do what you say - even if it is inconvenient. This builds a depth of character in your being and trust from those around you.



Keep Your Word
PHOTO: Keep Your Word (Matthew 5:37)
"All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."
Picture posted by Katy Nogales on Wednesday, 25 June 2014 at 9:35 AM

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogLWXme3kYpQEfWUvkXDXo83O6sx_mDjOugCwh-iDIjYx1LkU1TgsF0KdQMYPvez5ArdVCCtuUttc1ut_DcQWsUnqdl25ytRn_7Fekhjsp3XSB1kHJVN-9naCjJVYr1C6VJnzXJhjbXo/s1600/yes-and-no.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0uFjrOJmDIFj_o-ncnj6-lRFu28gnhuIbkfz824Rk7CXiu8e3AAPiX-PcvVD-GQbjKDZ2XKx3LUr0CoRHteKhxT8DQUMP_xYYVGU7dmcsAIriBm_ikJ3cctX-iF7uhqJdYfj3K05jQdf/s1600/yes-and-no.jpg
http://katy-katyrose.blogspot.sg/2014/06/yes-be-yes-no-be-no.html



8. Give In Secret (Matthew 6:3-4)
"When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it - quietly and unobtrusively."

There is nothing worse than someone blowing their own trumpet. Practice the art of giving in secret. Your reward will be great.



Give In Secret
PHOTO: Give In Secret (Matthew 6:3-4)
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Picture posted ny Tommy Costa (Pinterest)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzQMQTqDaO_xqxyOKTBZ_QcayKm1KtMHuzRt7SeJpLiWXeLBLsmfn4RCOXeuYCicC6689kd6ROCzofV2_BMg9Ot2sEDpgfKaDgt-ySRWKZkz-CrAzrIk8MvEh3wfGcIeMlemM7QuCFOs/s1600/7aa849618797d1d6148fc050022def41.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7a/a8/49/7aa849618797d1d6148fc050022def41.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/369435975652982427/



9. Forgive Others (Matthew 6:14-15)
"In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part."

To forgive others is to free you from the disabling chains of unforgiveness. Sorry is sometimes the hardest word to say, but once said it is liberating. Don't wait for others to apologise. You lead the way and be the first to offer the hand of forgiveness. This is not about wrong or right, but rather living a life of freedom.



Forgive Others
PHOTO: Forgive Others (Matthew 6:14-15)
"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Picture posted by Jeremy Myers (Redeeming God)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgLEFikuW6vB2URItdKYe0xogtiopjTkZg05uqSGQG1vl2Fv6zFjNdF2h3FVngxnsE-NgR9wlksAA0jJX7PKKYSqVfU_9FLpQhPRfhovO14TXi_kfmWgzW1Zy4TvnyFMaZZvX5OdJilc/s1600/go-and-sin-no-more2.jpg
https://redeeminggod.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/go-and-sin-no-more2.jpg
https://redeeminggod.com/go-and-sin-no-more/



10. Speak Good Words (Matthew 12:35-37)
"A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation."



Speak Good Words
PHOTO: Speak Good Words (Matthew 12:35-37)
"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.
Picture posted by lthomason on 14 March 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAaNuenjRjyVf8t6-CTS1lqGqBZVb83rt3YIr4giPirVl0H_LPCjNJUCgQiOWwOIQpvhYcbK2_DDu9DS5PbMlsMBKG65-1TkATryG5S9jmk8bxBY2PRvsv-jPsgvXnYglo5DXtdAxmYo/s1600/no-complaints.jpg
https://lthomason.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/no-complaints.jpg?w=560
https://lthomason.wordpress.com/tag/words/



Death and life are in the power of the tongue, so use words wisely. Put a watch over your mouth and analyse the words that leave your lips. Are they positive? Or are they tinged with negativity and judgement? This is serious business, so pay heed to the advice given. It is truly the difference between salvation and damnation - here on earth - let alone throughout eternity.


11. Nothing Is Impossible If You Have Faith (Matthew 17:20)
"The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, 'Move!' and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn't be able to tackle."

Faith is a small word, but a powerful one at that. Faith is trust in a greater one than yourself, trust in the abilities that have been placed within you, and trust that with every step forward you will find your way towards your dreams and your goals. With a sprinkling of persistence added to the formula you can do but one thing - win!



Nothing Is Impossible If You Have Faith
PHOTO: Nothing Is Impossible If You Have Faith (Matthew 17:20)
"You didn't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there', and it would move. Nothing would be impossible."
Pictures drawn and coloured by Martin Young - Faith to move mountain
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http://www.biblecartoons.co.uk/images/69.jpg
http://www.biblecartoons.co.uk/cartoons/matthew-17-faith-to-move-mountain



12. Use It Or Lose It (Matthew 25:14-30)
"Its also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master's investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master's money. After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.' The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master's investment. His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.' The servant given one thousand said, 'Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.' The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! Its criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest. Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this 'play-it-safe' who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.'"


The one who received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and buried his masters money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.
PHOTO: The one who received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and buried his master's money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.

The man who had received one bag of gold came, "Master," he said, "I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you."

His master replied, "You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

Take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags".
Posted by S.Editor on Thursday, June 5, 2014
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http://comorinemuritoare.ro/bLOGOS/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Pilda-Talantilor-4.jpg
http://www.oasteadomnului.ro/2014/sa-nu-ti-ingropi-fricos-talantul
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2015/06/reflection-father-john-chrysostoms.html



Every one of us has been endowed with a specific gift or natural talent that requires use. If you fail to use it you will lose it. Whatever you do, don't compare yourself with the other guy or girl who seems to have been given a bunch of talents. Use the one that you have and develop it. These represent your personal strengths, and like any muscle, the best way to develop a strength in your life is by strengthening it. So at every opportunity use it  and that way you will never lose it. You will in fact enhance it and position yourself to become a leader in your chosen field of endeavour.


Use It Or Lose It (Matthew 25:14-30)
PHOTO: Use It Or Lose It (Matthew 25:14-30)
Every one of us has been endowed with a specific gift or natural talent that requires use. If you fail to use it you will lose it. Whatever you do, don't compare yourself with the other guy or girl who seems to have been given a bunch of talents. Use the one that you have and develop it.
Picture from HR Value Partners, LLC.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctNGQisO_wT26ieftQlYLHlcam3BPWeiPTWRLI9XRjxZuf1t9kBS7ES5Kwdo8vSgebzYJUAjX5lQdXE49MonzK9qxI5tNHlP3OIQfiob6NSTvercrxfce1CC0QgpYpTSjL2em-FtHZMs/s1600/Talent-Search-Tips.jpg
http://hrvaluepartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Talent-Search-Tips.jpg
http://hrvaluepartners.com/partner-services/conducting-a-successful-talent-search/
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2015/06/reflection-father-john-chrysostoms.html



If there is one of these life lessons that you have developed in your life with great results, please feel free to share how it has helped you.

Source of Quotations: Taken from The Message  1. Mark 10: 43, 2. Matthew 10: 26-31, 3. Matthew 22:36-39 &
Matthew 5:41-45, 4. Matthew 7:12, 5. Luke 11:9-10, 6. Matthew 7:1-5, 7. Matthew 5:37, 8. Matthew 6:3-4, 9. Matthew 6:14-15, 10. Matthew 12:35-37, 11. Matthew 17:20, 12. Matthew 25:14-30

Motivational Memo: To learn one must be taught. To teach one must first learn.

Peter G. James Sinclair is in the heart to heart resuscitation business and inspires, motivates and equips others to be all that they've been created to become. Receive your free copy of his latest eBook Discovering The You In Unique at  http://www.motivationalmemo.com and add him on Twitter @PeterGJSinclair  today!



Don't Bury Your Talent!
PHOTO: "Don't Bury Your Talent!" (Matthew 25:14-30)
"Dear Lord, Please be our mentor and help us to live a life that is pleasing to You. We pray for your guidance to continue using Your gift to us, to trust and remain faithful to You. Amen!"
Picture by Pastor Brad

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https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dt-5NNQN2YE/maxresdefault.jpg
https://www.savetubevideo.com/?v=dt-5NNQN2YE


Reflection - Mentors
Question by Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Answers posted by Peter G. James Sinclair on April 23, 2011



Reference

[1] Must Read Life Lessons From Jesus, Posted by Peter G. James Sinclair on April 23, 2011,  http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/12-must-read-life-lessons-from-jesus/

[2] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright  2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART THREE: UNLIKE THE WORLD, Chapter 9 "Christian Character in a Terrible World" (2 Timothy 3:10-17), Page 136.

NIV, New International Version, Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
2 Timothy 3:10-17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3%3A10-17&version=NIV

Luke 11:9-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11%3A9-10&version=NIV

Mark 10: 43 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+10%3A+43&version=NIV

Matthew 5:37 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A37&version=NIV

Matthew 5:41-45 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A41-45&version=NIV

Matthew 6:3-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A3-4&version=NIV

Matthew 6:14-15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A14-15&version=NIV

Matthew 7:1-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A1-5&version=NIV

Matthew 7:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A12&version=NIV

Matthew 10:26-31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A26-31&version=NIV

Matthew 12:35-37 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12%3A35-37&version=NIV

Matthew 17:20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+17%3A20&version=NIV

Matthew 22:36-39 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A36-39&version=NIV

Matthew 25:14-30 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A14-30&version=NIV