Mark Gungor - Sex is what men want from women.wmv
Thursday, March 12, 2015
STEPHEN HAWKING ADMITS INTELLIGENT DESIGN IS ‘HIGHLY PROBABLE’
http://worldnewsdailyreport.com/stephen-hawkins-admits-intelligent-design-is-highly-probable/
March 8th, 2015 | by Bob Flanagan
ASTROPHYSICS
FacebookTwitter3.8k
The English theoretical physicist and cosmologist, Stephen Hawking, surprised the scientific community last week when he announced during a speech at the University of Cambridge that he believed that “some form of intelligence” was actually behind the creation of the Universe.
Presenting himself before students at the University of Cambridge, the world-famous scientist declared that his years of research on the creation of the cosmos have led him to isolate a strange scientific factor which he says is in many ways contrary to the universal laws of physics.
This strange phenomenon which he names the God factor, would be at the origin of the creation process and would have played a great role in determining the actual form of the Universe.
The world renown scientist admits the near death experience of his brother, who was clinically dead for 43 minutes after a heart attack last october, radically changed his view on the nature of human consciousness and the Universe as a whole
“My brother has always been a role model for me. His rational, cunning and no non-sense mind has shaped my personality into the person I am today and has led me into the study of the fascinating world of physics. But since his accident last October, he has come back a changed man” he recalled.
“He has told me of the existence of a sentient being, of another world we mortals are unaware of, he has told me of God” he told the crowd, visibly surprised at such affirmations.
“Modern science relies on the perception that consciousness lies within the human brain, but what my brother experienced during his clinical death, I cannot explain. Does consciousness lie outside of the human body? Is the human brain just a receptor, capable of receiving the “consciousness wave” as AM/FM radios receive radio waves? These are questions modern science has not yet answered and could redefine our view of the Universe and modern physics completely” he acknowledged.
“We were not expecting this” told the Head of the Department of Astrophysics, John Bairns. “I am simply baffled, I don’t know what to say” he told local reporters
“In my 40 years as a physicist, the thought of the Universe being “a living entity” never crossed my mind. I admit, Dr Hawking has given us much to ponder about” admitted Professor John Bairns, politely.
These declarations by the award-winning cosmologist have caused a great commotion in the scientific community, some even publicly admitting that “it was time for him to retire” and that “even great minds fall short in time”.
Stephen Hawking has since published a rebuttal to his critics, insisting that “Intelligent design” doesn’t in any way prove that God exists, but only that a “God-like force” played a role in the creation of our Universe, approximately 13.8 billion years ago.
March 8th, 2015 | by Bob Flanagan
ASTROPHYSICS
FacebookTwitter3.8k
The English theoretical physicist and cosmologist, Stephen Hawking, surprised the scientific community last week when he announced during a speech at the University of Cambridge that he believed that “some form of intelligence” was actually behind the creation of the Universe.
Presenting himself before students at the University of Cambridge, the world-famous scientist declared that his years of research on the creation of the cosmos have led him to isolate a strange scientific factor which he says is in many ways contrary to the universal laws of physics.
This strange phenomenon which he names the God factor, would be at the origin of the creation process and would have played a great role in determining the actual form of the Universe.
The world renown scientist admits the near death experience of his brother, who was clinically dead for 43 minutes after a heart attack last october, radically changed his view on the nature of human consciousness and the Universe as a whole
“My brother has always been a role model for me. His rational, cunning and no non-sense mind has shaped my personality into the person I am today and has led me into the study of the fascinating world of physics. But since his accident last October, he has come back a changed man” he recalled.
“He has told me of the existence of a sentient being, of another world we mortals are unaware of, he has told me of God” he told the crowd, visibly surprised at such affirmations.
“Modern science relies on the perception that consciousness lies within the human brain, but what my brother experienced during his clinical death, I cannot explain. Does consciousness lie outside of the human body? Is the human brain just a receptor, capable of receiving the “consciousness wave” as AM/FM radios receive radio waves? These are questions modern science has not yet answered and could redefine our view of the Universe and modern physics completely” he acknowledged.
“We were not expecting this” told the Head of the Department of Astrophysics, John Bairns. “I am simply baffled, I don’t know what to say” he told local reporters
“In my 40 years as a physicist, the thought of the Universe being “a living entity” never crossed my mind. I admit, Dr Hawking has given us much to ponder about” admitted Professor John Bairns, politely.
These declarations by the award-winning cosmologist have caused a great commotion in the scientific community, some even publicly admitting that “it was time for him to retire” and that “even great minds fall short in time”.
Stephen Hawking has since published a rebuttal to his critics, insisting that “Intelligent design” doesn’t in any way prove that God exists, but only that a “God-like force” played a role in the creation of our Universe, approximately 13.8 billion years ago.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Oposição ou Oportunidade?
http://anchor.tfionline.com/pt/post/oposicao-ou-oportunidade/
Uma compilação
Eu lhes disse essas coisas para que em mim vocês tenham paz. Neste mundo vocês terão aflições; contudo, tenham ânimo! Eu venci o mundo.—João 16:33
*
Conforme cumprimos fielmente a nossa missão de levar a mensagem ao mundo, podemos contar com oposição. Oposição e objeções são um fato da nossa vida de serviço ativo para o Senhor.
O cristão precisa saber enfrentar oposição e estar preparado para enfrentar os desafios com fé. Agindo assim seremos capacitados espiritual, mental e emocionalmente para enfrentarmos não só as tempestades, mas também contarmos que o Senhor vai transformar até circunstâncias aparentemente negativas para o nosso bem, e serem oportunidades para fazermos o Seu trabalho avançar. Podemos enfrentar os ventos de oposição com a confiança inabalável de que Jesus tem um plano e desÃgnio para toda dificuldade na nossa vida.
É importante pedir ao Senhor a Sua perspectiva em cada caso de oposição, bem como Sua orientação para sabermos reagir adequadamente e agirmos de maneira proativa. Assim, saberemos levar a oposição e canalizar nossa energia e esforços para pensarmos em soluções e alcançarmos vitórias.
O fato de sofrermos oposição não significa forçosamente que fizemos algo que não deverÃamos ou cometemos um erro. Se não agirmos em oração e conselho com as pessoas que o Senhor coloca na nossa vida para nos servirem de conselheiros divinos, se não ficarmos em sintonia com o Senhor, poderemos tomar decisões inconsequentes e cometer erros que vão se tornar lições para aprendermos. Mas essa nem sempre é a razão por que enfrentamos adversidades. Se entregarmos a nossa vida e trabalho ao Senhor em oração, e enfrentarmos problemas ou divergências, devemos considerar “motivo de grande alegria o fato de passarem por diversas provações, pois vocês sabem que a prova da sua fé produz perseverança. E a perseverança deve ter ação completa, a fim de que vocês sejam maduros e Ãntegros, sem lhes faltar coisa alguma.”[1]
Independentemente das circunstâncias, deverÃamos ter fé e contar com dificuldades, sabendo que a experiência será para o nosso bem, pois vai nos fortalecer ou dar mais sabedoria, ou vai nos ajudar a testemunhar, ou a continuar avançando apesar da crise. Podemos aceitar os desafios e aproveitarmos essas oportunidades de pegarmos a onda dos problemas e vencer, nos tornarmos mais fortes e superarmos as dificuldades.—Maria Fontaine
*
Todo grande homem ou mulher de fé, e até mesmo idealistas que não eram forçosamente religiosos, enfrentaram vários tipos e graus de oposição durante a sua vida. O testemunho de suas vidas é de luta frente a adversidades, recusando-se a se deixarem levar pela oposição, e avançando para cumprirem sua vocação e missão. Eles tinham um propósito, e sabiam que para cumpri-lo iam ter que lutar. A oposição se apresentava de várias formas: polÃtica, de pessoas que defendiam interesses financeiros; de poderes religiosos da época; de amigos e familiares, da mÃdia hostil, ou de instituições educativas.
Qualquer pessoa que já aspirou realizar algo grandioso neste mundo para ocasionar mudanças e melhorias monumentais enfrentaram desafios imensos e muita oposição. Os que lutaram para acabar com o trabalho infantil e pelos direitos das crianças receberem educação escolar enfrentaram uma oposição ferrenha. Os que lutaram por igualdade racial enfrentaram oposição continuamente, e os que lutaram para pôr fim ao tráfico de escravos tiveram que enfrentar os ricos e poderosos da época. Os que lutaram para o povo poder ler a BÃblia enfrentaram oposição e perseguição das autoridades religiosas da época... e assim por diante.
Os que pregam uma mensagem de salvação, fé e confiança vão enfrentar oposição do mundo e do poder estabelecido.—Jesus falando em profecia
*
Diz em Filipenses 2:13: “Pois é Deus quem efetua em vocês tanto o querer quanto o realizar, de acordo com a boa vontade dele.” E em 1 Tessalonicenses 5:24 diz: “Aquele que os chama é fiel, e fará isso.” Essas promessas são de libertação para nós, porque se focarmos o que Deus faz por meio de nós, deixaremos de nos sentir pressionados e transferiremos para Ele a responsabilidade. A nós cabe dar um passo de fé apoiados em Deus e confiando que Ele vai realizar o Seu propósito em toda incumbência que nos der.
Isso não significa que tudo vai transcorrer tranquilamente. Sabemos que, onde quer que o trabalho de Deus seja realizado, haverá oposição, não só no campo de missão, mas dentro dos lares e comunidades. Sempre haverá ciladas e obstáculos a serem transpostos. Mas quando Cristo é a nossa força, as dificuldades tornam o nosso compromisso mais profundo, e não só aprendemos com elas, mas usufruÃmos dos recursos ilimitados de Deus. Para toda incumbência que nos dá Deus também nos capacita e fortalece. Essa é a nossa confiança. Não se trata do que fazemos, mas do fato de Cristo estar fazendo por meio de nós.—Charles Price
*
Adversidade é um mestre severo enviado por Aquele que nos conhece e ama muito mais do que nós próprios. Nosso adversário fortalece nossos nervos e aprimora nossas habilidades. Ele nos ajuda. A dificuldade que enfrentamos nos faz conhecer o objeto e considerá-lo em todos os âmbitos. Impede-nos de sermos superficiais em relação ao opositor.—Edmund Burke
*
Dificuldades são os ingressos para o jogo da vida. Mas, às vezes, não podemos deixar de suspeitar que a vida seria muito mais agradável sem os empecilhos. É assim que você pensa? Antes de responder, reflita no seguinte.
Em um mundo sem obstáculos não existem vencedores; sem sofrimento não existem santos; sem batalhas não existem vitórias; sem chuva não existe arco-Ãris. Não acha que um mundo com sofrimento é mais gratificante? Não é necessário o calor para produzir o ouro, pressão e lapidação para produzir diamantes, e dificuldades para formar o caráter?
Henry Ford expressou esse mesmo sentimento da seguinte forma: “A vida é uma série de experiências, cada uma contribuindo para sermos pessoas melhores, mesmo que à s vezes seja difÃcil percebermos isso. Precisamos aprender que os reveses… que suportamos, nos ajudam a avançar.”—Chuck Gallozzi
Publicado no Âncora em abril 2014.
Tradução Hebe Rondon Flandoli. Revisão Denise Oliveira.
[1] Tiago 1:2–4.
Eu lhes disse essas coisas para que em mim vocês tenham paz. Neste mundo vocês terão aflições; contudo, tenham ânimo! Eu venci o mundo.—João 16:33
*
Conforme cumprimos fielmente a nossa missão de levar a mensagem ao mundo, podemos contar com oposição. Oposição e objeções são um fato da nossa vida de serviço ativo para o Senhor.
O cristão precisa saber enfrentar oposição e estar preparado para enfrentar os desafios com fé. Agindo assim seremos capacitados espiritual, mental e emocionalmente para enfrentarmos não só as tempestades, mas também contarmos que o Senhor vai transformar até circunstâncias aparentemente negativas para o nosso bem, e serem oportunidades para fazermos o Seu trabalho avançar. Podemos enfrentar os ventos de oposição com a confiança inabalável de que Jesus tem um plano e desÃgnio para toda dificuldade na nossa vida.
É importante pedir ao Senhor a Sua perspectiva em cada caso de oposição, bem como Sua orientação para sabermos reagir adequadamente e agirmos de maneira proativa. Assim, saberemos levar a oposição e canalizar nossa energia e esforços para pensarmos em soluções e alcançarmos vitórias.
O fato de sofrermos oposição não significa forçosamente que fizemos algo que não deverÃamos ou cometemos um erro. Se não agirmos em oração e conselho com as pessoas que o Senhor coloca na nossa vida para nos servirem de conselheiros divinos, se não ficarmos em sintonia com o Senhor, poderemos tomar decisões inconsequentes e cometer erros que vão se tornar lições para aprendermos. Mas essa nem sempre é a razão por que enfrentamos adversidades. Se entregarmos a nossa vida e trabalho ao Senhor em oração, e enfrentarmos problemas ou divergências, devemos considerar “motivo de grande alegria o fato de passarem por diversas provações, pois vocês sabem que a prova da sua fé produz perseverança. E a perseverança deve ter ação completa, a fim de que vocês sejam maduros e Ãntegros, sem lhes faltar coisa alguma.”[1]
Independentemente das circunstâncias, deverÃamos ter fé e contar com dificuldades, sabendo que a experiência será para o nosso bem, pois vai nos fortalecer ou dar mais sabedoria, ou vai nos ajudar a testemunhar, ou a continuar avançando apesar da crise. Podemos aceitar os desafios e aproveitarmos essas oportunidades de pegarmos a onda dos problemas e vencer, nos tornarmos mais fortes e superarmos as dificuldades.—Maria Fontaine
*
Todo grande homem ou mulher de fé, e até mesmo idealistas que não eram forçosamente religiosos, enfrentaram vários tipos e graus de oposição durante a sua vida. O testemunho de suas vidas é de luta frente a adversidades, recusando-se a se deixarem levar pela oposição, e avançando para cumprirem sua vocação e missão. Eles tinham um propósito, e sabiam que para cumpri-lo iam ter que lutar. A oposição se apresentava de várias formas: polÃtica, de pessoas que defendiam interesses financeiros; de poderes religiosos da época; de amigos e familiares, da mÃdia hostil, ou de instituições educativas.
Qualquer pessoa que já aspirou realizar algo grandioso neste mundo para ocasionar mudanças e melhorias monumentais enfrentaram desafios imensos e muita oposição. Os que lutaram para acabar com o trabalho infantil e pelos direitos das crianças receberem educação escolar enfrentaram uma oposição ferrenha. Os que lutaram por igualdade racial enfrentaram oposição continuamente, e os que lutaram para pôr fim ao tráfico de escravos tiveram que enfrentar os ricos e poderosos da época. Os que lutaram para o povo poder ler a BÃblia enfrentaram oposição e perseguição das autoridades religiosas da época... e assim por diante.
Os que pregam uma mensagem de salvação, fé e confiança vão enfrentar oposição do mundo e do poder estabelecido.—Jesus falando em profecia
*
Diz em Filipenses 2:13: “Pois é Deus quem efetua em vocês tanto o querer quanto o realizar, de acordo com a boa vontade dele.” E em 1 Tessalonicenses 5:24 diz: “Aquele que os chama é fiel, e fará isso.” Essas promessas são de libertação para nós, porque se focarmos o que Deus faz por meio de nós, deixaremos de nos sentir pressionados e transferiremos para Ele a responsabilidade. A nós cabe dar um passo de fé apoiados em Deus e confiando que Ele vai realizar o Seu propósito em toda incumbência que nos der.
Isso não significa que tudo vai transcorrer tranquilamente. Sabemos que, onde quer que o trabalho de Deus seja realizado, haverá oposição, não só no campo de missão, mas dentro dos lares e comunidades. Sempre haverá ciladas e obstáculos a serem transpostos. Mas quando Cristo é a nossa força, as dificuldades tornam o nosso compromisso mais profundo, e não só aprendemos com elas, mas usufruÃmos dos recursos ilimitados de Deus. Para toda incumbência que nos dá Deus também nos capacita e fortalece. Essa é a nossa confiança. Não se trata do que fazemos, mas do fato de Cristo estar fazendo por meio de nós.—Charles Price
*
Adversidade é um mestre severo enviado por Aquele que nos conhece e ama muito mais do que nós próprios. Nosso adversário fortalece nossos nervos e aprimora nossas habilidades. Ele nos ajuda. A dificuldade que enfrentamos nos faz conhecer o objeto e considerá-lo em todos os âmbitos. Impede-nos de sermos superficiais em relação ao opositor.—Edmund Burke
*
Dificuldades são os ingressos para o jogo da vida. Mas, às vezes, não podemos deixar de suspeitar que a vida seria muito mais agradável sem os empecilhos. É assim que você pensa? Antes de responder, reflita no seguinte.
Em um mundo sem obstáculos não existem vencedores; sem sofrimento não existem santos; sem batalhas não existem vitórias; sem chuva não existe arco-Ãris. Não acha que um mundo com sofrimento é mais gratificante? Não é necessário o calor para produzir o ouro, pressão e lapidação para produzir diamantes, e dificuldades para formar o caráter?
Henry Ford expressou esse mesmo sentimento da seguinte forma: “A vida é uma série de experiências, cada uma contribuindo para sermos pessoas melhores, mesmo que à s vezes seja difÃcil percebermos isso. Precisamos aprender que os reveses… que suportamos, nos ajudam a avançar.”—Chuck Gallozzi
Publicado no Âncora em abril 2014.
Tradução Hebe Rondon Flandoli. Revisão Denise Oliveira.
[1] Tiago 1:2–4.
Different Gifts
http://anchor.tfionline.com/post/different-gifts/
A compilation
Audio length: 9:17
Download Audio (8.5MB)
If you’re someone who looks around and sees others who are brighter than you, more eloquent, more skilled, more energetic, or who just seem “more” or “better” in a variety of ways, you’re not alone.
The problem, though, is that that adds up to a lot of down and discouraged people in the world, because seeing oneself as “less” or “worse” than others is definitely not an uplifting exercise.
It’s not that you want to drag other people down to your level. You’d just like to rise to their level, or at least get closer. But when you look at yourself, it’s easy to lose heart. Instead, the Lord wants you to take heart!
First of all, remember that He’s fair, and when He hands out gifts and talents, skills and abilities, He gives everyone, including you, something special. The Bible says, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.”1 “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.”2
If you’ll take a good, honest look at yourself, at your pluses instead of your minuses, you’ll find that you too have gifts and abilities that you can be happy about—those gifts that the Lord has given you for “doing certain things well.” You can be sure that there are others who look at you and your strengths in a certain area and think, “I wish I were more like that!”
How much better it would be if we could each learn to appreciate the varieties of gifts that the Lord has given to others, without overlooking or forgetting the ones that He has given us.
Most of all, remember that the Lord doesn’t compare you to anyone. He loves you with an everlasting love, and it’s a love that sees all the good and possibilities that you have. If you love Him and want to please Him, that’s what matters to Him! You are special to Him, and He loves you with a special love!—Maria Fontaine
*
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.—1 Corinthians 12:4–12 NKJV
*
When you are tempted to compare with others because you think they are more beautiful, more talented, have better personalities, are more mature spiritually, or other people seem to like them more or love them more, do not feel bad. Accept the gifts I have given others and be thankful for them, not envious, knowing that I have given you many gifts as well. As you thank Me and praise Me for the way I’ve made you and accept that I do all things well, then you will have victory.
What is it to you what I give to others, what I entrust them with, what I ask of them, or how I bless them and how I operate in their lives? It’s not for you to compare or judge or come to conclusions in your own mind as to how My dealings with you should be, or how My dealings with others should be. You simply need to trust Me, because as I’ve told you over and over, I have a plan and a purpose, and I’m working in your life to make you stronger, better, and more useful.
Contentment comes from trusting and believing in Me—believing that I will make your way perfect; that I will do all things well for you; that I will reward you for all that you’ve sacrificed, given up, or gone without.—Jesus, speaking in prophecy
*
People are different and have different ministries, different gifts, different responsibilities, and fill different roles. There is a great diversity of gifts, talents, personalities and opinions in the body of My church, and all are necessary to make it well rounded. Each part of the body has its role and there should be no comparing.—Jesus, speaking in prophecy
*
The Devil often tries to get us to compare ourselves unfavorably to others. The Lord tells us that we shouldn’t think about those negative things at all: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”3
Whether abounding or abasing, we should be thankful for whatever we’ve got.4 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”5 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”6 We could all praise the Lord more and be more positive. Thank God for the health you do have. Thank God that you’re not completely incapacitated. All kinds of things could be wrong with you, so thank the Lord for the blessings you do have. Stay positive, thankful, and full of praise to Jesus!—David Brandt Berg
*
“It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else.”—Ecclesiastes 6:9b GN
In order to overcome envy, you and I need to rejoice in what we have. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, you should be grateful for what you do have. Your “wants” will pale in comparison when you realize that what you already have is more than enough.
Too often we think, “I have this, but if I get more, I’ll be even happier.” That’s just not true. We are taught to be discontent, but we don’t have to be if we focus on what good things we already have.
Does that mean we’ll never have a hard time handling the success of other people? Of course not! We all do from time to time. In fact, human instinct will always cause us to ask, “Why did that person get a promotion when I didn’t?” or “How come they’re having a wedding and I’m still single?” or “Why do they get to go to Europe and we have to pay for braces?”
Let me clarify this: Envy is not having desires, dreams, or ambitions. You can have desires, dreams, or ambitions without being envious of others. Envy is when you resent others who already have the things you hope to have or who have achieved the things you hope to achieve. Envy is believing you can’t be happy until you get those things.
Envy is based on a myth: I must have more than you to be happy!
Be grateful for who you are and what you have. Instead of complaining, remember that everything is a gift! How will the following scripture change your life? “Isn’t everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what’s the point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need!”—1 Corinthians 4:7–8 MSG—Rick Warren7
Published on Anchor February 2015. Read by Gabriel Garcia Valdivieso.
1 1 Corinthians 12:4 NAU.
2 Romans 12:6 NLT.
3 Philippians 4:8.
4 Philippians 4:11–12.
5 Psalm 150:6.
6 Psalm 103:2.
7 http://rickwarren.org/devotional/english/be-grateful-not-regretful.
A compilation
Audio length: 9:17
Download Audio (8.5MB)
If you’re someone who looks around and sees others who are brighter than you, more eloquent, more skilled, more energetic, or who just seem “more” or “better” in a variety of ways, you’re not alone.
The problem, though, is that that adds up to a lot of down and discouraged people in the world, because seeing oneself as “less” or “worse” than others is definitely not an uplifting exercise.
It’s not that you want to drag other people down to your level. You’d just like to rise to their level, or at least get closer. But when you look at yourself, it’s easy to lose heart. Instead, the Lord wants you to take heart!
First of all, remember that He’s fair, and when He hands out gifts and talents, skills and abilities, He gives everyone, including you, something special. The Bible says, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.”1 “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.”2
If you’ll take a good, honest look at yourself, at your pluses instead of your minuses, you’ll find that you too have gifts and abilities that you can be happy about—those gifts that the Lord has given you for “doing certain things well.” You can be sure that there are others who look at you and your strengths in a certain area and think, “I wish I were more like that!”
How much better it would be if we could each learn to appreciate the varieties of gifts that the Lord has given to others, without overlooking or forgetting the ones that He has given us.
Most of all, remember that the Lord doesn’t compare you to anyone. He loves you with an everlasting love, and it’s a love that sees all the good and possibilities that you have. If you love Him and want to please Him, that’s what matters to Him! You are special to Him, and He loves you with a special love!—Maria Fontaine
*
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.—1 Corinthians 12:4–12 NKJV
*
When you are tempted to compare with others because you think they are more beautiful, more talented, have better personalities, are more mature spiritually, or other people seem to like them more or love them more, do not feel bad. Accept the gifts I have given others and be thankful for them, not envious, knowing that I have given you many gifts as well. As you thank Me and praise Me for the way I’ve made you and accept that I do all things well, then you will have victory.
What is it to you what I give to others, what I entrust them with, what I ask of them, or how I bless them and how I operate in their lives? It’s not for you to compare or judge or come to conclusions in your own mind as to how My dealings with you should be, or how My dealings with others should be. You simply need to trust Me, because as I’ve told you over and over, I have a plan and a purpose, and I’m working in your life to make you stronger, better, and more useful.
Contentment comes from trusting and believing in Me—believing that I will make your way perfect; that I will do all things well for you; that I will reward you for all that you’ve sacrificed, given up, or gone without.—Jesus, speaking in prophecy
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People are different and have different ministries, different gifts, different responsibilities, and fill different roles. There is a great diversity of gifts, talents, personalities and opinions in the body of My church, and all are necessary to make it well rounded. Each part of the body has its role and there should be no comparing.—Jesus, speaking in prophecy
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The Devil often tries to get us to compare ourselves unfavorably to others. The Lord tells us that we shouldn’t think about those negative things at all: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”3
Whether abounding or abasing, we should be thankful for whatever we’ve got.4 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”5 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”6 We could all praise the Lord more and be more positive. Thank God for the health you do have. Thank God that you’re not completely incapacitated. All kinds of things could be wrong with you, so thank the Lord for the blessings you do have. Stay positive, thankful, and full of praise to Jesus!—David Brandt Berg
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“It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else.”—Ecclesiastes 6:9b GN
In order to overcome envy, you and I need to rejoice in what we have. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, you should be grateful for what you do have. Your “wants” will pale in comparison when you realize that what you already have is more than enough.
Too often we think, “I have this, but if I get more, I’ll be even happier.” That’s just not true. We are taught to be discontent, but we don’t have to be if we focus on what good things we already have.
Does that mean we’ll never have a hard time handling the success of other people? Of course not! We all do from time to time. In fact, human instinct will always cause us to ask, “Why did that person get a promotion when I didn’t?” or “How come they’re having a wedding and I’m still single?” or “Why do they get to go to Europe and we have to pay for braces?”
Let me clarify this: Envy is not having desires, dreams, or ambitions. You can have desires, dreams, or ambitions without being envious of others. Envy is when you resent others who already have the things you hope to have or who have achieved the things you hope to achieve. Envy is believing you can’t be happy until you get those things.
Envy is based on a myth: I must have more than you to be happy!
Be grateful for who you are and what you have. Instead of complaining, remember that everything is a gift! How will the following scripture change your life? “Isn’t everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what’s the point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need!”—1 Corinthians 4:7–8 MSG—Rick Warren7
Published on Anchor February 2015. Read by Gabriel Garcia Valdivieso.
1 1 Corinthians 12:4 NAU.
2 Romans 12:6 NLT.
3 Philippians 4:8.
4 Philippians 4:11–12.
5 Psalm 150:6.
6 Psalm 103:2.
7 http://rickwarren.org/devotional/english/be-grateful-not-regretful.
