From what I have learn in the past few months, whether from self study, or from psychics like Maria Duval, or some online websites, I gather there are 4 groups of psychic ability. You can read and check which group you may fall into.

Psychic feeling: it is associated with gut feelings, hunches, the area of the body around the solar plexus, some sort like a type of that sinking feeling swarming right over you. For example, let say your loved one calls you up to inform you of a last minute trip to settle some business issue, you suddenly felt that feeling and you ask your loved one not to attend. In the end, something bad really happens to your loved one as what Maria Duval has said before.

Psychic intuition is a sure knowledge that arrives out of nowhere. It is fleeting but certain. This is the phenomenon when you “just know” although there is no supporting evidence or logic supporting that knowledge. Take an example, John was on the way to his parent’s house and half way through, a strange feeling tells him not to travel in that direction today, therefore he changes his route, and right he is, because there’s a huge avalanche that happens suddenly on the regular route that could have engulfed him.

Psychic hearing. It is as if they are hearing inside their head just above their ears. This is also known as clairaudience. Example, you are sleeping soundly and somehow from nowhere, a voice calls your name loudly and you wake up but there’s no one around. But luckily this makes you rush to the kitchen to put off the small fire because you did not close the oven when you went to sleep!

Clairvoyance, or psychic vision. When you receive psychic visions it is as if you are seeing them through your third eye, that mythical eye situated between and slightly above your eyes. Maria Duval is famous for clairvoyance! Now, there are some people who have that sensitive third eye that can ’see’ what’s ahead and they can foretell what’s there for them and there are always right somehow!

About the Author
Mere T. is a keen spiritualist. Her spirituality blog is found at http://tributetomariaduval.blogspot.com/

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening. I love you. I love you. I love you.

Tools for life.

Moving on, Moving forward

Are you stuck? Are you blocked? Are you not living the life you fully desire?

You are a Creator so Wonderful, Magnificent, Bright, Desirable, Brave, Lovable, Wise, Exciting, Passionate, Strong, Beautiful, Able and Capable. You know you can do it all. You know you can have it all.

Let’s narrow it down.

You know you can have the job you desire. You know you can have the relationship you desire. You know you can create the clearing you desire. You know you can create the Oneness you so desire. You know you can create the love you so desire. You know you can exercise and live a healthy life. You know you can let go of the past and live in the Now. You know that you have the knowledge to do this and that. You know you can be patient when you decide to be. You know that you can share and contribute to life when you choose to. You know that you can play. You know that you can heal. You know you can laugh. You know you can take it easy. You know you can simply be present. You know you are whole, perfect and complete as you are. You know that everything else is an Illusion.

You know that I am not the one creating your life. You know that you are your own Creator, Inventor, Painter, Architect, Dancer, Musician, Gardner, Teacher and Student in life. Planting the seeds of thoughts. Inventing new ideas and new delicious meals. Dancing with the flow of life in a different and unique way. Playing the music of your heart. Painting your life as you would like it to be in the Now. Teaching and receiving new Insights from within and always …

So in fact we are Precious Beings. There is this whole Universe inside of us so grand.

So Blocked about what? So restricted by whom and what? So Stuck for what reason?

Let us let go of this fantasy that we have to always struggle about someone or something. Let us really look inside and outside. What is most important to us?

Our judgments? The desire to be right all the time? The desire to control? The desire to shut down? The desire to be passive? The desire to be alone? The desire to create chaos? The desire to be in pain? The desire to justify? The desire to be unhealthy? The desire to be bossy? The desire to punish?

OR do we desire to live a Loving, Joyful, Peaceful, Accepting, Authentic, Healthy, Prosperous, Abundant, Compassionate and Free life?

What’s Up? You and I and all are Up. We are waking up! Finally waking up and choosing to move on and forward. Realizing there is nothing more important to us than our well being and Love inside and out.

A New beginning, a new Insight and a new Transformational life choice. Everything simply Is. For we are worthy and deserving of Living a Joyous life in every way.

Please feel free to share these Insights to support the planet to moving forward in a very Healthy and Joyful way.

May the love and light of God and the Whole Universe surround, protect and heal you, your loved ones and the planet earth.

Love and Blessings

With Love, Gratitude and Respect, Michelle Morovaty Truly, With God All Things Are Possible

About the Author
Michelle Morovaty is an Intuitive Spiritual Teacher and Healer. She has healed herself from many challenges including Lupus CNS, a car accident and divorce. She uses her intuition and universal guidance to assist people through the healing process.

For more about Michelle and her healing sessions see www.spiritualityinsideandout.com and for her guided meditation CD’s see www.insidenow.com

That’s an interesting question. Who are you? You might answer “Judy Smith, banker, mother of two.” But is that who you really are?

Here are a few interesting things to think about. But first, let’s start out with a task.

The body as a tool

Look around you. Is there something small, like a pen or something that you can pick up? I want to you to pick it up, and then put it down, and then return to this article.

Now, what tool did you use to pick it up? Is your answer your hand? (Bear with me if this sounds stupid.)

To most people your body is a tool. Who is the one controlling the body? Think about this before you read the next paragraph, I don’t want to lead your thoughts.

If your answer is, “I am controlling the body, of course!” Who is the “I am”?

Or did you answer “the mind”?

To most people, they would answer “the mind.” The mind is the one controlling your body. They are their mind. Keep that train of thought.

The mind

Now here’s the next exercise. Answer this question: What is (3 + 4 + 6) x 30 - 311?

The answer doesn’t matter. What tool did you use to solve that maths problem?

Your mind, your thoughts? If you are your mind, then who is the one that used the mind as a tool to solve the maths problem? Who is the one controlling your thoughts? Are not you your thoughts?

The emotions

Now how about this? Get angry. Think of something that makes you angry. Your boss, a specific event, a recent argument… Feel the emotion.

Then try to think of something that you love. A favourite nephew, niece, or son perhaps? Feel that emotion.

Who is the one feeling the emotions? Are not you your emotions?

Who are you?

What is going on?

You are not your body. This is easier for people to understand then the rest of the article. They think of their bodies as a physical vehicle for them to move around in, a machine. Put in X calories and you will gain Y pounds of fat, so you have to run for Z minutes to burn that off.

Who is using their bodies as a vehicle? Most people are identified with their minds and their emotions. They think they are the little brain sitting inside the giant body and giving the body orders. But when you think about it, you can use the mind as well. You are controlling your mind, telling it to do things, telling it to think. Does it still make sense to think that you are your mind?

What about the emotions? If you can control your emotions, then you are not your emotions. Then who are you?

This is a question that purportedly leads to enlightenment, if you discover the answer. I don’t know, because I’m not enlightened yet (as of date of writing )

These questions and realisations are asked and taught by several philosophers, including Eckhart Tolle and Ramana Maharshi.

The first step to freedom from unhappiness

I don’t know much about enlightenment, nor of this philosophy. Why am I sharing this with you? Because this very realisation - that you are not your mind or thoughts, your emotions, and your body - is what got me out of my depression. It has moved me from being easily irritated to being happy 99% of the time. Being able to observe my thoughts and emotions - the cause of much sadness and suffering - and knowing that it is not me, has been the important first step in being free of sadness and suffering.

Next time you feel upset, then be aware that it is simply something inside your vessel. Next time you are sad, angry, observe it. It is not you. It is merely something inside you, an energy that has risen. It is not wrong or bad, it is simply energy, fed by your thoughts. Accept it, and let it be, and it will dissipate.

If this has done something for you, and you would like to explore more, read up more on the rest of the emotional mastery category on the Urban Monk website, or research more on the two names I mentioned above.

I hope this article has helped you taken the first step as well.

Otherwise I’m just a tool

About the Author
True happiness and success can be achieved regardless of where and who you are! Albert’s free personal development blog has articles that will guide you to emotional mastery, self-esteem, confidence, masculinity, social and dating skills, spirituality, philosophy, finance and career, boxing, and martial arts.

Visit UrbanMonk.net for more FREE Personal Development reprint articles.

The Orient has always had a particular penchant for looking at objects and interpreting their hidden meaning. This is revealed by the prolific use of symbols and that these symbols are like a secondary language, rich in nuances that penetrate all communication.

Not all Westerners are aware that in Chinese, each written character represents an entire word which is in deep contrast to our alphabetical text - where a sequence of individual letters signifies a word. This means that more or less every word in the Chinese language is represented by a different symbol so it is not unrealistic to consider that whenever pen is put to paper or in carvings it can also have some mysterious, abstract or obscure meaning.

Symbols are generally categorised as either auspicious or inauspicious and can be viewed as conveying the unseen messages of good or bad luck. All Oriental artworks are viewed as symbols, and their characteristic themes - water, clouds, flowers, trees, animals, rocks even colours - portend not only themselves, but also something beyond themselves - there is meaning far beyond the visual experience. There is virtually nothing in all of nature or any artefact that is not seen as being imbued with particular significance.

I simply love the meaning of things!!! On my first journey to Singapore back in 1986 I purchased a silk painting and it’s always been dear to my heart and this painting still hangs in a special place within my home. I was told that this beautiful piece of art depicts the story of the Eight Fairies or as I first came to know them - the Eight Good People of the world. Now these Fairies or immortals are on a special journey travelling the world dispensing good fortune to everyone they meet and each one of these ‘good people’ has a special object that they always carry with them. These items still carry auspicious meanings as they have done over the ages and generally, they can be hung anywhere in the home. They have also come to play a symbolic part in Feng Shui.

There is much controversy as to exactly when the eight immortals came to be however most stories and artworks can be dated back to the Song, Yuan and Han dynasties. I have listed the items carried by the ‘eight immortals’ and I hope that you will be able to put at least one of them to good use for yourself in your own home or place of business.

The gourd:- This wonderful object can be placed around the knob of your bedroom door as it symbolises good health and longevity. It is one of the items carried by Li Tie-guai, one of the most recognisable of the eight immortals as he is lame. One of several legends has it that he would frequently leave his body to wander the land and heavens. On one particular day whilst his spirit was wandering around the mountains his body was found lifeless and he was subsequently pronounced dead. In keeping with the custom of the time he was cremated so, upon his souls return he could not find his own body and therefore he had no option but to take refuge in the first available body. This happened to be the body of a crippled beggar and so it was that Li Tie-guai continued his existence supporting himself on a crutch or staff and is therefore always depicted as a lame beggar. The gourd is said to contain the holy nectar of the Gods, therefore, it is a popular accessory of many Buddhist Deities. In art a gourd decorated with arabesques and roses signifies the wish that ’spring may last for ten thousand generations’. In other words - this is a wish that your family lasts forever.

The Fan:- Fans first appeared in China during the 10th Century AD and these beautifully painted fans have been a specialty of the great Chinese artist ever since. One of the eight immortals, Zhong Li Quan, who is said to have lived during the Chou Dynasty around 112-249BC, is the chubby chief of the immortals and recognisable by the Fan which he uses to revive the dead. Many other Gods also use the fan to drive away evil and as a result, from a Feng Shui perspective it has been said that fans have the power to deflect negative ‘chi’ or energy that has been directed your way by a hostile source.

Lotus: As the symbol of purity modesty and love, the lotus enjoys a unique importance in Chinese folklore and it seems that this is largely due to the influence of Buddhism. The lotus comes out of the morass and yet is not itself tainted. It is inwardly empty, outwardly upright. It has no branches and smells sweet. There are two Chinese words for lotus: lian and he. Lian is to love, bind, connect uninterrupted as in marriage and also means modesty. A lotus bloom with a leaf and a bud means ‘complete union’ whilst a boy with a carp beside a lotus means abundance year in year out. He Xian-gu was the immortal carrying the lotus and was brought into the group by Lu Dong Bin after he rescued her from a demon by using his magic sword.

Castanets:- Cao Guo-jiu is the finest dressed of all the immortals. He is always depicted in court dress and is often seen holding an official sceptre or castanets. So, for those budding thespians ensure you have this deity around you to help you on your way.

Flute:- A patron saint of musicians, this happy immortal is always depicted carrying or playing the flute. It is said that Han Xiang-Zi could make flowers bloom at will and soothe wild animals with his music. He is said to be the great nephew of the statesman and philosopher Han Yu who lived AD 768 - 824. There are many types of Chinese flutes, however; the vertical flute which has only five holes in the upper part and one in the lower section with only one end open is played mainly by women. In Feng Shui a pair of flutes is often used to divert the negative flow of energy.

Sword:- A demon slaying sword is the attribute of Lu Dong-bin (born around AD 755) another of the eight immortals. There are many legends regarding swords and their magical properties. In fact, it is said that an ordinary sword can be turned into one that will repel demons by going through a special ritual and then reforged. In Feng Shui terms there is the sword of coins. Coins are usually associated with prosperity, however, they were also used as protective charms. So it came to be that a cluster of coins were strung with red cording in the shape of swords. These were then worn around the neck to ward off ’sha chi’ directed your way by a hostile source.

Bamboo cane: Zhang Guo-lao is the immortal that is always shown carrying a long bamboo cane, the so called ‘Fish Drum’. Inside the cane are two rods fitted with hooks, and the whole piece can be used as a means of making various sounds and music. Legend has it that he flourished around the late 7th and early 8th centuries and is always accompanied by a donkey on whose back he would sit backwards and could cover a thousand miles a day.

Basket of flowers: Lan Cai-he is one of the eight immortals and is represented by a basket of fruit or flowers. A decorated basket of flowers represents riches and therefore the motif has been a popular one used during the New Year period.

There are many, many items in varying degrees of styles that can evoke a significant value for another person. So………. why not consider giving a gift for Christmas with substance, one that has an important meaning to someone you care about. Perhaps it will reflect the gift of wealth, good health and happiness or even………..love.

About the Author
Juliana Abram is one of the leading Feng Shui consultants in Australia having been traditionally trained in Hong Kong by Chinese Feng Shui Master Raymond Lo.

Juliana specialises in ‘Flying Star’ Feng Shui and the Four Pillars of destiny.

Juliana runs her own Feng Shui consultancy ( see http://www.fengshuicentre.com.au ) and her own online Feng Shui store ( see http://www.fengshuishop.com.au ).

Good day to you all. I love you. I love you. I love you.

Tools for life.

The Power of Contentment

To be who we truly are is to be content. Are you content with your breakfast, lunch, dinner? Are you content with your buddy? Are you content with your life? Are you content with you?

To be content is to be Satisfied. Is to be Gratified. Is to be Happy with what Is.

Can we say that anything else is a Resistance to what Is? Even though what is may not be our dream taking place in the now?

A Calmness takes place within us when we are in a state of content with what Is. An Acceptance. A Realization. No more fighting inside and out. No more pushing against the flow of the Universe. An acceptance of family, friends and others. An acceptance of any situation we are in at this particular time.

How does it feel to be content with who and what you are? This by no means states to stay stagnant where ever you are in your life and justify any laziness and distrusts. This by no means is to accept pain and suffering and remain in this state of weakness and unhappiness.

The truth of it all is to accept in the Now whatever is going on within and without and from this state of acceptance gain greater clarity and move forward. When we remain in harmony with the Universe then we flow with the harmony of the Universe. Realizing that we are one with the Universe then why not stay in harmony with it? It is definitely for our highest good.

To be Content with what Is, Is to be Satisfied and Is to be Grateful. From this state of Gratitude we are in fact aligned with God and the Universe and we shall attract to ourselves the people and things that we desire into our lives for our highest good.

To be content is to Love what Is. Is to Love Mother Earth, Mother Nature, The Cosmos, The Beauty ever present within, without and within all of our loved ones and others.

How Wonderful and Awesome it is to know that we have this Power of Contentment within us to Empower us. How will we know it? When we practice it.

Let us move into a new us and start practicing what we logically think that we know. Let us practice what we think that we know and really know it.

Let us move forward moment by moment with Contentment, Acceptance, Satisfaction and Gratitude.

It is truly Empowering to live this life of being Resistance free.

Let us be Joyful, Peaceful and Authentic with what Is. For we are worthy and deserving of living a life of Happiness in every way.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

Please feel free to share these Insights with your friends, family and co-workers to create oneness.

May the love and light of God and the Universe surround, protect and heal you, your loved and the planet earth.

With Love, Gratitude and Respect Michelle Morovaty Truly, With God All Things Are Possible

About the Author
MICHELLE Michelle Morovaty is an Intuitive Spiritual Teacher and Healer. She has healed herself from many challenges including Lupus CNS, a car accident and divorce. She uses her intuition and universal guidance to assist people through the healing process.

For more about Michelle and her healing sessions see www.spiritualityinsideandout.com and for her guided meditation CD’s see www.insidenow.com

There is a lot of pain in wanting others to be different. There is the pain of feeling dependent upon someone who is not dependable. There is the pain of feeling helpless to create the change that we desire. And most of all, there is the pain of feeling locked-in to our own responses so that we cannot react differently. For if we could react differently, then the behavior of another would not be a source of concern to us.

This mix of different kinds of distress can be acute or it can be longstanding, sometimes lasting for years or even for a lifetime. There is often a yearning to be free of the entire situation and an inability to know how. In the corner of our awareness we know that more love and tolerance is needed, but have difficulty finding these, despite our knowledge.

There is a bridge that it is possible to build that opens up greater love - a bridge built out of a truth we can recognize that enables us to be free. It is a bridge of compassion that is composed of two things: on the one side, the recognition that the ‘other’ is doing the best that they can, all of the time, given the limitations that they face within themselves. These limitations are part of their inheritance - part of the burden that they carry through life, and they can only be put down when they are ready to be put down. Recognition that another is doing the best that they can defines one aspect of the bridge to greater love.

The other side of this bridge is defined by knowledge concerning ourselves. In a deep way, it involves knowing that we are alright and can feel whole no matter what anyone else says or does. This knowledge of our capacity for wholeness and the feeling that our life is not dependent upon anyone else’s unique response, cannot be simply a thought that we tell ourselves. It must be an experience of inner integrity which allows us to absorb the limitation of the world and of others, without having to have the world change for our benefit. Such an experience of inner wholeness and love is the goal of a spiritual life. We already have this knowledge within us, for the wholeness that we seek is already there. It is a matter of finding it again. The finding of it allows us to recognize a choice that we have, and we make it all of the time: to recognize that unconsciousness is part of the way of the world at this time and we can react to it with disappointment or disapproval, or, to focus on our own inner path to the things we seek, so that we become an agent of healing for the world, rather than a disappointed lover.

To let go of having to have another change is no small thing. It is huge in its implications. It is even revolutionary, for it can change our entire life. Yet, it is built on a capacity for greater love that we must seek within ourselves in order to find it. Such seeking opens up the way to a life in which the source of love can increasingly be felt within us, and the wellspring of disappointment can dry up.

The letting go of the sense of needing another to be different for us may not disappear in a moment, a day, a week, a year, or even longer - and yet it can. It can disappear in an instant because it involves a simple shift in perspectives, a shift into a perspective of knowing that no matter what anyone else says or does, that we remain whole and ourselves, with the capacity to let go of the clinging that has made life painful. This clinging, which we would so much rather do without, may ultimately be the agent which produces great benefits for us if we become aware of it in a deeper way. For it can lead us to the path of becoming responsible for our own inner growth, and it can lead us to the recognition that we become free by letting others be free to be themselves as well. In this way, we gently move toward an inner capacity to live a life that is wholly based in love, not because of what others give to us or do not give, but because of what we feel capable of giving to the world.

About the Author
For other writings by Julie Redstone see Pathways of Light - http://lightomega.org/PathwaysofLight.html, including the Light Omega Reader. Also, the Sacred Relationships section of the Light Omega website - http://www.lightomega.org/Ind/Sacred_Relationships.html.

Who? Who questions give us the direction of the group of Bible verses we’re reading. Who is doing the speaking or writing? Who are they speaking or writing to? Who is the section of Scripture about? You can find out if the verses are just about one person “Jesus wept” or a universal promise “to all whom God will call” just by asking “who.” Without knowing the “Who” of God’s Word, it’s very difficult to figure out what parts apply to everyone and what parts only apply to the people being addressed.

What? Do you want a clear understanding of the subject in a group of Scriptures? You must answer the “what” questions. This makes the subject more vivid. What is being said about what? Is it a law, a sin, a character trait? What are we supposed to do…follow, avoid, develop, ask for? There are many more “what’s” in the Bible than we will ever find just skimming the surface. “What” is a very important question.

Why? This requires a little more analysis. By asking the question “why” we’re able to pick up hidden clues in the Scripture text. Asking why and trying to find the answers can give you new meaning to the whole verse or whole chapter. Why did he write or say this? Why should we do what the verse tells us to? Why did they react to the situation the way they did? Sometimes stories are instructions on what to do and other times examples of what not to do. So, another why to ask about anything in the Bible is, “Why would God want me to know this?” It helps us apply His Word to our lives.

How? Ever heard someone talk about the power of prayer? The Bible clearly reveals that the power is in God, not in prayer. When we’re studying Scriptures on prayer, asking how the prayers are answered keeps us from mistakenly crediting our prayers instead of God’s power and love. Ask, how are the “what’s” being done? How were they done? How are they to be done in the future? There are far more “how’s” in Scripture than we can find just by reading or listening. The “How’s” add power to our lives. How can Paul, or we, do all things? Through Christ! “How’s” are powerful! The last “how” question we should ask is, “How does this apply to me?”

Where? This gives us the local context in which to understand the verses under study. When Paul tells us how to receive the peace that passes all understanding, it adds power to Paul’s words when we understand the “where” he wrote from was a Roman prison. Sometimes, knowing where someone is helps explain what they’re saying, like when Jesus said every stone of the temple would be thrown down…it’s good to know it was the temple in Jerusalem to figure out if that prophecy had been fulfilled. “Where” also helps explain a local application to the Scripture that may not apply to people elsewhere.

When? This question also gives us context. When were the verses written? Were they written about the past, present or future? In what order do things happen? Do these Scriptures apply to only those times, or are they universal, applying to us, as well? “When” is an interesting question to ask in trying to understand God, who lives outside of time and space. How could we understand the words of Jesus, “Before Abraham was born, I am.” without asking “when” questions?

Try this at home: Take a couple sheets of paper, one of your favorite chapters of Scripture and an hour of your time. Evenly space the questions on the 2 pages. Then, take a few verses at a time and write down the answers to the six types of questions. I’d be willing to bet you’ll find some new meanings and applications to your life. If you do, I challenge you to take one book of the New Testament (say, 1 John) and do the same thing, 2-3 chapters a week. Let me know the things you learn!

The Word of God isn’t meant to be mysterious or confusing. The Bible is God’s message to us regular folk about His love and His power in our lives. We can tap into His power if we will stop depending on others to interpret the Word of God for us. Instead, all we need is the Holy Spirit, because, “…you do not need anyone to teach you…” 1 John 2:27

About the Author
Glen Williams is Webmaster at http://www.web-church.com and CEO of E-Home Fellowship (EHF), Inc. He is an ordained minister who has been active in Christian ministry since 1989, counseling and helping people live in Christ. You can comment on his articles at Web-Church Christian Forums.

The Bible is full of advice about how to live life in such a way that gives us a clear conscience. Micah 6:8 tells us to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. Isaiah 56:1 tells us to keep justice and do righteousness. Isaiah 33:15 says to walk righteously and speak uprightly, to despise gain of oppressions, not accept bribes or look at evil.

Why are we to live this way? 1 Peter 3:16 tells us to keep our conscience clear “so that when we are abused, those who revile our good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ” Romans 13:5 tells us it honors God to have a clear conscience. Also, doing so will give us peace. Isaiah 26:3 says, “Thou dost keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee.” Job, in all his trials, was able to say in Job 27:6, “I hold fast my righteousness, and will not let go; my heart does not reproach me for any of my days.” But, Psalm 101, even though it goes into detail about how to live a blameless life and how we should chose as our models and friends those who are godly and truthful, also admits that we can’t be blameless without God. “I will be careful to lead a blameless life - when will you come to me?”

Only God’s forgiveness and the desire and determination to live rightly before God can bring a clear conscience. Psalm 32:1-5 tells us we are blessed whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. But, it also says we must confess those sins. “I said I will confess my transgressions to the Lord - and You forgave the guilt of my sin.” God gives us a way to have a clear conscience. We should strive to live a blameless life, but when we try and still mess up He can wipe the slate clean through our confession and His forgiveness.

As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7

There is one thing alone that stands the brunt of life throughout its length; a quiet conscience before God.” 1 John 3:21

The way to make yourself count is to serve others with kindness and love.

About the Author
Nancy Geiger is a freelance writer who owns an online store http://www.givitup.com/ and writes 2 blogs: http://teachingsundayschool.blogspot.com http://onlinestoregivitup.blogspot.com

The difficulty for us comes because we have a conflict in our hearts. Throughout our lives we have come to believe certain things. We learned most of them when we were young, and they have formed the basis of what we believe. So when we hear the truth of God’s word, a conflict arises between what we have always believed, but which is probably not true, and the Bible. In order to remove the unbelief and live in faith, we must confront the unbelief, and the lies behind it, whenever we see it in our lives.

One of the wrong beliefs that most of us grew up with is: I’ll believe it when I see it. The problem with that belief is that it puts things in the wrong order. The truth is that we see it because we believe it, not the other way around.

In the context of faith and abundance, our unbelief says: I’ll believe that I have abundance in my life when I see it. The truth is: I’ll see abundance in my life when I believe that I already have it.

I know that we look around at our circumstances and say, “But I don’t have the abundance I want. Just look at my bank account, or my credit card balances.” But seeing our current reality as something that is persistent, or even permanent, is part of the problem. We end up stuck where we are because we believe that things don’t, or can’t, change.

Faith is being able to acknowledge our current circumstances, but still hold onto the promise of what we hope for, even though it is not yet tangible for us. By definition, hope is something that we don’t see (Romans 8:24-25). So when Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is the substance of what we hope for, it’s saying that faith is the conviction (the belief and attitude) that we already have our hope. It is as real to us today, at least in how we think and feel about it, as if we were already holding it in our hands.

And when it comes to abundance, we should be thankful for what we already have, and also for all that we hope for. Being truly grateful for all that God has given us, and all that He is giving us by faith, changes how we feel about our lives. Our hope shapes our future, as we speak and act today in a way that says: “I am so happy and grateful now that all I hope for is already mine.”

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

By letting God know what we want, that we want to experience the abundance He has for us, and then being thankful, truly grateful in advance because we know that He has answered our prayer, we overcome our doubts and experience peace. That peace is a sure sign that we trust God, and that we are confident that He will never fail.

When it comes to living in abundance we have to start from our current circumstances. We can’t wait for things to change, for things to get better, before we start to have faith. The ability to look at the mountain rising up out of the ground, but to know beyond any doubt that it will soon splash into the sea, is what faith is all about.

To be able to look at our credit card balances and empty checking account, but to have an unshakable confidence that God has answered our prayers and that abundance is ours now, is also what faith is all about. And as Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, “According to your faith will it be done to you.”

About the Author
Get two chapters from Rob Marshall’s book, “Taking On Goliath - How To Unleash The David In All Of Us” when you sign up for his free weekly newsletter. Visit: http://www.TakingOnGoliath.com

Tonight, she announces to the circle, we will be studying from the book of Matthew.

Not even two years ago, Paloma was terrified of the neighborhood in which she lived. As a middle-aged woman, she felt defenseless in a community characterized by hatred, drugs, lust, and violence. But God did a mighty work in Palomas heart, and soon she held a passion for outreach that transcended any remnants of fear.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Paloma invited a few local gang members to meet within her home. Then using Bible studies, she told them about the love and forgiveness that only Jesus could offer.

It was not long before word got out on the streets. Driven by curiosity, several more young men wanted to hear the Message that this brave woman had to share. Each week the attendance grew a little bit more.

Today, Paloma is dealing with a whole new problem, finding a location that can house the 45 to 50 ex gang members that turn up every week.

As God is changing individuals, so to He is building bridges to their families, and to their friends, and to their communities through the outreach of many like Paloma. The ripple builds into a mighty wave that is sweeping throughout the city. Over the past two years of Bible Network ministry in Monterrey, one twelfth of the citys population has heard the Gospel, and a half million Scriptures have been placed through these Bible studies.

Sometimes, Palomas group members continue to struggle with deep rooted addictions even after they accept Christ as their Savior. But these former gang members have formed a support system of prayer and encouragement for each others success.

And Paloma has taken an additional step by helping to find these young men jobs and job training. She says, I love these young people, and it breaks my heart to see them throwing their lives away. I want them to become men of integrity.

It is this communal aspect of Bible study that is slowly turning Palomas neighborhood around. Her house,the only one on the block not covered in graffiti, has become an oasis from the troubles of the world. Thank God, with us, for the revival He has begun in Monterrey. Only He could use a heart of fear to reach an entire community.

Pray also that others will recognize Gods call to reach the world with His Word. God is waiting to pour out His blessing on those who make themselves available. All around the world mighty miracles like this are happening as people are coming face to face with Jesus, through His Word, the Bible.

About the Author
John Savage is director of Bible Network and more information can be had by visiting http://thebiblenetwork.org.uk/