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	<title>Jesus is my saviour &#187; kindness</title>
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		<title>Taking off your dirty clothes</title>
		<link>http://www.catholicdioceseofndola.org/taking-off-your-dirty-clothes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.catholicdioceseofndola.org/taking-off-your-dirty-clothes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:00:25 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.catholicdioceseofndola.org/?p=67</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[No matter how good and expensive your clothes are, it only comfortable when it is used in clean, not in dirt. Although of course you could use it in dirty, but I believe it will smell not great. Other then that smelly clothes also meaning that bacteria and germs are growing in your clothes.
I&#8217;m using [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>No matter how good and expensive your clothes are, it only comfortable when it is used in clean, not in dirt. Although of course you could use it in dirty, but I believe it will smell not great. Other then that smelly clothes also meaning that bacteria and germs are growing in your clothes.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m using those illustration above like our relationship with the Lord. We, human, are precious thing in His eyes. Our precious is proven when Jesus died for us. He sacrifice His life in order to save us, in replacement of our sins.<br />
<span id="more-67"></span><br />
But don&#8217;t you know that its not stop just in there, The Lord want us to take off our dirty clothes, they want us to replace it, into new one, the clean one. He doesn&#8217;t want us to cover it with new ones, it could made the new dirty.</p>
<p>Its like our self, we often compensate with what we do, we want to get rid our bad old behavior in exchange of something else. That&#8217;s not what the Lord want us to do, He want us to do the right thing, without any excuses.</p>
<p>Living holy or in sacred way is not an option, its a must. Why? because our old character could not blend with our new ones, we have to left the old one, and carry on with the new one. Left it out, and let the Lord lead you the way.</p>
<p><em>1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.</p>
<p> 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.</p>
<p> 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.</p>
<p> 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. </em><br />
Colossians 3:1-17</p>
<p>Faith and religion is always good material for paper, <a href="http://buyessay.org/write-my-paper.html" target="_blank">Write my paper</a> able to help you with it.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>What is the Path to God?</title>
		<link>http://www.catholicdioceseofndola.org/what-is-the-path-to-god/</link>
		<comments>http://www.catholicdioceseofndola.org/what-is-the-path-to-god/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:41 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.catholicdioceseofndola.org/?p=34</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ten Ways to Connect With the Divine and to Find the Higher Self 
Each religion approaches the divine in a unique way. Here are ten universal paths practiced by devotees to find God and connect with the higher self. 
Every path to God is a personal experience, a private journey. No one path is inherently [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ten Ways to Connect With the Divine and to Find the Higher Self </p>
<p>Each religion approaches the divine in a unique way. Here are ten universal paths practiced by devotees to find God and connect with the higher self. </p>
<p>Every path to God is a personal experience, a private journey. No one path is inherently superior, as all paths to God are valid and useful.<br />
Jesus said, &#8220;I and the Father are One.&#8221; (John 10:30) Humans and God are one. As devotees draw nearer and nearer to God, the ultimate goal is to merge with the Divine in an intimately spiritual union. Sri Ramana Maharishi, the famous Indian guru who achieved enlightenment at the age of 16, asserts, &#8220;God, Guru, and the Self are the same.&#8221; (p. 10, Erase the Ego)<span id="more-34"></span><br />
Meditation as a Means to Draw Near to God<br />
When a devotee quiets the mind, the inner voice can be more easily heard and heeded. Meditation allows for the cultivation of the state of mind needed to achieve enlightenment.<br />
Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and other religions use meditation as a means to quiet the inner chatter and hear the voice of God, or the wisdom of the Higher Self.<br />
Prayer as a Communication and Primary Path to God<br />
Prayer can take many forms, including recitation of a mantra or repetitions with a rosary. Prayer can be a silent plea to the universe or a specific, intimate dialog with a personal, living God.<br />
Prayer can involve specific requests of God or the Universe; expressions of appreciation for blessings; and communications of thanks, or cries for help.<br />
Temporary Vow of Silence to Find the Higher Self and God<br />
Silence does not just involve resting the vocal cords. Many religions advocate silent retreats, such as Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists.<br />
Ritual silence can be used as a religious tool to quiet the mind to a deeper level than a meditative session. Silence is a disciplined, unique way to connect with the Higher Self and with God.<br />
Yoga as a Discipline to Reconnect the Mind, Body, and Spirit With God<br />
This ancient discipline is a subtle yet powerful path to God. The root word &#8220;yuj&#8221; means &#8220;to join, to yoke, to concentrate one&#8217;s attention.&#8221;<br />
According to the Sanskrit Glossary of Yogic Terms, yoga is &#8220;a method of practice leading to conscious union of the human being (atman) with the universal existence of Brahman.&#8221; Brahman is the Hindu Trinity Godhead, similar to Christianity&#8217;s concept of the Holy Trinity. (Yoga Publications Trust, 2007)<br />
Tithing and Offerings to God<br />
Flowers, money, and personal sacrifice (as Catholics practice during Lent) are all examples of devotees&#8217; external expressions of offering a part of themselves. Devotion is expressed through offerings, gift giving, giving of oneself. Tithing and offerings are expressions of love.<br />
Acts of Kindness and Compassion as an Expression of the Divine<br />
Jesus preached the importance of loving others, including it as one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses. The Dalai Lama teaches that compassion can be learned, and calls all who wish to achieve enlightenment to practice compassion.<br />
Forgiveness is a supreme act of compassion, and also shows emotional and spiritual maturity. To forgive is divine, and is one way to draw closer to God.<br />
Study of the Holy Texts Illuminate the Path to God<br />
The Jewish religion emphasizes study as a means to understand and draw nearer to God. Christians study the Bible, revering the sacred text as a manifestation of God Himself: &#8220;And the Word became flesh&#8230;&#8221; (John 1:14)<br />
Healthy Love of Self and Emotional Maturity as a Path to God<br />
If God and the Self are the same, then a healthy love of self is absolutely necessary in spiritual growth, devotion to and love of God. Healthy love of oneself is a step in reconnecting to the Higher Self and emotional maturity allows for synthesis of mind, body and spirit.<br />
Ethical Decisions Draw the Righteousness Near to God<br />
Ethics does not involve right vs. wrong or good vs. evil, but rather entails a consistency of moral code. While some religions may differ on ideas and philosophies of morality, ethics and righteousness prove a powerful path to God, as a disciplined approach to what one believes is right.<br />
Rituals as an Outward Expression of Devotion and Commitment to God<br />
Pagans, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and others all practice religious rituals. Culturally, humans crave ritual to give order and increase meaning to outward acts of devotion. Rituals can provide structure and discipline to devotion. Some use rituals as a tangible lifeline that leads directly to God.<br />
Devotees can use one, several, or all of these paths to God and to the Higher Self. For example, japa mala combines ritual with prayer and meditation.<br />
Just as seekers approach the study of the Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, from different angles, so the seeker can approach and ultimately unite with the Divine, the One God, the Higher Self, or the Universe using any of these valid and powerful paths.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The Christmas Present</title>
		<link>http://www.catholicdioceseofndola.org/the-christmas-present/</link>
		<comments>http://www.catholicdioceseofndola.org/the-christmas-present/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:51:59 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.catholicdioceseofndola.org/?p=25</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[History of the Joy of Giving. With the commercialisation of Christmas, gifts are often elaborate and expensive. This hasn&#8217;t always been the case. Part of the joy and beauty of a Christmas tree is the pile of presents placed beneath the branches. The tradition of gift giving at this time of year dates back to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>History of the Joy of Giving. With the commercialisation of Christmas, gifts are often elaborate and expensive. This hasn&#8217;t always been the case. Part of the joy and beauty of a Christmas tree is the pile of presents placed beneath the branches. The tradition of gift giving at this time of year dates back to the Roman era and the festival of Kalends, which fell on the first of January.</p>
<p>Roman GIfts to Honour the Emperor, Officials of the Roman administration were expected to offer gifts known as Strenae to the Emperor during the festival of Kalends. Originally, the gifts were simpley branches cut from the evergreens growing in the grove of the goddess Strenia, but over time the gifts became more formal presents.<br />
<span id="more-25"></span><br />
The Emperor Caligula, not renowned for his rational behaviour, declared that Roman officials and visiting dignitaries present him with gifts. Indeed, like an impatient child, Caligula is reported to have stood at the door of his palace, waiting for the officials to arrive with their gifts.<br />
Mindful of the Emperor’s reputation, the dignitaries began to bring more than branches cut from the Olive grove, they brought gifts of cake and honey to symbolise a forth coming year full of sweetness, and gifts of gold, symbolising prosperity. On more than one occasion Caligula showed his displeasure if the gift wasn&#8217;t to his liking, Unfortunately for the gift giver, it often ment paying with his life! Fortunately, with the advent of the return/exchange policy of most shops, nowadays the gift giver isn’t risking their life in their present is inappropriate it can easily be returned.<br />
The Christmas Festival<br />
Traditionally, for Christians, the Christmas festival is a celebration of the birth of Christ and the giving and receiving of gifts originally symbolised the gifts brought by the wise men, gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The word Christmas is believed to come from the old English &#8216;Criste Maesse&#8217; which means the Mass of Christ.<br />
The origins of the bringer of Christmas gifts, such as Father Christmas and Santa Claus, dates back to 300 AD with the birth of Saint Nicholas of Myra, (part of modern day Turkey). Nicholas joined the priesthood at 17 years of age. He was renowned for his kindness, both to children and adults alike.<br />
One story tells of how a young girl could not marry her sweetheart as her family were poor and could not provide a dowry. One evening Nicholas spotted the girl hanging her stockings in front of the fire to dry them. Rather than cause embarrassment by offering to pay the dowry, Nicholas climbed onto the roof and gently dropped gold coins down the chimney into the stockings.<br />
<a href="http://forextime.com/invest/about/" target="_blank">forex pamm</a> a meeting place for investor and money manager.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Journey of Faith</title>
		<link>http://www.catholicdioceseofndola.org/journey-of-faith/</link>
		<comments>http://www.catholicdioceseofndola.org/journey-of-faith/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:46:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.catholicdioceseofndola.org/?p=19</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What is our journey of faith and how do we get the true understanding of how faith works in our lives? How do we structure and build upon faith as we take our journey through life to where we become strong to the point of maturity?
Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What is our journey of faith and how do we get the true understanding of how faith works in our lives? How do we structure and build upon faith as we take our journey through life to where we become strong to the point of maturity?</p>
<p>Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld. It coveys the idea of something that underlies visible conditions and guarantees a future possession. Faith is, therefore, the basis for hope and the evidence for conviction concerning unseen realities. The entire body of truths delivered by Jesus Christ and his inspired disciples constitutes the true Christian “faith.”<span id="more-19"></span></p>
<p>As we go through our journey of faith to get true understanding, let us examine the farmer’s faith. The farmer prepares his soil and sows his seed, excepting, as in previous years, that the seed will sprout and that the plants will grow as they receive the needed moisture and sunshine. Likewise, the scientist has faith in the principles of his branch of science. He bases new experiments on past discoveries and looks for new discoveries on the basis of those things already established as true. Therefore, faith in the stability of the natural laws governing the universe actually constitutes a foundation for man’s plans and activities.</p>
<p>In many ways, “faith follows the thing heard.” Rom 10:17 says, ( So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.) John 4:39,41, says ( And many of the Samaritans had come to Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 41, And many more believed because of His word.)</p>
<p>Let us examine Abraham’s faith. When told to offer up Isaac, Abraham had strong faith that God would resurrect his son. He based such faith on God’s promise that it was by means of Isaac that “what will be called ‘your seed’ will be.” Gen. 21:12; says (But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called.)</p>
<p>Jesus, on occasions, said to those who were healed, “Your faith has made you well.” Had those persons not exercised faith in Jesus, they would not have received healing for themselves. Likewise, the great faith of the army officer who entreated Jesus in behalf of his manservant rested on evidence, on the basis of which he concluded that Jesus’ merely ‘saying the word’ would result in the healing of his manservant.</p>
<p>Therefore, evidence for genuine conviction was also involved in the case of those who came to or who were brought to Jesus to be healed. Even if not eyewitnesses personally, they at least had heard about Jesus’ powerful works. Then, on the basis of what they saw or heard, they concluded that Jesus could heal them also. Moreover, they were acquainted with God’s Word and thus were familiar with the miracles performed by the prophets in times past.</p>
<p>However, we note that Jesus healed all who came to him, not requiring faith greater or less according to their disease, nor failing to heal any of these with the excuse that he could not do it because their faith was not strong enough, as so-called “faith healers” have done. Jesus performed these healings as a witness to establish faith. In his home territory, where much unfaithfulness was expressed, he chose not to perform many powerful works, not because of inability, but because the people refused to listen and were unworthy. Matt. 13:58 says, (Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.)</p>
<p>Christian Faith: As we continue in our journey of faith we discover that faith is not the possession of all people, as it is a fruitage of God’s spirit. 2 Thess 3:2 says,( and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.) Gal 5:22 says ( But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.) Those lacking faith are rejected by God. Heb 11:6 says, (But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.)</p>
<p>For faith to be acceptable to God, it is necessary to accept Jesus Christ, and this makes possible a righteous standing with God. Gal 2:16 says, ( Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.) </p>
<p>A Christian’s faith is not static, but grows strong. 2 Thess 1:3 says, ( We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other.) Hence, the request of Jesus’ disciples, in Luke 17:5 ‘Give us more faith.” was very appropriate, and he did provide them the foundation for increased faith. He supplied them with greater evidence and understanding on which to base their faith.</p>
<p>The entire life course of a Christian is actually governed by faith, enabling them to overcome mountain like obstacles in their journey of faith that would hinder their services to God. 2 Cor 5:7 says, (For “we walk by faith, not by sight. Matt 21:21-22 says, So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea, ‘It will be done. “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” )</p>
<p>We now, have the true understanding of faith through God’s Words, and how it works, and how it will work in our lives. In ever thing we do, let us exercise our faith as to grow and become strong. James 2:26 says, ( For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.) As we walk through our journey of faith, let us apply the works needed to mature, and let us conquer all life’s obstacles through prayer so that we may acquire God’s guidance.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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