The Will of God for Our Own Good

The Will of God for Our Own Good

 

Baba said, "I am the Controller - the wirepuller of the show of this Universe." – Sri Sai Satcharitra, Ch. 3

 

Once God commanded his messenger (an angel), "Proceed to Coimbatore immediately. The life of a middle-aged woman is coming to an end. Bring that soul (jiva) here." The messenger as bid by the Lord left for Coimbatore. On reaching the place, the angel was stunned at the sight that awaited!

There, in an old dilapidated small cottage the angel saw a poor young woman lying unconscious in a pool of blood. She had given birth to three baby girls only an hour earlier. One child was feeding from its mother while the other two were lying on either side of their mother.

The scene touched the heart of the angel. Tears welled up in the angel's eyes and it was angry at God for having asked it to take away the life of the young woman. It thought, "Oh! How could God be so cruel? Unaware of the situation in its entirety, He goes about giving commands. If I obey His command now, what will happen to these baby girls? If the woman's life is spared for another 10 years, these girls will grow up and might be able to support their lives by some means. How could God do this without thinking of these? Oh! I can't take away the life of this woman so mercilessly! I am not concerned about the anger of God that I might incur by disobeying His commands. I am not going to do this." Deciding thus, the angel went empty handed to God.

It begged God to spare the life of the lady and add 10 more years to her life. The Lord smiled at the angel and said, "It is I who have appointed you as the angel. Your job is to take away the life of the human beings once their lifetime ends. And that's it! I have blessed you with the required skills on my own accord. From your words I gather that you believe yourself to be endowed with more intelligence and compassion than Me, the Supreme Being. You dare to teach me how to manage the world that I have created by my will! You have to suffer the punishment for disobeying my orders. I punish you to lead a life of an ordinary human being in the same city of Coimbatore. You will remain there until you laugh at yourself twice for your foolish behavior!"

And Lo! The next moment the angel took a human form and was standing in the Coimbatore Gandhipuram without appropriate clothes to cover its body. It was the month of January and was cold outside. The angel stood there shivering with cold. A cobbler who was passing by took pity on the angel, bought clothes and gave them to the shivering angel. The angel thanked him and said, "I do not have any place to stay either. I will be very grateful if you give me shelter." The cobbler said, Don't worry! Now that we are friends, you can stay with me at my place.

But I warn you, my wife is very short tempered and one cannot prejudge her action when she gets angry. She will not stop from even throwing vessels. If that is ok, you can come". The angel nodded and followed the cobbler home.

When the wife of cobbler got to know that he had bought clothes for the angel with the money meant for buying clothes for the kids her anger knew no bounds! She started cursing the cobbler and started throwing vessels at them. The angel was also badly hurt. The angel laughed at its foolishness for the first time, for ignoring the warning of its friend!

From that day, the angel helped the cobbler in making sandals. The angel designed various shoes imitating the ones it had seen in heaven. The shop soon became very famous for its fabulous and rare shoe designs. Thus, 12 years rolled by.

One day the angel was standing in front of a cloth store. At that time it saw a rich old lady getting down from an expensive car. Three beautiful young women followed her. The angel noticed that the three of them had a trident shaped mole in their right cheek. The angel immediately recognized them to be the children of the lady, whose life God had ordered to take away 12 years ago.

The angel went to the old lady and enquired if these girls were really her children. The old lady replied "Not really! About 12 years back, I was going in my car near Gandhipuram. I suddenly happened to hear the cry of kids. I went to the hut from where the cry of the children was heard and found these three baby girls lying with their dead mother. I had lost my husband and had no children. I adopted these three kids legally. I have educated them well and they are the sole heirs to my entire property."

The angel was dumb-founded. It thought, "Oh! How very foolish of me to have analyzed the orders of the all-knowing God with my small little brain! If that Lady had not died then, would these kids be leading such a happy and rich life now?" And for the second time it laughed at itself for its foolishness!

With the iota of brain and intelligence that God has blessed us with, we dare to question the very actions of omniscient Lord!

Only God should bless us with the realization that all that happens is by the will of God and it is indeed for our own good!

A Big Feast to a Saint

A Big Feast to a Saint

 

"He who gives food to the poor and hungry, is the best donor or charitable person." – Shri Sai Satcharitra Ch 38

 

A holy man of God was once invited by a wealthy merchant to come and have lunch at his new house. When the saint arrived at the gates of his palatial residence, he was driven away by the guards who thought he was a beggar.

 

A few minutes later, the holy man returned, wrapped up in an  expensive silk and gold shawl. This attire gained him instant admittance into the merchant's house.

 

"Your servants would not let me enter the house when I came in my ochre robes," the saint remarked to the merchant. "That is only natural Swamiji," said the merchant smilingly. "The elite of the town are present here today, and it is entirely proper that they should see you at your best!. Now they know that you are a force ro reckon with, a grand, impressive figure in that resplendent shawl!"

 

The saint smiled, and did not utter a word in reply.

 

When they were seated at the table, a grand feast was laid before them. The wealthy guests began to eat hastily. They did not want to miss out on any of the delicious dishes offered to them.

 

As for the saint, he quietly took away the shawl that covered him. Underneath, he still wore his ochre robes. He laid the shawl on the table, and began to put food on it. Hot, steaming vegetables, creamy kheer, fragrant rice, soft rotis, luscious mithai and deserts – everything was heaped on to the shawl.

 

"Swamiji!" thundered his host, red-faced with anger. "What are you doing?"

 

"My friend, I realize that I am not the guest you invited to dine with you," the saint replied. "When I came in my own person, I was refused admittance. It is this shawl which made you welcome me and seat me at this table with your honoured guests. And so, it is this shawl which is your guest, and it is this shawl which should be the real recipient of your lavish hospitality. As for the real me in my poor ochre robes – I not deserve to eat anything at your grand feast!"

 

What a small creature can do - Why Can't We?

Baba said, "First give bread to the hungry, and then eat yourself." - Sri Sai Satcharitra, Ch. 9.

This is a true story that happened in Japan.

Once, in order to renovate his house, the house owner broke open the wall. Japanese houses normally have a hollow space in between the wooden walls. While tearing down the walls, he found that there was a live lizard stuck on the wall because a nail from outside had hammered into one of its feet.

He saw this, felt pity, and at the same time he was very curious as to how it had survived, as upon checking the nail he realized that it was nailed 5 years ago when the house was first built!!!

What had happened? The lizard had survived in such position for 5 years that too in a dark wall partition without moving, it is impossible and mind-boggling.

How could it survive for 5 years without moving a single step--since its foot was nailed! So he stopped his work and observed the lizard, what it had been doing, and how it had been eating.

After waiting for some time, he was awestruck to see another lizard from don't know where it came, with food in its mouth. Ah! He was stunned and touched deeply.

This caring lizard had been feeding the nailed lizard for the past 5 years!!!

What is amazing is that it has been doing that untiringly for 5 long years, without giving up hope on its partner.

When a lizard can do it, why cant we?

Reflection

Imagine what a small creature can do, that we humans blessed with such a brilliant mind may not do all the time.

The life saving lizard has taught us never to abandon our loved ones in whatever situation – be it our elderly grandparents crippled with age or our parents who have given us their life and soul to bring us up. We should also try and help the handicapped, needy and other less privileged lives we come across in our day to day life.

The lizard has taught us never to say we are busy when we are needed by others especially our near and dear ones, as we may have the entire world at our feet but we might be the only world to them!

A moment of negligence might break the very heart which loves us through all odds.

Before we say something to our loved ones let us remember that it takes only a moment to break other's heart but an entire lifetime to make!

TRY TO BE HERE AND NOW

TRY TO BE HERE AND NOW

 

A travelling group of foreigners, much interested in spiritual matters, visited during their stay in Japan the Zen Master Fudushi. Much impressed by his strong vibration, his equanimity and wisdom, one of the visitors asked him about his secret in attaining his spiritual state.

 

Fudushi answered, "When I sit, I sit: When I stand, I stand: When I go, I go; when I eat, I eat and when I speak, I speak."

 

The visitors were very much surprised by his answer. "That may be all right," they said, but besides that what else are you doing?"

 

They expected to get some unusual answer, something truly secret. For their simple minds could not believe that truth could be so simple and obvious. However, Fudoshi replied again: "I do nothing else. When I sit, I sit, when I stand, I stand, when I go, I go, when I eat, I eat and when I speak, I speak."

 

Then visitors became impatient because Fudushi's answer did not satisfy them. They thought that the Zen Master did not take them seriously, "We are all doing the same thing, but we have not attained Liberation," they retorted.

 

Then Fudushi answered, "No, no, you are all doing everything differently from what I said. When you sit, you think already about getting up, when you get up, you are almost running, when you are running, you are pushing a hot dog between your jaws and while you are swallowing it, you are talking about what happened yesterday or what will happen tomorrow. You are not where you are. That and only that is your problem."

 

With that Fudushi made it clear what meditation means in the day-to-day life; in everything one does, whether it is sitting, standing, walking, eating, speaking, - in everything the same presence. Here and now.

Study to Show Yourself Approved

The Bible is a living Book. Some have no interest in studying it. Do you understand the value of Bible study? How can you establish a pattern and stick to it? What kind of things should you study? Read on—and learn why you should study the Bible!

God commands His servants, "Study to show yourself approved before God."

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is His written Instruction Book to mankind. It answers every important question in life. It explains how to live—and reveals the road to salvation.

Then why do so few know HOW to study the Bible?

First, we must ask, why study the Bible? II Timothy 2:15 admonishes, "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

The apostle Paul tells us that proper Bible study leads to approval from God. The same verse also speaks of other benefits. First, as workmen, we need not be ashamed—if we study God's Word. Instead, studying becomes fulfilling and satisfying. You have done what God expects you to do—an acceptable type of self-approval.

Rightly dividing the Word of Truth—knowing the Bible, inside and out—takes a lifetime. God's Holy Spirit opens one's mind to this spiritual understanding (Psa. 119:18; John 16:13). True biblical knowledge and understanding come from diligent effort and God's Spirit working in you.

God expects us to familiarize ourselves with His Word. Only by fully appreciating it will we act on it. Christ said, "…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4, quoted from Deut. 8:3). Psalms 119:105 affirms: "Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

And as Paul admonished Timothy: "And that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (II Tim. 3:15). He continues in verses 16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Taking in the Word of God for spiritual nourishment surpasses the need of taking in physical food. The Bible provides light to avoid pitfalls in the path of life. The Bible gives us wisdom to understand the weighty aspects of salvation. All scripture is inspired by God to mold and teach His people so that they may become perfect and equipped "for good work of every kind" (Moffatt translation).

Bible study is a vital process that does more than teach us.

Ephesians 5:25-26 reveals the washing or cleansing effect that comes from Bible study: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word."

This is echoed in Hebrews 10:22: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."

The analogy of water washing the body is not to be confused with the water of baptism. The water of baptism is not what washes us clean. (upon repentance, the blood of Christ cleanses one of past sins.) In this case, water symbolizes burial of the individual being baptized. The "watery grave" typifies the death of the old self and the emergence of a new person with a new life.

By contrast, Bible study washes the individual. This is our part of the cleansing process—God expects us to do our part. This process takes place as one internalizes God's Word. This leads to the desire to repent and grow in godly character. God's Spirit is instrumental in this cleansing process. But diligent Bible study is the way we wash and cleanse ourselves.

Bible study has many benefits. Therefore, one should establish goals in undertaking this vital spiritual activity.

There are many kinds of goals within Bible study. They fall into three categories: short-term, medium-term and long-term. This makes such goals much more obtainable, as well as interesting. Each of these categories will be listed below with suggested examples.

It should be understood that one could work on more than just one goal at any given time by alternating Bible study sessions, or splitting each session.

Herbert W. Armstrong taught seven keys to understanding the Bible. Although these keys are general overviews, they are indeed vital in being able to understand the Bible's true doctrines.

The Seven Keys to Understanding the Bible

The true gospel: The kingdom of God will be set up on this physical earth for a thousand years—the millennium—in the near future.

Salvation is creation: The process of salvation involves the development of godly character in those who are called and who overcome.

Duality: The method of duality runs through every phase of God's plan, such as: the physical creation and the spiritual creation; the first Adam and the second Adam; the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. In prophecy, duality indicates the "type" and the "anti-type." This means the former fulfillment as opposed to the later, climactic, major fulfillment of prophecy.

God's Holy Days: These are the seven annual Sabbaths that spell out the plan of salvation. God has commanded their observance forever. He forbids the observance of pagan holidays.

The truth about Israel: The true identity of the lost tribes of Israel and their importance in the world today. This involves the identity of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh as inheritors of the birthright. Its also includes knowing the identity and location of the other tribes of Israel. Without this knowledge, prophecy cannot be understood.

The Bible interprets its own symbols: Man cannot understand the meaning of biblical symbols because he injects his own speculation. Let the Bible explain the meaning. Like parables, these symbols are often used to hide the meaning rather than to make them clearer.

God's Sabbath: The seventh-day Sabbath is the test commandment that professing Christianity refuses to obey. This is the identifying sign of Israel and of God's people.

Short-term Goals

As you examine the following objectives, keep in mind that they are not listed in any particular order.

It is best to begin with short-term goals. For example, read a short book of the Bible, such as James or Ruth. Consider the timing, such as near a Holy Day that pertains to a certain book. You might choose a particular book because it puts a crisis or particular interest into better perspective.

Study a chapter of the Bible. The reasons listed above could apply here, as well as to certain goals listed below.

Study a small subject in the Bible. A good example of this could be: "Why kneel during prayer?"

Study the background of a particular book. This could include the time and circumstances in which the book was written.

Study a difficult scripture.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while studying:

Many kinds of subjects can be studied. Some examples would be the wearing of jewelry or the subject of hair length. Other examples could be astrology or tattoos.

Make it as interesting as possible, but keep it simple. Bible study aids, such as atlases and history books, may help stimulate interest and promote additional curiosity.

When selecting a topic, give it some forethought. Index cards are useful for listing ideas that come to mind when studying other topics. Ironically, many avoid studying the Bible because they feel overwhelmed. Keeping Bible study simple makes it easier to tackle these subjects.

Do not study the Bible haphazardly. Some study whatever pages it happens to open to. This is not the way to approach God's Word.

God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33). He expects us to follow an organized approach to His Word.

Medium-term Goals

These are projects that might extend a few days, weeks, or months. It is possible to pursue short- and medium-term goals at the same time. It is also possible to alternate between the two.

Read a larger book of the Bible, such as Isaiah, Psalms or Proverbs.

Study a specific doctrine. This could be assisted by certain Bible helps such as concordances or topical Bibles.

For example, one could study the doctrine of tithing in detail. If faced with a physical affliction, you may want to study healing.

Memorize a series of key scriptures. Realize that some people such as the Pharisees were required to memorize the Torah—the first five books of the law. Others have memorized the entire Bible, yet do not understand it. When one memorizes key scriptures, the purpose should never be to recite them to impress others, but to internalize the scriptures and apply them in your life.

Review sermon notes and look up the key scriptures. Also review your margin notes. Some may need correcting and updating!

You will find that the more you study the Bible, the more you will want to study the Bible!

Long-term Goals

A common long-term goal is to read the entire Bible. If you have never done this, challenge yourself to do so. The benefits are enormous!

A thorough reading of the Bible may take as little as six months. If one references commentaries and other supportive material, it may take as long as two years. This gives an overall foundational understanding, which can be built upon in the future.

Here is one tip for someone accepting the challenge to "read the Book." Before beginning the project, you may wish to read our series THE STORY OF THE BIBLE. It helps to provide a basic understanding of Old Testament events and the Plan of God.

Read all the Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

Read a selected "harmony of the gospels"—another excellent project.

Make notations in your Bible. See "The Rules of Effective Bible Study" for a number of helpful hints on marking your Bible. If you have recently purchased a new Bible, try to transfer all your old Bible notes to it.

Re-read all RCG literature, using the Bible to reference each scripture.

Remember, the value of undertaking these projects and goals is to instill the habit and desire to study God's Word.

Bible Helps

There are many useful Bible helps available. While some may be too expensive to purchase, you may be able to access them at your local library or via the Internet. This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives one an idea of the wide variety of invaluable helps that one could reference.

However, keep in mind that the authors may have injected their own wrong ideas and misconceptions. But overall, these references are useful tools.

While helpful, recognize that these do not represent an "officially sanctioned" list of perfect or near-perfect study aids.

Unger's Bible Dictionary: A very thorough one-volume Bible dictionary, which is practical and reasonably priced. Unger's now has their Bible dictionary on CD for those with computers.

The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible: While very expensive, this five-volume set is probably the best Bible dictionary money can buy. You might find it in larger municipal and university libraries. It is well worth exploring.

Manners and Customs of the Bible: By James Freeman. This book discusses Bible personalities, as well as manners and customs of a given culture at a given time in history.

The Bible From 26 Translations: This large reference work shows every verse in the Bible from at least four or five translations.

The Amplified Bible: The King James Version with modern English updates.

The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown One-volume Commentary on the Bible: Although their full commentary covers six volumes, this JFB one-volume commentary is perhaps the most highly recommended of all single-volume editions.

Adam Clarke's Commentary: Another six-volume set. This one is also well known and widely used. This commentary also has a condensed single-volume version.

The Companion Bible: This Bible is filled with historical, scriptural and linguistic details.

Halley's Bible Handbook: Compact, yet filled with valuable archaeological notes and other historical background information.

Angus Green Bible Handbook: Somewhat more thorough and expensive than Halley's Bible Handbook.

Nave's Topical Bible: This book is ideal for tracing references when no common terms are used. Some Bible software packages have Nave's Topical Bible integrated into their software.

The Works of Flavius Josephus: An excellent historical reference, considered by many to be the most authoritative reference to supplement the Bible. The price is reasonable.

The Bible as History: By Werner Keller. An authoritative two-part history relating to the Bible.

Baker's Bible Atlas: This helpful tool shows geographical locations and gives detailed explanations of the culture of ancient times. Many helpful photos and illustrations are given.

Oxford Bible Atlas: Similar to Baker's Atlas and of equal quality, with differing emphasis.

All these different sources provide a kaleidoscope of spectacular information. They make Bible study not just interesting, but exciting. The titles listed here are but a small sampling of what is available. There are also a variety of websites where one can purchase such references on-line. Many of these and other items can be purchased "used" at a fraction of the "new" price.

Certain websites specialize in used books—and that includes used Bible reference books. Also, many of these helps are available free of charge on the Internet.

Study the Bible Daily

Consider some of the great benefits of daily Bible Study: "For the word of God is quick [living], and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart"(Heb. 4:12).

The Word of God is a living Book and "a discerner of thoughts." It applies to all situations and should be looked to for daily guidance.

If studied correctly, the Bible will make you "wise unto salvation." It imparts the wisdom to survive and grow while we continue in the proving ground of qualifying for the first resurrection.

The Scriptures help you to recognize and shun error. They help you to avoid the devil's seduction.

When you study the Bible, God's Spirit leads you into understanding more truth. This Spirit imparts spiritual understanding of Scripture and helps you to apply these principles in daily life.

You build faith by studying the many examples of God's faithful servants (Rom. 10:17).

Study of the Bible helps you to be vigilant and to resist the devil.

Study for comfort. You can gain serenity, stability and peace of mind through Bible study: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Rom. 15:4).

In making time for study, different people have employed different strategies. Some set aside time early in the morning. This is ideal if circumstances allow the flexibility to do this. Others set aside time later at night—a practice that works for some, but not everyone.

In order for study to be beneficial, you must remain alert.

Try to study at a time when you can concentrate without distraction. Set aside a period of solid time if possible—not just a few minutes here and a few minutes there. Although an ideal situation might not exist immediately, actively plan and strive to make arrangements for better conditions in which to study the Bible. This is vital!

A Matter of Life and Death

Failing to study your Bible will lead to doubt, discouragement, emptiness, negativity, anxiety, unhappiness and a feeling that God is not with you. Prayer is talking to God. To diligently read your Bible is to listen to what God is saying to you.

Make Bible study a major priority. It is a matter of life and death.

Finally, consider this vital scripture: "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7).

This is a great goal—abiding in Christ and His word abiding in us. Answered prayer becomes one of the many benefits of attaining the overall spiritual goal—walking with Christ and living the Book. This is an immediate reward within itself, although it leads to the ultimate goal of eternal life. Bible study is instrumental in getting us there.

Although it may seem that time is at a premium and we have so little of it, make diligent effort to study the Bible daily. Eternal life is worth it!

Source: http://www.thercg.org/articles/stsya.html#c