KMMI Interfaith PEACE Manual for Workshop – Seminars
Fundamental Principles on PEACE (Draft 2008 and finalize 2011)
Organization – is a group of individual who shares with a common understanding and goal.KMMI is a conglomerate of partnership and networking with Local Government Unit, National Government, International NGO's, youth organization, clan and society.
Who runs the organization- Board of Directors, Youth Council, Members and other stakeholders (referrer as partners and networks).
In order that the organization will be sustained both Leader and member must have WAT; will, ability and time.
Board of Directors and Youth Council are the prime leader of the organization with different functions, field of concentration and works.
Leader must possess the following:
Must have/be “Q-CHICKS”
Q-Qualified in accordance with KMMI constitution and bylaws
C-Committed
H-Honest
I- Integrity
C- Concern
K- Knowledge
S- Skills
Member must possess the following:
Must have/be “Q-WAIT”
Q-Qualified in accordance with KMMI constitution and bylaws
W-Willingness
A- Ability
I-Interest
T-Time
Module Two
KMMI INTERFAITH FUNDAMENTAL
PRINCIPLES ON PEACE
Peace can be achieved if the following is acted.
1.) Believe in GOD – Most Gracious, Most Loving, Most Merciful, Most Powerful, Good Shepherd and Provider. He is the God of Peace, Creator of heaven and earth and GOD who cannot lie. He is the GOD of Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Isaac and David.
- All things are dependent to HIM
- HE created everything in perfect way and no need to modified even single nuclei
- KMMI believed, that human being cannot be at Peace and achieve Peace if he do not believe in the existence of God; God alone is the author and can give peace.
2.)The greatest expressions of PEACE is LOVE –
Islam - Quran "Allaah said: those who love one another for My glory will be upon Minbars of light [high positions], and the Prophets and martyrs will wish that they had the same." [At-Tirmithi]
"Believers are like a structure, parts of which support one another. The believers, in their mutual friendship, mercy and affection, are like one body; if any part of it complains, the rest of the body will also stay awake in fever." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Buddhism - Dhammapada 3-5: Hatreds never cease through hatred in this world; through love alone they cease. This is an eternal law.
Christianity - Matthew 22:37-38 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
K-Mindanao believe that peace can be made possible and can be achieve if we understand and internalized the deep sense of LOVE.
Illustration:
According to 1st Corinthians 13:1-13, states:
1 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Before we can achieve peace, we must first put our faith and beliefs in action, by loving our fellowmen. In loving them it emphasized; respect, humbleness, trust, care, patient, forgiveness, happiness, unity, equality, certainty, freedom and justice.
Formula:
Love of God + Love of fellowmen = Peace
No one can define the word PEACE, nor anyone can give the true meaning of Peace. However, the word Peace can be describe and not to be define. We can’t see PEACE but we can sense and fell it.
The word LOVE is complete and perfect. In Love there is Peace, respect to human rights and environment, forgiveness, humbleness, unity, understanding, freedom and equality.
3.) The best thing of PEACE is forgiveness (asking and granting )
Islam - (Qur’an, 3:134) "…[those] who restrain anger and pardon [all] men – for Allah loves those who do good."
If he becomes angry with his brother, the true Muslim restrains his anger and is quick to forgive him, and does not see any shame in doing so. Rather, he sees it as a good deed which will bring him closer to Allah and earn him His love which He bestows only on those who do good:
Better and more rewarding is God's reward to those who believe and put their trust in Him: who avoid gross sins and indecencies and, when angered, are willing to forgive... Let evil be rewarded by like evil, but he who forgives and seeks reconciliation shall be rewarded by God. He does not love the wrongdoers.... True constancy lies in forgiveness and patient forbearance.(12.Islam. Qur'an 42.36-43)
Christianity - Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Luke 6:36-37 ESV Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (37) “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
4.) Safe Environment – Safety is also referring to security and absence of conflicts and war. Free from hostile environment , free from man made disaster and calamities, wherein Children can play and sleep and parent can work without minding the security and safety of their children and belongings.
KMMI advocate to " No to LAND RECLAMATION, NOW!"
Flood here, there and everywhere, lowland submerges in water - poor families suffer, while on the other hand, Businessman, Millionaires and Billionaires laugh.
Beach erosion and energy dissipation, flood and lowlands submerges in water - Climate change and global warming is not the sole responsible on these. Climate change and global warming is not the real issue but reclaiming of land. Currently the world is facing ecosystem imbalance both in land and water. Every minute land area widens but every second lowland areas were submerges in water. Mall, building, real estate and other manmade structure were situated and erected in a reclaimed land. What happen to our government and other sectors of the government, are they numb? Or they just ignore because of the power of money. Reclaiming of land significantly harm marine life, loss of natural coastlines , it ruins inter-tidal creatures that lives in sandy bay or shorelines and it reduce quality of land that is prone to erosion, tidal waves and easily get rid to earthquakes. One of the best example of a certain community submerges in water is ARTEX COMPOUND MALABON.
To all citizen who are conscious and concerns, please help our poor families and children who suffer from this man made calamities.
Stop land reclamation, NOW! message from Kalinaw Mindanao Movement, Inc.
5.) Food and water for all – some part of the world were affected by global food shortage. People fighting for food and water to sustain and survive. Escalating problem the world's encountering today are because of greediness and rapid effect of climate change/global warming.
Wealthy country suffer high rate of obesity and lifestyle related diseases due to up-size eating habit. While on the other hand, countries labeled as 3rd world or poor counties facing huge problem of malnutrition and starvation due to lack of food supplies. KMMI mean for “food for all” foods that are safe and not modified one. Food is a basic need for human's survival, quality foods means healthy body and mind- essential for holistic development of a individual.If we have this, other important things followed.
KMMI advocates on good health for all. We (KMMI) say's NO TO Genetically Modified Organism (GMO's)products
Professional in the field of Biotechnology, research and agriculture continue formulate and seek alternative remedies in order to track down the effect of insufficient production. One initiative is the usage of living organism such as bacteria and fungus to develop genetically modified products. These products is to improved for both plant and animal, which are very essential to human consumption and survival. One article in the news print said that, GM is the answer of the global food crises that the world is facing today. Pro-GM guaranteed that GM would increase the farm production and provide opportunities for small scale farmer to a greater income and big scale farmer to profit millions, inst it?,well.
GM's advocates create their own yield equation: Less agri land area is equal to more food, with less labor , less water and less pesticide. Their equation is contrary to the “10 reasons why we don't need GM foods” well formulated by NO TO GMOS.ORG
Reason number 2. GM crops do not increase yield potential - Despite the promises, GM has not increased the yield potential of any commercialized crops. In fact, studies show that the most widely grown GM crop, GM soya, has suffered reduced yields. A report that analyzed nearly two decades worth of peer reviewed research on the yield of the primary GM food/feed crops, soybeans and corn (maize), reveals that despite 20 years of research and 13 years of commercialization, genetic engineering has failed to significantly increase US crop yields. The author, f ormer US EPA and US FDA biotech specialist Dr Gurian-Sherman, concludes that when it comes to yield, “Traditional breeding outperforms genetic engineering hands down.”“Let’s be clear. As of this year [2008], there are no commercialized GM crops that inherently increase yield. Similarly, there are no GM crops o n the market that were engineered to resist drought, reduce fertilizer pollution or save soil. Not one.” – Dr Doug Gurian- Sherman
Reason number 3: GM crops increase pesticide use - US government data shows that in the US, GM crops have produced an overall increase, not decrease, in pesticide use compared to conventional crops.“The promise was that you could use less chemicals and produce a greater yield. But let me tell you none of this is true.” – Bill Christison, President of the US National Family Farm Coalition
GM advocates are rushing to produce more agriculture product on quantity base not for quality. In Southeast Asia , Philippines is being made as Human test tube for the GMO's product. We urge the Philippines Government to passed a policy discouraging the use of genetically- modified organisms in boosting rice and animal production.
I believe, that Filipino people are intelligent and can produce high yield quality farm products without depending and using GM product. Why GMO's product ? if we can advocate organic and natural farming. Truly organic and natural farming would yield high production, with the following equation; Small agri land equal to much production with no chemical fertilizer , no chemical pesticide that leads to higher income and healthy ecosystem.
Kalinaw Mindanao Movement, Inc. strongly opposed to GMO's product. Until present, Scientist in the field of biotechnology, research and agriculture cannot conclude and no facts and evidences pertains that GMOs are safe to human body and to the environment.
Module Three
Where it started
Misunderstanding - Misunderstandings can arise during a conversation, simply because the other person has not fully understood what you have said. They can also occur if you were to be writing, and had not given enough thought as to what you really meant to write.
Conflict- The dictionary defines "conflict" as "a struggle to resist or overcome; contest of opposing forces or powers; strife; battle. A state or condition of opposition; antagonism; discord. A painful tension set up by a clash between opposed and contradictory impulses." No matter how hard we try to avoid it, conflict periodically enters our lives.
War- War is a state of armed and often prolonged conflict carried on between states, nations, or other parties[1][2] typified by extreme aggression, societal disruption, and high mortality
Defines the following in diverse perspectives
What other people say about peace
Mahatma Gandhi - conception of peace was not as an end, but as a means: "There is no way to peace; peace is the way."
Cindy Sheehan - Peace is an existential state where individuals are not only free from bombs raining down on their heads and an absence of planes flying into buildings, but where every person enjoys the basic human rights of security, prosperity, a good and free education, plentiful food, accessible healthcare, clean water and a clean planet free from catastrophic global climate change and overwhelming pollution.
Great Lakes region of Africa - the word for peace is kindoki, which refers to a harmonious balance between human beings, the rest of the natural world, and the cosmos. This vision is a much broader view of peace than a mere "absence of war" or even a "presence of justice
Module Four (workshop)
After transmitting of knowledge from the KMMI interfaith peace manual to participants, all participants are requested and required to participate in peace workshop. This is to apply of what they have learned from 2 hour peace seminar-workshop. The participant may choose two or three category depending on his ability and interest. Application in education’s perspective is consider as one highest order thinking skill.
Participants are given enough time to decide (5 minutes) weather they will do it by group or not. They are given also paper and pen for the essay and coloring material for drawing, approximately (30 min.)
How to Achieve PEACE?
(essay/brief explanation)
Drawing
(art)
Presentation
(talent showcase)
PEACE Dashboard
The following thoughts and ideas were taken from the yPeace Core group of Cagayan de Oro City, during the replication of yPeace program initiated by the US Embassy Manila. Replication of the program was done January 8, 2011 at American’s corner library, Ateneo de Cagayan , Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.
Questions: How can I contribute for peace and transformation?
What is peace for you?
We all know that we have individual differences that may result to conflict and troubles. It is true that peace is hard to achieve but if we unite and have a common goal, I can surely say that we can achieve peace. Peace is all about love and love.
-Lalaine V. Himpit-
Peacemaker
As a famous saying goes “you can never give a pint of perfume without spilling on your self”’. Thus, on giving peace it must start upon you, by simply changing your perspective.
-Gonzalo S. Mandreza-
Youth Volunteer
Archdioceses of CDOC
As a youth in order to be at peace I will do respect all person, this is my act of sharing what is peace. So that transformation will follow respectively.
-Yun Hero-
For me, peace should start in our inner self. Through our positive behavior by accepting and understanding people that surround us. Do good things and have conscience in everything we do. Respect the dignity of others as you respect and love God.
-Beauty-
As a student of law enforcement, I can contribute peace by studying the rules and laws in order not to be bias in making decision. I shall develop to remain calm in the face of danger, develop self restrain and be constantly mindful in the welfare of others. Honest in thought and in deeds.
-Frederick Gomez-
CCI-CSG Chairman
I want to embrace the whole world with peace and love. By embracing it, it should start with in me.
-Chin, KC Abigail L.-
CSG- Capitol University
As the saying goes “you cannot give what you don’t have”
Before anything else, I will start peace within me. I will live with peace everyday and from that time on, I will show and fell the peace to my family, friends, school, community and to the country.
-Melna Sanchez-
Xavier University
Diversity is normal, and even there is diversity there is always unity- if we really want, it’s a choice. Seeing God in all things we do, it will help us spread the love and peace to the world.
-Karen Jose A. Canda-
Associate Missionaries of the Assumption
Xavier University- URO
Peace is respect, without looking upon the different practices, belief, religions, cultures and traditions. It is refraining from mocking eveyones heritage. Its all about understanding and loving ones existence.
-John Marco Achas Bautista- johnmarco.bautista@cdo.sti.edu
As a youth of your community, I will be active in promoting peace by joining the advocacy of the organization (KMMI) and invite others to join and support our advocacy on peace. Making peace in a righteous way.
-Sehob, Wing Mark-
KMMI
As a youth I will share all things that I’ve learned in the seminar workshop and practice it to my family, friends and neighbors. And lastly promoting peace all throughout not for char char lang but for serious business.
-Maria Jackielou –
STI
For me, I will spread the true and divine meaning of peace in order to lessen if not totally eradicate conflict and war that our country is facing today. I want to live in safe and secured environment and to see a united world and free from destruction.
-KILLUA-
KMMI
Peace exists through love for each other, expressing and showing how you care. Knowing and sharing about peace and rollout to the community.
-Ernie Bonane-
KMMI
In order to achieve peace we must begin in our selves. Show love to others, respect one another, extend hand for unity and most of all seek God in all your endeavors.
-Romelle Yanga-
KMMI
For me I can achieve peace by replicating what I have learned in the yPeace workshop to my co-youth in the parish where I belong. So that they will be aware and to have more knowledge about peace and they might know the real meaning of it. The replication would help them (co-youth) to be transformed into youth peace achievers that will help transformed the image of Mindanao.
Shiela Marie Pabular
Youth Coordinator PYCC Talisay
Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate
President, yPeace CDO
I can contribute for peace and transformation by conducting genuine dialogue to others. This is to promote tolerance and affirm the beauty of diversity. Dialoging will also help us to uplifting and upholding the dignity for equality of all human race. I will also allow my conscience to govern my being and always remain inferior to God.
Eugine Paul “Huge” Rubin
MTYC Area Coordinator, Bukidnon
I will transmit my learning to others about peace and transformation. To be transformed and at peace it should start within me. Think to be positive, understand others and accept the individual differences to avoid chaos and conflict.
Ibanig, Rhundy
CSG-SPC
Peace should start within us, accepting cultural or individual differences means a lot for peace and transformation. In a world where diverse culture is existing, understanding to one other is indeed important.
-Cres B.-
The easiest way to make a peaceful community is to understand the real meaning of it. Respect and understanding are one or the many ways to achieve peace.
-Harold Juab-
I will let other know what the meaning of peace in other perspectives. I will share to the Christian community how the Muslim aims for peace and to correct whatever inequality views in our society.
-Onin-
Puzzle for peace and transformation is to be a good model to my fellow youth. By sharing the word of God and associate with bliss with whole inner peace of state of mind.
-Peter Sly-
Peace must start within us, we must aim and act for peace then transformation will follow. If we are transformed that’s the time that were are effective to share peace in our family, friends and community.
-Garry Lucagbo-
Youth for Christ, Mis.Or
The value of peace is respecting other people, like their religion, cultures and traditions. Share the value of God and understanding also differences.
-Alvarez, Marsun B.-
The content of yPeace dashboard (thoughts and ideas) were modified for clarity.
List of references:
Microsoft ® Encarta ® Encyclopedia 2005 © 1993-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Published on Saturday, December 8, 2007 by CommonDreams.org
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/12/08/5699/
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic37515.html
http://www.teambuildinginc.com/tps/031a.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War
http://clipart-for-free.blogspot.com/2008/07/praying-hands-with-bible-clipart.html
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Any reactions, objections, comments and suggestions, please mail or email the Office of the Board of Directors:
Kalinaw Mindanao Movement, Inc.
#074 Zone-10, Patag, Cagayan de oro City
9000, Philippines
Email: kamindanao@yahoo.com
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"Christian Perspective on Peace"
Do you ever notice that in certain relationships we find a comfort within ourselves being with a certain person or group, and this can be described as "peace" -- when we're truly able to be free to be ourselves? And then in certain other relationships, for some reason there is not this same comfort, we don't feel ourselves i.e. we can lack peace. We feel impinged by a vexatious spirit which does not foster a flow of peace-filled communication to occur.
Jesus mentions this to his disciples and gives us some hints on retaining our peace -- this applies even to the non-Christian; to everyone in fact.
"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you." (Luke 10:5-6)
"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:11-16)
The essence is this: if we feel comfortable with a person or people and there's a mutual interest, good communication, compassion or empathy, then our peace should be able to rest on the situation and over the people involved. In other words, spiritually, our peace can be allowed to float from being with the self, and to merge with the other person; this elucidates trust.
However, if we find that the interaction we're involved in is somehow not comfortable we should protect our peace by retaining it. This means we need to be prudent in guarding our peace and hearts, from those wolves who might seek to steal it from us. We are allowed, and indeed should, 'shake the dust from our feet' as is the Jewish saying, and surreptitiously extract ourselves from the situation. As soon as we sense a wolf, our peace ought to return to us.
And what is this peace? It is Jesus' peace of faith. It is a peace of assurance that is able to endure much in the spirit of life and the uncertainty of life. If it meets with more peace, more peace flows, but like a telephone call it is so easily 'disconnected.'
Jesus explains:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)
The final charge of Jesus in Matthew 10:16 is a key. The Christian life is a two-edged sword of purity and prudence -- 'wise as serpents, yet innocent as a dove' -- a balance difficult to achieve, though not impossible. Furthermore, it is a balance necessary to truly grow in wisdom.
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
All referenced Scriptural quotes from the NIV.
Article source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=steve_wicham
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"Islam Perspectives on Peace"
ONLY LOVE CAN DEFEAT TERRORISM
by
HARUN YAHYA
Translated by Carl Albert Rossini
Edited by Tam Mossman
Islam Forbids the Killing of Innocents
According to the Qur'an (5:32), it is a great sin to kill an innocent person, and anyone who does so will suffer great torment in the hereafter:
… If someone kills another person--unless it is in retaliation for someone else or for causing corruption in the earth--it is as if he had murdered all mankind. And if anyone gives life to another person, it is as if he had given life to all mankind. Our Messengers came to them with Clear Signs, but even after that, many of them committed outrages in the earth."
This verse equals the killing of one innocent to slaughtering all of humanity! Another verse (25:68) expresses the importance that the faithful attach to life:
Those who do not appeal to any other deity besides God [alone]; nor kill any soul whom God has forbidden [them to] except with the right to do so; nor fornicate. Anyone who does so will incur a penalty.
In yet another verse (6:151), God issues the following commandment:
Say: "Come, and I will recite to you what your Lord has forbidden for you": that you do not associate anything with Him; that you are good to your parents; that you do not kill your children because of poverty--We will provide for you and them; that you do not approach indecency – outward or inward; that you do not kill any person God has made inviolate – except with the right to do so. That is what He instructs you to do, so that hopefully, you will use your intellect.
Any Muslim who believes in God with a sincere heart, who scrupulously abides by His holy verses and fears suffering in the hereafter, will avoid harming even one other person. He knows that the Lord of Infinite Justice will suitably reward him for all his deeds. In one of the hadiths, our Prophet (may God bless him and grant him peace) listed the kinds of people who are not pleasing to God:
"Those who act cruelly and justly in the sacred lands, those who yearn for the ways of the ignorant, and those who wrongly shed human blood."13
Islam Commands People to Behave Justly
Islamic morality commands believers to behave justly and morally in making a decision, speaking, or working--in short, in every area of their lives. God's commandments in the Qur'an and the sunnah of our Prophet (may God bless him and grant him peace) describe that understanding of justice in great detail. With their warnings, all the Messengers revealed to us in the Qur'an brought peace and justice to all the communities where they were sent. The prophets helped lift cruelty and despotism from the shoulders of the community of the faithful. As God has revealed in one verse (10:47):
Every nation has a Messenger, and when their Messenger comes, everything is decided between them justly. They are not wronged.
A most important feature of Islamic understanding of justice is that it commands justice at all times, even if one is dealing with a person who is near and dear. As God commands in another verse (4:135):
You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bearing witness for God alone, even against yourselves or your parents and relatives. Whether they are rich or poor, God is well able to look after them. Do not follow your own desires and deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, God is aware of what you do.
That verse clearly states that to a believer, the wealth or social status of whomever one deals with is of no importance. What is important is fairness—no one should be treated unjustly--and to scrupulously implement the holy verses of God. In another verse (5:8), it is commanded:
You who believe! Show integrity for the sake of God, bearing witness with justice. Do not let hatred for a people incite you into not being just. Be just. That is closer to heedfulness. Heed God. God is aware of what you do.
In that verse, God orders the faithful to act justly always, even with their own enemies. No Muslim can make a spontaneous decision, based on the fact that the person he's dealing with has once harmed him or left him in a difficult situation. Even when he is a personal enemy, if the other side is genuinely in the wrong, any Muslim has the duty to respond with good will and to display the morality God has commanded.
To believers, God has issued the following commandment (60:8): "God does not forbid you from being good to those who have not fought you in the religion or driven you from your homes, or from being just towards them. God loves those who are just." Here, He informs Muslims how their relationships with other people should be. These verses are the very foundation of a believer's attitude towards others, formed not by the nature of the people he is dealing with, but by God's revelations in the Qur'an. That is why Muslims with pure hearts always support what is right. Their determination on this matter is revealed in these terms (Qur'an, 7:181): "Among those We have created, there is a community who guide by the Truth and act justly according to it."
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(K-Mindanao Reflection)
What Does the Holy Bible Say About the Poor?
Luke 16:19-25
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.'"
James 5:1-൬
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.”
1 Timothy 6:൧൮
Deuteronomy 15:10
,
Why One Should Not Neglect Serving the Poor
Exodus 22:21-൨൭
Leviticus 19:15
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Put your trust in the Lord
Psalm 4:5
"Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar"
Romans 3:4
Millions have entrusted the salvation of their souls to man, rather than placing their trust in God. Millions believe in God, they believe He exists, but they do not place their trust in God. Many place their trust in the wrong things.
Do not place your trust in weapons. "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God"
(Psalm 20:7)
This world is full of people who place their confidence in guided missiles, fighter planes, bombs, automatic rifles, knives and spears.
Jesus said: "All who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matthew 26:52). In Revelation we read: "He who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword" (Revelation 13:9). Physical violence is reciprocating and self-perpetuating. You cannot solve your problems with a weapon. Do not place your trust in riches.
"He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage" (Proverbs 11:28)
You cannot buy eternal life. "Those who trust in their wealth And boast in the multitude of their riches, None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him ... That he should continue to live eternally, And not see the Pit" (Psalm 49:6-9).
Maybe you think, "Well that doesn't apply to me. I'm not rich." But even a poor man is placing his trust in riches if he thinks money would solve his problems.
Jesus said: "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!" (Mark 10:24).
Paul wrote: "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17).
We must place our trust in God, not in money.
Do not place your trust in yourself.
Only a proud fool does that. "He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered" (Proverbs 28:25,26).
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5,6).
Many people place their trust in their own righteousness. But Jesus "spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men -- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess." And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other'" (Luke 18:9-14).
Many trust in their own relative goodness. They think they will be saved just because others are worse. This ignores the consequences of sin. We are all sinners and can only be saved by the grace of God and on His terms.
The folly of trusting our own strength is exposed by death. Paul wrote: "Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead" (2 Corinthians 1:9).
Do not place your trust in man or in governments.
"It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes" (Psalm 118:8,9).
All false religion is some form of trusting man rather than God, because true religion comes from God and false religion comes from man. Catholicism focuses on the Pope who claims to be the Holy Father, God's infallible representative on earth. Islam is based on the writings of Mohammed, purported to be visions from God. Calvinism is based on the teachings of Calvin. Lutheranism, on the teachings of Luther. By definition, a denomination is something distinct, something other than the body of Christ. A group is a denomination if it follows written or unwritten rules produced by man, rather than the Word of God.
"Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help" (Psalm 146:3).
Some people expect the government or some political system to solve their problems. Any form of government is bad if the people in charge are bad, and most politicians are not known for their goodness. The only resources the government has come from God. Trust in God rather than in governments.
To trust in man is to depart from the Lord: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes, But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit" (Jeremiah 17:5).
"The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe" (Proverbs 29:25).
Do not place your trust in words of men.
Isaiah's society was similar to ours: "No one calls for justice Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity" (Isaiah 59:4).
Jeremiah warned: "Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit" (Jeremiah 7:8).
The world is full of lying words given by the inspiration of the devil. How do I know they are lying words? Because they contradict the Word of God! "Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4).
When the world tells you the lie that there is no God and that intricate life just evolved by chance, believe God, the Creator of all things, who holds man accountable.
When the world tells you the lie that easy divorce is a good solution to marriage conflicts, believe God, who says marriage is for life (Matthew 19:6; Romans 7:2) and that divorce and remarriage is adultery (Mark 10:11,12). Seek a marriage partner who trusts in God.
When the world tells you the lie that homosexuality is an acceptable "alternate life style," believe God, who calls it perversion and an abomination (Leviticus 18:22,23; Romans 1:24-28).
Do not place your trust in weapons, in riches, in yourself, in man, in governments or in the lying words of a godless society.
Put your trust in God.
"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord" (Psalm 4:5).
You will be blessed if you trust in God.
"Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him" (Psalm 2:12).
"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (Psalm 34:8).
"O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!" (Psalm 84:12).
Place your confidence in the word of God.
"Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him" (Proverbs 30:5).
"He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he" (Proverbs 16:20).
"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him" (Psalm 18:30).
In times of trouble, place your trust in God.
"The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7).
"Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:8).
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret -- it only causes harm" (Psalm 37:3-8).
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him" (Psalm 28:7).
"In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 56:11).
"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You" (Psalm 56:3).
"Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues" (Psalm 31:19,20).
"How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings" (Psalm 36:7).
To explain the shadow of God's wings, sister Gene E. LittleJohns of Albuquerque, New Mexico told this story: "When I was a little girl we lived on a ranch 100 miles from the nearest town. We raised our own chickens with setting hens. When the chicks hatched, the momma hen kept the little chicks near her as they scratched for food. The baby chicks were special game for the large, hungry blue jays that lived in the trees. When the jays came swooping down for a chick to devour, the momma hen would cover the little babes with her wings, the feathers fluffing up to cover and protect them. As little as I was, I was always amazed at the protection the hen's feathers were for her family."
"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by" (Psalm 57:1).
"I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings" (Psalm 61:4).
The Lord is merciful to those who place their trust in Him.
"But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation" (Psalm 13:5).
"Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him" (Psalm 32:10).
"Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord -- Your salvation according to Your word. So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word" (Psalm 119:41,42).
Trust in God for the salvation of your soul.
"The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned" (Psalm 34:22).
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalm 18:2).
"For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe" (1 Timothy 4:10).
"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For YAH, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He also has become my salvation" (Isaiah 12:2).
Where do you place your confidence?
"In the Lord I put my trust" (Psalm 11:1).
"Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name" (Psalm 33:20,21).
"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You" (Psalm 143:8).
"Lord my God, in You I put my trust" (Psalm 7:1).
"You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on you, Because he trusts in You'" (Isaiah 26:3).
"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You" (Psalm 9:10).
"Those who trust in the Lord Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever" (Psalm 125:1).
Do not place your trust in weapons, in riches, in yourself, in man, in governments or in the lying words of a godless society. Put your trust in God.
