Beneath the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, the ancient Greek town of Delphi once flourished. Within the town, carved in gold letters on a marble temple, were three inscriptions said to contain the greatest wisdom known to man. The simplest of these inscriptions read merely, Know thyself.

Although centuries have left little kinship between the space-age world and the tranquil, glen-harbored Delphi, the search for self-knowledge has not ceased to occupy human beings. If anything, time has intensified the challenge of the Delphic inscription.

Self-understanding was never an easy prize, and this is particularly true today. We live in a rapid, changing world; an environment of scheduled necessity, transient phenomena, attention-diverting advertising and news. David Riesman, Erik Erikson, Hendrik Ruitenbeek, and numerous other sociologists warn of an identity crisisthe desperate search of millions for a stable identity and peace not offered by material things.

Revealed truths concerning mans origin and destiny give the Latter-day Saint a much sounder basis for self-knowledge than most people have. A testimony of the simple scripture Man was also in the beginning with God (D&C 93:29) should add peace to any life. Nevertheless, even dedicated Church members sometimes permit themselves a years-are-slipping-by-so-fast despair, complaining at the shallowness of life, worrying over the mundane.

It need not be so. Only when we fail to search inward and find the beauty of our divinely sired spirits does frustration become a habit. Contrarily, a greater understanding of our premortal heritage and possible postmortal inheritance enables us to view daily affairs in the light of eternity. Frustration diminishes.

The greatest lesson you can learn is to know yourselves, taught Brigham Young. You will then begin to learn more perfectly the things of God. (Journal of Discourses, vol. 8, p. 334.) The Prophet Joseph Smith used similar words in his King Follett Discourse at Nauvoo: If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves. (Documentary History of the Church, vol. 6, p. 303.) The spiritual power and serenity of our great leaders come not only through a knowledge of God, but also through a closely related knowledge of self.

Self-knowledge is likewise an important element in the process of perfection. To his people in the Old World and later in the New, the Savior distilled the message of his Sermon on the Mount with the commandment, Be ye therefore perfect. (Matt 5:48. See also 3 Ne. 12:48.) To reach that ideal, we must know ourselves, for until we are conscious of our weaknesses, we cannot correct them; until we know our strengths, we cannot use them well.

The discovery of self is a profoundly spiritual experience, one that is possible for anyone willing to learn. It comes neither in a mystical, magical manner nor by casual effort, but it is made possible only through practical, concrete means. What are some of these means?

1. Diaries and journals. One of the simplest ways to greater self-understanding is to keep a personal journal. A journal becomes a map for inward searching, a net to capture moments of spiritual insight, a treasury of thoughts and plans. It can be used a thousand waysas a continuous letter of encouragement and caution to oneself, as a podium for argument and discussion about problems, as a planning table for goals. Try sketching yourself as others see you, or bear your testimony in writing. With imagination, the possibilities and rewards of keeping such a record are endless.

A diary can also be a key to inward searching, if only because it forces a daily meeting with self. We should every night call ourselves to an account, wrote the Roman statesman and philosopher Seneca. An elaborate record of daily life is not necessary; just a few lines will serve to review a days performance. For the rest of mortality, diaries will prove valuable in checking dates or surveying changes in personal attitude.

2. Self-questioning. The housewife who feels that her life is in a small box wedged between an oven, washer, and three peppy children may seek escape in television viewing or at a swimming pool, social club, or theater. The businessman, teacher, or scientist may get a wedged-in feeling and seek escape in the mountains or on the golf course.

A certain amount of such escape is necessary for everyone, but wouldnt it be better sometimes if we escaped into ourselves? A quiet hour of self-examination, goal-setting, and meditation on the eternal purpose of life can be far more therapeutic than the back nine.

Fine, you may say. If a quiet hour ever opens up in my busy schedule, Ill use it. This approach is certain to fail. Self-examination is like prayer. As Brigham Young said, You will find that those who wait till the Spirit bids them pray, will never pray much on this earth. (JD, vol. 13, p. 155.) Firmly commit a definite hour each week, find a quiet place, and hang a sign on the door: Worries and Trifles Not Allowed. Only then will such an hour pay at overtime rates.

Even when time and place are right, introspection can be difficult without a definite plan. For this purpose a list of actual questions could be used. Try writing answers to the following questions:

What is the source of my happiness? Am I happiest when engaged in self-directed activity? Or do my greatest joys come when serving others?

Do I know Jesus Christ? Does his gospel excite me? Do I have an active, hard-working faith in the Savior, or am I a lip-service Saint?

Have I a genuine love of all men? Not just tolerance, but the pure love of Christ?

Are my duties in the priesthood [or as a mother] being fulfilled, even magnified? How about home teaching?

Is the Holy Ghost operative in my life? Do I pray often, both alone and with my family? Do my prayers show gratitude? sincerity? humility?

Am I hard-working, industrious, and enthusiastic?

What specific steps can I take to improve my character?

If I were another person, would I enjoy being around myself? Am I cheerful, patient, radiant, kind?

Would I give my life for the Savior and his church? Very wellam I so giving my life?

Honest answers to such questions cannot help but reveal ones inner self. These questions, a personal list, or one of many published lists could be used.

A weekly hour of self-questioning should begin and end with secret prayer. Criticism is desirable, but it must be only self-criticism, and even that is best when tempered by reasonable patience. Perfection is a long, hard haul, not an overnight miracle.

3. The Franklin method. It was about this time that I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. So writes Benjamin Franklin, one of the United States founding fathers and first ambassadors, as he introduces the reader of his Autobiography to a plan for self-examination and improvement.

Franklin began by choosing what he felt were the twelve primary virtues, to which he later added humility. He proceeded to divide the ivory leaves of a memorandum book into thirteen rows and several columns. The columns were for the days of the week, the rows for each of the chosen virtues.

Before retiring each night, Franklin would search himself and his day with respect to each of the virtues, and mark by a little black spot every fault I found upon examination to have been committed respecting that virtue upon that day. In this manner he became aware of his weaknesses, and a clear view of desirable improvement was possible.

TEMPERANCE

Eat not to dullness.Drink not to elevation.

THE VIRTUES:

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

Temperance

T

Silence

Sl

X X

X

X

X

Order

O

X

X

X

X

Resolution

R

X

X

Frugality

F

X

X

Industry

I

X

Sincerity

Sn

Justice

J

Moderation

M

Cleanliness

Cl

Tranquility

T

Chastity

Ch

Humility

H

A plan for inward searching similar to Benjamin Franklins is an effective help to the Latter-day Saint striving for repentance and the other principles of the gospel. Becoming aware of needs is a large part of the battle.

It is interesting that Franklin began the plan only after concluding that his abstract resolutions and mere speculative conviction that he ought to do right were accomplishing little. Only a written plan could succeed. His evaluation of the method after years of using it is revealing:

I was surprised to find myself so much fuller of faults than I had imagined, but I had the satisfaction of seeing them diminish.

Are we able to say the same of our own faults?

4. Faith in Jesus Christ. No amount of inward searching will avail an individual much without an active faith in the living Savior. Countless men without the hopeful perspective of Christs plan have sought self-knowledge and improvement; often they have only concluded in frustration that perfection is unattainable. In one sense they were right. Man simply cannot perfect himself, by himself.

The surest way to self-knowledge is found in Christs words to Moroni: if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. (Ether 12:27.) The Savior also teaches us the way to overcome the faults we discover by inward searching: my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:27. Italics added.)

It is from the example, life, and living inspiration of the Man of Galilee that men learn the path to perfection. Then, through faith, the path is walked. A faith of mere speculative conviction is not enough, however. True faith manifests itself in action.

How shall we learn to know ourselves? asked the German writer Goethe. By reflection? Never; but only through action. Strive to do thy duty; then shalt thou know what is in thee. It is not only in quiet hours of meditation that we discover ourselves, but also in hours of wearying toil, in service without reward, in smiles that hurt, in hungering, thirsting, striving, and seeking.

He who is willing to so strive embarks on a journey not unlike the odysseys of old. He will find shortcomings within himself he had never supposed were there. He will climb mountains not even visible from the low path of complacency and procrastination.

If the goal is pursued faithfully, he will find treasure at the journeys end. For every person has treasure from a preexistent past buried within his souldivine jewels waiting only to be polished to perfection by the Master.

Brother Porter attended Brigham Young University as a David O. McKay Scholar before accepting a recent call to labor in the Germany Central Mission. He is a member of the Albuquerque (New Mexico) Sixth Ward, Albuquerque East Stake.

Read the original here:

Searching Inward - ensign - lds.org

We live in stressful times. In addition to the taxing pressures of a fast-paced society and a struggling economy, many of us feel the shadow of terrorism or war lurking in the background of our lives. Unfortunately, when the intensity or frequency of the stress in our lives is excessive, our bodies take a beating: we become like a rubber band stretched to its maximum, ready to snap.

Because we as Latter-day Saints understand the sacred nature of the body (see 1 Cor. 6:1920), we know how important it is to maintain our mental and physical health. And in order to do this in todays world, we must learn how to manage stress. Gospel practicessuch as prayer, fasting, scripture study, service, priesthood blessings, and counseling with Church leaderscan be effective coping methods. Additional techniques include meditation, deep breathing, and exercise.

Regular exercise, which can be useful for anyone at any age or fitness level, is a healthy and highly effective approach to releasing the rubber band we have stretched tight in our lives. Exercise does not have to be unpleasant or intense to be useful for stress management. Most adults will find regular brisk walking to be a great tool in helping to soothe a stress-filled life. While 3060 minutes of walking is optimal, 1020 minutes can effectively serve as a calming balm. And when the going gets especially difficult, even a short 510 minute stroll can bring immediate stress relief.

Following is a list of six stress-reducing benefits of exercise:

Exercise can serve as a temporary diversion from our worries; escaping problems for short periods of time can revitalize and refresh us. Going for a bike ride or a walk around the block can afford temporary relief from the sting of stress and invigorate our bodies so we can again face the demands of the day.

Exercise strengthens our bodies and increases stamina. Research shows that even a short period of physical activity can lift our spirits, raise our metabolism, and counter feelings of fatigue. Furthermore, once we develop a reasonable level of fitness, we develop energy reserves that will allow us to participate more fully in work and play.

Exercise affords time for pondering and meditation. Walking, pedaling a stationary bike, or swimming laps requires little conscious thought. Therefore, exercise time can be used as a break to reflect and planvaluable ingredients for good decision making and stress management.

Physical exertion during the day promotes more restful sleep at night. Physical activity facilitates the release of tension, promotes muscle relaxation, and allows sleep to occur naturally. Generally, individuals who exercise regularly can relax more completely and sleep more soundly than those who are not active, especially when under stressful conditions.

Exercise also tends to improve self-esteem and engender feelings of confidence, which are especially important in times of uncertainty. Since consistent participation in an exercise program takes self-discipline and hard work, faithful exercisers know they have persevered and accomplished something worthwhile. In general, those who exercise have greater confidence in themselves.

Finally, regular exercise generates a healthier perspective on life. A study of more than 7,000 adults conducted at Brigham Young University showed that while adults who exercise have the same number of demands and pressures as those who dont exercise, exercisers perceive significantly fewer problems in their lives. Despite stressful circumstances, exercise brings a more positive outlook.

Exercise is not a cure-all; it will not eliminate stress or solve all of our problems. However, exercise will assist us in facing challenges with greater confidence and stamina. Because exercise so effectively releases tension built up in the body by stress, physical activity is something that should not be pushed aside in day-to-day life. Each of us has a right and a responsibility to take care of the body that the Lord has given us. When it comes to managing stress, maintaining health, and improving quality of life, exercise is well worth the effort.

Photography by Robert Casey

Originally posted here:

Move More, Stress Less! - ensign - lds.org

Posted byMike BennettonJune 17, 2011

Do the Ten Commandments need to be updatedor upheld?

You may have heard back in 2008 that Archbishop Gianfranco Girotti felt the Catholics seven deadly sins needed to be updated. According to the BBC report, he wanted to add things like environmental pollution, genetic manipulation, accumulating excessive wealth and drug trafficking and consumption to his new list. (The old list, including gluttony, greed and sloth, is traced back to Pope Gregory I in A.D. 590.)

What about the Ten Commandments? They are much older. They were given by God on Mount Sinai about 3,500 years ago. Actually, though, they are much older, considering that Abraham obeyed Gods commandments hundreds of years earlier (Genesis 26:5).

Did Jesus Christ replace or update them? Do they need an update today? Or do they provide timeless, foundational principles that help us know and choose right actionsand thoughtsover wrong behaviors and mind-sets? Do they help us see how to love our neighbors and how to love Godthe way He wants to be loved?

What the Bible says about the Ten Commandments

Jesus said He didnt come to destroy the Law or the Prophets, what we call the Old Testament today (Matthew 5:17-19). He didnt annul the Ten Commandments. He taught their deeper, spiritual application.

When asked which commandment was the greatest, He summarized the Ten Commandments and the whole Bible this way: You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:37-40).

Jesus showed the spiritual intent of the Ten Commandments. The first four show how to love God the way He wants to be loved. The last six show how to love our neighbors.

Jesus also said, If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17). When asked which commandments, He listed five of the Ten Commandments, along with the summary statement, You shall love your neighbor as yourself (verses 18-19).

The apostle Paul said, Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. For we know that the law is spiritual (Romans 7:12, 14). How can the natural, fleshly man learn and obey this holy, spiritual law? Paul showed that this is made possible through Jesus Christ and by being led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 7:25; 8:7-9, 14).

Jesus Christ not only paid the death penalty for our sins (Romans 5:9; 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18-19), He showed the way and will provide us help to follow Gods good and beneficial way of lifethe way of love. We must seek to change, to walk as He walks and to love as He loves (1 John 2:6; John 13:34). Paul shows that the law is designed to teach us how to love (Romans 13:9-10). Love is the spiritual intent of the law.

The problem is not the law, but our weak flesh. But through the Holy Spirit God helps us overcome that obstacle by writing the law in our hearts and minds as we diligently study and seek to obey His law (Hebrews 8:8-10). This is the heart of the New Covenant.

James also expands on the spiritual intent of the Ten Commandments. He called Gods law the royal law (James 2:8). How is it a royal law? It is the law of the Kingdom of God, and Jesus Christ will return as King of Kings in that Kingdom (Revelation 19:16).

James also called it the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25; 2:12). James compares the law with a mirror (1:23-25). Just looking in the mirrorjust knowing the perfect law of Godis not enough. We must use Gods help to make the changes in ourselves and show the love to others and God that the law shows us.

Not burdensome

Some have looked at Gods law as bondageas a heavy burden they feel God eventually sent Jesus to remove from us. But the Bible clearly shows the perfect, eternal, spiritual law of God is a law of liberty:

Which laws were superseded?

Physical circumcision is not part of the Ten Commandments and is clearly shown in the New Testament to have been superseded by spiritual circumcisiona change of heart (Romans 2:29). Later, the book of Hebrews shows that the sacrifices and temple rituals have been superseded by Christs sacrifice. They and the civil law (specific regulations necessary to govern the nation of Israel) generally cannot and need not be practiced by Christians today. But even these give us principles and lessons we can apply today.

The eternal spiritual law remains as the framework for a moral, godly life. The laws and principles taught throughout the Bible are consistent and still guide the Christian today.

What was the real bondage?

Jesus Christ made clear what the real burden and bondage is: Slavery to sin. The truth makes us free from slavery to sin (John 8:31-36).

Gods truth is revealed throughout the Bible, which Paul explained was given by inspirationliterally, God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). The Holy Scriptures (what we call the Old Testament) are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (3:15).

So why does it seem Paul sometimes put down the law? Some of these passages take careful study, but most become clearer by considering some key arguments that Paul was making:

The apostle Peter recognized Pauls writings as Scripture, but acknowledged that Pauls epistles include some things hard to understand (2 Peter 3:16). In examining difficult-to-understand scriptures, remember that Paul also called the law holy, just and good (Romans 7:12). And he said, What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? (Romans 6:1-2).

So, we can only be made right with God by the gracious sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Nothing we can do can earn forgiveness. But after seeing how horrible sin isseeing how good and beneficial Gods laws areseeing how much God hates sin and how much He loves usthe only correct response is to do what Christ told the woman caught in adultery: Go and sin no more (John 8:11).

The Ten Commandments are a wonderful gift from God, and each is worthy of study and meditation. Read a short study of each commandment starting June 20, 2011, on the Daily Bible Verse Blog.

Here are links to the commandments:

The First Commandment: You Shall Have No Other Gods

The Second Commandment: You Shall Not Make a Carved Image

The Third Commandment: You Shall Not Take God's Name in Vain

The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day

The Fifth Commandment: Honor Your Father and Mother

The Sixth Commandment: You Shall Not Murder

The Seventh Commandment: You Shall Not Commit Adultery

The Eighth Commandment: You Shall Not Steal

The Ninth Commandment: You Shall Not Bear False Witness

The Tenth Commandment: You Shall Not Covet

Mike Bennett coordinates the cogwa.org blogs and writes the Daily Bible Verse Blog.

Read this article:

The Ten Commandments for Today | Spiritual Meaning of Ten ...

Posted byTamara ValleyonJanuary 30, 2014

Ive always been in awe of trees. They are among the largest organisms in existence and can live for many hundreds of years. Recently, I listened to a piece on National Public Radio (NPR) that discussed some very interesting facts about trees. The piece explained how scientists have recently done research that disproves a common misconception about these colossal plants.

Most people think that once trees reach a certain height, they just stop growing (or at least slow down). But an international study has revealed that this is false. In fact, researchers found that the older trees get, the more air they filterwhich means they grow at a much faster rate than younger trees. The professor interviewed in the NPR report also said that these results have made some people think that trees, if placed in a world without extreme weather, drought or disease, would have unlimited growth potential, meaning that they could theoretically continue to grow forever.

We can learn spiritual lessons from the incredible creation that surrounds us. And theres a lot we can learn from trees. Here are three lessons to consider:

1. We are never finished growing spiritually.

Our ultimate goal is to become like Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:13). The goal is not a singular event that can be checked off a list like baptism or memorizing a section of Scripture. The goal is to grow up in all things into Him who is the headChrist (verse 15). This goal of building Christ-like character is constantly at odds with our human nature and will be something to strive towards until the end (Galatians 5:17). We must continue to work towards it with the spiritual tools God has given us, like prayer, fasting, meditation, Bible study, service and fellowship with others of like mind.

There is no age or stage of life in which we do not need to continue growing spiritually!

2. We should try to understand our place in the spectrum of spiritual experience.

There will always be Christians who are more mature, wise or spiritually strong than we arelike those older trees that grow faster and produce more clean air than the younger ones. Instead of comparing ourselves to them in a negative way or feeling that we will never catch up to them spiritually, we should look at these producers of spiritual fruit as an example we can follow, in addition to following Christ. We must also remember what it says in 1 Peter 5:5: Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility. In addition, we cannot forget that those behind us on the same path towards the Kingdom are looking to us for similar guidance. Therefore, Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

3. Your unlimited growth potential can be completely realized in a perfect world!

Research has shown that most trees die because of environmental issues. In a perfect world, trees could continue living much longer. Like trees, we can be worn out by the world around us. It is only in the ideal environment of a world ruled by the Kingdom of God that wenot just those called today, but every person who chooses lifewill be able to really thrive, unhindered by the influence of evil (1 Corinthians 13:10; Revelation 20:10).

God will replace our human nature with His Spirit: I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them (Ezekiel 36:26-27). The extraordinary blessings of a godly world and a truly yielded heart will enable every willing person to finally unlock his or her true unlimited growth potential.

Lets learn from the trees and remember that we should be like trees in one major way: We should keep growing!

To learn more about the tools God has given us to grow, read Prayer, Fasting and Meditation.

Tamara Valley is a member of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, in Houston, Texas. She really likes trees.

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Unlimited Growth Potential - COGWA Members

Posted bySusan Scott SmithonNovember 19, 2015

Christ taught that fasting would be a necessary element in Christians lives in order to accomplish Gods purpose for us.

Why, then, do we find it so difficult to do such an important thing?

It is not nearly so difficult for me to fast now that I am retired. Careful planning can identify days when the conditions are optimal to fast.

So, again, why is fasting often an infrequent and inconsistent (and sometimes dreaded!) part of our lives?

The last few times I fasted I tried to identify the common deterrents to fasting. I ended up focusing on a number of issues that are involved with the lack of physical food for a specific period of time:

So why do we undertake a task that can result in such unpleasant outcomes?

The Bible offers examples of fasting by different people for different reasons.

When Christ was asked why His disciples did not fast as Johns did, He said His disciples would have to fast when He was gone (Matthew 9:14-15). This shows us that fasting becomes more necessary the farther we are from our Savior. We fast to draw closer to God. When we are spiritually deprived, we need fasting to draw near to God (James 4:8).

In Mark 9:29 Christ pointed out that some problems, such as an unclean spirit, could only be dealt with through prayer and fasting. There are certain problems in our lives that can only be tackled with fasting.

David Registers blog post Why Fast? lists three major reasons for fasting: (1) Fasting helps us realize that we have no power of ourselves. (2) By fasting, we humbly admit that we dont know what to do. (3) Fasting causes us to look to God for His help.

So lets take the above physical effects of fasting and apply them to a fast of spiritual foodlack of prayer, Bible study and meditation:

Energy levelwe have no spiritual stamina for dealing with the day-to-day problems (let alone crises) that occur in our lives.

Physical consequenceswhen we are spiritually weak, we can experience frustration, anxiousness, worry and a feeling of helplessness.

Temptationwe tend to see our daily routines as problems, not opportunities.

Habitsthe easiest thing to do is to fall back into old habits, the way that we have dealt with problems in the past.

Comfortwe would rather commiserate with those who see things our way than strive to see things Gods way.

Countdownwe cant wait for the day to be over.

Just as we dread going without physical foodwe should loathe going without spiritual food!

When I skip prayer, Bible study and/or meditation for a day or more, I need to remember the spiritual consequences and reorient my ship so I can get back to the right direction.

None of us can afford a spiritual fast! We need the spiritual nourishment fasting provides!

To learn more about fasting, read What Is Fasting?

See the article here:

My Love/Hate Relationship With Fasting - COGWA Members

Posted byLeon LeonardonApril 17, 2015

The greatest problem Christians face is sin. We know the basic biblical teaching about sin:

We in the Church of God understand that prayer, Bible study and meditation are essential elements in overcoming sin. But there is another critical tool that must be employed on a consistent basisand it is probably the most difficult of all the tools. That tool is fasting!

Fasting should be an integral part of our Christian lives. God created food for our nourishment and pleasure. He knows how much we enjoy it. When we willingly fast for a time, we show God how serious we are about following and obeying Him.

In Leviticus 23:26-32 God commands His people to fast on the Day of Atonement.

But we see many examples of Gods people fasting outside of the Day of Atonement. Here are some of them:

The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Early in His ministry, Jesus faced a titanic battle with Satanin which Satan tried to tempt Him to sin. Jesus knew He had to take drastic steps to prepare for this battle with Satan, and He spent 40 days and nights fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1). This was necessary for Christ because He was going to face temptation greater than any normal person would ever face. The devil approached Jesus when He was physically weak, but spiritually strong and ready for battle.

Luke 4:4-13 records how Jesus successfully resisted Satans temptations. Fasting afforded our Savior the spiritual power to back up His perfect character with action. If Jesus Christ had to fast to resist sin, how much more do we have to!

In our daily war against sin, it is imperative that we not neglect this most powerful tool. Though fasting can be physically taxing, it can accelerate our spiritual growth and strengthen us in overcoming sin (Isaiah 58:6, 8).

Gods people should be imitating Christ and other great men and women of the Bible by using the awesome tool of fasting!

To learn more about this powerful tool, read What Is Fasting?

Read the rest here:

The Power of Fasting - COGWA Members

I am a devoted husband and father. I am passionate about helping those that want to create successful lives, families and finances.http://www.facebook.com/cardonesuccess

GRANT is an International Sales Expert, Sales Trainer, Sales Motivational Speaker, Radio Show host, TV personality and NY Times Best Selling Author of five books since the Lehman collapse. His books have been translated in China, Portugal, Brazil, Germany, and Taiwan.

A regular guest on CNBC, Fox NEWS, Entrepreneur.com, BusinessInsider and other networks.

His customized sales programs, sales books and sales philosophies are used by Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations worldwide.

"Sell To Survive" (2008): The definitive sales survival manual on how to SELL your way through any economy. "The Closers Survival Guide" (2009): The ultimate guide to getting sales done. "If You're Not First, You're Last" (2010): Sales strategies to dominate your market and beat your competition. "The 10X Rule": Where to start, what to do, and how to follow up each action you take with more action to 10X your success!

Continuing the tradition of bringing innovative sales tools, technologies and solutions to life, Grant has just launched a state of the art, interactive virtual training center: http://www.CardoneOnDemand and http://www.CardoneUniversity.com

Mr. Cardone currently resides in Los Angeles and Miami with his two daughters and wife, actress Elena Lyons.

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The mouth may lie, alright, but the face it makes nonetheless tells the truth.

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), German philosopher, classical scholar, critic of culture. Friedrich Nietzsche, Smtliche Werke: Kritische Studienausgabe, vol. 5, p. 101, eds. Giorgio Colli and Mazzino Montinari, Berlin, de Gruyter (1980). Beyond Good and Evil, "Fourth Part: Maxims and Interludes," section 166 (1886).

We do not hate as long as we still attach a lesser value, but only when we attach an equal or a greater value.

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), German philosopher, classical scholar, critic of culture. Friedrich Nietzsche, Smtliche Werke: Kritische Studienausgabe, vol. 5, p. 102, eds. Giorgio Colli and Mazzino Montinari, Berlin, de Gruyter (1980). Beyond Good and Evil, "Fourth Part: Maxims and Interludes," section 173 (1886).

He who seeks intelligence lacks intelligence.

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), German philosopher, classical scholar, critic of culture. Friedrich Nietzsche, Smtliche Werke: Kritische Studienausgabe, vol. 2, p. 329, eds. Giorgio Colli and Mazzino Montinari, Berlin, de Gruyter (1980). Human, All-Too-Human, "Man Alone With Himself," aphorism 547, "The 'Intellectuals'," (1878). The German word Geist which is translated as "intelligence" here might just as appropriately be translated as "spirit," "mind," "genius," or "wit." An alternative translation:M"He who tries to be witty is lacking in wit."

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Friedrich Nietzsche Poems - Poem Hunter - Quotes - Poetry

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The Greeting is the part of your process when you have the opportunity to stand out and be different. Reduce Resistance by brining up the pain points clients have when dealing with unprofessional sales people.

Email andrewhalesales@gmail.com for my no cost 10 Step Sales Process or call 323-640-5726

Andrew Hale is a 20 year veteran in Direct Response Marketing & Sales ranging from owning multi state door to door & event lead generation company producing 50,000 appointments per year, to working with Large to Small Remodeling Contractor clients nationwide providing Call Center Training, Face To Face Marketing Programs , Script Development , Sales Presentation Training, Closing Training, Role Playing, Ride Alongside with Sales Reps, Sit ins with Call Centers on Live calls, Developing Process & Systems + Implementation , CRM set up and conversions, Recruitment Services, Sales & Marketing Evaluations & Motivational Meetings & Public Speaking. Andrew Hale has scaled Construction Companies from zero to over 3 Million per year in Revenue in less than 3 years and has closed and completed projects Seen on TV as well as working with Major Nuclear Facilities in NC to provide energy efficient upgrades to SubStations. Andrew Hale is a hands on high energy leader with charm & charisma. If real is what your looking for you have landed in the right spot.

Andrew Hale specializes in working with Start Ups to Large Business in the InHome Services Industry, if you have a Call Center, Need Appointments, or Need Help Closing More deals Call or message me @ 323-640-5726 or AndrewHaleSales@Gmail.com NOT LIMITED TO INHOME Services

Andrew Hale Offers : Sales & Marketing Training, Lead Generation, Recruitment, Live Speaking ,Website Development, Website SEO, Blogging Services, Working Capital & Lines of Credit.

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