Below is a list of personal and professional
qualities that make good attorneys. Let's see how these qualities also
help make good intercessors.
1. Dedication. An
intercessor must be committed to Christ, to others and to the task of
intercession. There simply is no substitute for dedication. As Phillips
Brooks once said, "If man is man and God is God, to live without prayer
is not merely an awful thing; it is an infinitely foolish thing."
2. Reliability. It's
not our ability that God looks for, but our availability. Paul Daniel
Rader once said: "If you can beat the devil in the matter of regular
daily prayer, you can beat him anywhere. If he can beat you there, he
can possibly beat you anywhere." Or as a country preacher once said, "If
your day is hemmed with prayer, it's less likely to come unraveled."
3. Integrity. In Alice Smith's book Beyond the Veil,
she writes: "If we accept an assignment from God, we can be sure that
He will attempt to build integrity into our lives. I (Alice) love Psalm
26:11-12: 'But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me.
My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the
Lord.'
"My paraphrase would read: 'In all
my public trust I will walk uprightly and pay strict attention to truth,
honesty, justice and mercy. I will not plan evil schemes or use myself
to promote my own cause. I will be true to the integrity of the Word. I
will live a moral life in private and in public. I stand firmly on
principles of proper conduct, and I will not turn aside.'"
4. Objectivity and empathy. Objectivity and empathy are tricky. Both are necessary, but they must be kept in balance.
If
we are empathetic intercessors who cannot find objectivity in prayer,
we will soon be consumed emotionally and ultimately overwhelmed with the
prayer needs we bear. Remember the words of the old song "Leave It
There" by Charles Albert Tindley: "Take your burden to the Lord and
leave it there."
On the other hand, if we
are objective intercessors without empathy, who cannot feel the needs of
those for whom we have been commissioned to pray, our prayer life will
grow stale and eventually dry up.
5. Kind. Kindness is a necessary commodity for the intercessor-advocate, as illustrated by the following story.
An
old man carried a little can of oil with him everywhere he went. If he
passed through a door with squeaky hinges, he put a little oil on the
hinges. If the gate was hard to open, he poured a little oil upon the
latch.
Every day he found a variety of
ways to use his pocket oil can to others' advantage. Neighbors thought
he was eccentric, but he went on his way, doing all within his power to
lubricate the hard places and make life easier and more enjoyable for
others.
Do we carry with us the oil of
human kindness? When the traffic is backed up, the grocery clerk is rude
or your boss decides to come down on you, are you exercising the oil of
gladness? Go ahead and do it. It will make your day.
6. Discipline. The
intercessor will not be successful without applying discipline to his
or her work of intercession. As the next story illustrate, discipline is
vitally important.
A visitor to a famous
pottery establishment was puzzled by an operation that seemed aimless.
In one room there was a mass of clay beside a workman. Every now and
then he took up a large mallet and struck several smart blows on the
surface of the lump. Curiosity led to the question: "Why do you do
that?"
"Wait a bit, sir, and watch it," was the reply.
The visitor obeyed, and soon the top of the mass began to heave and swell. Bubbles formed upon its face.
"Now
sir, you will see," said the modeler with a smile. "I could never shape
the clay into a vase if these air bubbles were in it, therefore I
gradually beat them out."
It sounded in
the ears of the visitor like an allegory of Romans 5:3-5, "Tribulation
produces perseverance ... character ... hope" (NKJV). Is not the
discipline of life, so hard to bear sometimes, just a beating out of the
bubbles of pride and self-will, so the Master may form a vessel of
earth to hold heavenly treasures?
7. Leadership ability. In his book Wind and Fire, Bruce Larson points out some interesting facts about sandhill cranes:
"These
large birds that fly great distances across continents have three
remarkable qualities. First, they rotate leadership. No one bird stays
out in front all the time.
Second, they
choose leaders who can handle turbulence. And then, all during the time
one bird leads, the rest honk their affirmation.
"That's
not a bad model for the church. Certainly we need leaders who can
handle turbulence and who are aware that leadership ought to be shared.
But most of all, we need a church where we all honk encouragement.
It
is safe to say that some of our prayer assignments are also being borne
by other Christians. Let's guard our hearts against feeling that
we--and our prayers--are "the only reasons" something happens.
The
apostle Paul warned us that we are "not to think of [ourselves] more
highly than [we] ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt
to each one a measure of faith" (Rom. 12:3).
8. High moral character. A
Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka, who was acquainted with both Christianity
and Buddhism, was once asked what he thought was the great difference
between the two. He replied, "There is much that is good in each of
them, and probably in all religions.
"But
what seems to me to be the greatest difference is that you Christians
know what is right and have the power to do it, while we Buddhists know
what is right but have not any such power."
The monk was right. True freedom is not the right to do as we please. It is the power to do what is right!
A
lawyer who lived in the chambers of the temple told a story about an
old gray-haired man in the room next to his who knelt down every night
and said his prayers aloud. The partition between their rooms was thin,
and he heard what the old man said quite distinctly. He was greatly
surprised to hear him always say this prayer: "Lord, make me a good
boy."
This may seem rather ludicrous. But
if you think of it, you will be touched by its beauty. Long years before
when, as a little child, that old man had knelt at his mother's knee,
she had taught him this petition, "Lord, make me a good boy."
And
through the years with their trials and temptations, he still felt the
need of offering that cry in the old, simple language of childhood,
knowing that in the sight of the ageless God he was still a child.
Just
as a good advocate should be a person of high moral character, an
effective intercessor must also live a holy life of high moral
character.
9. A team player. Corporate
intercession is almost an unknown art. In most places it is individual
intercession in a corporate setting. Thankfully, the church is beginning
to understand how to gather as a group and approach God as one person!
We
are also beginning to network as intercessors. We realize that the more
testimonies we have in court, the stronger our case will be. We are
grateful for the 61 personal intercessors who faithfully serve us and
our ministry in prayer. We take seriously the hours they spend in court
on our behalf.
We never cease to be amazed
at the self-discipline exerted by intercessors. The abilities to work
well under pressure and with minimal supervision are grace gifts that
God has given most intercessors. People of prayer, we admire your
faithfulness to voluntarily spend the time you do in prayer on behalf of
others.
We can experience transformation of our families, cities and nations if we will be willing to labor together.
Whenever I have the occasion to speak with professionals and parents about the challenges of bringing an end to bullying
in schools and communities, I emphasize that "big" solutions -- such as
policies, procedures, and trainings (I say, humbly, as a Bullying Prevention
trainer) are trumped each and every day by the seemingly little, yet
extraordinarily powerful, acts of compassion and kindness that adults
show to the young people in their lives. In turn, experts agree that
fostering compassion in young people is among the best ways to prevent
verbal, physical, and emotional aggression from taking root. Below, I
detail eight ways to help your child and/or student develop compassion
both as a character trait and a behavioral style:
1. Walk the Talk
Children may listen to your words, but more importantly, they learn from
observing your actions. When you have a chance to practice a random act
of compassion, do so! When you are frustrated in an interpersonal
interaction, express your displeasure in words that show respect for the
dignity of the person you are addressing. When you encounter a person
who needs help, stop what you are doing and tend to them, even (read:
especially!) if it is not particularly convenient to do so. Remember:
opportunities to show compassion do not occur by appointment. Show
young people that anytime is the right time to engage in acts of service
and compassion for others. 2. Put the Child on the Receiving End of Compassion
While showing compassion to others is a top way to teach this value to a
child, allowing a young person to experience compassion first-hand is
even more impactful. When your child is hurt or sick, be sure to provide
abundant TLCC (tender, loving, compassionate care.) It may sound
obvious, but tending to a child when he is feeling down or under the
weather is the best way to teach him how to show compassion to others. 3. Talk the Talk
Most children can learn about true compassion by seeing and feeling this
trait acted out, but when parents talk explicitly about acts of
compassion, they communicate its importance as a prized family value. As
you watch television or movies with your child, be sure to point out
instances where compassion was shown -- or should have been shown! Talk
about people who particularly need compassion, such as the elderly and
children living in poverty. 4. Volunteer Your Time
When children become actively involved in acts of showing compassion to
others, they learn about this value in a very deep and enduring way.
Find age-appropriate ways to introduce your child to volunteering, such
as visiting a nursing home and sharing a craft activity with a resident,
serving a meal at a homeless shelter, helping to organize a canned food
drive, collecting coats to donate to needy children, or even
participating in a charity walk for a specific cause. These activities
are at once meaningful and fun, which makes them especially effective in
getting kids to routinely think compassionately about the needs of
others. 5. Care for a Pet
Bringing a pet into a family is certainly not a step to be taken lightly
or impulsively, but it is worth giving serious consideration to
providing your young person with the experience of caring for an animal,
as a way to foster compassion. Children who care for pets learn
important values such as responsibility, unconditional love, empathy,
and compassion for all living things. 6. Read All About It
Children's books are great for providing a window into the experiences
of others. As a School Counselor, my go-to children's writer is Trudy
Ludwig, the award-winning author of such books as My Secret Bully (my all-time favorite pick for sparking conversations with kids about bullying and relational aggression) and The Invisible Boy,
a great read for inspiring empathy and compassion for young people who
find themselves on the periphery of school social hierarchies. For older
kids, check out biographies of famous figureheads of compassion, such
as the Dalai Lama or Mother Theresa. 7. Compassion It™
In recent years, rubber wristbands have become a ubiquitous symbol of
causes and concerns. While most of the messages are positive and
inspiring, I must admit that their sheer common-ness resulted in me
stopping reading the various messages on friends' wrists. Until
recently. I noticed a two-tone band that a relative was turning over and
felt compelled to ask about it. It was a Compassion It
band, she explained. Every morning, she puts the band on her wrist
with its black side facing outward, as a personal reminder to act
compassionately toward someone else. When such an act is committed each
day, she turns the bracelet to its white side.
What a great
idea -- so simple, yet such a powerful reminder to prioritize kindness
and make compassion a part of her everyday routine. Needless to say, I
went online and bought a band for myself and one for each of my
daughters right away. Does this turn compassion into a chore, you may
ask. Am I making kindness into a To-Do list item for my kids, you
wonder. Nope, not at all, I say with confidence. Quite the contrary:
the bands have turned compassion into an everyday topic of conversation
in our household and has effectively elevated kindness into a priority
in each of our days. Best. Bracelet. Ever. 8. Make a Wish
Acts of life-changing compassion can be only a click away. Use the
internet to introduce your child to different charitable organizations
that provide compassionate assistance to others. The Make-a-Wish
Foundation provides hope, strength, and joy to children with
life-threatening medical conditions. While for younger kids, the site
may be too heart-wrenching or scary, older kids can have a truly
impactful experience of being able to provide tangible help and joy to a
peer. The experience can be life-changing for both giver and receiver. Signe
Whitson is a school counselor, author, and national speaker on topics
related to stopping bullying and promoting children's mental health.
For workshop inquiries or additional information, please visit www.signewhitson.com.
EVERY CHILD OF GOD HAS BEEN ENDOWED WITH GREAT ABILITY BY OUR CREATOR -
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.(Exodus 31:1-5)
Exploring the Link between Religion and Technology, Chapter 1
Technology has sparked quite a debate as long as contemporary worship
is concerned. The blend between religion and technology is perceived
lumpy, especially by a portion of the Christian faith. As to whether the
Holy Book supports or agrees on the applied trends of Science, one
would obviously have to extract answers from the primary source.
Most ‘men of God’ have expressed hot comments that “total devotion”
to God, not worldly materials (in this case technological gadgets,
know-how and pursuit of such insight) will gain one salvation beyond the
borders of the existing life we live. Good point!! However, before
that afterlife, man must live, hustle to earn better standards and
survive on this physical planet.
The ultimate Biblical allusion is the story of creation, where God
“created man in His image.” That’s how the world itself began, according
to roots of the Christian faith. The Bible begins with the Supreme
Being arranging the world out of previous chaos. He doesn’t stop. He
creates, He makes etc.
This is a simple question to all the doubting Thomas, “If we were
made in the image of God and are to honorably imitate him and He (God)
is a MAKER, aren’t we in some instances supposed to be little makers
too?”
In this article, we’d explore one of the Bible’s most famous tales, a
turn in history when one man became mankind’s last hope for survival.
We’d analyze how people of such early times, ridden of modern resources,
were able to narrowly escape the aquatic apocalypse of that moment.
For those who are not fully aware of this Christian Story, let’s take a look at the beginning, Genesis 6 of the Bible.
As one gospel singer rightfully sang “…we are the cause of our
problems,” the situation was no different in Noah’s time, approximately
thousands of years ago. The owner of the entire universe, God almighty,
had seen the leering and shameful misdeeds of the people and desired to
wipe the world of the entire generation.
The forced wrath of the world’s ubiquitous supreme authority was to
flow in the form of a wild flood. Noah, a human being like us, only more
righteous, was good enough to find favour in the eyes of God. God
contacted him and told him of the coming catastrophe. However, the Lord
proposed a rescue plan too. Noah was to construct a vessel to float
above the waging floods. This was going to keep all those within its
confines safe. God himself offered Noah the measurements of that vessel,
first of its kind, a ship. Therefore it was an invention!!
Science in Basic English language is the acquisition of knowledge
through concise observation and experimentation. Technology is simply
applied science, meaning, knowledge in action for the betterment of a
society or individuals in question. Also, to further shed light on the
issue, technology is the hardcore solution of science to any societal
problem. For instance, communication before the invention of the
telephone, internet and telegraph was hard and almost impossible between
most points on the planet.
The current availability of mobile phones and so much more intriguing
gadgets was the answer technology had to give. Obviously, these
electronic links have done more than curb the situation. It is also a
known fact, that a good well-ventilated car with music beats riding a
camel or horse to work.
The world as Noah knew it, was about to be washed away. He had to
find something to do to save his loved ones, beyond preaching, prayer
and fasting. He had to use the smart prescription given by God himself.
He had to apply technology. “(14) Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in
the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. (15) And this
is the fashion which thou shalt make it of; the length of the ark shall
be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height
of it thirty cubits. (16) A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a
cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou
set in the side thereof; with lower, second and third stories shalt thou
make it. (17) And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon
the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from
under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die (Simple KJV)”.That was the word of God.
The ‘ship’ was made of wood. We read also that this wood material for
making both the interior and outer part of the ark, was covered in
pitch (a kind of tar). The ark was three stories high with only one
door. Plus ,the dimensions were three hundred cubits
long by fifty cubits wide by thirty cubits high (Gen. 6:15), which
equates to approximately 450 feet long, by 75 feet wide, by 45 feet
high.
Fact, no ship of such great dimensions was ever built till the late 19th century.
As old-fashioned as the technology was, the ark (first ship) was able
to continuously stay afloat the hoarse waves of the raging floods.
Save for Noah, his sons and their wives, the entire planet was
positively erased in the brutal storms and rain that lasted for forty
days. Even animals were not spared the doom. The ark was large enough to
even sustain life of two of every animal species.
The world’s “Best Bible scholars” are still debating the possibility
of getting the two of every species of animals into a single ark with
the remnants of mankind.
Since this is a discussion of religion and technology, we will not go into such debates.
One must admit that the Living God has always marveled greatest of
our kinds. However, one thing remains clear; an ark set sail above a
ragingly destroying world. In it were eight people, the last of mankind
at the time. This same ship contained the final hope of animals of that
generation. Humanity would have ceased to exist had the ark not been
made. The result of the vessel was not an act of magic. It was the
procedure of applying God-given knowledge (technology) and staying true
to belief in HIM (Religion).
The works of Apostle Dr Kwadow Safo
is not an extra-curricular activity outside the Bible. He truly
believes in God (Religion) and is applying God-given knowledge
(technology) to the redemption of Africa.
- See more at:
http://www.africarm.org/noahs-ark-the-worlds-first-redemption-exploring-the-link-between-religion-and-technology-chapter-1-1651/#sthash.Fy0smwiO.HI7HAJzQ.dpuf
Exploring the Link between Religion and Technology, Chapter 1
Technology has sparked quite a debate as long as contemporary worship
is concerned. The blend between religion and technology is perceived
lumpy, especially by a portion of the Christian faith. As to whether the
Holy Book supports or agrees on the applied trends of Science, one
would obviously have to extract answers from the primary source.
Most ‘men of God’ have expressed hot comments that “total devotion”
to God, not worldly materials (in this case technological gadgets,
know-how and pursuit of such insight) will gain one salvation beyond the
borders of the existing life we live. Good point!! However, before
that afterlife, man must live, hustle to earn better standards and
survive on this physical planet.
The ultimate Biblical allusion is the story of creation, where God
“created man in His image.” That’s how the world itself began, according
to roots of the Christian faith. The Bible begins with the Supreme
Being arranging the world out of previous chaos. He doesn’t stop. He
creates, He makes etc.
This is a simple question to all the doubting Thomas, “If we were
made in the image of God and are to honorably imitate him and He (God)
is a MAKER, aren’t we in some instances supposed to be little makers
too?”
In this article, we’d explore one of the Bible’s most famous tales, a
turn in history when one man became mankind’s last hope for survival.
We’d analyze how people of such early times, ridden of modern resources,
were able to narrowly escape the aquatic apocalypse of that moment.
For those who are not fully aware of this Christian Story, let’s take a look at the beginning, Genesis 6 of the Bible.
As one gospel singer rightfully sang “…we are the cause of our
problems,” the situation was no different in Noah’s time, approximately
thousands of years ago. The owner of the entire universe, God almighty,
had seen the leering and shameful misdeeds of the people and desired to
wipe the world of the entire generation.
The forced wrath of the world’s ubiquitous supreme authority was to
flow in the form of a wild flood. Noah, a human being like us, only more
righteous, was good enough to find favour in the eyes of God. God
contacted him and told him of the coming catastrophe. However, the Lord
proposed a rescue plan too. Noah was to construct a vessel to float
above the waging floods. This was going to keep all those within its
confines safe. God himself offered Noah the measurements of that vessel,
first of its kind, a ship. Therefore it was an invention!!
Science in Basic English language is the acquisition of knowledge
through concise observation and experimentation. Technology is simply
applied science, meaning, knowledge in action for the betterment of a
society or individuals in question. Also, to further shed light on the
issue, technology is the hardcore solution of science to any societal
problem. For instance, communication before the invention of the
telephone, internet and telegraph was hard and almost impossible between
most points on the planet.
The current availability of mobile phones and so much more intriguing
gadgets was the answer technology had to give. Obviously, these
electronic links have done more than curb the situation. It is also a
known fact, that a good well-ventilated car with music beats riding a
camel or horse to work.
The world as Noah knew it, was about to be washed away. He had to
find something to do to save his loved ones, beyond preaching, prayer
and fasting. He had to use the smart prescription given by God himself.
He had to apply technology. “(14) Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in
the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. (15) And this
is the fashion which thou shalt make it of; the length of the ark shall
be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height
of it thirty cubits. (16) A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a
cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou
set in the side thereof; with lower, second and third stories shalt thou
make it. (17) And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon
the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from
under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die (Simple KJV)”.That was the word of God.
The ‘ship’ was made of wood. We read also that this wood material for
making both the interior and outer part of the ark, was covered in
pitch (a kind of tar). The ark was three stories high with only one
door. Plus ,the dimensions were three hundred cubits
long by fifty cubits wide by thirty cubits high (Gen. 6:15), which
equates to approximately 450 feet long, by 75 feet wide, by 45 feet
high.
Fact, no ship of such great dimensions was ever built till the late 19th century.
As old-fashioned as the technology was, the ark (first ship) was able
to continuously stay afloat the hoarse waves of the raging floods.
Save for Noah, his sons and their wives, the entire planet was
positively erased in the brutal storms and rain that lasted for forty
days. Even animals were not spared the doom. The ark was large enough to
even sustain life of two of every animal species.
The world’s “Best Bible scholars” are still debating the possibility
of getting the two of every species of animals into a single ark with
the remnants of mankind.
Since this is a discussion of religion and technology, we will not go into such debates.
One must admit that the Living God has always marveled greatest of
our kinds. However, one thing remains clear; an ark set sail above a
ragingly destroying world. In it were eight people, the last of mankind
at the time. This same ship contained the final hope of animals of that
generation. Humanity would have ceased to exist had the ark not been
made. The result of the vessel was not an act of magic. It was the
procedure of applying God-given knowledge (technology) and staying true
to belief in HIM (Religion).
The works of Apostle Dr Kwadow Safo
is not an extra-curricular activity outside the Bible. He truly
believes in God (Religion) and is applying God-given knowledge
(technology) to the redemption of Africa.
- See more at:
http://www.africarm.org/noahs-ark-the-worlds-first-redemption-exploring-the-link-between-religion-and-technology-chapter-1-1651/#sthash.Fy0smwiO.HI7HAJzQ.dpuf
Exploring the Link between Religion and Technology, Chapter 1
Technology has sparked quite a debate as long as contemporary worship
is concerned. The blend between religion and technology is perceived
lumpy, especially by a portion of the Christian faith. As to whether the
Holy Book supports or agrees on the applied trends of Science, one
would obviously have to extract answers from the primary source.
Most ‘men of God’ have expressed hot comments that “total devotion”
to God, not worldly materials (in this case technological gadgets,
know-how and pursuit of such insight) will gain one salvation beyond the
borders of the existing life we live. Good point!! However, before
that afterlife, man must live, hustle to earn better standards and
survive on this physical planet.
The ultimate Biblical allusion is the story of creation, where God
“created man in His image.” That’s how the world itself began, according
to roots of the Christian faith. The Bible begins with the Supreme
Being arranging the world out of previous chaos. He doesn’t stop. He
creates, He makes etc.
This is a simple question to all the doubting Thomas, “If we were
made in the image of God and are to honorably imitate him and He (God)
is a MAKER, aren’t we in some instances supposed to be little makers
too?”
In this article, we’d explore one of the Bible’s most famous tales, a
turn in history when one man became mankind’s last hope for survival.
We’d analyze how people of such early times, ridden of modern resources,
were able to narrowly escape the aquatic apocalypse of that moment.
For those who are not fully aware of this Christian Story, let’s take a look at the beginning, Genesis 6 of the Bible.
As one gospel singer rightfully sang “…we are the cause of our
problems,” the situation was no different in Noah’s time, approximately
thousands of years ago. The owner of the entire universe, God almighty,
had seen the leering and shameful misdeeds of the people and desired to
wipe the world of the entire generation.
The forced wrath of the world’s ubiquitous supreme authority was to
flow in the form of a wild flood. Noah, a human being like us, only more
righteous, was good enough to find favour in the eyes of God. God
contacted him and told him of the coming catastrophe. However, the Lord
proposed a rescue plan too. Noah was to construct a vessel to float
above the waging floods. This was going to keep all those within its
confines safe. God himself offered Noah the measurements of that vessel,
first of its kind, a ship. Therefore it was an invention!!
Science in Basic English language is the acquisition of knowledge
through concise observation and experimentation. Technology is simply
applied science, meaning, knowledge in action for the betterment of a
society or individuals in question. Also, to further shed light on the
issue, technology is the hardcore solution of science to any societal
problem. For instance, communication before the invention of the
telephone, internet and telegraph was hard and almost impossible between
most points on the planet.
The current availability of mobile phones and so much more intriguing
gadgets was the answer technology had to give. Obviously, these
electronic links have done more than curb the situation. It is also a
known fact, that a good well-ventilated car with music beats riding a
camel or horse to work.
The world as Noah knew it, was about to be washed away. He had to
find something to do to save his loved ones, beyond preaching, prayer
and fasting. He had to use the smart prescription given by God himself.
He had to apply technology. “(14) Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in
the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. (15) And this
is the fashion which thou shalt make it of; the length of the ark shall
be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height
of it thirty cubits. (16) A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a
cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou
set in the side thereof; with lower, second and third stories shalt thou
make it. (17) And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon
the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from
under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die (Simple KJV)”.That was the word of God.
The ‘ship’ was made of wood. We read also that this wood material for
making both the interior and outer part of the ark, was covered in
pitch (a kind of tar). The ark was three stories high with only one
door. Plus ,the dimensions were three hundred cubits
long by fifty cubits wide by thirty cubits high (Gen. 6:15), which
equates to approximately 450 feet long, by 75 feet wide, by 45 feet
high.
Fact, no ship of such great dimensions was ever built till the late 19th century.
As old-fashioned as the technology was, the ark (first ship) was able
to continuously stay afloat the hoarse waves of the raging floods.
Save for Noah, his sons and their wives, the entire planet was
positively erased in the brutal storms and rain that lasted for forty
days. Even animals were not spared the doom. The ark was large enough to
even sustain life of two of every animal species.
The world’s “Best Bible scholars” are still debating the possibility
of getting the two of every species of animals into a single ark with
the remnants of mankind.
Since this is a discussion of religion and technology, we will not go into such debates.
One must admit that the Living God has always marveled greatest of
our kinds. However, one thing remains clear; an ark set sail above a
ragingly destroying world. In it were eight people, the last of mankind
at the time. This same ship contained the final hope of animals of that
generation. Humanity would have ceased to exist had the ark not been
made. The result of the vessel was not an act of magic. It was the
procedure of applying God-given knowledge (technology) and staying true
to belief in HIM (Religion).
The works of Apostle Dr Kwadow Safo
is not an extra-curricular activity outside the Bible. He truly
believes in God (Religion) and is applying God-given knowledge
(technology) to the redemption of Africa.
- See more at:
http://www.africarm.org/noahs-ark-the-worlds-first-redemption-exploring-the-link-between-religion-and-technology-chapter-1-1651/#sthash.Fy0smwiO.HI7HAJzQ.dpuf
Exploring the Link between Religion
and Technology.
Technology has sparked quite a
debate as long as contemporary worship is concerned. The blend between religion
and technology is perceived lumpy, especially by a portion of the Christian
faith. As to whether the Holy Book supports or agrees on the applied trends of
Science, one would obviously have to extract answers from the primary source.
Most ‘men of God’ have expressed hot
comments that “total devotion” to God, not worldly materials (in this case
technological gadgets, know-how and pursuit of such insight) will gain one
salvation beyond the borders of the existing life we live. Good point!!
However, before that afterlife, man must live, hustle to earn better standards
and survive on this physical planet.
The ultimate Biblical allusion is
the story of creation, where God “created man in His image.” That’s how the
world itself began, according to roots of the Christian faith. The Bible begins
with the Supreme Being arranging the world out of previous chaos. He doesn’t
stop. He creates, He makes etc.
This is a simple question to all the
doubting Thomas, “If we were made in the image of God and are to honorably
imitate him and He (God) is a MAKER, aren’t we in some instances supposed to be
little makers too?”
In this article, we’d explore one of
the Bible’s most famous tales, a turn in history when one man became mankind’s
last hope for survival. We’d analyze how people of such early times, ridden of
modern resources, were able to narrowly escape the aquatic apocalypse of that
moment.
For those who are not fully aware of
this Christian Story, let’s take a look at the beginning, Genesis 6 of the
Bible.
As one gospel singer rightfully sang
“…we are the cause of our problems,” the situation was no different in Noah’s
time, approximately thousands of years ago. The owner of the entire universe,
God almighty, had seen the leering and shameful misdeeds of the people and
desired to wipe the world of the entire generation.
The forced wrath of the world’s
ubiquitous supreme authority was to flow in the form of a wild flood. Noah, a
human being like us, only more righteous, was good enough to find favour in the
eyes of God. God contacted him and told him of the coming catastrophe. However,
the Lord proposed a rescue plan too.
Noah was to construct a vessel to float
above the waging floods. This was going to keep all those within its confines
safe. God himself offered Noah the measurements of that vessel, first of its
kind, a ship. Therefore it was an invention!!
Science in Basic English language is
the acquisition of knowledge through concise observation and experimentation.
Technology is simply applied science, meaning, knowledge in action for the
betterment of a society or individuals in question. Also, to further shed light
on the issue, technology is the hardcore solution of science to any societal
problem. For instance, communication before the invention of the telephone,
internet and telegraph was hard and almost impossible between most points on
the planet.
The current availability of mobile
phones and so much more intriguing gadgets was the answer technology had to
give. Obviously, these electronic links have done more than curb the situation.
It is also a known fact, that a good well-ventilated car with music beats
riding a camel or horse to work.
The world as Noah knew it, was about
to be washed away. He had to find something to do to save his loved ones,
beyond preaching, prayer and fasting. He had to use the smart prescription
given by God himself. He had to apply technology.
“(14) Make thee an ark of gopher
wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without
with pitch. (15) And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of; the
length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty
cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. (16) A window shalt thou make to
the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark
shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second and third stories shalt
thou make it. (17) And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the
earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven;
and everything that is in the earth shall die
(Simple KJV)”.That was the word of God.
The ‘ship’ was made of wood. We read
also that this wood material for making both the interior and outer part of the
ark, was covered in pitch (a kind of tar). The ark was three stories high with
only one door. Plus ,the dimensions were three hundred cubits
long by fifty cubits wide by thirty cubits high (Gen. 6:15), which equates to
approximately 450 feet long, by 75 feet wide, by 45 feet high.
Fact, no ship of such great
dimensions was ever built till the late 19th century.
As old-fashioned as the technology
was, the ark (first ship) was able to continuously stay afloat the hoarse waves
of the raging floods.
Save for Noah, his sons and their
wives, the entire planet was positively erased in the brutal storms and rain
that lasted for forty days. Even animals were not spared the doom. The ark was
large enough to even sustain life of two of every animal species.
The world’s “Best Bible scholars”
are still debating the possibility of getting the two of every species of
animals into a single ark with the remnants of mankind.
Since this is a discussion of
religion and technology, we will not go into such debates.
One must admit that the Living God
has always marveled greatest of our kinds. However, one thing remains clear; an
ark set sail above a ragingly destroying world. In it were eight people, the
last of mankind at the time. This same ship contained the final hope of animals
of that generation. Humanity would have ceased to exist had the ark not been
made. The result of the vessel was not an act of magic. It was the procedure of
applying God-given knowledge (technology) and staying true to belief in HIM
(Religion).
The works of Apostle Dr Kwadow Safo
is not an extra-curricular activity outside the Bible. He truly believes
in God (Religion) and is applying God-given knowledge (technology) to the
redemption of Africa.
Exploring the Link between Religion and Technology, Chapter 1
Technology has sparked quite a debate as long as contemporary worship
is concerned. The blend between religion and technology is perceived
lumpy, especially by a portion of the Christian faith. As to whether the
Holy Book supports or agrees on the applied trends of Science, one
would obviously have to extract answers from the primary source.
Most ‘men of God’ have expressed hot comments that “total devotion”
to God, not worldly materials (in this case technological gadgets,
know-how and pursuit of such insight) will gain one salvation beyond the
borders of the existing life we live. Good point!! However, before
that afterlife, man must live, hustle to earn better standards and
survive on this physical planet.
The ultimate Biblical allusion is the story of creation, where God
“created man in His image.” That’s how the world itself began, according
to roots of the Christian faith. The Bible begins with the Supreme
Being arranging the world out of previous chaos. He doesn’t stop. He
creates, He makes etc.
This is a simple question to all the doubting Thomas, “If we were
made in the image of God and are to honorably imitate him and He (God)
is a MAKER, aren’t we in some instances supposed to be little makers
too?”
In this article, we’d explore one of the Bible’s most famous tales, a
turn in history when one man became mankind’s last hope for survival.
We’d analyze how people of such early times, ridden of modern resources,
were able to narrowly escape the aquatic apocalypse of that moment.
For those who are not fully aware of this Christian Story, let’s take a look at the beginning, Genesis 6 of the Bible.
As one gospel singer rightfully sang “…we are the cause of our
problems,” the situation was no different in Noah’s time, approximately
thousands of years ago. The owner of the entire universe, God almighty,
had seen the leering and shameful misdeeds of the people and desired to
wipe the world of the entire generation.
The forced wrath of the world’s ubiquitous supreme authority was to
flow in the form of a wild flood. Noah, a human being like us, only more
righteous, was good enough to find favour in the eyes of God. God
contacted him and told him of the coming catastrophe. However, the Lord
proposed a rescue plan too. Noah was to construct a vessel to float
above the waging floods. This was going to keep all those within its
confines safe. God himself offered Noah the measurements of that vessel,
first of its kind, a ship. Therefore it was an invention!!
Science in Basic English language is the acquisition of knowledge
through concise observation and experimentation. Technology is simply
applied science, meaning, knowledge in action for the betterment of a
society or individuals in question. Also, to further shed light on the
issue, technology is the hardcore solution of science to any societal
problem. For instance, communication before the invention of the
telephone, internet and telegraph was hard and almost impossible between
most points on the planet.
The current availability of mobile phones and so much more intriguing
gadgets was the answer technology had to give. Obviously, these
electronic links have done more than curb the situation. It is also a
known fact, that a good well-ventilated car with music beats riding a
camel or horse to work.
The world as Noah knew it, was about to be washed away. He had to
find something to do to save his loved ones, beyond preaching, prayer
and fasting. He had to use the smart prescription given by God himself.
He had to apply technology. “(14) Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in
the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. (15) And this
is the fashion which thou shalt make it of; the length of the ark shall
be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height
of it thirty cubits. (16) A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a
cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou
set in the side thereof; with lower, second and third stories shalt thou
make it. (17) And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon
the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from
under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die (Simple KJV)”.That was the word of God.
The ‘ship’ was made of wood. We read also that this wood material for
making both the interior and outer part of the ark, was covered in
pitch (a kind of tar). The ark was three stories high with only one
door. Plus ,the dimensions were three hundred cubits
long by fifty cubits wide by thirty cubits high (Gen. 6:15), which
equates to approximately 450 feet long, by 75 feet wide, by 45 feet
high.
Fact, no ship of such great dimensions was ever built till the late 19th century.
As old-fashioned as the technology was, the ark (first ship) was able
to continuously stay afloat the hoarse waves of the raging floods.
Save for Noah, his sons and their wives, the entire planet was
positively erased in the brutal storms and rain that lasted for forty
days. Even animals were not spared the doom. The ark was large enough to
even sustain life of two of every animal species.
The world’s “Best Bible scholars” are still debating the possibility
of getting the two of every species of animals into a single ark with
the remnants of mankind.
Since this is a discussion of religion and technology, we will not go into such debates.
One must admit that the Living God has always marveled greatest of
our kinds. However, one thing remains clear; an ark set sail above a
ragingly destroying world. In it were eight people, the last of mankind
at the time. This same ship contained the final hope of animals of that
generation. Humanity would have ceased to exist had the ark not been
made. The result of the vessel was not an act of magic. It was the
procedure of applying God-given knowledge (technology) and staying true
to belief in HIM (Religion).
The works of Apostle Dr Kwadow Safo
is not an extra-curricular activity outside the Bible. He truly
believes in God (Religion) and is applying God-given knowledge
(technology) to the redemption of Africa.
- See more at:
http://www.africarm.org/noahs-ark-the-worlds-first-redemption-exploring-the-link-between-religion-and-technology-chapter-1-1651/#sthash.Fy0smwiO.HI7HAJzQ.dpufhttp://www.africarm.org/noahs-ark-the-worlds-first-redemption-exploring-the-link-between-religion-and-technology-chapter-1-1651/
Exploring the Link between Religion and Technology, Chapter 1
Technology has sparked quite a debate as long as contemporary worship
is concerned. The blend between religion and technology is perceived
lumpy, especially by a portion of the Christian faith. As to whether the
Holy Book supports or agrees on the applied trends of Science, one
would obviously have to extract answers from the primary source.
-
See more at:
http://www.africarm.org/noahs-ark-the-worlds-first-redemption-exploring-the-link-between-religion-and-technology-chapter-1-1651/#sthash.Fy0smwiO.HI7HAJzQ.dpuf
Exploring the Link between Religion and Technology, Chapter 1
Technology has sparked quite a debate as long as contemporary worship
is concerned. The blend between religion and technology is perceived
lumpy, especially by a portion of the Christian faith. As to whether the
Holy Book supports or agrees on the applied trends of Science, one
would obviously have to extract answers from the primary source.
Most ‘men of God’ have expressed hot comments that “total devotion”
to God, not worldly materials (in this case technological gadgets,
know-how and pursuit of such insight) will gain one salvation beyond the
borders of the existing life we live. Good point!! However, before
that afterlife, man must live, hustle to earn better standards and
survive on this physical planet.
The ultimate Biblical allusion is the story of creation, where God
“created man in His image.” That’s how the world itself began, according
to roots of the Christian faith. The Bible begins with the Supreme
Being arranging the world out of previous chaos. He doesn’t stop. He
creates, He makes etc.
This is a simple question to all the doubting Thomas, “If we were
made in the image of God and are to honorably imitate him and He (God)
is a MAKER, aren’t we in some instances supposed to be little makers
too?”
In this article, we’d explore one of the Bible’s most famous tales, a
turn in history when one man became mankind’s last hope for survival.
We’d analyze how people of such early times, ridden of modern resources,
were able to narrowly escape the aquatic apocalypse of that moment.
For those who are not fully aware of this Christian Story, let’s take a look at the beginning, Genesis 6 of the Bible.
As one gospel singer rightfully sang “…we are the cause of our
problems,” the situation was no different in Noah’s time, approximately
thousands of years ago. The owner of the entire universe, God almighty,
had seen the leering and shameful misdeeds of the people and desired to
wipe the world of the entire generation.
The forced wrath of the world’s ubiquitous supreme authority was to
flow in the form of a wild flood. Noah, a human being like us, only more
righteous, was good enough to find favour in the eyes of God. God
contacted him and told him of the coming catastrophe. However, the Lord
proposed a rescue plan too. Noah was to construct a vessel to float
above the waging floods. This was going to keep all those within its
confines safe. God himself offered Noah the measurements of that vessel,
first of its kind, a ship. Therefore it was an invention!!
Science in Basic English language is the acquisition of knowledge
through concise observation and experimentation. Technology is simply
applied science, meaning, knowledge in action for the betterment of a
society or individuals in question. Also, to further shed light on the
issue, technology is the hardcore solution of science to any societal
problem. For instance, communication before the invention of the
telephone, internet and telegraph was hard and almost impossible between
most points on the planet.
The current availability of mobile phones and so much more intriguing
gadgets was the answer technology had to give. Obviously, these
electronic links have done more than curb the situation. It is also a
known fact, that a good well-ventilated car with music beats riding a
camel or horse to work.
The world as Noah knew it, was about to be washed away. He had to
find something to do to save his loved ones, beyond preaching, prayer
and fasting. He had to use the smart prescription given by God himself.
He had to apply technology. “(14) Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in
the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. (15) And this
is the fashion which thou shalt make it of; the length of the ark shall
be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height
of it thirty cubits. (16) A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a
cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou
set in the side thereof; with lower, second and third stories shalt thou
make it. (17) And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon
the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from
under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die (Simple KJV)”.That was the word of God.
The ‘ship’ was made of wood. We read also that this wood material for
making both the interior and outer part of the ark, was covered in
pitch (a kind of tar). The ark was three stories high with only one
door. Plus ,the dimensions were three hundred cubits
long by fifty cubits wide by thirty cubits high (Gen. 6:15), which
equates to approximately 450 feet long, by 75 feet wide, by 45 feet
high.
Fact, no ship of such great dimensions was ever built till the late 19th century.
As old-fashioned as the technology was, the ark (first ship) was able
to continuously stay afloat the hoarse waves of the raging floods.
Save for Noah, his sons and their wives, the entire planet was
positively erased in the brutal storms and rain that lasted for forty
days. Even animals were not spared the doom. The ark was large enough to
even sustain life of two of every animal species.
The world’s “Best Bible scholars” are still debating the possibility
of getting the two of every species of animals into a single ark with
the remnants of mankind.
Since this is a discussion of religion and technology, we will not go into such debates.
One must admit that the Living God has always marveled greatest of
our kinds. However, one thing remains clear; an ark set sail above a
ragingly destroying world. In it were eight people, the last of mankind
at the time. This same ship contained the final hope of animals of that
generation. Humanity would have ceased to exist had the ark not been
made. The result of the vessel was not an act of magic. It was the
procedure of applying God-given knowledge (technology) and staying true
to belief in HIM (Religion).
The works of Apostle Dr Kwadow Safo
is not an extra-curricular activity outside the Bible. He truly
believes in God (Religion) and is applying God-given knowledge
(technology) to the redemption of Africa.
- See more at:
http://www.africarm.org/noahs-ark-the-worlds-first-redemption-exploring-the-link-between-religion-and-technology-chapter-1-1651/#sthash.Fy0smwiO.HI7HAJzQ.dpuf
Tada
was born in 1949 in Baltimore, Maryland,
the youngest of four daughters.
As a teenager, Tada enjoyed riding
horses, hiking, tennis, and swimming. On July 30, 1967, she dove into Chesapeake Bay after misjudging the shallowness
of the water. She suffered a fracture between the fourth and fifth cervical
levels and became a quadriplegic, paralysed
from the shoulders down.
During her two years of
rehabilitation, according to her autobiography, she experienced anger,
depression, suicidal thoughts, and religious doubts. However, Tada learned to
paint with a brush between her teeth, and began selling her artwork. To date,
she has written over forty books, recorded several musical albums, starred in
an autobiographical movie of her life, and is an advocate for disabled people.[1]
Tada wrote of her experiences in her
1976 international best-selling autobiography, Joni, The unforgettable story of a young woman's struggle against
quadriplegia & depression, which has been distributed in many
languages. The book was made into a 1979 feature film of the same name,
starring herself. Her second book, A Step Further, was released in 1978.
She married Ken Tada in 1982. In
2010, she announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She emerged successfully from
cancer surgery and is hopeful of a positive prognosis.
Ministry
and public life
Tada founded Joni and Friends (JAF)
in 1979, an organization for Christian ministry in the
disabled community throughout the world. In 2006 the Joni and Friends
International Disability Centre in Agoura California was established.[citation needed]
Led by Tada and Doug Mazza, the Joni
and Friends International Disability Center has four programs. Joni and
Friends, a daily five minute radio program, heard in over 1,000 broadcast
outlets. In 2002 it received the “Radio Program of the Year” award from National
Religious Broadcasters. The Wounded Warrior program offers family
retreats. Wheels for the World collects wheelchairs, which are refurbished by
prison inmates and donated to people in developing nations where, physical
therapists fit each chair to a needy disabled child or adult.
In 2005, Tada was appointed to the
Disability Advisory Committee of the U.S. State
Department.
In November 2009, Tada signed an
ecumenical statement known as the Manhattan Declaration calling on
evangelicals, Catholics and Orthodox Christians to work towards changing laws
which permit abortion, and other matters that go against their
religious consciences.[2]
Awards
Tada has received The American
Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award; The Courage Award from the Courage
Rehabilitation Center; The Award of Excellence from the Patricia Neal
Rehabilitation Center; The Victory Award from the National Rehabilitation
Hospital; The Golden Word Award from the International Bible Society. She is
inducted into the Christian Booksellers’ Association’s Hall of Honor. In 2002,
Tada received the William Ward Ayer Award for excellence from the National
Religious Broadcasters’ Association. In 2003 she was given the Gold Medallion
Award for her book When God Weeps. In 2004 she was awarded the Gold
Medallion Award for co-authoring Hymns for a Kid’s Heart, Volume 1.
Tada was given the Gold Medallion
Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 by the Evangelical Christian Publishers
Association. She was also named "Churchwoman of the Year" in 1993 by
the Religious Heritage Foundation and was the first woman to be honored by the
National Association of Evangelicals as their "Layperson of the
Year." In 2009, Tada was inducted into Indiana Wesleyan
University'sSociety of World Changers.[3]
On April 1, 2009, Tada was inducted
into the Indiana Wesleyan
UniversitySociety of World Changers and was presented with
an honorary doctorate while speaking at the university.[4]
Books
Tada is the author of over 48 books
on the subjects of disability and Christianity. Several of them have been
children's books, including Tell Me The Promises, which received the
Evangelical Publishers’ Association’s Gold Medallion and Silver Medal in the 1997
C.S. Lewis Awards, and Tell Me The Truth, which received the EPCA Gold
Medallion in 1998.
The life story of Tada was used by CzechcomposerIvan Kurz
in his opera Večerní shromáždění ketho (Evening Divine service).[5]
Bibliography
1976: Joni
1978: A Step Further
1986: Choices...Changes
1987: Friendship Unlimited: How You Can Help a
Disabled Friend
1988: Secret Strength: For Those Who Search
1989: Glorious Intruder: God's Presence in Life's
Chaos[6]
1990: A Christmas Longing
1990: Pursued
1991: Seeking God (Reflections)
1991: A Step Further: Growing Closer to God Through
Hurt & Friendship
1992: All God's Children: Guide to Enabling the
Disabled
1993: When Is It Right To Die?: Euthanasia on Trial
1993: Diamonds in the Dust
1995: The Life and Death Dilemma
1994: A Quiet Place in a Crazy World
1995: Heaven: Your Real Home
1996: Tell Me the Promises: A Family Covenant for
Eternity[7]
1997: When God Weeps
1997: Tell Me the Truth: God's Eternal Truth for
Families[8]
1997: Barrier Free Friendships
1998: More Precious Than Silver:366 Daily Devotional
Readings
1998: I'll Be With You Always
1999: Holiness in Hidden Place
1999: Prayers from a Child's Heart
1999: Heaven: What Will It Be Like
1999: Acres of Hope: The Miraculous Story of One
Families Gift of Love to Children Without Hope
2001: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith
2001: NIV Encouragement Bible
2002: God's Precious Love
2002: God's Tender Care
2002: On the Wings of the West Wind
2003: The Hand That Paints The Sky: Delighting in
the Creator's Canvas
2003: The God I Love: A Lifetime of Walking with
Jesus
2003: Hymns for a Kid's Heart Vol. 1
2004: Hymns for a Kid's Heart Vol. 2
2004: Christmas Carols for a Kid's Heart (Hymns for
a Kid's Heart Vol. 3)
2004: Passion Hymns for a Kid's Heart (Hymns for a
Kid's Heart Vol. 4)
