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"The Secret" And The Balance of Good And Evil By : Rob Marshall The Law of Attraction has become a very popular subject these days, as well as a target for criticism. Some people are starting to ask questions like: How does the Law of Attraction explain events like 9/11? When we view the world from a Christian perspective, we know why there is evil and what can be done about it. "The Secret" May Have Some Problems By : Rob Marshall "The Secret" is a best-selling movie and book about something called the Law of Attraction. From a Christian perspective, the movie has a couple problems. 12 Kwanzaa Quotes to Celebrate This Magical Time of Year By : Noel Jameson Do you really understand Kwanzaa? Not its history or how it was started, but the meaning of the holiday at its core? If you think you know Kwanzaa (or even if you don't) these 7 Kwanzaa quotes can help you understand the true meaning of the celebration. 4 Steps for Giving the Gift of Meaningful and Spiritual Chanukah and Christmas Celebrations By : Nina Amir This article offers some easy-to use tips and tools for transforming your holiday celebrations from empty observances into meanign-full and spirit-full rituals. No more focus only on gift buying and giving, this year have Chanukah and Christmas focus on God and the deeper meaning of the holidays. 5 Hanukkah Quotes to Celebrate an Amazing Religious Holiday By : Noel Jameson Ready for some Hanukkah quotes? The 8-day celebration is upon us and in full swing. Let these 5 Hanukkah quotes remind us of what and why we celebrate this time of year. 6 Factors Leading to a Miraculous Recovery from Herpes Encephalitis By : Rebecca Hanson A medically-certain death sentence for a child is not always the final diagnosis. Sometimes prayer goes against the wisdom of science and reverses the outcome. How can we be assured we understand the difference between "wishful thinking" and "answered prayer?" 7 Barriers to Fulfilling Christian Sex By : Terre Grable Looking for more tips on how to have a fulfilling married sex life? I invite you to check out http://www.greatchristiansex.com/ for tips that are fun and informative without being the least bit offensive. Terre Grable is a Christian licensed professional counselor. She enjoys helping couples strengthen and rebuild intimacy within their marriage and relationships. A Good Testimony By : Jon Straumfjord http://www.7-Spirits.com The Lord is actively searching for men and women of faith, and He takes great delight in those of faith. People of faith also serve as examples to other believers as conduits of the Lord's power. Abortion, Jesus Christ - and Pro-Choice Government Officials By : Robin Calamaio While there are many facets to the abortion argument, probably one of the most important - and often overlooked - is the role of governing officials in this matter. Does the Bible say anything about governing officials and abortion? A must read! Abraham By : Jon Straumfjord After receiving some fantastic promises when he was 75, when Abraham was 86 years old, Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant and Abraham's second wife, gave birth to Ishmael. When Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah 90, they gave birth to Isaac, the child who had been promised 25 years earlier. Abu Abdullah As-Shii By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "Abu Abdullah al-Shi'i was hailed from Kufa. He espoused Ismailism by the hand of da'i Firuz. Imam Radi Abdullah sent him to Ibn Hawshab in Yamen for further training in esoteric doctrines as well as affairs of the state, where he stayed for a year. Ibn Hawshab then sent him towards Maghrib. Abu Abdullah set out from Yamen in 279/892. He arrived in Mecca during pilgrimage, where he contacted the Katama pilgrims of Maghrib and exhorted them the merits of Ahl al-Bayt. The pilgrims were pleased to know that Abu Abdullah was heading towards Egypt, which was on their route to the Maghrib. After a short stay in Egypt, he reached Maghrib in the Katama homeland on 14th Rabi I, 280/June 3, 893. He established his base in Ikjan near Satif, a mountain stronghold, where he spent seven years in propagating the cause of Ahl al-Bayt among the Berber tribes. Very soon the tribesmen in the vicinity began to trek to Ikjan. Abu Aly Alibhai Aziz, Dr., Missionary By : Dr. D.S. Merchant Varas Amir Chand (1837-1911) sprang from a noble family of gupti Ismailis in Punjab. He was employed in a governmental department in Amritsar and retired in 1880. He inherited land from his forefathers, and became one of the most famous landlords in Punjab. In 1882, Imam Aga Ali Shah appointed him Kul Kamadia for Punjab, Frontiers and few regions near Afghanistan. He performed his duties with such marked distinction that during his first visit to Amritsar in 1897, Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah appointed him Mukhi on January 1, 1897 with a title of Varas for Punjab and Frontier province, including the regions lying on the borders of Afghanistan. He also travelled with the Imam in Sialkot between January 2, 1897 and January 11, 1897. Varas Amir Chand visited Bombay several times. His last visit took place in the middle of 1908 and gave valuable and informative statements twice in court during the Haji Bibi Case on July 28 and July 29, 1908. He is also credited to have converted a portion of the depressed class to Ismailism, as well as helping them financially to run their cottage industry. Ahl Al-Kitab By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "The word ahl means those who occupy with one the same tent, the family or inmates, relative, folk, kin, kinfolk, family, people, members, followers, etc. Under these meanings, the word ahl occurs 31 times in the Koran. According to another view, it is derived from ahala, meaning to demonstrate (the family). The word kitab, comes from the root word kataba, meaning to write down. The word kitaba occurs in the Koran for the Divine Books revealed to various prophets. Thus, the term ahl al-kitab means the possessors of the scriptures or the people of the Book. This term in Koran denotes the Jews and Christians, the repositories of the earlier books, al-Tawrat (the Torah), al-Zabur (the Psalms), and al-Injil (the Gospel). Alamut By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "Alamut is a historical fortress of the Nizari Ismailis. Its location in mountainous terrain lies about 100 km. Northwest of Tehran, and situated in the high peak of Elburz mountain. Alburz generally was pronounced as Elburz, is the name given to great mountain range, dividing the high plateau of Iran from the low lands of Caspian Sea. The original Iranian word Alburz is derived from two Zand words, signifying the high mountain. The fortress of Alamut is 600 feet high, 450 feet long and 30 to 125 feet wide and is partly encompassed by the towering Elburz range. The rock of Alamut is known at present as Qal'ai Guzur Khan. Alkab By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "The term lakab (pl. alkab) was also termed nabaz (pl. anbaz), and by form labaz, and later on it became lakab. The ancient Arabs excelled in inventing nasty alkab for their enemies, but the Koran (49:11) forbade them not to use pejorative sobriquets: "Do not scoff at each other or give each other derisory nicknames" (wala talmizu anfusakum wala tanabazu bi 'l-alkab). Allowing Yourself To Be Naturally Driven In Life By : Enoch Tan The problem with the way most people are working on the path to success is that they are trying to drive themselves rather than allowing themselves to be driven. They are doing it the hard way rather than the easy way. It is the way that requires much effort and struggle because they are pushing themselves to do things rather than allow themselves to be guided naturally into action by their heart... Angels, Spirits or Ghosts By : Rob Daniels Angels, spirits, and ghosts each serve their own purposes, but one thing they all have in common is they remind us of our own mortality and keep our eyes heavenward. Announcing a Spiritual Technology for the Atomic Age. By : B Weiser This article announces the Technology of the New Millennium for opened minded New World Thinkers. Answered Prayer: Persistent Listening By : Jon Straumfjord http://wwww.7-spirits.com The Lord is continually speaking to us, and frequently gives us the answer very quickly. However, if we are not paying attention and willing to accept an answer different than we expect, we may never know that the Lord has answered. Also, the Enemy is constantly at work to sabotage our reception of the Lord's actual answer. We must persevere to obtain the Lord's answer to our prayers. Answers to Some Objections about the Existence of God By : Jon Straumfjord We can offer plausible explanations for the existence of Adam and Eve, and the flood of Noah. Obviously, many other questions could be considered, but unless you settle in your heart the questions of God's existence and His ability to fulfill His promises, you will receive nothing from Him. Approaching the Manifestation of Your Desires from a Spiritual Perspective By : Nina Amir This article explains how the Jewish mystics taught us to use Kabbalistic principles for practical purposes. By approaching our dreams and desires with a new consciousness, we can bring them in to reality. Are children ever illegitimate? By : Elsabe Smit We like to brand children as being illegitimate. Why do we not rather brand the people who have such views as cruel and insensitive? The children are all legitimate creatures of God, regardless of what their parents or the people around them think. Are Seances Real? By : Laura Bartolini Mendelsohn Read about evidence of the continuity of life and the afterlife at a real seance or sitting circle. Learn how mediums work to present and reveal our loved ones on the other side. Are they ghosts or souls? Are you Hanging in There? By : Michael A. Verdicchio When you ask someone, “How are you doing?” they often answer back, “Oh, I’m hanging in there.” There are times when we are dealing with challenges. But why would we want to admit that the best that we can do right now is just to “hang in there?” Didn’t God promise a lot more? Are You Out of Touch with Reality? By : Michael A. Verdicchio Your current reality is the reality that you have accepted. Your self-esteem and self worth are dependent upon who you think you are at this moment. It may seem to be your reality at this moment, but is it really a false reality? Asma Al-Sifat By : Dr. D.S. Merchant The word sifa'a (pl. sifat) is not found in the Koran, but the verbal noun wasf does appear once in 6:139, and the imperfect of the first form of the verb occurs 13 times in the sense of "to ascribe or uphold a description or to attribute." God has made Himself known to mankind by His Most Beautiful Names (asma al-husna), and it is through these that the believers seek knowledge of God. The Koran says: "And Allah's are the most excellent names, therefore call on Him thereby, and leave alone those who violate the sanctity of His names" (7:180), and "Say: call upon God or call upon al-Rahman, by whichever Name you call, to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names" (17:110). Hence, calling on God by His excellent names merely means that only those high attributes should be ascribed to Him which befit His dignity. The particular attributes of God mentioned in the Koran are: At Last a Science that explains the Bible. By : B Weiser This article describes how Science and the Bible can be merged into a Science of the Bible Attention all Christians By : B Weiser Designed to reveal Christ to Christians, this article actually contains everything there is to know about the subject within itself. Follow through is all icing on the cake. Autistic Boy Miraculously Escapes Scalding By : Rebecca Hanson Raising a Down's Syndrome child with autism is challenging, as the child isn't able to communicate pain. Following is one mother's story of how requesting divine intervention helped her child escape serious injury from scalding water. Average Joe Liberal's Bleeding Heart Dilemna By : Aaron Taylor In Average Joe Liberal's Bleeding Heart Dilemna, author Aaron Taylor makes an unusual comparison between bleeding heart liberals and the Apostle Paul. Avoid These Two Distractions When You're Teaching By : Glenn Brooke Bible teachers should avoid distracting students and keep their attention focused on the lesson. This article explains two major sources of distractions that teachers can eliminate Ayat Al-Dhurriya By : Dr. D.S. Merchant According to the Koran: "God chose Adam and Noah and the family of Abraham and the family of Imran above all (His) creatures. Offspring, one from the other"(3:33-34). The word dhurriya means direct descendants, family or lineage. It occurs 32 times in the Koran in the context of the prophets, indicating that their mission was assigned to their direct descendants to carry on. Ayat Al-Ghadir By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "The succession to the Prophet is the key question in Shi'ite Islam, and a principal factor separating them from the Sunni majority. It is seen that the Prophet had nominated Ali bin Abu Talib as his successor by rule of nass (investiture) and nass wa-ta'yin (explicit investiture). During the period of the Prophethood, the designation was made by nass from time to time, whose main term was wali (helper, lover, guardian or attorney), as it is said in Arabic: wali amru'l raiyya (the guardian of the subject), or wali ahad (one who succeeds to the office). Different terms were also used on different occasions for the succession of Ali bin Abu Talib in the Koran, such as Noor, Imam-i Moobin, Rasikhul fi'l Ilm, Ulul Amr, Ilmul Kitab etc. While the most frequent words used in hadiths, denoting Ali's succession were Hujjatullah (God's proof), Sayedu'l Muslimin (leader of the Muslims), Shabih Harun (like Aaron), Sahibu'l lawa (the master of the standard), Sahibu'l hanz (master of Kawthar pool), Babu'l Ilm (gate of the knowledge) etc. Ayat Al-Kursi By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "The ayat al-kursi (the verse of the throne or sedile), is also known as ayat al-hifz. It is a single verse of the Koran (2:255) of more than average length, consisting ten sentences, is one of the principal verses of refuge and protection. It is the loftiest verse of the Koran, and according to George Sale, "It is a magnificent description of the Divine Majesty and Providence". Wherry writes that it is "one of the grandest verses of the Koran." Ayat al-Kursi is one of the most excellent verses of the Koran, and played a key role in piety. It has as well evoked much mystical thought and feeling through the lyrical beauty of its language. These qualities have no doubt given it the prominent place it occupies in the intellectual life of Muslim society. Ayat Al-Mawaddat Al-Qurba By : Dr. D.S. Merchant According to the Koran: "God chose Adam and Noah and the family of Abraham and the family of Imran above all (His) creatures. Offspring, one from the other"(3:33-34). The word dhurriya means direct descendants, family or lineage. It occurs 32 times in the Koran in the context of the prophets, indicating that their mission was assigned to their direct descendants to carry on. Ayat Al-Mubahila By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "Sixty Christian priests of Najran, headed by Abu Harith bin Aqamah, the grand bishop of Najran, Abdu Massih and Ayham arrived in Medina on 9/631 to clarify their religious and political stance, which had spread over the Arab peninsula and to engage in discussions with the Prophet to realize the essence and truth of Islam. Ayat Al-Ulul Amr By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "The Koran (4:59) says: "O you who believe, obey God, and obey the Messenger and those of you who holds authority (ulul amr)" Some tend to interpret ulul amr as the rulers. This interpretation is irrational as it is solely based on the twists of history. The majority of the Muslims have remained as a vassal of the monarchs and rulers, interpreting and reinterpreting Islam and the Koran to strengthen their own kingdom. The history of Muslims is replete with the names of rulers whose injustice, debauchery and tyranny have tarnished the name of Islam. If God were to order us to obey such kings and rulers, an impossible situation would be created for Muslims. The wretched followers would be condemned to the displeasure of God, no matter what they do. If they obey these rulers, they have disobeyed the Command of God: "Do not obey a sinner" (76:24). And if they disobey such rulers, they have again disobeyed the Command of God: "Obey the Muslim rulers" (if it would mean so). Therefore if we accept this interpretation, Muslims are condemned to eternal disgrace whether they obey or disobey their fallible (sinful) rulers. Also, there are Muslim rulers of different schools and persuasions. There are Shafi'is, Hanbalis, Malikis, Hanafis, as well as the Shi'ites and Ibadis. Now, according to this interpretation the Sunnis residing under an Ibadi king (like in Jordan) should follow Ibadi tenets; and those residing under a Shi'ites ruler (like in Iran) should follow the Shi'ites beliefs. Do these people have the conviction of courage to follow their professed interpretation to its logical end? Azhar Park By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "Her Excellency Madame Suzanne Mubarak inaugurated the 30-hectare (74-acre) al Azhar Park in the presence of the Present Imam in Cairo on March 25, 2005. The al-Azhar Park Project is a catalyst for social, economic and cultural renewal and improvement and will have far reaching consequences for the 200,000 residents of the neighbouring Darb al-Ahmar district. Azhar Park By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "Her Excellency Madame Suzanne Mubarak inaugurated the 30-hectare (74-acre) al Azhar Park in the presence of the Present Imam in Cairo on March 25, 2005. The al-Azhar Park Project is a catalyst for social, economic and cultural renewal and improvement and will have far reaching consequences for the 200,000 residents of the neighbouring Darb al-Ahmar district. Baiyat By : Dr. D.S. Merchant The word baiyat, occurring 14 times in the Koran is derived from ba'ya meaning sale and purchase, bargain or transaction. In Arabic the word yabi'u means to sell, ba'a means he sold, al-bai'u means sale and al-baya means sale and purchase. In Islamic terminology, the term baya refers to an agreement or undertaking between the master and his followers. Other synonymous expressions appearing in the Koran are al-ahd (13:19-20) and al-mithaq (33:7, 5:14). Thus, baya or baiyat means an agreement or spiritual undertaking between the Lord and his followers. When one swears an oath of allegiance (baiyat), he gets guarantee from his Lord. Battle of Ditch By : Dr. D.S. Merchant The enemies of the Muslims created a united front after the battle of Badr and Uhud. This culminated in a solemn pact of alliance among the five principal tribes. When the news of this tremendous mobilization reached the Muslims in Medina, it struck them all with panic. It was Monday, the 1st Shawal, 5/February 24, 627 when a gigantic army under the command of Abu Sufian besieged Medina. The number of this invading force is variously estimated at something between ten and twenty-four thousands, the largest single army ever mustered on Arabian soil. Being Happy By : Phillip Booker To have 'no hope' means to 'give in'; it doesn't mean there are no possibilities available, it just means that you're not bothered to find any. Happiness is about enjoying the boundless opportunities that are presented; having hope allows this process to happen. Being Inspired About What To Do In Every Moment By : Enoch Tan In every moment you are in, always allow yourself to be naturally driven in your actions. When you choose to be in-spired or in-spirit, you will always be guided as to when to do what. If you find yourself trying to keep something going when you are no longer inspired to do so, then you are trying to drive the process, rather than letting yourself be driven. Whenever that happens, you know it’s not going to work because it’s not what God wants. Believe that He Is By : Jon Straumfjord Everyone wants to receive from God, but many people don't even meet God's very first requirement: “believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6). But why should we believe that any God exists at all? “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalms 19:1) The Bible contains some very ancient information about the beginning of the universe which we are only now beginning to understand. Better Than A Little Pile of Notes By : Glenn Brooke The simple strategy to convert that confusing pile of notes from sermons and conversations into a treasury that will serve you for years to come. Bible Directives ... For A Christian Website? By : Robin Calamaio Does the Bible say anything about a Christian website? How could it? That Book was completed two thousand years ago! Well, you may find some surprises here. This material may even cause thinkers ... to rethink! Bible Teachers: Here's How NOT to Get Through That Dry Spell By : Glenn Brooke Eveyrone hits a dry spell where we don't feel passionate, enthusiastic, or joyful. Sometimes you'll get bad advice about how to fake passion. Don't do it! Instead, follow these tips. Birth and Death By : Kate Loving Shenk The birthing bed and death bed are vibrational matches. This article explains how Black Clothes By : Dr. D.S. Merchant The word aswad derived from swd means black, occurring seven times in the Koran (2:187, 3:106, 35:27). In the sense of an original black colour, the word aswad occurs only twice: "When you can tell a white thread from a black on in the light of the approaching dawn" (2:187) and "black mountains" (35:27). The word muswadd (dark-faced) is used in 16:58 and its parallel (43:17) to suggest the darkening of the face in the light of bad news as reflection of grief. Other words generally understood as the colour black or dark hues include ahwa in 87:5. The word hamida in 22:5 means lifeless and is ordinarily taken as black-ended. Another term mudhamm used in 55:64 in the sense of dark green, tending to black. Born again and What it means By : Terence Oles This is teachings on becoming Born Again Brotherhood Key to Universal Peace By : Dr. D.S. Merchant These days His Highness prince karim Aga khan is also working die heartedly to promote peace; He is ambassador of peace and due to His efforts for enhancing good relations among East and West He received tolerance award in 2006. He always brings organizations from West to work with AKDN to promote quality of life of people of East, ultimately the relations among different kinds of people would increase and dislikes among people would diminish. Cain and Abel By : Jon Straumfjord Cain and Abel are the first in the "Faith Hall of Fame." Cain is a supreme example of lack of faith, while Abel is an excellent example of faith in action. Can Spiritual Help Be Had Easily? By : Zinn Jeremiah Finding spiritual assistance through the ho'oponopono technique. Chhanta By : Dr. D.S. Merchant The word chhanta is an Indian word, means an act of sprinkling (the water). Its synonymous in Arabic is rashash means to sprinkle, and rashash'tun (pl. rashashat) means an act of sprinkle (of water). Its proper word in Persian is pashidan. It is a sin that defiles man and renders him impure. The chhanta is a symbolic rite in Ismaili tariqah to dissipate the sins or forgiveness. It is also an act of the purity of body, soul and intellect, thus the sanctified water is sprinkled three times on the face of the believers in its rite. Children and God By : Francis Hirak What is the key priority when it comes to children and God, and why are they so important and precious to Him? What is the very best road to raising Godly children. Christian - Here Are Two Ways You Can Change Your Country! By : Robin Calamaio Are you alarmed over the moral condition - and direction - of your country? And ... is there anything you can do about it? It is easy to be discouraged about this. But in this Article, you will learn there are two things you can do for your country that may be the difference between the life ... and death of it. You do not fully realize who you are - and how much power you have in this matter. And you can do both of these things. Christian Survival In The Coming Depression By : Kenneth Uptegrove Many prominent economists and theologians tell us a depression is coming to America. Is a conspiracy behind this coming depression? Satan’s system is the mother of all conspiracies, and he is using them to establish his anti-Christ system, wittingly or unwittingly. The author describes a possible scenario of how Satan can accomplish this feat, and how God is calling Christians to prepare for this depression physically, mentally, and spiritually Conciliation And Arbitration Board (CAB) By : Dr. D.S. Merchant With the imposition of the New Constitution of the Shi'a Ismaili Muslims in 1986, the Conciliation and Arbitration Board (CAB) came into existence for the first time in the Ismaili world. Previously, the Ismaili Councils executed the judicial activities in the community. The judicial activities of the Council thenceforward consigned to the newly formed Conciliation and Arbitration Board. Continuous, Focused Thought Sustains and Initiates Creation By : Nina Amir If we are created in God's image, we can assume that we are creative beings. So, how do we create? Like God, with continuous, focused thought. Course In Miracles - A Conversation with Marianne Williamson By : Veronica Hay In an interview with Marianne Williamson, I asked her some questions based on her writings and study of "A Course in Miracles". What she said opened my eyes to a new way of looking at the world. Enjoy! CREATE TRUE PEACE FROM ANGELS: Don't Be A Fool By : Laura Bartolini Mendelsohn Have you found buying more and more possessions fell short of bringing you happiness, contentment and peace? Learn how to get out of the "rat race" and into the bliss place by connecting to spiritual resources. Cremation: Religion, Faith, Culture and Costs By : Steven Cancel Learn how cremation interacts with religion, culture, and finances. Dajjal By : Dr. D.S. Merchant The Arabic word dajjal likely comes from the Syriac daggal means liar or lying. Hence, al-dajjal literally means one who conceals the truth with falsehood, the liar or a great deceiver. The word al-masih al-dajjal means to cover (a mangy camel) with tar, because the dajjal will in like manner cover the earth with his adherents. One another view suggests that dajjal is derived from dajala meaning to gild because he will deceive the people by covering up the truth. In the Islamic tradition, dajjal is an evil figure who will lead people astray in the last days and whose advent will be one of the signs of the approaching dooms day. Dajjal or al-Masih al-Dajjal is not mentioned in the Koran, but he figures in numerous hadith. Dancing on Daddy's Feet By : Karin Syren Have you ever felt you had been left alone to figure out the complicated choreography of the dance of life? Just the opposite is true. Spend some time dancing on Daddy's feet. Dar Al-Hikmah By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "Amid the surging splendour, Imam al-Hakim emerges as an unusual personality judged by any standard. He founded Dar al-Hikmah (House of Wisdom), also known as Dar al-Ilm (House of Knowledge) in 395/1004, where the sciences including astronomy, logic, philosophy, mathematics, history, theology, languages and medicines were taught. Qadi Abul Aziz bin Muhammad bin Noman was its first supervisor. This academy was connected with the royal palace, enriched with a huge library, and distinct conference rooms and chambers. The scientists, philosophers, professors, theologians, scholars etc conducted scholastic activities. Staff of clerks and servants was employed for the upkeep of the institution. Scientists, professors and learned men were employed as lecturers. Darkhana By : Dr. D.S. Merchant The Persian word darkhana, is composed of two syllables, dar and khana. The preposition dar means in, and khana means house. Thus, the darkhana means in the house. Any specific thing in the house is also called darkhana. Another view suggests that it is derived from darb-i khana means chief place of residence, or dari khana, a residence with big windows being used for the royal meetings. In Ismaili terminology, it represents specific abode of the Imam, or Imam's headquarters. David & Bathsheba By : Jon Straumfjord Even though David sinned in his relationship with Bathsheba, the Lord forgave him after he repented, but there were still consequences to his sin. Through it all, David acted in faith. David & Goliath By : Jon Straumfjord Goliath intimidated in the armies of Israel by his sheer size and his gleaming bronze armor, but David trusted in the Lord and easily defeated the physically superior warrior. David and Abigail By : Jon Straumfjord Nabal was a rich and miserly man who foolishly refused to reward the generosity of David and his men. However, Abigail, Nabal's wife, was a beautiful and intelligent woman, who was able to deflect David's retribution. David and Saul By : Jon Straumfjord Both Saul, son of Kish, and David, son of Jesse, were anointed to be kings over Israel. But while Saul continually fought against the Lord to preserve his own kingship, David refused to lift his own hand in an effort to obtain what had been promised by the Lord. Dawr-I Satr By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "The word satr (pl. satur) is derived from astar, meaning hide, cover or shield. As it is said, masatra (he concealed enmity), or tastir (to hold within a curtain). According to Arabic-English Lexicon (New York, 1872, 4:1304) by Edward William Lane, the word satr means to veil, conceal or hide a thing. The Ismailis had employed the term dawr-i satr (period of concealment) with regards to those periods in their history when the Imams were hidden from the eyes of their followers when the animosity of their enemies reached to its extreme. On that critical moment, the hujjats represented the Imams in the community. The hujjat was a living proof, acting as the custodian until the time of the Imam's reappearance. In contrast, the period following the concealment is known as dawr-i kashf (unveiling period) or the dawr-i zuhur (period of manifestation), when the Imams publicly made their appearance. Deal With Stress and Relax By : Christians can get caught up in the hurly-burly of today's rat race and find themselves subject to pressures, demands, fatigue, anxiety, sleeplessness, headaches and back aches and a whole host of stress related symptoms and illnesses. Here are some answers for dealing with this problem........ Deborah and Barak By : Jon Straumfjord Deborah and Barak represent an interesting study in contrasts: Deborah had her faith fully invested in the Lord, while Barak mixed faith and unbelief. Devotional Literature By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "The generic term sharru or precentor in Assyria can be traced in the sha'ir or poet-soothsayer of the Arabs. The Assyrian hymn was the shire, and in it we recognize the Hebrew shir (song) and the Arabic shi'r (poetry). The Psalm of David in Assyrian was the zamaru, which equates with the Hebrew zimrah (song) and mizmor (psalm). Certainly the Assyrian shigu or penitential psalm is identical with the shiggaion of the Hebrew and the shajan of the Arabs in origin. Likewise, the allu or wail in Assyrian may be linked up with the Hebrew and Arabic elal and wilwal. Indeed, the Assyrian shidru or recitation may find its cognate in the inshad of the Arabs. Yet scarcely a line has come down to us concerning the hymn of the ancient Arabs, that their songs were appreciated is borne out by an inscription of Ashurbanipal (7th century B.C.), where Arab prisoners toiling for their Assyrian masters whiled away their hours in singing (alili) and music (ninguti), which so delighted the Assyrians that they begged for more. Diamond Jubilee Of Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III By : Ibrahim Over 100,000 Ismailis from various parts of the world had come to see this magnificent spectacle unusual event. The huge multitude present in the ceremony included fourteen ruling princes, among them the Maharajas of Kashmir and Baroda and the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar. The value of the diamonds was 640,000 British pounds. Didar By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "The Persian word didar is derived from didan means meeting, beholding or seeing. In Ismaili terminology, it denotes the beholding the Imam of the age. It is a means to strengthen the heart, cooling the eyes, refresh the faith and earn guidance and blessings of the Imam. When one is graced with the didar, he feels that he is newly born, and acts what the Imam imparted. The didar does not mean mere an act of looking the Imam. It needs the eyes of the knowledge and faith and without it the purpose does not solve. The Koran says, "And you see them looking towards you, yet they do not see" (7:198). It implies that there was much difference between the looking of the believers and unbelievers to the Prophet. Generally speaking, there are three types of didar: the exoteric (zahiri), esoteric (batini) and spiritual (noorani), but our discussion here covers only the exoteric didar. Divine Intervention in Attempted Suicide By : Rebecca Hanson Experience a story of divine intervention and how following your spiritual nudges can actually save the lives of the people you touch. Do You Know How To Spiritually… Discipline Your Children By : Hu Dalconzo There will always be an ongoing parental challenge to stay balanced between over- disciplining and under-disciplining your children. Do You Rely On Luck Or Fate? By : Michael A. Verdicchio I believe in opportunities coming my way. I believe in God bringing people and situations into my life because I have prayed and am expecting those kinds of things to happen on a regular basis. But, do I believe in luck and fate? No thanks! DOES GOD SPEAK TO US TODAY? By : Kenneth Uptegrove “The Holy Spirit era” (or church age) started on the day of Pentecost and will continue without change until the Second Coming of Jesus. The cessationist view states that God became silent and all miracles ceased when the last apostle died, and that we are now in “the Bible era.” The cessationists’ favorite proof text found in 1 Corinthians 13: 8-12 is actually the best proof text to counter this claim Don't call me a racist! (thoughts on Obama's speech) By : Aaron Taylor In his article "Don't Call me a racist!" author and freelance missionary, Aaron D. Taylor gives his thoughts on Obama's speech on race. Don't Let Bookend Prayers Kill Your Bible Lesson By : Glenn Brooke Make the opening and closing prayers around your Bible teaching time helpful and powerful -- not just conventional time-fillers. Don't Let Projection Get You Into Trouble By : Glenn Brooke How Bible teachers can use the psychological phenomenon called "projection" to make teaching more powerful. Donation By : Dr. D.S. Merchant The English word donation is borrowed from the Latin, donaire means present. It is an action or faculty of giving or presenting. It includes presentation, grant, bestowal or gift. The tradition of donation goes back to the Islamic period. The Koranic message specifies to participate in the cause of God by giving money. The word infaq means to spending benevolently, occurring seven times in the Koran (2:195, 261, 262, 8:60, 9:34, 47:38, 57:10), such as: "The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of God is as the parable of a grain growing seven ears with a hundred grains in every ear; and God multiplies it for whom He pleases" (2:261), and "And the parable of those who spend their wealth to seek the pleasure of God and for the certainty of their souls is as the parable of a garden on an elevated ground" (2:265). Dream A Healing From Heaven By : Laura Bartolini Mendelsohn Can God really help us heal? This intriguing article explains how prayer helped a young woman find a solution for a disfiguring physical illness. There are suggestions in the article how you can find solutions from spirit in your life. Druzes By : Dr. D.S. Merchant "In 407/1016, an Iranian da'i, named Muhammad bin Ismail Nashtakin ad-Darazi came in Egypt, who professed the transmigration of souls. He also preached the divinity of Imam al-Hakim. He came from Bukhara to Cairo in 408/1017. Finding no response, he moved to Wadi al-Taymun, at the foot of Mount Hermon in Lebanon and Jabal as-Summaq in Syria. He was first in the public eyes being the founder of the Druze sect. In 410/1019, the Turks soldiers of the Fatimids gathered and moved towards the houses of ad-Darazi and his followers and surrounded them. Ad-Darazi and those with him fortified themselves in a house, fighting the besiegers from the roof and the wall. The besiegers ravaged the house and killed about forty people with az-Darazi. About the same time, another Iranian from Farghana, named Hasan al-Akhram also appeared as using his influence to propagate the deity of Imam al-Hakim, and found a Druze sect about in 409/1018. He was also killed in his house just eight days following his declaration. Du'A By : Dr. D.S. Merchant The word du'a is derived from da'wa or ad'iya means call, occurring 159 times in the Koran. It refers to the offering of supplication in general or in particular a single supplication, vide 2:186, 3:38,39 and 4:60. Another word su'al (asking) is also employed in this context (14:34, 11:47, 55:29). The word du'a is often associated with spreading hands, palms upwards, as though to receive blessing, an ancient and natural gesture used in Babylonia and Egypt and common to the Arab lands. The hands are wiped over the face at the end of the petition in token of the application to the worshipper of the blessing received. It is to address one's attention to God by voicing one's personal situation. It is basically personal or petitionary prayer, or asking God for what one wants. The Koran commands it in several verses, such as "Call upon Me, and I will answer you" (40:60). The Prophet called the du'a (supplication) "the marrow of worship" (mukhkh al-ibada). It can be asked personally or one can asks with the jamat. Easter resources for children By : Sandy Simpson This article provides Easter resources for Children's church, Easter Egg Hunts and unique ideas for sharing the gospel this Easter. EASTER The Christian Festival By : Ibrahim The Season of Lent is celebrated in honor of Jesus Christ sacrificing himself to save the people from sins, this season is for 40 days, which is done in prayers and avoiding negative hurdles. This season begins with Ash Wednesday where every Christian is blessed with Holy Ashes. Every Friday Christians attend their Churches for special prayers which go on till Good Friday. On Good Friday special prayers are done at 3:00 pm because at that time Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross and passed awa Ego Is Unique Expression Of Infinite Being By : Enoch Tan Ego has its use for Spirit. Ego is the way by which Spirit perceives reality from one place and one moment. Ego is how Spirit has uniqueness of experience. Ego is also how Spirit expresses in a particular way that is unlike any other. The reason for not being attached to ego or your own personal reality is so that you are free to realize your total Self as Spirit which is unlimited, unbounded and capable of being, doing and having anything... Eid Al-Adha By : Dr. D.S. Merchant The word eid is derived from aud meaning to return. In Islam, it means a recurring happiness. The word adha, the plural of adhat means a sacrifice. On this occasion, all the Muslims who can afford, sacrifice an animal. In the case of a goat or a sheep, one animal is suffices for one household. In the case of a cow or a camel, seven men may be partners. It may be sacrificed on the day of Eid or during the two or three days that follows, called the tashriq days. The animal sacrificed must be free from apparent physical defects, and full-grown (musinna). The goat or sheep should be a year old, the cow two years and the camel five. The skin of the animal must, however, be disposed of in charity. Eid Al-Ghadir By : Dr. D.S. Merchant According to the Shi'ite belief, at the spring (khum) of al-Ghadir, the Prophet as his successor declared Ali bin Abu Talib and the festival commemorated this occasion. The fusion of religion which was characteristic of all religious festivals in Fatimid Egypt, is best exemplified by the festival of Eid al-Ghadir. The festival of Ghadir was celebrated with official sanction in Egypt for the first time in 362/973, when a group of people from Cairo, together with the North African troops (al-maghriba), gathered for invocations (du'a) on the 18th Dhu'l-Hijja, proclaiming that the Prophet had made Ali as his successor on the day of Ghadir al-Khum. It delighted Imam al-Muizz. Eid Al-Milad Al-Nabi By : Dr. D.S. Merchant The month of Rabi I has an immortal significance in the whole of human history. In this month that Blessed Being made his auspicious appearance from the person of Amina who diverted totally the very stream of the human history; who uplifted humanity from the lowest pit of degradation and rose it to the zenith of glory and grandeur; who heralded a new message of peace and prosperity for the suffering mankind. He emancipated the human race from those fetters in which it had been lying shackled for centuries. He relieved humanity of those heavy burdens under which it had been groaning for ages. The whole world was groping in the dark and gone astray at the time when the Holy Prophet was born. Encyclopaedia Of Ismailism By : Ibrahim ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF ISMAILISM - an output, labour, effort and research of one individual, exercises a handy reference guide for the students, teachers, waezeens, scholars and general readers on Ismailism. It purports a sort of a dictionary of Shia Ismaili Muslims history, tariqah, philosophy, political movements and their rich contributions to Islam. It induces the readers to know, who Ismaili Muslims are? Enoch By : Jon Straumfjord Enoch is a supreme example of faith in action: he continually grew closer to the Lord, he gave his son a prophetic name, and he dedicated himself totally to the Lord, and was rewarded for his faith and faithfulness. Eternal Rewards and the Bible By : Robin Calamaio There are several biblical descriptions for a Christian's service to God. Sometimes Christian's are soldiers, sometimes co-laborers - and sometimes ... slaves. But, if service is rendered (or required), should one assume there will be no payment for that labor? Or, is it possible some kind of payment will be granted by God? If so, what should that payment be? And are there eligibility "conditions" for such employment? Etiquette of Eating, Drinking and Clothing By : Dr. D.S. Merchant The host should offer water to wash the hands of his guests from the right to the left, washing his own last. When a man has guests with him, he should eat joyfully with them; he should be the last to begin to eat, and he should be the last to lave his hands before, and last to do so after, a meal (Kitab Majmu'at al-Hawashi, p. 59). When the host's relation are present at a meal, the host should wash his hands last, apart from the members of his own family (Daim al-Islam, p. 414) Everything Is Truly Going Your Way At All Times By : Enoch Tan Things are really going your way, even though it may not be the way you think things should go. Everything is happening for you. Everything is happening according to your higher choices which are the choices the real you has made. Spirit has chosen everything for you before you came into this dimension to live a life that you had already purposed to live. The path has already been laid out for you and is just there waiting for you to walk it. Experience Versus Truth - Which Do We Choose? By : Rob Marshall Our beliefs are based on the experiences we've had throughout our lives. But should our beliefs be built on what we've experienced? Or is there something more reliable? Experiencing Total Bliss And Serenity Of Being By : Enoch Tan Experiencing Nirvana makes you feel like the luckiest and the happiest person on earth. You realize that the whole universe belongs to you and that you are a master of life. There is no one else like you and who has what you have. It is the feeling of having arrived and being there to stay forever. You feel that your life is in the best possible state there is and will continue to be the best onwards. You no longer have to go through..
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