Prosperity TVBeautifully said
All last week we looked at the frailties of being a human, with the idea of not letting them lower our perception of self worth. Now in those frailties, do we sometimes do bad things that we have to stop? Absolutely. Do we sometimes need to make amends? Yes.
I was addicted to crystal meth. To say, “well that’s just part of being human” would be stupid. There are some behaviors that we have to just stop. I had to quit the meth or it would have destroyed my life.
Everyone is allowed one vice. So mine now is Dr Pepper. And Cherry Garcia ice cream. Alright, so you get two. The key is knowing a vice, bad habit, or action that is less than perfect – versus one that will actually do you or others serious, irreparable harm.
Like you, I’ve had petty, jealous, or stupid thoughts. It’s all in the game, yo. But you and I have also done horrible things. Things that aren’t acceptable and we need to make right and apologize for.
And sometimes it seems you can’t make them right. Or pay someone back. But you can pay them forward. Forgive yourself and move on.
As you know, I’m not a big fan of organized religion, believing it keeps millions of people in the bondage of entitlement, victim-hood, and limiting beliefs. And Christianity is as guilty as any of them. But Christianity has one very unique thing that no other religion I’ve studied offers: Grace.
And Christians haven’t cornered the market on grace. Don’t fall into the label trap. God, nature, Infinite Intelligence, or whatever force you believe in has given us an unearned present. That gift is grace.
You don’t have to earn your worth. You just have to reach in and claim it. That is the gift of grace.
Please know this…
You live in the world created by your mind. Your rapture and joy, your sorrow and pain, all are your own creations. They’re dependent on your perceptions and core beliefs for their very existence.
Most people live in a world of darkness. But there is another world, bathed in the light of love. You can live in this world if you choose, by the virtue of grace. The rent to live there is forgiveness, self-discipline, and accepting your worth.
Forget everything you think you are, and stand in the light of who you really are.
So say we all…
-RG
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Beautifully said
First forgive yourself and than you feel the grace!
Randy,
Thanks for the straight talk. Grace and forgiveness of your self and then others is a key to true prosperity. Have a great week Master Jedi!
Randy, I LOVE this Post. IT is your BEST!!!
GRACE is our FREEDOM!
Leslie
My 8 yr old was given the opportunity to learn the lesson of grace just this week. What a wonderful lesson it is, when we truly grasp it! 🙂
Thanks for the post Randy!
PS Cherry Dr. Pepper from Sonic is my favorite! 😉
Randy you just continue to amaze me with all insights. As I read more & more of your blogs I am starting to discover myself & for that I am eternally grateful.
Thank you & have a very Merry Christmas.
Awesome post and great inspiration Randy!! Thank you 🙂
Yes. Absolutely. Embracing grace is an unequivocally freeing experience …
Unshackles the heart.
Unbinds the spirit.
Unleashes all things possible.
Randy, so obvious that these words are divinely inspired. Your huge, beautiful spirit is showing … even more lately than it usually does. 🙂
So grateful for you.
K
" Forgive yourself and move on", seems easy but that´s too hard, however that´s the key,
thank you very much Randy
Most people live in a world of darkness? Really? I don't know. I'm not sure about your statistics. Did you pass out a survey with a likert (not sure about spelling)scale? That would be the best way. To think I got accused of cynicism.
Do you think most people, when they become wealthy finally see the light? I don't know about that either.
I agree our pain and joy etc. eminates from our mind or soul or whatever. But, you know what, our circumstances don't always eminate from us, sometimes and sometimes not. Experiencing pain and sorrow is the only way through to the light. Being alive and healthy means experiencing all the emotions, even yucky ones. And you know really sometimes I wonder how much control we do have over the emotions that pop up in us. Perhaps our control comes in what we do with those emotions.
My name means grace. Which sometimes I use to think was funny because I can be physically clumsy at times However, I do believe in mercy, especially for those in circumstances beyond their control. And mercy for ourselves. Yes, I'm headed to politics again.
Christianity is also one of the few religions all about love and loving each other. That is a message that truly gets screwed with all the fundamentalists out there. Love is work. Love is taking care of ourselves and others even when it's tough or doesn't seem fair.
Thats why I don't think Libertarianism works, it is a lazy loveless approach to politics. It is social darwinism or survival of the fittest. That's why I don't understand how you are reading Bruce Lipton's book and not getting that message. The message that that kind of approach to life or politics doesn't work it destroys community and love.
Some people on this blog argue with you over the stupidist things in my opinion. Like how you spell words even when your right, or how using a cell phone at times can be obnoxious and rude, or life being tough is just in our minds, or why you keep getting colds. It is crazy to me and I really don't get it.
To me the fact that you are clearly sending messages about being loving, and then taking social and political stances that hurt others bewilders me.
PS Did you go to Sydny yet? If so, did you see Oprah? Have a nice week Randy. Really.
Actually I was there last week when she was there, but back in Florida now. And no, I didn't see her.
-RG
This is the comment you answer? Oh, come on Randy, debate with me a little. I will be nice this time, I promise. I would really like to know your thoughts. No insults, no name calling, and I will never speak of your political inclinations again(maybe).
Okay, if you don't want to debate that's fine. I hope you have a nice holiday, and if you didn't get to see an Oprah in Sydny, I hope you at least got to see an Opera 🙂
I don't think you understand Libertarianism that well, but that's not the topic of this post. I'm sure we'll revisit that subject again, because it's so important to many people.
-RG
I certainly hope one day you can edify me on this subject. Really. I do want to discuss it, because well maybe I don't understand all that well. Politics and our values seemed linked to me. You clearly value grace which does mean a kind of tender mercy. I hope that libertarianism allows for that, for everyone.
Randy,
You have an incredible gift. Thank you for sharing.
So Say We All- pretty great quote for someone who doesn't watch tv ;-P
Great message Randy!
Well since I'm catching the show on DVDs about 8 years after it was on... 🙂
-RG
I like to play Amazing Grace by Elvis first thing to start my day.. puts me in a good mood... even looked up the lyrics on Google... never understand the attraction of drugs.. fun to do once in a while but oh, you just feel like 5 miles of bad road the next day that it's just not worth it... perhaps you can help people with what the attraction was and how you kicked it...
The Amazing Grace by Aretha is incredible. The drug issue could be a good series; I'll look at that.
-RG
And this song does the opposite for me, it brings back memories of funerals. Most of my relatives had this song play during their services. I know it's a nice song has a nice tune, however some of the words confuse me too.
RG,
That was a beautiful post.
Thanks Randy! That's beautiful, most of all so true. Have an awesome week! Merry Christmas!
It touched me right in my heart and soul
Thanks Randy
I agree that forgiveness is the foundation for all personal growth and prosperity. Grace has got to be one of the most beautiful qualities a person can possess and yet rarely seen, is so recognizable. Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous new year to all.
I am so grateful for grace.
Hi Randy,
I do not understand exactly what grace entails. I need more of a definition as you see it. I could look up in the dictionary about the term but would rather hear you elaborate on it.
I read all the other comments but all they say;
GRACE is our FREEDOM
lesson of grace just this week
Embracing grace
Grace has got to be one of the most beautiful qualities a person can possess
I didn't get a lot of the meaning of the word.
Not coming from a strong christian background I just don't get some of the terminology that's in it.
Thanks
Deb
Randy,
Until recently I didnt realize that were were born with a clear mind (so called "blank sheet") and got programmed with social rules and morals when growing up. It was such a shoking discovery that some of my beliefs are not mine actually, but my parents or friends or media. Thank you that you rise such topics. It makes me analyse my habits and think what I could improve or get rid of.
Grace doesnt sound very clear to me. It would be great if you could expand what does it mean to you.
Thanks
Anna
Wonderful Randy and the perfect message to send out just before the very powerful Winter Solstice/Full Moon/Eclipse/Planetary alignments we have coming up all at once this week.
Eclipses shake us up and get us to look at what needs changing. Randy is spot on with his timing over the past week and has gently steered us into the space we all need to be.
My humble and grateful thanks.
"God, nature, Infinite Intelligence, or whatever force you believe in has given us an unearned present." everything is you, what unearned present is there?
One of your best!
Deb and Anna, not sure I'm the best guy to answer that question, since so many Christians think I'm a sorry sinner that's going to rot and burn in Hell with gnashing of teeth. Maybe one of the Fundamentalists lurking here can give a better answer.
I believe it is the concept of God giving us blessings and forgiving our sins without having to earn it. Just considering us worthy, which is the main point I want to get across here.
-RG
Grace is compassion. It is having mercy and granting even those who sin clemency. Why would a Fundamentalist be able to answer that best? I am not sure they truly understand this concept at all.
That man who wrote "Amazing Grace" was a slave boat captain, who was implicit in horrible treatment of his fellow humans. So when he stopped, I imagine he felt blessed to find so much compassion for himself and others.
Grace also means having compassion for the Fundamentalists who think your going to hell. They live in their own personal hell right here on earth, because they don't often have compassion for themselves or others.
By the way grace and compassion and mercy are all about love. Loving ourselves, loving each other. I think John Lennon and Paul McCartney said it best, "All you need is love".
Merry Christmas!
PS Karl Marx also did not like organized religion, just like you. He believed it was an opiate of the people and just like you he thought it kept them oppressed.
If you do not see how this message of grace is also tied into your politics, then I think you are blind and I hope one day you will see.
I don't necessarily wish for you to change. I think all different political perspectives are required for all of us to reach that happy middle ground. Truly, I don't think there is a right or wrong set of political beliefs.
The interesting thing here is that, mostly I just wish for you to have compassion for poor people and show them grace. Otherwise, I don't care what your political beliefs are.
I know you help them. Understand though, as difficult as it may be that you cannot judge them for being poor. Just like you don't want the Fundamentalists judging you. Those who are poor deserve the light of grace every bit as much as those who are wealthy.
Annie
One more thing, Randy, I think you are special and unique. I am not sure everyone can do what you have done. Sure, you used your blessings while others may not, and that made a difference. Everyone has different gifts to offer.
I think maybe you don't see yourself as amazing. You just see it as amazing that after all the wrong turns you made, you were still able to be successful. That is amazing. But, you are more amazing even than that. Maybe not everyone else is. That doesn't mean that we cannot find success and happiness, it just means it might look different than yours.
So many cristians think you are a sorry sinner? If this is fact and not sarcasm, maybe you need to look at what they are hopefully trying to support you in recognizing? I think the fact that they are judging you makes them unworthy of giving you constructive criticsm, if that's necessary.
I'm being a little tongue-in-cheek here. It's just the Fundamentalists that don't understand the real teachings of Jesus that think that.
-RG
Maybe only us sorry sinners can understand grace? I will include myself among them. I am a sorry sinner. I dare anyone deny me that title.
Thank you Randy and others for elaborating on this word.
Since I don't believe in 'sin' then I don't need to be forgiven for anything. All of life is an experience and when an experience didn't work in the way I expected then I need to change the way I created that and move on.
Like I said, I do not have a strong 'christian or religious' background, however, my Mom instilled a belief that 'god' was a loving thing and didn't not condemn us or instill a fear of doing something wrong. So with this definition this is why I don't belief in 'sin', there is no forgiving required since there is no 'wrong'.
Wow, this is a load lifted, since I can do no wrong there is no need for guilt, therefore I live my life in Grace knowing that my life is PERFECT exactly as it is and there is no judgment against me from me. Since I am the only one who lives within me and what others think of me doesn't matter and it is NONE OF MY BUSINESS!
Thank you again Randy for all you do!
That's a mistake to not believe in sin. I think living in denial of sin is evil. It gives you license to do any bad thing you wish. Plus, sometimes it is necessary to judge evil and sin.
I am sure you don't do any bad thing you want, but I'm not sure saying there is no such thing as sin is very wise.
Grace is forgiveness of sin and clemency of wrong doing. So thereby within the definition is a proclamation that sin exists. Plus, I think to find grace you have to forgive your own sins. So, I think maybe you need to believe it exists.
You know maybe we should all reread Randy's post. Maybe a couple of times. I think it is pretty clear and well done. Despite my comments to the contrary, there is a lot of valuable information there.
I.. I... I... I yiyi people. What the?!?
Deb, read yesterdays post too, I think.
Annie, we can agree to
disagree, you have yours
and I have mine.
To me, the way I interpret Grace is that it goes deeper than just a forgiveness for wrongdoings or where we may 'miss the mark', it is looking at each one of us and being able to see the true beauty and perfection in them - just as if they had never sinned in the first place.
Looking through eyes that are able to see with a complete absence of judgment.
Don't know if that fits for anyone else at all.
I think that is one of the best explainations of Grace I have ever read, excluding the bible of course.
Grace, according to the Bible, is based on faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement. Grace is the power to be forgiven of your sins.
But the Bible also says that "faith without works is dead." Grace and works go hand in hand. To receive grace you must believe and "act on that belief."
Just my 2 cents worth. 🙂
David
Thanks, I was hoping you would check in on this.
-RG
David, why do you say that grace must be believed and acted upon to receive it?
Thank you,beautifull post.Light and love its always inside everyone.love you.Gracias
Why is it humans are so often described in connection with terms such as bad, horrible, frailties, life is tough, stupid, survive and God knows what else?
That only enhances suppression, even though the descriptions above often come with some made up recipe to fix it, which of course doesn't really work.
There is nowhere in known existence a physical being with the same extraordinary mix of genetics as in a human being.
You created your own body to experience physical reality. That's how powerful you are. You know how to do that, and you've done it many times before.
And you picked this incredible DNA. That tells you something about where you really come from.
That is why controllers are so hell-bent on suppression and genetic manipulation.
They are afraid of the potential in a human being, and people are waking up to it.
2011 is a year for everything to happen.
It takes individuals to make the right moves.
Change the world by starting with yourself.
Take responsibility.
Be grateful for all you have.
Use it.
Do it.
RG, I am Thankful that God put you on this Planet!
Let's Make it Happen!
Absolutely, morally and politically correct, Randy!!!
Grace has two aspects. Grace as an unmerited favor and Grace as an enabling power.
As an unmerited favor, Grace is something that we have to accept and appropriate as a gift. It is not something that we can earn or work out. It is given without string attached.
As an enabling power, Grace is the power of God in us and through us. It is being in the flow. It is accessing the universal power of God through intending. It is a power for first to last.
That's the best explanation I have heard yet!
-RG
Randy, I think your explanation of grace is best, I'm not sure why so many didn't get it. Yours was simple and easy to understand. I only wondered why you think most people live in darkness, or how we have so much control over what we feel. Well, maybe your right. Do you have a Christmas tree in your condo?
I wonder what would be that one affirmation for infinite Grace.
Hi, Randy. This is the first visit in a long time. I haven't read your blog for a while. I'm sure people have been enjoying your blogs, as always. Today, I sat down to take some time to enjoy reading some of your old posts. I know I won't be able to spend much time behind pc for a while, due to many changes in my life, including new business ventures, etc. I happened to come across this same page that I read way back. I remember I was absolutely moved by this particular post that is genuinely well written, as I'm sure people were encouraged as I was and am with their spirituality. I remember it because that was when one of my friends who used to enchant me with the lovely music pieces online came back from the trip to South Asia, and remember my spirit was being uplifted so high after some discouragement in that particular time of my life. I was genuinely overwhelmed and feeling that we all make mistakes, yes, but God's awesome love and grace can wipe out anything that makes us feel guilty from our past, including our lies, dishonesty, manipulating others to suit our needs, self-centeredness, etc.
"Now in those frailties, do we sometimes do bad things that we have to stop? Absolutely. Do we sometimes need to make amends? Yes....Like you, I’ve had petty, jealous, or stupid thoughts... But you and I have also done horrible things. Things that aren’t acceptable and we need to make right and apologize for.... The key is knowing a vice, bad habit, or action that is less than perfect – versus one that will actually do you or others serious, irreparable harm... But Christianity has one very unique thing that no other religion I’ve studied offers: Grace."
I agree, and it's true. God in the form of Christianity through Christ offers His amazing grace, as the song goes. As you mention above, it’s all in the game. We are not perfect by any means. Only God is. However, I often come to think, as I begin to learn more and more of Him which in turns helps me become more vulnerable and transparent with God, and that the more I begin to love him, the more I trust and respect his sovereignty. And when we truly believe God/Universe exists and seek after him in terms of our needs such as our needs for prosperity, relationships, health, etc., as for me, yes when I am way from God, but no, when I'm in alignment with Him, which is, I find it absolutely impossible for me to be able/or want to lie or manipulate any situations/or circumstances before him to suit my own needs, taking advantage of His goodness. I've been finding that when we stop taking advantage of the fact that God is indeed forgiving God and that He love us for who we are, no matter how we are and what we do, only then we are set free and fall in love with who God is, thus our love for God and our belief in God become more genuine one, respecting His sovereignty.
I've finally come to admit humbly before God that we, of course, including myself, should not keep allowing ourselves endlessly to do whatever our natural human nature - sinful - control us to do like animals (*) over and over, taking advantage of God's goodness and forgiveness, knowing ahead of time he would forgive us over and over. It's like living ahead of God and coming back to 'the now' later and asking for his forgiveness all over again, never giving ourselves a chance to grow up in our belief and action. I make myself clear here that, by any means, I am not an exception to this. In fact, I may be a good example of someone who was walking or living ahead of God. I'm learning, and I'm thankful. By doing that we are actually manipulating God, but we find sooner or later we can't continue to do that. Something always seems to intervene - by God. (* lies and tricks [both small and big, for, with God, there is no such a thing as too small or too big of anything - they are all the same, self-centeredness, dishonesty, manipulating circumstances & people to suit our needs , etc./an issue of our natural desire for sex not included here) I find, when I allow myself to do any of the above both intentionally and unintentionally, that is when I find myself away from Him, taking advantage of His unconditional love for me and misusing his goodness to suit my own selfish needs. I believe God wants us to love God, respect God, and reverence God for His ultimate sovereignty, for He knows all things and is in control of all things. We see only what we see today and but don't know yet what will happen a year from today or 10 years from today ahead of time. But, God already does.
So, my hope is to continue to grow in the fullness of God and to respect and love Him, not taking advantage of his forgiving love. That hurts Him, I came to realize it for myself. To me.. this 'hope' of mine, wishing to continue on to grow and the hunger after Abba Father is a big progress in my spiritual walk in my life, since, as with many, I was not putting Him in the center of my thought/spiritual life, not allowing Him to be the sovereign God of my life which is his desire for us. I don't go to church and am not involved in any type of organized religion, but I find myself beginning to hunger for Him, wanting to know more of God and to love him more deeply and truthfully. I thank God for helping me want to hunger after Him ...again. It's a gift - not our own - but His gift to us.. I finally came to understand that...
Thanks for letting me visit your blog site again to enjoy reading some of your posts to get spiritually renewed and inspired again. I love the style of your writing very much. I think you're truly a talented artistic/creative writer who attracts and bring joys to many of your visitors here. Randy, I understand you travel around the world all the time with your inspirational mission in mind, fulfilling the needs of variety of people, and wherever you are now today, may God bless you richly with good friends and a continued success, prosperity, and good health. Best wishes to you from Italy. Sorry about my broken English. Thank you so much for what you do for people globally.
Elvira Leporati
Davanzati catena di agenzie di viaggio, Italia
David, why do you say that grace must be believed and acted upon to receive it?
Beautifully said
First forgive yourself and than you feel the grace!
Randy,
Thanks for the straight talk. Grace and forgiveness of your self and then others is a key to true prosperity. Have a great week Master Jedi!
Randy, I LOVE this Post. IT is your BEST!!!
GRACE is our FREEDOM!
Leslie
My 8 yr old was given the opportunity to learn the lesson of grace just this week. What a wonderful lesson it is, when we truly grasp it! 🙂
Thanks for the post Randy!
PS Cherry Dr. Pepper from Sonic is my favorite! 😉
Randy you just continue to amaze me with all insights. As I read more & more of your blogs I am starting to discover myself & for that I am eternally grateful.
Thank you & have a very Merry Christmas.
Awesome post and great inspiration Randy!! Thank you 🙂
Yes. Absolutely. Embracing grace is an unequivocally freeing experience …
Unshackles the heart.
Unbinds the spirit.
Unleashes all things possible.
Randy, so obvious that these words are divinely inspired. Your huge, beautiful spirit is showing … even more lately than it usually does. 🙂
So grateful for you.
K
" Forgive yourself and move on", seems easy but that´s too hard, however that´s the key,
thank you very much Randy
Most people live in a world of darkness? Really? I don't know. I'm not sure about your statistics. Did you pass out a survey with a likert (not sure about spelling)scale? That would be the best way. To think I got accused of cynicism.
Do you think most people, when they become wealthy finally see the light? I don't know about that either.
I agree our pain and joy etc. eminates from our mind or soul or whatever. But, you know what, our circumstances don't always eminate from us, sometimes and sometimes not. Experiencing pain and sorrow is the only way through to the light. Being alive and healthy means experiencing all the emotions, even yucky ones. And you know really sometimes I wonder how much control we do have over the emotions that pop up in us. Perhaps our control comes in what we do with those emotions.
My name means grace. Which sometimes I use to think was funny because I can be physically clumsy at times However, I do believe in mercy, especially for those in circumstances beyond their control. And mercy for ourselves. Yes, I'm headed to politics again.
Christianity is also one of the few religions all about love and loving each other. That is a message that truly gets screwed with all the fundamentalists out there. Love is work. Love is taking care of ourselves and others even when it's tough or doesn't seem fair.
Thats why I don't think Libertarianism works, it is a lazy loveless approach to politics. It is social darwinism or survival of the fittest. That's why I don't understand how you are reading Bruce Lipton's book and not getting that message. The message that that kind of approach to life or politics doesn't work it destroys community and love.
Some people on this blog argue with you over the stupidist things in my opinion. Like how you spell words even when your right, or how using a cell phone at times can be obnoxious and rude, or life being tough is just in our minds, or why you keep getting colds. It is crazy to me and I really don't get it.
To me the fact that you are clearly sending messages about being loving, and then taking social and political stances that hurt others bewilders me.
PS Did you go to Sydny yet? If so, did you see Oprah? Have a nice week Randy. Really.
Actually I was there last week when she was there, but back in Florida now. And no, I didn't see her.
-RG
This is the comment you answer? Oh, come on Randy, debate with me a little. I will be nice this time, I promise. I would really like to know your thoughts. No insults, no name calling, and I will never speak of your political inclinations again(maybe).
Okay, if you don't want to debate that's fine. I hope you have a nice holiday, and if you didn't get to see an Oprah in Sydny, I hope you at least got to see an Opera 🙂
I don't think you understand Libertarianism that well, but that's not the topic of this post. I'm sure we'll revisit that subject again, because it's so important to many people.
-RG
I certainly hope one day you can edify me on this subject. Really. I do want to discuss it, because well maybe I don't understand all that well. Politics and our values seemed linked to me. You clearly value grace which does mean a kind of tender mercy. I hope that libertarianism allows for that, for everyone.
Randy,
You have an incredible gift. Thank you for sharing.
So Say We All- pretty great quote for someone who doesn't watch tv ;-P
Great message Randy!
Well since I'm catching the show on DVDs about 8 years after it was on... 🙂
-RG
I like to play Amazing Grace by Elvis first thing to start my day.. puts me in a good mood... even looked up the lyrics on Google... never understand the attraction of drugs.. fun to do once in a while but oh, you just feel like 5 miles of bad road the next day that it's just not worth it... perhaps you can help people with what the attraction was and how you kicked it...
The Amazing Grace by Aretha is incredible. The drug issue could be a good series; I'll look at that.
-RG
And this song does the opposite for me, it brings back memories of funerals. Most of my relatives had this song play during their services. I know it's a nice song has a nice tune, however some of the words confuse me too.
RG,
That was a beautiful post.
Thanks Randy! That's beautiful, most of all so true. Have an awesome week! Merry Christmas!
It touched me right in my heart and soul
Thanks Randy
I agree that forgiveness is the foundation for all personal growth and prosperity. Grace has got to be one of the most beautiful qualities a person can possess and yet rarely seen, is so recognizable. Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous new year to all.
I am so grateful for grace.
Hi Randy,
I do not understand exactly what grace entails. I need more of a definition as you see it. I could look up in the dictionary about the term but would rather hear you elaborate on it.
I read all the other comments but all they say;
GRACE is our FREEDOM
lesson of grace just this week
Embracing grace
Grace has got to be one of the most beautiful qualities a person can possess
I didn't get a lot of the meaning of the word.
Not coming from a strong christian background I just don't get some of the terminology that's in it.
Thanks
Deb
Randy,
Until recently I didnt realize that were were born with a clear mind (so called "blank sheet") and got programmed with social rules and morals when growing up. It was such a shoking discovery that some of my beliefs are not mine actually, but my parents or friends or media. Thank you that you rise such topics. It makes me analyse my habits and think what I could improve or get rid of.
Grace doesnt sound very clear to me. It would be great if you could expand what does it mean to you.
Thanks
Anna
Wonderful Randy and the perfect message to send out just before the very powerful Winter Solstice/Full Moon/Eclipse/Planetary alignments we have coming up all at once this week.
Eclipses shake us up and get us to look at what needs changing. Randy is spot on with his timing over the past week and has gently steered us into the space we all need to be.
My humble and grateful thanks.
"God, nature, Infinite Intelligence, or whatever force you believe in has given us an unearned present." everything is you, what unearned present is there?
One of your best!
Deb and Anna, not sure I'm the best guy to answer that question, since so many Christians think I'm a sorry sinner that's going to rot and burn in Hell with gnashing of teeth. Maybe one of the Fundamentalists lurking here can give a better answer.
I believe it is the concept of God giving us blessings and forgiving our sins without having to earn it. Just considering us worthy, which is the main point I want to get across here.
-RG
Grace is compassion. It is having mercy and granting even those who sin clemency. Why would a Fundamentalist be able to answer that best? I am not sure they truly understand this concept at all.
That man who wrote "Amazing Grace" was a slave boat captain, who was implicit in horrible treatment of his fellow humans. So when he stopped, I imagine he felt blessed to find so much compassion for himself and others.
Grace also means having compassion for the Fundamentalists who think your going to hell. They live in their own personal hell right here on earth, because they don't often have compassion for themselves or others.
By the way grace and compassion and mercy are all about love. Loving ourselves, loving each other. I think John Lennon and Paul McCartney said it best, "All you need is love".
Merry Christmas!
PS Karl Marx also did not like organized religion, just like you. He believed it was an opiate of the people and just like you he thought it kept them oppressed.
If you do not see how this message of grace is also tied into your politics, then I think you are blind and I hope one day you will see.
I don't necessarily wish for you to change. I think all different political perspectives are required for all of us to reach that happy middle ground. Truly, I don't think there is a right or wrong set of political beliefs.
The interesting thing here is that, mostly I just wish for you to have compassion for poor people and show them grace. Otherwise, I don't care what your political beliefs are.
I know you help them. Understand though, as difficult as it may be that you cannot judge them for being poor. Just like you don't want the Fundamentalists judging you. Those who are poor deserve the light of grace every bit as much as those who are wealthy.
Annie
One more thing, Randy, I think you are special and unique. I am not sure everyone can do what you have done. Sure, you used your blessings while others may not, and that made a difference. Everyone has different gifts to offer.
I think maybe you don't see yourself as amazing. You just see it as amazing that after all the wrong turns you made, you were still able to be successful. That is amazing. But, you are more amazing even than that. Maybe not everyone else is. That doesn't mean that we cannot find success and happiness, it just means it might look different than yours.
So many cristians think you are a sorry sinner? If this is fact and not sarcasm, maybe you need to look at what they are hopefully trying to support you in recognizing? I think the fact that they are judging you makes them unworthy of giving you constructive criticsm, if that's necessary.
I'm being a little tongue-in-cheek here. It's just the Fundamentalists that don't understand the real teachings of Jesus that think that.
-RG
Maybe only us sorry sinners can understand grace? I will include myself among them. I am a sorry sinner. I dare anyone deny me that title.
Thank you Randy and others for elaborating on this word.
Since I don't believe in 'sin' then I don't need to be forgiven for anything. All of life is an experience and when an experience didn't work in the way I expected then I need to change the way I created that and move on.
Like I said, I do not have a strong 'christian or religious' background, however, my Mom instilled a belief that 'god' was a loving thing and didn't not condemn us or instill a fear of doing something wrong. So with this definition this is why I don't belief in 'sin', there is no forgiving required since there is no 'wrong'.
Wow, this is a load lifted, since I can do no wrong there is no need for guilt, therefore I live my life in Grace knowing that my life is PERFECT exactly as it is and there is no judgment against me from me. Since I am the only one who lives within me and what others think of me doesn't matter and it is NONE OF MY BUSINESS!
Thank you again Randy for all you do!
That's a mistake to not believe in sin. I think living in denial of sin is evil. It gives you license to do any bad thing you wish. Plus, sometimes it is necessary to judge evil and sin.
I am sure you don't do any bad thing you want, but I'm not sure saying there is no such thing as sin is very wise.
Grace is forgiveness of sin and clemency of wrong doing. So thereby within the definition is a proclamation that sin exists. Plus, I think to find grace you have to forgive your own sins. So, I think maybe you need to believe it exists.
You know maybe we should all reread Randy's post. Maybe a couple of times. I think it is pretty clear and well done. Despite my comments to the contrary, there is a lot of valuable information there.
I.. I... I... I yiyi people. What the?!?
Deb, read yesterdays post too, I think.
Annie, we can agree to
disagree, you have yours
and I have mine.
To me, the way I interpret Grace is that it goes deeper than just a forgiveness for wrongdoings or where we may 'miss the mark', it is looking at each one of us and being able to see the true beauty and perfection in them - just as if they had never sinned in the first place.
Looking through eyes that are able to see with a complete absence of judgment.
Don't know if that fits for anyone else at all.
I think that is one of the best explainations of Grace I have ever read, excluding the bible of course.
Grace, according to the Bible, is based on faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement. Grace is the power to be forgiven of your sins.
But the Bible also says that "faith without works is dead." Grace and works go hand in hand. To receive grace you must believe and "act on that belief."
Just my 2 cents worth. 🙂
David
Thanks, I was hoping you would check in on this.
-RG
David, why do you say that grace must be believed and acted upon to receive it?
Thank you,beautifull post.Light and love its always inside everyone.love you.Gracias
Why is it humans are so often described in connection with terms such as bad, horrible, frailties, life is tough, stupid, survive and God knows what else?
That only enhances suppression, even though the descriptions above often come with some made up recipe to fix it, which of course doesn't really work.
There is nowhere in known existence a physical being with the same extraordinary mix of genetics as in a human being.
You created your own body to experience physical reality. That's how powerful you are. You know how to do that, and you've done it many times before.
And you picked this incredible DNA. That tells you something about where you really come from.
That is why controllers are so hell-bent on suppression and genetic manipulation.
They are afraid of the potential in a human being, and people are waking up to it.
2011 is a year for everything to happen.
It takes individuals to make the right moves.
Change the world by starting with yourself.
Take responsibility.
Be grateful for all you have.
Use it.
Do it.
RG, I am Thankful that God put you on this Planet!
Let's Make it Happen!
Absolutely, morally and politically correct, Randy!!!
Grace has two aspects. Grace as an unmerited favor and Grace as an enabling power.
As an unmerited favor, Grace is something that we have to accept and appropriate as a gift. It is not something that we can earn or work out. It is given without string attached.
As an enabling power, Grace is the power of God in us and through us. It is being in the flow. It is accessing the universal power of God through intending. It is a power for first to last.
That's the best explanation I have heard yet!
-RG
Randy, I think your explanation of grace is best, I'm not sure why so many didn't get it. Yours was simple and easy to understand. I only wondered why you think most people live in darkness, or how we have so much control over what we feel. Well, maybe your right. Do you have a Christmas tree in your condo?
I wonder what would be that one affirmation for infinite Grace.
Hi, Randy. This is the first visit in a long time. I haven't read your blog for a while. I'm sure people have been enjoying your blogs, as always. Today, I sat down to take some time to enjoy reading some of your old posts. I know I won't be able to spend much time behind pc for a while, due to many changes in my life, including new business ventures, etc. I happened to come across this same page that I read way back. I remember I was absolutely moved by this particular post that is genuinely well written, as I'm sure people were encouraged as I was and am with their spirituality. I remember it because that was when one of my friends who used to enchant me with the lovely music pieces online came back from the trip to South Asia, and remember my spirit was being uplifted so high after some discouragement in that particular time of my life. I was genuinely overwhelmed and feeling that we all make mistakes, yes, but God's awesome love and grace can wipe out anything that makes us feel guilty from our past, including our lies, dishonesty, manipulating others to suit our needs, self-centeredness, etc.
"Now in those frailties, do we sometimes do bad things that we have to stop? Absolutely. Do we sometimes need to make amends? Yes....Like you, I’ve had petty, jealous, or stupid thoughts... But you and I have also done horrible things. Things that aren’t acceptable and we need to make right and apologize for.... The key is knowing a vice, bad habit, or action that is less than perfect – versus one that will actually do you or others serious, irreparable harm... But Christianity has one very unique thing that no other religion I’ve studied offers: Grace."
I agree, and it's true. God in the form of Christianity through Christ offers His amazing grace, as the song goes. As you mention above, it’s all in the game. We are not perfect by any means. Only God is. However, I often come to think, as I begin to learn more and more of Him which in turns helps me become more vulnerable and transparent with God, and that the more I begin to love him, the more I trust and respect his sovereignty. And when we truly believe God/Universe exists and seek after him in terms of our needs such as our needs for prosperity, relationships, health, etc., as for me, yes when I am way from God, but no, when I'm in alignment with Him, which is, I find it absolutely impossible for me to be able/or want to lie or manipulate any situations/or circumstances before him to suit my own needs, taking advantage of His goodness. I've been finding that when we stop taking advantage of the fact that God is indeed forgiving God and that He love us for who we are, no matter how we are and what we do, only then we are set free and fall in love with who God is, thus our love for God and our belief in God become more genuine one, respecting His sovereignty.
I've finally come to admit humbly before God that we, of course, including myself, should not keep allowing ourselves endlessly to do whatever our natural human nature - sinful - control us to do like animals (*) over and over, taking advantage of God's goodness and forgiveness, knowing ahead of time he would forgive us over and over. It's like living ahead of God and coming back to 'the now' later and asking for his forgiveness all over again, never giving ourselves a chance to grow up in our belief and action. I make myself clear here that, by any means, I am not an exception to this. In fact, I may be a good example of someone who was walking or living ahead of God. I'm learning, and I'm thankful. By doing that we are actually manipulating God, but we find sooner or later we can't continue to do that. Something always seems to intervene - by God. (* lies and tricks [both small and big, for, with God, there is no such a thing as too small or too big of anything - they are all the same, self-centeredness, dishonesty, manipulating circumstances & people to suit our needs , etc./an issue of our natural desire for sex not included here) I find, when I allow myself to do any of the above both intentionally and unintentionally, that is when I find myself away from Him, taking advantage of His unconditional love for me and misusing his goodness to suit my own selfish needs. I believe God wants us to love God, respect God, and reverence God for His ultimate sovereignty, for He knows all things and is in control of all things. We see only what we see today and but don't know yet what will happen a year from today or 10 years from today ahead of time. But, God already does.
So, my hope is to continue to grow in the fullness of God and to respect and love Him, not taking advantage of his forgiving love. That hurts Him, I came to realize it for myself. To me.. this 'hope' of mine, wishing to continue on to grow and the hunger after Abba Father is a big progress in my spiritual walk in my life, since, as with many, I was not putting Him in the center of my thought/spiritual life, not allowing Him to be the sovereign God of my life which is his desire for us. I don't go to church and am not involved in any type of organized religion, but I find myself beginning to hunger for Him, wanting to know more of God and to love him more deeply and truthfully. I thank God for helping me want to hunger after Him ...again. It's a gift - not our own - but His gift to us.. I finally came to understand that...
Thanks for letting me visit your blog site again to enjoy reading some of your posts to get spiritually renewed and inspired again. I love the style of your writing very much. I think you're truly a talented artistic/creative writer who attracts and bring joys to many of your visitors here. Randy, I understand you travel around the world all the time with your inspirational mission in mind, fulfilling the needs of variety of people, and wherever you are now today, may God bless you richly with good friends and a continued success, prosperity, and good health. Best wishes to you from Italy. Sorry about my broken English. Thank you so much for what you do for people globally.
Elvira Leporati
Davanzati catena di agenzie di viaggio, Italia
David, why do you say that grace must be believed and acted upon to receive it?