“Why was I born?”

25/04/2009

by Ken E Murray

This is the “I” generation.

For many people everything revolves around doing what satisfies I, me, my, mine, myself.

But with all the satiation in seeking what is best for self, one huge question remains?

That huge question is: “Why was I born???”

I had to laugh at a cartoon recently of a parent explaining to their little child about how they were born, to which their child responded:

“Yes, yes, I understand how I was born. But, I want to know why?”

Even some entertainers like Cher, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald have sung the lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II, in the Jerome Kern song, “Why was I born?”:

“Why was I born? Why am I living? What do I get? What am I giving? What can I hope for? I wish I knew.”

Atheists can’t answer the question, because they think that this life you are living is all that there is. When you die …Kapput!! That’s it, they believe.  There ain’t no more you.

The reality is …before God …you are unique.  No one else has your genes. No one else has your same personality.   What you are and who you are and the character you have developed in overcoming the things you have overcome, is unique before God.  Your life is precious.

Better than that, God has in store for you the most incredible fulfilling purpose you can imagine. It is awesome!

Have you heard the definition of an Athesist?

“An Atheist is a person with no invisible means of support.”  (John Buchan 1875-1940)

Many people never pause to consider their real purpose in life.  Sadly, most assume there is no goal or purpose, beyond this physical life.  They remain ignorant of the reason why they were born and why their lives are sustained by God.   Your ultimate future is awesome!

An Agnostic is someone who knows nothing, who is not sure of what to believe, and is proud of it.

A Gnostic on the other hand, is someone who thinks they know things separately from God, but in so doing, separate themselves from God.

Understanding the answer to life’s biggest question: “Why was I born?” starts with the knowledge, understanding and wisdom that there is a true God.

The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that does good.” (Psalm 14:1)

Yes, it is true, only a fool says there is no God.

The Apostle Paul explains how we can find the true God, and what happens to people who don’t.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:    Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.     Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:20-22)

In actual fact, the answer to another huge question in life, gives us the answer to: “Why was I born?”

That other biggie is: “is God repoducing Himself?”

The exciting answer to that question, is found in your Bible  …and it is not what you have traditionally heard, espoused.

Why not check out this free booklet: What is Your Destiny for some real answers.

Meantime …keep pumpin’!

Ken E Murray

PS:  You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Request  on the Church webpage  …OR you can FREE download by clicking on to:  Bible Study Course AND What is Your Destiny.

PPS: “Why not have Your say?”  Feel free to click onto these next 4 words and drop me an email.


Why is Australia on self-destruct?

25/04/2009

by Ken E Murray.

Here is a copy of a letter I have just sent to one of our outspoken politicians …who still has some backbone …in the hope that he might say something more to alert Australians, in an area of where this Government has us on a self-destruct course.

“Why doesn’t this Australian Government invest our taxpayers money into real capital assets …like, buying what the Chinese want.

For example, why don’t we Australian taxpayers buy a controlling number of shares in OZ Minerals and retain the 2nd biggest zinc mine in the world, Century mine? We could buy the whole shebang for around $1.5billion.

We would then be able to preserve Australian jobs and stop the Chinese Government from nationalising some of our richest turf as part of China.

You know Barnaby, once the Chinese are happily owning a critical mass of Australia’s best resources …they will invoke the 457 Visa, using our own laws …and import their own “skilled labour” coolie workforce at vastly reduced wages.

We could also take a share in Rio Tinto in the same way …rather than spraying borrowed Chinese Bond money all over the world and to criminals. druggies, drinkers and poker machine players.

Then when the Economy picks up again we could sell half our share holdings in these companies and get our money back …as well as retaining our other half of shares and collecting dividends for us Taxpayers.

Why isn’t any politician suggesting some sensible investments of our hard won taxpayers money??

Today, our Diggers, on Anzac Day, figuratively must be moaning and groaning in their graves …to see how our beloved Australia is stealthily being invaded and taken over, piece by valuable resource-rich piece …and how cheaply their sacrifice, paid with their own blood, is being sold for less than a bowl of soup!

Why isn’t someone saying these things in Parliament?”

You know, we need a biblical Joseph or Daniel in charge of Australia, now, more than in any time in our history.

Meantime …keep pumpin’!

Ken E Murray

PS:  You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Request  on the Church webpage  …OR you can FREE download by clicking on to:  Bible Study Course

PPS: “Why not have Your say?”  Feel free to click onto these next 4 words and drop me an email.


Oh my Country …my Country!

23/04/2009

by Ken E Murray

It has been mind blowing to see how this current Australian Government have taken us …in just 18 months …from $20 billion surplus and $60 billion in future fund …to scores of $billions into the red.

Now their blithering ‘enlightened target’ is to have us much more than $200 billion in debt and are claiming on tonight’s news …by lies and deceit …that it is only going to be a “temporary debt”.

Blind fools leading the blind…

Our Government is selling Australia to the Chinese and Japanese at the rate of over $500million in Government Bonds each week.

Why are people so apathetic about the consequences of just this action alone?

Then we have the apathy about the Chinese Government and Japanese interests buying up our best mining and food industry capital assets at an alarming rate …but the majority of our politicians and leaders are asleep at the alarm switch.

We have become conditioned to a false paradigm of eternal safety and security in Australia, thinking we will never be taken over by other foreign powers.

People are living in a dreamlike lah lah land.

We have been lulled into a false sense of security.

Why, we can’t even man our 6 Collins Class submarines. We can only staff 3 of them with overly stressed naval personnel.

Meanwhile China is expanding its submarine fleet bigtime.

Why?

Won’t be long now and Japan will be upgrading and re-arming as well …now that North Korea is giving them the perfect alibi excuse.

…ohh my Country …my wonderful Aussie Country!

I am an average Aussie with a sense of larrikin humour.

But, there is nothing funny about the mismanagement of our wonderfully blessed Australia.

Australia is rapidly going from being a Prince to a pauper.

We desperately need a Joseph or a Daniel, to handle our economy wisely and invest in capital assets, instead of letting other nations like the Chinese nationalise Australia for themselves.

Our Government should be buying Oz Minerals …not the Chinese Government.

We should be buying the power share of ownership of Rio Tinto …not the Chinese Government.

The borrower is servant to the lender (Proverbs 22;7; Deuteronomy 28:44-45)

The biblical prophecies are steadily coming home to roost for Australia.

He who has “withheld” in the past is lifting His protection and is “withholding no longer” (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7).

Christ’s warning about the end-time rulership of the “times of the Gentiles”, is rapidly developing before our very eyes …for those who have eyes to see. (Luke 21:24)

Meantime …keep pumpin’!

Ken E Murray

PS:  You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Request  on the Church webpage  …OR you can FREE download by clicking on to:  Bible Study Course AND  The USA and Britain in Prophecy AND The Book of Revelation Unveiled

PPS: “Why not have Your say?”  Feel free to click onto these next 4 words and drop me an email.

Australia going from Prince to pauper

Chinese invasion of Australia begins


Simple Wisdom

21/04/2009

by Ken E Murray

How often have you heard someone older and wiser say: “Ohh …it’s so hard to put an old head on young shoulders!”

 

The Wise Thinker

The Wise Thinker

Is there a way for a young person to reverse that trend? The good news is …yes there is!

Yes, the Bible  shows the way to do it. You can gain great wisdom years ahead of your time.

Does wisdom grow with old age? 

To some degree it does and to some it doesn’t. It depends on how people grow in Godly knowledge, understanding and wisdom, seasoned with grace.

Sometimes the older people get the more they become set in a rut.  Some say that they will put off turning to God , until they are old …but sadly, when they are older they are all too often, so set in their ways …they never turn to God.

Miracles can happen though. I know a very lovely lady, who recently, at 92 years young, turned to God and has been baptised.

So how can we attain a deeper level of true Godly wisdom?

1st Step in attaining wisdom?

Pray to God. Ask God to help you to gain Godly knowledge and understanding …so that you can apply Godly wisdom in your life.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8) 

2nd Step in attaining wisdom?

Read the words of God so that you can understand how He thinks, how He speaks, and how He conducts Himself.

How do you do that?

Read the Bible. Why? Because it is the inspired words of God from 40 inspired writers in 66 books. We all know, don’t we that “we become like the company we keep”.

Why not keep company with the true God?

Let me challenge you with this simple reading in wisdom.

 

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21

How many chapters are there in Proverbs?   31, right?

How many days are there in a month?    30 to 31, right?

 

Ok, so whatever the date is in the month …ie; today is 21 April …so, read Proverbs Chapter 21, ok?

Tomorrow is 22 April …so read Proverbs Chapter 22 …do you follow my drift?

The next day is 23 April so read Proverbs 23 …and so on each day. You know what I mean?

Just imagine how much wisdom you might glean …and be able to apply in 12  months …by effectively reading and re-reading Proverbs each month …based on reading the chapter corresponding to each day that you wake up. You could do it easily while eating your breakfast.

Now something else i have learned. Whenever you come across a jewel of wisdom in a chapter of Proverbs that you are reading …underline the words that have meaning to you, and put an asterisk* beside the verse

 

Asterisk Proverbs 21:21

Asterisk Proverbs 21:21

 

Why put an asterisk* beside your personally encouraging verses?

Well, if ever you are feeling like a lift …just drop in on Proverbs and read your asterisks*.

Guarantee …you will feel great in no time.

This is especially helpful when studying God’s inspired wisdom in Psalms, which you can also read, using the same technique.

How many chapters in Psalms150, right? Ok, so divide 30 days of the month into 150 and what do you get?   5, right?

Ok, so today is 21 April …so read Psalm 21 add 30 and read Psalm 51 add 30 and read Psalm 81 add 30 and read Psalm 111 add 30 and read Psalm 141.

That’s 5 wise chapters of Psalms you just covered.  Not bad, eh?

Tomorrow is 22 April …so read Psalm 22 …and then by adding 30’s …read Psalm 52, Psalm 82, Pslam 112, Psalm 142.

Asterisk * any verses that you find personally encouraging.

Whenever one of those cloudy days come along when you don’t feel so happy …just read your asterisked* verses in Psalms.

I can guarantee, you will be feeling stratospheric in no time!   Heh heh!

God is a very loving, generous God.

Our Father and Jesus Christ our Saviour are so willing and happy to extend their wisdom to you.

The wisdom of God is yours for the asking …and the reading.

So A.S.K.  …Ask Seek and keep Knocking.

…more Steps in attaining wisdom will come.

Meantime …keep pumpin’!

Ken E Murray

PS:  You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Request  on the Church webpage  …OR you can FREE download by clicking on to:  Bible Study Course AND Is the Bible True AND How to understand the Bible.

PPS: “Why not have Your say?”  Feel free to click onto these next 4 words and drop me an email.

 

Psalm 21

Psalm 21

 

Psalm 51

Psalm 51

Psalm 81

Psalm 81

  

Psalm 111

Psalm 111

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Psalm 141

Psalm 141

 


“Watch-a-me-leon bamboozle Evolution!”

18/04/2009

by Ken E Murray 

Beauty is God’s trademark in creation. Intricacy of His Design and creative Engineering, show God’s phenomenal intelligence. God’s genius.

Praying preying chameleon

Praying preying chameleon

The functions and activities of His creation display His wonderful humour, love, and character.

To illustrate this  …Let’s play “Anything you can do I can do better”, ok?

Are you ready for your first set of challenges??

Ok. Can you?:

1.      Lift up a 10 kilogram steak with only your tongue and put it in your mouth?

2.      Now step back twice your body length from the 10kg steak, then shoot your tongue out …suction on to the steak …reel it back instantly and pop it into your mouth?

3.      Turn your left eye so that you can see a 180 degree arc in front of you and at the same time turn your right eye so you can see a 180 degree arc behind you?

4.      Move only your eyes, again, left separate from your right eye …so that you can see a full 360 degrees …front, back, sides, up, down, all around?  Feel dizzy yet?

5.      Quickly change the colours of your skin to blend in with the colours and textures of your immediate surroundings, so that you are camouflaged so well that you are nearly impossible to distinguish?

6.      Now change your surroundings to bright colours to attract someone you like?

7.      Change colours now to dark and sombre or bright yellow to show someone you don’t like them?

How did you go? Were you able to do any of those things?

Jeremiah 13:23: “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?”

How long do you think it would take you to evolve those capabilities? According to the Bible …never.

Did I hear you say: “Forget it! There’s no creature on earth that could do those 7 impossible feats!”

Oh yes there is.  Its name lies camouflaged in my Title.

Wat ch-a-me-leon bamboozle evolution

Wat ch-a-me-leon bamboozle evolution

Let me give you a hint:

I can be yellow, pink or green.

I am well camouflaged, 

and often not seen.

What am I?

Answer: A Chameleon.

The name “Chameleon” originated from Greek words “chami”(on the earth) and “leon”(lion)

Hence my camouflaged Title with the name Chameleon embedded.  How many of you noticed? Heh heh!

Yes, God in His great intelligence has created the humble Chameleon lizard, to do the equivalent of the above 7 impossible feats, and much, much, more.

Now, just how do you think Chameleons evolved those amazing capabilities?  Evolutionists have no idea.

Evolution is just like trying to erase the Author’s signature from the corner of a great master work of art.

More than 160 species of Chameleons are known, arranged in 9 genera. The main distribution of Chameleons is in Africa and over 60 species in Madagascar alone. There are others found in parts of southern Europe, southern India and Sri Lanka.

Chameleons vary greatly in size and body structure, with total length from approximately 1 centimetre (thumbnail) for the tiny Pigmy Chameleon of Malawi to the 68 centimetre (armlength) Chameleon Furcifer Oustaleti, from Madagascar.

1.   A Chameleon’s tongue can easily zap prey the weight equivalent to us of a 10kg steak! In fact David Attenborough says they can do it up to half their own body weight!    Can you imagine that?  The engineering involved is mind boggling.

How does it work?  Their tongue has a sticky tip on the end making it impossible for the prey to escape. As it shoots its tongue it also forms a suction cap which partly wraps around its prey. Once the tongue sticks to the prey, it is pulled back to the mouth where the chameleon’s strong jaw crushes it and consumes.

After a century of debate, biologists have figured out how a Chameleon shoots its tongue out at lightning speed to snare its prey. The secret is a spring-loading mechanism that stores up energy like the elastic of a catapult prior to release.

This makes the whole tongue shoot out like an orange pip seed squeezed between your fingers.

“Energy for the speedy lick comes from parts of the tongue called the intralingual sheathes, which wrap around bones running along the core of the tongue and are in turn sheathed by the accelerator muscle. 200 milliseconds before its tongue strikes, a chameleon uses the accelerator muscle to spring-load energy into the intralingual sheathes, packing them into one another like sections of a telescope. When the chameleon strikes, the pent-up energy can be released in just 20 milliseconds, accelerating the tongue pad forward at up to 50g.” (Proceedings of the Royal Society B, DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2003.2637. From issue 2438 of New Scientist magazine, page 16)

2.    Its tongue is twice the length of its body.  The resting tongue is folded like an accordion around a bone called Processus entoglossus.

Now, imagine a grasshopper landing on a branch away from the hungry chameleon thinking he is way out of range. Ooops! Little does he know he’s in the crosshair sights of the Chameleon’s Smart Missile tongue. ZAP!  One grasshopper shot and sucked up by the hungry lizard sitting far away from his unsuspecting dinner.

Yes, a chameleon’s tongue extends faster than the human eye can follow, at around 26 body lengths per second. Usually it hits the prey in about 30 thousandths of a second.  Chameleons hunt mainly insects (including bees and wasps that do not have time to employ their defensive stings because of the velocity of the tongue), spiders and even small birds and rodents.

Faster than a speeding bullet …almost as fast as Lightning.

You will be gob-smacked, yourself, when you click onto the stunning videos at the end of this blog.

God's signature on His works of Art

God's signature on His works of Art

3.    While humans have 3D vision and need both eyes to determine depth and distance, the chameleon can move each eye independently so they don’t miss any prey and also makes it much harder for a predator to sneak up on him. They can also focus on one object which gives them precisely sharp stereoscopic vision and depth perception better than an Abrams battle tank.

The ability to switch between synchronous and uncoupled saccadic eye movements has not been described for any other vertebrate. 

An astonishing ability of chameleons is that of moving the eyes independently, with an angle of 180o horizontally and 90o vertically.

This way they can scan larger portions of their environment. Still, when an eye spots a prey, the eyes are moved to look in the same direction forward, for creating the binocular vision necessary for assessing the distance where the prey is. Each eye can form 3-D images, the eyes functioning alternatively and independently one from the other. This way, the chameleon can explore in 3-D its environment without moving its head, so that it does not attract the attention of the targeted prey.

A very stealthy and deadly accurate hunter.  Imagine having those eye talents in an Olympic clay shooting competition. There would be no contest! …Just give him the gold medal.

  4.    Chameleons have 360o vision. Its 2 eyes move separately to each other in different directions at the same time!  It is an engineering, technologically inexplicable marvel.

Their eyes are the most distinctive among the reptiles. The upper and lower eyelids are joined, with only a pinhole large enough for the pupil to see through, for protection. The eyes can rotate and focus separately to observe two different objects simultaneously, giving them a full 360-degree arc of vision around their body.   Extremely effective for spotting predators and checking out, where the next meal is coming from, while being perfectly camouflaged.  It’d make a top line SAS soldier jealous. 

     5.    Chameleons are naturally coloured for their surroundings as a camouflage. Chameleons use their camouflage defensively, to hide from predators; offensively, to hide themselves while they stalk prey. They can also change colour to indicate health or feelings such as aggression; fear or anxiety; and in mating and courtship rituals.  Let me ask you this question:  What colour is a chameleon on a mirror?  (Answer at bottom of this blog  :)) ).

      6.    A chameleon’s colourful beauty is truly skin deep. All chameleon species are able to change their skin colour. Different chameleon species are able to change into different colours which can include pink, blue, red, orange, green, black, brown and yellow.

The colour change is under the control of spine nerves and hormones (adrenaline secreted by the adrenal gland and hormones of the hypophysis).

Under the transparent outer skin are two cell layers that contain red and yellow pigments, or chromatophores. Below the chromatophores are cell layers that reflect blue and white light. Even deeper down is a layer of brown melanin (which gives human skin its various shades). Levels of external light and heat, and internal chemical reactions cause these cells to expand or contract. A calm chameleon, for example, may exhibit green, because the somewhat contracted yellow cells allow blue-reflected light to pass through. An angry chameleon may exhibit yellow, because the yellow cells have fully expanded, and block off all blue-reflected light from below.

Do you know …What’s the definition of a nervous breakdown?

A chameleon on a tartan rug!  :))

Tartan coloured Chameleon

Tartan coloured Chameleon

7.    Chameleons change their colour in response to light exposure and ambient temperature, as well as to express their mood not only for camouflage. Emotions and attraction of a mate can induce the colour changes seen in a chameleon. The colour changes also play a part in communication. If a leaf is put on the back of a chameleon and removed after a period, it will leave a colour mark on its back, following its shape, due to the shifts in light and temperature. 

Adding to their natural colours their ability to stay still for minutes and their wagging and extremely slow movements (unusual for a lizard) that makes their laterally flattened bodies, adorned by spikes, horns and protuberances, to look like a leaf or twig shaken by wind. No wonder they appear inconspicuous to their predators and prey. 

Do you know, what is a chameleon’s motto?

“A change is as good as a rest!”   :)) 

Any intelligent observer of life cannot help but be continually amazed and astonished at the wonderful and mysterious variety of incredible life forms that abound …like the Chameleon.

To fail to give the Creator God  praise and thanks for the marvellous beauty we see the intricate and delicate life forms around us, the incredible habits of creatures we take for granted is to miss out on some of the truly savoury experiences of life.

Chameleons have a unique anatomy that distinguishes them separately from their lizard cousins.  So how did that evolve? 

They are the only lizard with zygodactyls feet which allows them to climb trees. Their feet are split into two main fingers with a soft pad in between. An interesting fact about chameleon’s feet is that they have two claws on the outside of their front foot and three on the inside, yet the situation is reversed in their back feet.  The back foot is not only a pattern, but it also reveals the sex of the chameleon. On the outer part of the foot, there will be three toes if male, four toes if female.  Evolutionists, go figure that one out?

The chameleon has five toes on each foot; the back feet have three toes outside and two inside. The front feet are the opposite way around. This provides the chameleon with the same number of toes on each side of the twig and allows for a firm and balanced grip.

Evolutionists claim that the Chameleon’s closest relatives are …the Iguanas and dragon lizards (Agamidae). They claim there are Iguanas living in the Americas, that were the ancient ancestors of the Chameleon.

Now, I know I don’t have to tell you that the Americas is a long, long way from Madagascar, where 60 amazingly different species of Chameleon live. Also the Iguana is an incredibly complicated amazingly engineered creation in its own right, perfectly made for the lifestyle it lives.

  Today, the over 160 species of chameleon species are concentrated in Africa, Madagascar and neighbouring areas. Just one species reaches southern Europe and another one India.

Most chameleons have a prehensile (grabbing) tail, and can stay on a branch securing with just two feet and the tail.

  Chameleons look out for other chameleons only during the late summer which is the breeding season. Females lay eggs after 3-6 week gestation. She finds a warm spot at the base of tree when she is ready to lay her eggs. Then she digs down 10-30 centimetres depending on the species. Commonly they lay up to 30 eggs, but some extraordinary chameleon species such as Veiled Chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) have been known to lay clutches of 80-100 eggs. Small Brookesia species only lay 2-4 eggs. So, the size of clutch vary greatly even among the same species. Eggs generally hatch after 4-12 months after they are laid, but some unusual species such as Parsons Chameleon (Calumma parsonii) are known to hatch out 2 years after they are laid!

Oh yes …and the young hatch, dig their way out and instantly do what Chameleons do.

No parental training or guidance needed.

Now really!   Tell me how they evolved?

Just to give us a smile, God has designed some Chameleons that don’t lay eggs but give live birth.

Chameleons are mostly oviparous (lay eggs), and some are ovoviviparous (born alive without placenta), such as the Jackson’s Chameleon (Chamaeleo jacksonii) which has a 5-6 month gestation period. The newborn are in a transparent, very sticky membrane and they are still sleeping.  Once they touch the ground or branch, they will wake up and crawl out of the membrane, instantly ready to catch their own food.  The female can have 8-30 live young at once.   Think about the headaches for Evolutionists about that amazing feat.  See this most miraculous birth sequence in the David Attenborough video clip below.

Chameleons drink dew and rain water, but they can also absorb water through their skin, like some desert dragon lizards do.

But how did Chameleons develop those unique swivelling eyes able to see 360o?

How did they develop the incredibly intricate colour changing chemistry …and a tongue twice its body length?

What hypotheses must Evolutionists use to explain these amazing varied and unique lizards?

Let’s go back in history — billions and billions of years, perhaps — since Evolutionists seem to assume that, given enough time, practically anything can happen. Here is our first little would-be Chameleon. Only he’s not a Chameleon, because he doesn’t have swivel independent eyes, tongue twice as long as his body and no curled up prehensile tail and no protective colour changing abilities.

Let’s say he’s surviving just fine — obtaining his food just like any other lizard.

But he can’t spot his insect prey fast enough with limited forward eyesight — he is easy prey for the whole host of predators because he can’t change his camouflaging colour. Even if he can spot a grasshopper or fly by the time he gets near enough to grab them, they have easily jumped or flown away.

No would-be Chameleon survives.

All are eaten.

Why reason this way?

Simple.

If the Chameleon needed to develop his extraordinary unique independent set of eyes, plus his incredible ‘top-gun’ tongue, plus his rapid colour changes for camouflage protection, mating and warding off predators …which would have taken, admittedly, an innumerable number of years in order to survive then he couldn’t have survived without them.

And if he DIDN’T survive until he developed them — then he doesn’t exist.

But let’s assume (being facetious, of course) that somehow, one little would-be Chameleon (who wasn’t really a completely developed Chameleon yet) sprouted a set of independent eyes.

Can you imagine it? His brain recoils in mute shock! Dizzily, he runs about in two directions at once. One eye communicates danger from above, while the other one tells him there is danger from behind Transfixed by the double vision messages of approaching horror, his mixed-up brain dizzily tries to leap out of the way …but which way?

This results in complete paralysis —and the very first successful Chameleon is eaten alive.

But others keep sprouting one wobbly left eye and a fixed confused right eye twitching and mixed up in a wild frenzy stumbling over this stupid sticky tongue, growing longer.

Confused, paralysed, none survive, so they don’t exist!

How many millions of years did it take their incredibly complex brilliantly engineered eyes, let alone their colour chemistry laboratory through various layers of their skin, which leaves Chemical Engineers perplexed with wonderment?

How many millions MORE years (while none survived!) did it take for their brains to sort out the double images?

Look up information about eyes. Study the fantastic complexity of the eyes of Chamelions, birds, lizards, fish, animals and humans.

Look at the numbers of cones and rods, complexity, engineered design, transmission and translation of information by brain cells, etc,.

Anything “simple” about an eye?

Independent Eyes of Chameleon

Independent Eyes of Chameleon

Modern man, with all his fantastic cameras, cannot begin to accomplish with a camera lens what is automatically accomplished in the eyes of thousands of creatures instantaneously, such as the Chameleon.

Its eyes are perfectly formed. They function perfectly for specific and set purposes, instantly upon birth!

No training required.

Is it a convenient accident that the Chameleon has such a complex and wonderfully intricate defence system? Or was it very intelligently designed, engineered, and created?

Either Chameleons began uniquely seeing, colour changing, tongue zapping the instant they were born or they didn’t survive.

And remember, Evolutionists don’t claim millions of Chameleons, suddenly appeared all at once!

No, the Chameleon is just one more of the amazing marvels of the creation around us, inspiring testimony to the love, warmth and humour of our Creator, who gives us every breath of air we breathe!

Meantime …keep pumpin’!

Ken E Murray

PS:  You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Request  on the Church webpage  …OR you can FREE download by clicking on to:  Bible Study Course AND Does God Exist? AND Creation or Evolution?

PPS: “Why not have Your say?”  Feel free to click onto these next 4 words and drop me an email.

PPPS:   Why not watch these short VIDEO CLIPS, of the wondrous and miraculous Chameleons, God has created for our pleasure and the things we can observe and learn. Just left click onto the blue words below.

Most amazing Chameleon; tongue shooting; colour changing; and live birth up in the tree branches: Sir David Attenborough

Also click onto this incredible Chameleon video clip below, by clicking onto the blue words:

Incredible video of tongue shooting – colour changing Chameleon

PPPPS:  The answer to the funny riddle: “What colour is a chameleon on a mirror?

Answer:  “The same colour as the chameleon on the other side of the mirror.”  :))  


9 Proofs God Exists

04/04/2009

by Ken E Murray

Most people never know the true God, because they don’t have knowledge of the pointers to the evidence.

Many get confused, because evolution is drummed into them during their schooling, and God is kept hidden from the school curriculum.

Evolutionists themselves will agree that the odds of any single living thing coming into existence by evolution is zillions of zillions to one. Yet they feel that it must be true, because this can be the only explanation if we rule out the possibility of a Creator, which they will not admit to. 

These are the odds for even one creature coming into existence. What would the odds have to be, to have just two living creatures come into existence at the same time, even if they were clones of each other?

What would be the odds of them being male and female?

What would be the odds of them living for more than a few seconds?

What would be the odds of the non-living world, involving lightning, the rain cycle, the seasons, the nitrogen cyle, the carbon dioxide to oxygen cycle, elements, minerals, vitamins, etc, etc, all being in place to support an impossibly evolved creature?

Now we would have to calculate the odds of a MALE and a FEMALE coming into existence at the same time and surviving long enough to mate, even if you are given the capability of procreation being evolved in them both at the same time.

Now all these calculations have been considered for ONE PAIR of ONE SPECIES let alone the astronomical odds that we would have to calculate for ALL SPECIES coming into existence both MALE and FEMALE at the same time.

All creatures are dependent upon their sustained life upon non-living and living systems being in place …or else they turn up their toes and die, pronto!

Yes, the creation itself, in its complexity, design, dynamic life, and awesome variety reveals evidence of the great God who made it.  This is evidence of God external from the Bible.

Thought I’d share with you however, a few internal evidences of God’s existence from the Bible.

Actually, you might be surprised to see how the Bible has numerous revelations and evidence about God’s existence for those who are not so blind as to use these pointers, to really see, investigate, and prove it for themselves.

For example Psalm 14:1 and Pslam 53:1 ..”The fool has said in his heart there is no God”. It’s funny but true …from God’s point of view only a fool would say there is no God …because …from His perspective …the reports of His death and non-existence are grossly exaggerated.

 1. GOD is the great CREATOR:

The Bible reveals the true God, who created matter, living and non-living. 

“For since the CREATION of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)

“You are worthy O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were CREATED.” (Revelation 4:11)

“You send forth Your Spirit, they are CREATED; and You renew the face of the earth.” (Psalm 104:30)

“I have made the earth, and CREATED man on it. It was I–My hands that stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded.” (Isaiah 45:12)

2. GOD the great LIFEGIVER

Life comes from life, and our life comes from the ever-living God, who created living things. 

“Nor is He worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all LIFE, breath, and all things. And has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.  (Acts 17:25-26)

3. GOD is the great LAWGIVER

There is a myriad of immutable incredible laws in effect that govern living and non-living matter.

“For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our LAWGIVER, the Lord is our King; He will save us.” (Isaiah 33:22)

“There is one LAWGIVER, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?” (James 4:12)

4. GOD is the great SUSTAINER

It is one thing to create, and to engender life, and the laws to govern it all. It then needs powerful sustaining from the most potent energy source in the universe. God, the supreme sustainer. 

“I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord SUSTAINED me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” (Psalm 3:4)

5. GOD is the great DESIGNER

The remarkable, intricate, magnificent design of all living and non-living, points to the evidence of an intelligent Designer. Everything meshes together in the designed systems that are sustained by our great Designer God. 

“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among these does not know that the hand of the Lord has DONE (or designed) this, in whose hand is the LIFE of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind? Does not the ear test words and the mouth taste its food?” (Job 12:7-11)

6. GOD is the great ANSWERER OF PRAYER

One of the great evidences that God exists, is found personally, by answers to our personal prayers. 

“I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications (prayers). Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1)

7. GOD is the SUPREME PROPHET

The Bible is full of detailed prophecies that have been already fulfilled. It also contains hundreds of prophecies yet to be fulfilled in the future, including Christ’s return and establishment of His Government on this Earth for 1000 years. (Isaiah 9:6-7; Revelation 20:4-6)

“Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He REVEALS His secret to His servants the PROPHETS.” (Amos 3:7)

“The King answered Daniel and said ‘Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of Kings, and a REVEALER of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.” (Daniel 2:47)

8. We Prove His existence by DOING His laws and Way of life

Another evidence of God’s existence, comes to us personally, when we live by His laws, statutes, ordinances, principles, precepts, and God’s Way of Life. 

We prove it is right and it really works …by living it the way God wants us to live.

Doing and seeing the positive results shows us God’s Way is the best.

“If any man will do His will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself.” (John 7:17)

WE PROVE GOD BY DOING IT! By the good fruits or results of living God’s Way compared to Satan’s worldly way, we learn through experience that God’s Way of Living is definitely better with longer lasting fun, blessings and automatic rewards. (Revelation 12:17; Revelation 14:12; and Revelation 22:14)

9.  Resurrection from the Dead

Jesus Christ’s Resurrection to life and the reality that as a result we can be resurrected to life in the 1st or 2nd Resurrection (and not have to face the 3rd Resurrection) is perhaps the greatest and most reassuring hope of God’s existence (see Revelation 20,  etc). 

”I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25)

I have only scratched the surface of some of the scriptures that give us pointers, to help us understand the evidence that God exists.

You might like to find and add to this skeletal list.

Also, check out this: Radio interview – Does God Exist?

For heaps more information about the proofs of God’s existence why not also check out our FREE booklets Does God Exist? AND Creation or Evolution?  

Meantime …keep pumpin’!

 

Ken E Murray

 

PS:  You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Request  on the Church webpage  …OR you can FREE download by clicking on to:  FREE booklets Does God Exist? AND Creation or Evolution? AND Radio interview – Does God Exist?

PPS: “Why not have Your say?”  Feel free to click onto these next 4 words and drop me an email.


12 Tips for 2014

31/03/2009

by Ken E Murray

I guess we all sense that we are entering unchartered waters this upcoming 2014. There’s precious little good news.

So …here’s 12 smiling tips for 2014 to consider.

1.    Do Not put Yourself into Trouble

"That's what you get for horsin' around!"

“That’s what you get for horsin’ around!”

It is obvious to any casual observer of the news that the world is in bigger trouble than it has has been for a long time. So, there is no value in putting ourselves in a bigger hole of trouble. With a good sense of humour we can reflect upon and learn from our mistakes. There is a spiritual cause for every good effect …as much as there is for every bad effect. Good spiritual causes begin with our thinking, words and actions being in tune with God, our Creator and Saviour. “As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.  A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.” (Proverbs 26:2-3)

 
2.    Aim for greater heights

We sometimes limit ourselves unnecessarily, when, with our Saviour Jesus Christ helping us through His Holy Spirit within us, we can rise to greater heights than we could have previously imagined. We need to let go …and let God.

All dogs are created, but some reach for greater heights

All dogs are created, but some reach for greater heights

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

 

 

 
 

3.    Stay focussed on your job

True, we should be focussed on giving a genuine day’s work for a genuine day’s pay.

We should be first to arrive at work, and keenly do a diligent job for our employer.

On the ultimate job and focus of our life, we need to keep in mind God’s promise to resurrect us into the Family of God for eternity.

Christ tells us to focus on seeking Christ’s Kingdom to be on this Earth AND set our will in tune with God to develop the mind of Christ with loving faithfulness to God’s laws.   “But seek you first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ”  (Matthew 6:33)

Focus eye to eye

Focus eye to eye

4.    Exercise to maintain good health

To be in extra good health involves being healthy spiritually, mentally and physically.

To be healthy spiritually we need to draw close to God in prayer, bible study (letting God talk to us), fasting and living by God’s laws and right way of life.

Loving God and loving all human beings is a great way to have excellent mental health.

We can also benefit ourselves with some physical exercise. “For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”  (1 Timothy 4:8)

Chin up and exercise daily

Chin up and exercise daily

5.    Practice loving Family teamwork

We have our blood line physical family to love and serve.

Similarly we have our extended family in the Church and we have our wider family in all mankind.

We have the incredible privilege that God regards us as part of His Family.  “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)    

 “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” (Ephesians 3:14-16)

practice loving family teamwork

practice loving family teamwork

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.    Watch our partner’s back

When trials come we sure find out fast, who our friends are. 

We need to make sure we are the best friend of all.

In good times and bad times, husbands love, respect, and be committed to lovingly caring for our wives tenderly …and wives likewise for your husbands. 

Make sure we tell and show our children how much we love them by loving and encouraging words and actions.

Be a rock of encouragement to our family, fellow Church brethren, and friends.  “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  (John 15:13)  “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17

guard your friends back

guard your friends back

7.   Save for rainy days

Governments are telling people to spend as if there are no tomorrows.

We need to ask ourselves …”who is it that is telling me to spend? 

Is this really sound advice?”

The people that survived the last Great Depression, kept their resources in tact. ‘Cash was king’ …for those who had saved a little of it. 

We need to manage our physical and spiritual resources wisely, making sure that we are keeping “oil in our lamps” (Matthew 25:1-13).   “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her meat in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.  (Proverbs 6:6-8) 

save to shelter from the rainy days

save to shelter from the rainy days

8.   Rest, relax and be refreshed

God’s people are the richest on the face of the earth. Why?

Because, God gives them a holiday every week …and bonus days and weeks throughout the year! 

Imagine if everyone kept the weekly Sabbath day that God commanded us to keep for our own good. 

Imagine if they kept God’s other holy days, like the joyous Feast of Tabernacles.  Married couples would have quality time with each other and their children, at least one day per week.

The Sabbath is a gift from God for rest, relaxation, time to worship God together, and be refreshed spiritually, mentally and physically.    “Speak you also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily My sabbaths you shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that you may know that I am the LORD that does sanctify you.  (Exodus 31:13

Notice how the Sabbath is regarded by God as a sign of who God’s people are …the ones who worship the “true God” (1 John 5:20). 

time to rest and refresh

time to rest and refresh

9.    Always give your boss and fellow workers a smile

So many people take their jobs for granted and think their boss owes them a living, when in reality the reverse is true.

If we don’t look after the goose that lays the golden eggs, pretty soon there ain’t no more eggs to collect.

Witness the difficulties in the Governments, bureaucracy, politicians, banks, manufacturing, services and mining industries. 

So many managers and employees have been less than diligent about their work, both in management and on the shop floor, that the whole world is now in serious financial trouble.    “Be you diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds.  

For riches are not for ever: and does the crown endure to every generation?” (Proverbs 27:23-24).  “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;   Not with eye-service, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;”  (Ephesians 6:5-6

If we grasp that we are ambassadors of Christ, working for Christ as our real boss, then it makes it a whole lot easier to be diligent and pleasant to our human boss and those we work with. 

smile and the world smiles with you

smile and the world smiles with you

10.    Nothing is impossible

Many things can seem impossible for us to achieve.  However with God to encourage us and help us to have the courage and bravery to persist we can go on to success and victory. 

Our biggest challenge is to overcome our own self imposed limitations …especially in grasping the calling God gives to be invited into His family, through faith, repentance, baptism and the laying on of hands …and growing in conversion.  “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)  “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37

nothing is impossible

nothing is impossible

11.    Never. Never. Never. Never give in!

Winston Churchill’s greatest speech was reported to be just 6 words in length. We must “never, never, never, never give in!” 

“You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.   (2 Timothy 2:3)  “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Romans 8:38-39

"Never, never, never, never give in!!"

“Never, never, never, never give in!!”

12.    Always be warmly kind hearted to each other

Christ showed us the most incredible example of forgiveness and kindness to us, when He asked the Father to forgive us because we know not what we do. 

He also showed us how to love even those who make themselves our enemies:  “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matthew 5:44).  Well, since this is the way Jesus wants us to love our enemies …how much more should we love our family and friends as well as those that don’t like us.  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.  (Ephesians 4:32)

even love your enemies

even love your enemies

Yes, 2014 is going to be a really wonderful year for you and me, as we put these things into practice.

We have been given such an incredible opportunity to be in God’s family as sons and daughters in His Family (2 Corinthians 6:8).

Peter reminds us of those sure promises of God:

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness love (outgoing concern for others).

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall:”  (2 Peter 1:4-10)

Hey! …let’s put these tips into action in 2014 …and keep smiling!

Meantime …keep pumpin’!

Ken E Murray

 PS:  You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Request  on the Church webpage  …OR you can FREE download by clicking on to:  Bible Study Course  AND Making Life Work.

PPS: “Why not have Your say?”  Feel free to click onto these next 4 words and drop me an email.


About AAA World Witness

28/03/2009

Ken Murray has been an Australian ordained minister of Jesus Christ, since 1982.

AAA World Witness has been established to assist in the Work of delivering Christ’s Gospel about His soon coming return and the establishment of His Government upon this earth (Isaiah 9:6-7) …and how we need to repent of our sins (Mark 1:15), be baptised and become converted …by developing the mind of Jesus Christ.

 “And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end (of this age) will come”. (Matt 24:14)

At the end of this Age of Man’s many governments, under Satan, with all their disastrous consequences of wars, famines, disease, pain, suffering and misery …there will be a 1,000 year Millenium of Christ’s rule and Government on this Earth, of peace, prosperity, health, fulfillment and happiness.

What a wonderful contrast and lesson of enlightenment that will be for all of us.

You can be a son or daughter of God and help in serving millions of people in the Millenial rule of Jesus Christ’s Government on this earth. Daniel 7:18

AAA World Witness is offered freely, as an Australian All Around World Witness …to help people to gain Godly knowledge, understanding, and wisdom …to believe, love and respect God our Father and Jesus Christ His Son and our Lord and Saviour …our soon coming King of Kings.

Loving and believing in the “true God” (1 John 5:20) leads us to faith in God …which leads us to repentance from our sins (1 John 3:4), which is the transgression or breaking of God’s commandments, laws, principles and precepts.

We can then be baptised by immersion, and receive the gift of the power of God’s Holy Spirit within us, by the laying on of hands of one or more of Christ’s ministers. (Acts 2:38)

We then go on in life to live by God’s loving laws and God’s Way of life, to become converted Acts 3:19-21) and to develop the mind of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5) …in the way we think, speak, and conduct ourselves.

Ultimately, it is God …who by His kindness and grace …will choose to resurrect us (1 Thessalonians 4:16) to eternal life in His Family (Ephesians 3:14-15) as Sons and Daughters of God (2 Corinthians 6:17-18) …when Jesus Christ returns to establish His Government and Kingdom on this Earth.

We can begin to be a Son or Daughter of God, now, in this life (1 John 3-14) if we will only seek God now, “while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6-8).

As a minister of Jesus Christ, I am available to you at any time, if you wish to contact me.

Ken E Murray …email: aaaken@bigpond.com

PS: Meantime, why not watch this short video on how you can obtain real success; pysically, psychologically, and spiritually:


7 Laws of Success in 2009

23/03/2009

 by Ken E Murray

There are 3 kinds of people aren’t there?

There are those that make life happen! Those that life happens to them …and those that say “What happened??!  (Heh heh!)

rollercoasterjpeg 

Yes, life can be successful. Life can be like a roller coaster ride …and life can be like a wild roller coaster ride with a sudden end.  Making Life Work can be risky …or rewarding.

Many people never experience the thrilling satisfaction of success, because they have never learned the 7 major laws that govern success.

One thing is certain …these 7 laws will do nothing for you, unless you have a burning desire.

The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.  (Proverbs 13:19)

 

2009 has been predicted to be a year of failure for many, many people …but the good news is, no human need ever become a failure.  There is a way of Making Life Work.

For every effect there is a spiritual cause.

Here are 7 invisible spiritual laws or causes, that will give you the positive effect of success in your life.

1.      Set the right Goal

Most people never think of having any purpose in life. They are not going anywhere in particular.  Because they have no aim in life, they become the victims of circumstance.

So, the 1st Law of success is to SET THE RIGHT GOAL.  Have a clear purpose and destination in mind. 

The world makes way for the person who knows where they are going.

Imagine a magnificent passenger liner cast off from its moorings in Circular Quay, Sydney harbour.

Think …with no destination in mind, no understanding of how to get there, no charts or guidance systems, no leadership from the One- in-charge, no get-up-and-go to achieve anything …now tell me? …what chance would you give that ship of exiting the harbour safely, let alone reaching, say, New York, intact??

“Zilch!”  I hear you say …and you are absolutely correct.

So, how do we set the right goals?

Well, there are goals that include Spiritual and Physical.  Take the following suggestions. Add to them and personalise them for yourself.

Spiritual could include:

·        Being in God’s coming Kingdom of God on this earth;

·        Being a son or daughter of God in His family for eternity;

·        Being close to God now in daily prayer, bible study, and

·        Being a person who does His will of living His right way of life, now

Physical could include:

·        Being educated, knowledgeable, with understanding and Godly wisdom;

·        Being a caring loving helpful member of my community;

·        Being a loving, understanding, encouraging husband or wife;

·        Being a kindly, loving, guiding parent raising well balanced children;

·        Being successful in my trade, profession, career; and

·        Being in good health, with a healthy positive state of mind.

Consider Philippians 3:14 and 2 Peter 1:10

2.      Education

Preparation in achieving your goals by gaining the right EDUCATION is the 2nd Law of Success.

One of the first things we need to learn – is that we need to learn.

A young student asked a wise man: “Teacher, I want to learn.”  The learned teacher took his student down to the river and waded in, up to his waist. The young student followed. Suddenly, the teacher grabbed the student and held them under water.

The student fought and struggled and made it to the surface just long enough to gasp a breath, before being plunged under again. Again and again the student struggled, grappled and fought to the surface, each time, for another precious gasp of air.

Finally the Teacher lost his grip on the student and the student broke free and managed to stand up. Gasping, panting and gasping in air, the student cried: “Why on earth did you do that to me?!!!”

The Teacher calmly and wisely replied:  “You know …when you want to learn, like you want to live …then you will learn.” 

There is spiritual knowledge, understanding and wisdom and there is physical education.

Make it a goal to read the Bible daily …just use a bookmark and read it a chapter per day. You will be amazed what you will learn and the understanding and wisdom you will attain. Also, whatever date of the month …read that chapter of Proverbs (eg; 23 March …read Chapter 23 Proverbs. 24 March …read Proverbs 24, etc,)

The best education teaches true values.

Right education teaches us how to live successfully, not just how to make a living. It teaches the purpose of human life and how to fulfill it.

Consider 2 Timothy 2:15.

3.      Good Health

Maintaining GOOD HEALTH, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually is the 3rd Law of Success.

We are 16 elements of chemically functioning existence with the invisible “spirit of man”, (which makes us different from animals).

You and me are only one miraculous heartbeat away from death.

Humans, we are what we think, eat, breathe, and do.

The 5 basic food groups of fresh vegetables; fruit; grains; meat; and dairy, in balance is important. Taking time to expire stale air and exercising our lungs with fresh air is helpful.

The Bible indicates that exercise, too, profits a little in maintaining good health (1 Timothy 4:8), but having a positive mind focused in God’s purpose and His way of life, is more profitable for good health.

Sufficient sleep, means getting to bed early, for the best value. “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a person healthy wealthy and wise”, as the old proverb goes.

Starting each day with prayer and bible study, makes your day poised for success.

Going for a daily brisk walk can be fun.  In mine, I have adopted a long street, where I also stretch and bend over from time to time to pick up the litter.

I know my old mentor, who lived over 92yrs …spoke of having a brisk rub down with a towel after a shower, to stimulate the blood circulation, even to the extremities of toes and fingers. It is something that I have found of great value as well.

One thing that is common to all successful people, is positive mental attitude.

Think constructively; positively in a mental attitude of God given confidence.  Allow no crevices for fear, worry or discouragement. 1 John 4:18; 2 Timothy 1:7.

Harbour no time for grudges, griping, or complaining  …but rather reach for emotional balance, good humour, and harmony with God’s loving and forgiving way of thinking.

Consider Proverbs 3:7-8; Proverbs 14:30; and Proverbs 17:22

4.      Drive

DRIVE is doing and DRIVE is the 4th Law driving Success.

Success is accomplishment. It is doing.  Any old fish can float downstream, but it takes a really live one to swim upstream.

An inactive person will not accomplish. We need to have fun and keep a prod on ourselves. When difficulties come, see them as challenges and opportunities.

In every disaster is an opportunity.

Think about it. Each day is a living miracle. Do you have to think about making your heart beat? What about breathing? What about your thyroid making the 125 millionths of a gram of thyroxine each day that stimulates your pituitary under your brain, that then stimulates your brain to stimulate your heart and lungs to work so miraculously?  No you don’t, do you?

God miraculously gives life to the just and the unjust, every waking and sleeping moment.

Often workers never rise above whatever job they do, because they have no drive to use this incredible miracle God gives to us each split second of every day we live.  They slow down, poke around, sit down and waste time.  Without a boss over them to drive them they’d starve.

It takes energy, drive, constant propulsion for a person to become truly successful.

Consider Proverbs 6:4-11.

5.      Resourcefulness

When complications, obstacles, and unexpected circumstances block our paths we need to apply the 5th Law of Success – RESOURCEFULNESS.

Think solution …not problem.  Be solution bound …not problem bound.

Overcoming …and understanding its rich value to our lives, in building the character of Christ within us, is a great key to having resourcefulness.  Trials and problems take on a whole new fun challenge, which stimulates resourcefulness.

When sudden emergencies arise, we need a clear mind, calm nerves, rapid thinking and sound reasoning, with prayerfully received inspiration from God.

Consider 1 Peter 5:10 and Philippians 4:13.

6.      Persistence

So many have come so close to success and fallen just short, because they didn’t apply the 6th Law of Success – PERSISTENCE.

Quitters never win and winners never quit!

Faith in God, perseverance, stick-to-it-iveness turns defeat into victory and failure into success, time and time again.

I know a man in Toowoomba, who bought an opal mining lease from a person who’d been digging it for years and found nothing. Yes, you guessed it …with the next backhoe scoop, my friend hit the reef of opal.  He went on to persist in learning the fine art of cutting precious stones.

Winston Churchill gave his shortest and greatest speech of 6 words to a spellbound audience:

“Never!  …Never!  …Never!  …Never give up!”

Keep shooting arrows.  Keep shooting quiver after quiver of arrows.  Never give up.

Consider the lesson of Joash – 2 Kings 13:14-19.

7.      Contact, Guidance and Continuous Help from God

Yes, the 7th Law of Success is the all encompassing need for close contact, wise guidance and continuous HELP FROM GOD. This comes from loving and respecting God and keeping His laws.

Is it possible that the very living God who made us all, just might be a factor in determining the success or failure of our personal life?

Absolutely!

It is “only a fool that says there is no God.” (Psalm 14:1)  …and it is only a bigger fool that does not “call upon God while He may be found.” (Isaiah 55:6-7).

Yes …a wise person will heed the advice of the Wisest …God the Father and His son Jesus Christ.

And it shall come to pass, if you shall hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD your God, to observe and to do all His commandments which I command you this day, that the LORD your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth:   And all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall hearken unto the voice of the LORD your God. (Deuteronomy 28:1)

 

Going God’s way makes all of the 7 Laws of Success work for us.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live:   That you may love the LORD your God, and that you may obey his voice, and that you may cleave unto him: for he is your life, and the length of your days: that you may dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

Loving and respecting God and keeping His laws, is the most important way of making our lives work for real lasting success.

Great success to you this year, my friends!

Meantime …keep pumpin’!

Ken E Murray

PS:  You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Request  on the Church webpage  …OR you can FREE download by clicking on to:  Bible Study Course AND Making Life Work

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