Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Reflection - Inspiring Christians

Source (book): "Faithful to the end", Question 3, Page 41.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Source Website: https://www.biographyonline.net/people/inspirational/christians.html


These are a few inspirational Christians whose lives were shaped and moulded by their Christian faith. Through the practical application of Christian values and teachings they helped inspire others to live a better life.
PHOTO: These are a few inspirational Christians whose lives were shaped and moulded by their Christian faith. Through the practical application of Christian values and teachings they helped inspire others to live a better life.
Posted by Empowering Spirits - Freeing Your Mind at Tuesday, April 06, 2010
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http://www.empoweringspirits-freeingyourmind.com/2010/04/the-true-meaning-of-love-god-bless-child.html


Make a list of Christians from the past whose lives have been an inspiration to you. What have you learned from them? Make another list of Christians whose stories you would like to read. Make an action plan to do so in the coming weeks.

Know our heritage [1]
We should read Christian biographies [2]. Alas, Christians today know more about pop stars and sports personalities than they do about Christians from the past whose lives teach us much about faith and inspire us to love and serve God. How many of us know Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Augustine, John Chrysostom, Ambrose, Bernard of Clairvaux, Francis of Assisi, Julian of Norwich, John Hus, John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Teresa of Avila, Charles Spurgeon, and many others, and how they believed in God and lived out their faith? Add to those the stories of missionaries, preachers, and social reformers in more recent centuries, and we would have gained a wonderful knowledge of our rich Christian Heritage.


Reading Christian biographies and encouraging others to do the same is immensely helpful. Add to those the stories of missionaries, preachers, and social reformers in more recent centuries, and we would have gained a wonderful knowledge of our rich Christian Heritage.
PHOTO: Reading Christian biographies and encouraging others to do the same is immensely helpful. Add to those the stories of missionaries, preachers, and social reformers in more recent centuries, and we would have gained a wonderful knowledge of our rich Christian Heritage.
Christian Heroes: Then & Now, by Janet Benge (Author), 16 December 2011
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLOehDykX0R9oaLlnwTD2NgGypyPo7FWQ9lSEy9dxVqbPJcMzloV7Pz1jdfyIP7JWGejFOgmNseZ_zRwMlgCe3Nfu1yJ5HHh4RCmGa1OIiK3gH6efYMhNXYkmGjFDcuYlFngUEqI1vKI/s1600/51sFoejKdLL.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sFoejKdLL.jpg
http://www.amazon.com/Janet-Benge-Christian-Heroes-Books/dp/B00RWTYV34


Reading Christian biographies and encouraging others to do the same is immensely helpful. I received a letter in early 2013 from a British Methodist - 82-year-old Mr A. J. New - who sent the same letter to a number of people he found in the Methodist Prayer Handbook used in Britain and Ireland. He had worked as a clerk in the Port of London Authority. He expressed his long admiration for English evangelist George Mueller (1805-1898) and pointed to historian Roger Steer's biography of him, offering a free copy if I wanted it. What a wonderful example and ministry! Mueller was known for running several orphanages and his deep and resilient faith in God. His life was full of examples of prayerful trust in God for daily provisions and deep confidence that God would answer. God did not let Mueller down and often acted providentially in miraculous ways. Mueller inspired many others, such as Hudson Taylor whom God used as a great missionary to China, and still continues to inspire.

It is important that we entrust others with the rich heritage that we have received and come to know. This needs to be done at home as well as in church. How wonderful if we could all say with Paul and Timothy that we know our rich and living heritage. [1]


List of Christians from the past whose lives have been an inspiration, and what have being learned from them [3]
These are a few inspirational Christians whose lives were shaped and moulded by their Christian faith. Through the practical application of Christian values and teachings they helped inspire others to live a better life.


St Francis of Assisi – Remarkable saint of the Twelfth / Thirteenth century who returned to the roots of the gospels, voluntarily accepting a life of poverty and chastity.
PHOTO: St Francis of Assisi – Remarkable saint of the Twelfth / Thirteenth century who returned to the roots of the gospels, voluntarily accepting a life of poverty and chastity.
From “Biography of St Francis of Assisi “, Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net . Last updated 3rd August. 2014
Picture Posted by Rick Mylander on Friday, 4 October 2013 at 12:06 PM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh411lE3j7Iaz0v5i2W1MqAD0Hlb2md6lQtj9Frk6EeGjgzlp_UOCOaSdi-9_YaT2fXDFFyKlWgBCgL78jhL2Zm_KoL8oZqoWgpqwZvpm7Cl8LJ2pHwwfpVLwR6w6LD5HlIJyE3uQTNkgM/s1600/Francis+of+Assisi.jpg
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https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/st-francis-assisi.html


St Paul the Apostle
PHOTO: St Paul. – Missionary and influential early Christian. The letters of St Paul form significant part of New Testament. St Paul began his life as Taurus of Saul prosecuting Christians but converted to Christianity.
From “Biography of St Paul“, Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net . Last updated 3rd August. 2014
Picture posted by Fr. Peter G. Martinez, © 2013-2015 St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkD563P4tR6TPvqpWrUueTITcJouvWOgcr34r6tOR6IZryp-OO2ZfBpbUYaB7940zJ4kZTKKerwgAwgWMsLUKTJHIHr5Q2Tu1UjkP1T4SH3TVXTCTQlw6CrpYL-jVikXi-ILeCD1lHkpY/s1600/st+Paul+painting+pic+croped.jpg
http://www.stpaultheapostlecc.com/media/1/st%20Paul%20painting%20pic%20croped.jpg
http://www.stpaultheapostlecc.com/
https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/st-paul.html


Mary Magdalene – Close disciple of Jesus Christ. Present at the crucifixion of Christ. PHOTO: Mary Magdalene – Close disciple of Jesus Christ. Present at the crucifixion of Christ.
From “Biography of Mary Magdalene“, Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net . Last updated 3rd August. 2014
Picture posted by Rodrigo on Tuesday, 9 October 2012 at 13:30 - Maria Magdalena Penitente. Marcantonio Franceschini (1700-05)
PHOTO: Joan of Arc – A poor peasant girl, who at a very young age rose from obscurity to shape the course of French and European history. Joan of Arc had a religious temperament and credits the instruction from her Angels for giving her the strength and wisdom to advise the King of France. Died a martyrs death after refusing to recant her experiences. Seven years after her death, her prophecy of French independence came true.
From “Joan of Arc Biography“, Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net, 21 October 2013
Picture from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Joan of Arc's Death at the Stake, by Hermann Stilke (1843)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6maSdJMaOsMdizm-lVCGBaCLY4dd7VKg1xRse97vNh-fzwqbVxctlHfRSBA8xMmAEpG21TnhyeX9dU_kxTAFwHE2VRHpJ5OqQaJwBQZeITW9tp2tjr9uFUFHcDQ9lRS7nCocfLbFopc/s1600/Stilke_Hermann_Anton_-_Joan_of_Arc's_Death_at_the_Stake.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/Stilke_Hermann_Anton_-_Joan_of_Arc%27s_Death_at_the_Stake.jpg
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stilke_Hermann_Anton_-_Joan_of_Arc%27s_Death_at_the_Stake.jpg
https://www.biographyonline.net/women/joan-of-arc.html


Mother Teresa – Devoted life to the care and service of the poor.
PHOTO: William Wilberforce – With others campaigned successfully for the abolishment of slavery. Felt slavery incompatible with his Christian conscience.
From “William Wilberforce Biography “, Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net, 12 January 2012
Picture from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, William Wilberforce by Karl Anton Hickel, c. 1794
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0EdARd-E697nUsqLzyPWNISDcJpnukH3e30620-WjVtSMk9EkMG4wC-RfZZyrCFdHt9SFbXd9g-XF_bGFHayKHsYXgrowc6mZyHpkVHVMXDh__ALbkB3a49oSUshoJMV6tuYGfedOCA/s1600/William_wilberforce.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/William_wilberforce.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wilberforce
https://www.biographyonline.net/politicians/uk/william-wilberforce.html


Martin Luther – Sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church which he felt had been corrupted and lost its original focus.
PHOTO: J.R.R.Tolkien – Best selling author. A committed Catholic who wrote on themes of good and evil, humility and pride. Arrogance and selfishness. The Lord of the Rings is one of best selling novels with strong underlying teachings of morality and spirituality.
From "Brief Biography of J.R.R Tolkien"
Picture by rfcunha, Traditional Art / Drawings / Portraits & Figures ©2013-2015 rfcunha
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLO1h-ffkECfoqW5rUJEyFjF02p99ehus8KmIGnHwtxtSS61_gXzhQ0Pc5pMQhiLrudtQ5rYDVXu3xNdGuXfNLDDSDW3i6MGBtkyEbzMTe-uTQ6FkOhiN2Gm945qsZK6X4aRcntHMFcb8/s1600/j_r_r__tolkien_by_rfcunha-d64woci.jpg
http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/131/a/9/j_r_r__tolkien_by_rfcunha-d64woci.jpg
http://tolkien.deviantart.com/art/J-R-R-Tolkien-371040066https://www.biographyonline.net/writers/tolkien_jrr.html


Pope John Paul II
PHOTO: Pope John Paul II – Had a great effect on many lives that he touched. People felt he was a sincere and compassionate person. Lived through two very difficult periods of Poland’s history – occupation by Nazi Germany and Communist era, before becoming Poland’s first pope.
From "Biography Pope John Paul II", Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net, Last updated 19th May 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSvDEd1h-hb0L-TMM__0GRdEnbiPjysdwZjnFite2NNQ7SO0-JKScfus5WR1o0ZvtjCp3u9OodgumAahxJlV6HsJDI1O9bCyGl-Zqoshqfoz3m3XO0pkLbHXxcQJehzaeNNVPQ46fBZw/s1600/john-paul.jpg
https://www.biographyonline.net/images/150/john-paul.jpg
https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/pope-john-paul.html


Eric Liddell. Olympic 400m champion.
PHOTO: Eric Liddell. Olympic 400m champion. Turned down opportunity to run in 100m because heats involved participating on Sunday, which he considered sacred.
From "Eric Liddell Biography", Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net, Last updated 7th August 2014
Picture from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Eric Liddell at the British Empire versus United States of America (Relays) meet held at Stamford Bridge, London on Sat 19 July 1924
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_UjpMJGE4rPCiZ3eabvYkACPPg-Rmml2o0v23PZbz0W6RfBeoRk-ppp_IOyj-OZkRmy7tTFJQGIFAu8xTiRf0eeIBTi9C3xsW5S_XDBkIdNLuN2unhI4viEU2J56dhUBUvg5mgB3UkY/s1600/Eric_Liddell.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/Eric_Liddell.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Liddell
https://www.biographyonline.net/sport/athletics/eric-liddell.html


C.S. Lewis
PHOTO: J.S. Bach – One of the greatest composers of sacred and choral music. Greatest compositions include St Matthew’s Passion, St John’s Passion.
From 'J.S. Bach Biography", Oxford, www.biographyonline.net, 16 November 2013
Picture from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Portrait of Bach, aged 61, Haussmann, 1748
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmCksMPfreK1ZgSQKUoueE9EddMyYXp3efyBgPq-0E_AQCVv-kkgtu_r8SCF-6sWs-KfCXLrd1ip2KeqGOWIHDoU8IEhggVpUyIxUngb49hE5dJ9l_au5ozebZVkramIeI_eP2ji7RPA/s1600/Johann_Sebastian_Bach.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Johann_Sebastian_Bach.jpg
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Sebastian_Bach
http://www.biographyonline.net/music/j-s-bach.html


PHOTO: Bernadette Soubirous – French peasant girl from town of Lourdes. Initially scorned for her visions of a divine lady. Bernadette impressed even mockers with her quiet humility, dignity and simplicity. Became a nun and had her visions officially approved by the Church authorities even in her lifetime.
From "Biography of Bernadette Soubirous", Oxford, www.biographyonline.net, 24th Nov. 2007, Updated 21st February 2014
Picture from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Saint  Bernadette Soubirous
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPlwIDw47gk5cMnKyISpFZdedN3dyNM0aJg6TjDBlY1mJ49lnEhQOWvoPHyN4UXzxStndRk3Klzce6CZKiRW2RKbjJ2PiC-NfuJpX_Q2yeB2QmAm2vaFlmVfe4BZXJkbM0YyTlcxz030/s1600/Bernadette_Soubirous.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Bernadette_Soubirous.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernadette_Soubirous
https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/bernadette-soubirious.html


Desmond Tutu
PHOTO: Desmond Tutu – Charismatic and principled church leader. Played a key role in fighting apartheid during the 1970s and 1980s. Widely respected as a world figure of great principles.
From "Desmond Tutu Biography", Oxford, www.biographyonline.net
Picture from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdtNykV5RK2POHVPBH0AiA95wzuZfH6qPOsD6sd41weS3xSE7LHnZDE0cImoeAcyY8BFQG1VDiFcTpxXipZXFClgu1u-R_dnQ4g7SB57LftANEWTs086UppiE5VNzkFi4A-fK7-bfs6w/s1600/TutuCOP17.JPG
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b3/TutuCOP17.JPG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Tutu
https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/desmond-tutu.html


John Wesley – Great preacher and founder of Methodism
PHOTO: Saint Teresa of Ávila – Spanish mystic, writer and reformer. In a difficult period of the Spanish inquisition and at a time when women had few rights or opportunities, St Terese of Avila was an influential and pivotal figure of her generation
From "Biography St Teresa Avila", Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net, Last updated 12th January 2013
Picture posted in Just_Stuff, Manifesting Magic: Law of Attraction on 17 July 2010
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9Sie-B4iA-xfqTvGjNck2Pu1QctCGJlWZPG-pUvN9fj8M7CFXLGx20-JJ9cH_VJ4hExbVnL48mtsAV8xlmAWNSd73E2pEwMtgrZg1w1HX8k_2-2jdsZ4P7VgLYEid5L-b-KGpfB5tjc/s1600/teresaof-avila01.jpg
https://angelaura28.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/teresaof-avila01.jpg
https://angelaura28.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/day-one-hundred-one-101-accomplishments-of-teresa-of-avila/
https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/st_teresa_avila.html


St Thérèse of Lisieux
PHOTO: St Thérèse of Lisieux – A saint of great humility and simplicity. The way of St Thérèse of Lisieux was to do small things with love. Largely anonymous during her life, her writings became best sellers after her death.
“Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing.” –St Therese of Lisieux
From "Biography St Therese of Lisieux", Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net, Last updated 12th January 2013
Picture posted by Medjugorje WebSite on 24 December 2006
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http://www.medjugorje.ws/data/olm/images/articles/therese-lisieux-story-soul/lisieux7.jpg
http://www.medjugorje.ws/en/articles/therese-lisieux-story-soul/17
https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/st_therese_lisieux.html


Thomas Beckett
PHOTO: Thomas Beckett – Archbishop of Canterbury during time of Henry II. Murdered in Canterbury Cathedral, considered a saint and martyr.
From "Thomas Beckett Biography", Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net, Last updated 3rd August 2014
Picture posted by Bio, registered trademarks of A&E Television Networks, LLC.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnuY9eLxuFLGQS7ie_AjVinwrRMaSw-t0duLzVLX_P7nDe0XWjr3q-7wqQYNNpFSLqy0gHHCuCzu49867_B2USWubRTZbQqbm8g0UaNwnRLMroHI1AjVoeHuwq_BR16wo7Xq_xZEQyJo/s1600/418be323dd4d9af8de140d031784f206.jpg
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/405112928955742304/
https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/thomas-beckett.html


Thomas More
PHOTO: Thomas More – Martyred for standing up to King Henry VIII when Henry wished to split from the Roman Catholic Church to get a divorce.
From "Sir Thomas More Biography", Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net, Last updated 3rd August 2014
Picture from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r0V77emLXbZ0nDiF9h4SNAwPENhL9_DO_lpMskWIxixhYMEcaCKVQHqQzrXOg_c46vhqcIzPBFsQsZV2EiyHzBUG1zuTMi-1GiYL7OoThaVm9nifloX20s-eZ8QuyxU2glsPTIQZFhA/s1600/Hans_Holbein,_the_Younger_-_Sir_Thomas_More_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_More
https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/thomas-more.html


Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 – 1945 )
PHOTO: Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 – 1945 ) was a Lutheran Pastor who was an influential critic of Hitler and Nazism. He was arrested in 1943 for conspiring against the Nazi regime and was executed in 1945. His theology and writings remain influential today.
From "Dietrich Bonhoeffer Biography", Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net, Last updated 12th January 2014
Picture posted by Serena Miller (Pinterest)- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUit-FLCODxtZR7Lo05WwOc8RXGt0aBiYzHKoYtKReRGLniOkqAOBhXNIT-EQzBVeYKClZCNtpYTjbsj07n4RfkvPjso4R0mKS6AuhKxSDNQKBWH5Q1ggFhEpYCl9a6v0m6tCus55QEo/s1600/1c51d684629cdc4e559c5c62534e7e36.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1c/51/d6/1c51d684629cdc4e559c5c62534e7e36.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/125749014570929216/
https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/dietrich-bonhoeffer.html


William Tyndale (1494–1536 )
PHOTO: William Tyndale (1494–1536 ) was one of the first persons to print the Bible in English. He worked on translating the Bible into English even when it was deemed to be an illegal act. He was executed for blasphemy after years of avoiding capture.
From "William Tyndale Biography", Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net, Last updated 5th August 2014
Picture posted by Mary Fairchild, About Religion & Spirituality, © 2015 About.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdqrpNk2LrJZw1ylBR_WqLd9llpPdipZsKaQse4_6YnFCZrYL0LrESdcgujlYwStS3tci51bvNwqJTslLTea6Aj-7cQaUh_BCGY98ghzQxOZVM5iBwLDHEWZP_Yu2k2iFwdRgOx6oUqc/s1600/WilliamTyndale1767x1340.jpg
http://f.tqn.com/y/christianity/1/S/J/_/WilliamTyndale1767x1340.jpg
http://christianity.about.com/od/Christians-In-History/a/William-Tyndale.htm
https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/william-tyndale.html


Padre Piopadre-pio
PHOTO: Padre Piopadre-pio – Italian saint
From "Padre Pio Biography", Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net, Last updated 3rd August 2013
Picture posted by Novena on 19 September 2013 at 3:09 pm - Saint Pio (Padre Pio) 1887-1968
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xus4KTYQ8uh-1YHH3_TWatUXWIgnw5cPulBI_nkyWcDdNQyIHmltzhNaWroSCP47hpX4hgRK9zHX7PK7ZHPLViqGKuNfiBcOAaWc_WniKf40nXu1ht9pQLvf6NQ5YUvo4CD4csU20XQ/s1600/padrepio.jpg
https://sandradi.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/padrepio.jpg?w=450&h=783
http://novena.com/2013/09/19/feast-of-padre-pio/
https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/padre-pio.html
[3]


List of Christians whose stories we would like to read
Bible Stories About Faith: 5 Great Scripture Summaries by David Peach [5]
The Bible is full of stories about faith. Here are just five of the favourites.


Abraham - Old Testament  Bible Story of Faith
PHOTO: Abraham - Old Testament  Bible Story of Faith
God told Abraham to take Isaac to a mountain to sacrifice him to the Lord. God never intended for Abraham to kill Isaac. This was merely a test to show to us the type of faith Abraham had.
Posted by  Rodrigo on 04 January 2012
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https://uncaoetecnica.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/abraao_completo.jpg
https://uncaoetecnica.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/sacrificios-de-louvor/


Abraham - Old Testament  Bible Story of Faith
Abraham is mentioned several times in the Bible for some of the great things he accomplished, but Romans 4 says that he was saved because of his faith and not because of this works. Hebrews 11 says that he followed God even though he was not sure where he was going. Abraham is known as a man of faith who faithfully followed the Lord’s leading.

God gave Abraham the promise that the Redeemer would come through his family. Abraham and his wife Sarah were past child-bearing age when God gave them a child named Isaac. Even though God had promised that Abraham’s descendants would one day be a great nation, He asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac in Genesis 22.

God told Abraham to take Isaac to a mountain to sacrifice him to the Lord. God never intended for Abraham to kill Isaac. This was merely a test to show to us the type of faith Abraham had.

As we read the story of Abraham and Isaac we are reminded that God is faithful and that we can place our trust in Him.

The Bible Story Of Abraham is found in the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament.


The Miracle of the Red Sea Crossing and the 40 years in the wilderness.
PHOTO: The Miracle of the Red Sea Crossing and the 40 years in the wilderness.
"Like the horse in the wilderness, they did not stumble; As the cattle which go down into the valley, The Spirit of the Lord gave them rest." Isaiah 63:11-13
Picture posted by WWW.BIBLE.CA
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http://www.bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-exodus-red-sea-miracles.htm


Moses - Followed God’s Call Through Great Faith
Moses was born to a Hebrew family, but because the Jews were growing in numbers and strength, the Pharaoh of Egypt ordered that all their male babies be killed. Moses was spared this fate because his mother placed him in a basket on the river. The Pharaoh’s daughter found the basket and rescued the baby to raise as her own.

Moses grew up in the palace among Pharaoh’s family. As he grew he learned of his own family’s plight as slaves. Moses chose to renounce his royal family and assist his Hebrew family. He was banished from the kingdom. God later called him back to Egypt to lead the Israelites from slavery into the land promised to Abraham’s family.

Moses did not see himself as the man God could use to take on such a task. However, through faith he led the Israelites as God desired.

The story of Moses can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible in the books Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.


Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still upon Gideon (1816)
PHOTO: Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still upon Gideon (1816)
Posted by The Independent on Monday, 18 May 2015
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http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/end-of-the-world-visions-2357141.html?action=gallery&ino=3


Joshua - Inspirational Bible Story of Faith
After Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, they came to the edge of the Promised Land. As a preparatory step to entering the land, Moses sent twelve spies to learn how best to conquer. The spies brought back news that the land was as good as God had promised. However, ten of the spies reported that there were giants in the land and that they would not be victorious in the battle. They had no faith in the God who had miraculously delivered them from Egypt.

The two spies who trusted the Lord, Joshua and Caleb, were the only two adults who entered the Promised Land forty years later. Joshua became the leader of Israel because of his faith.

Joshua was the general who guided Israel in their victorious battles with the inhabitants of the land. When the walls of Jericho fell, it was because Joshua trusted God and His Word. Joshua led the nation of Israel as a man of faith.

The Joshua Bible Story of Faith can be found in the Old Testament books of Exodus, Numbers and Joshua.


Gideon - Bible Story of Great Trust In God
PHOTO: Gideon - Bible Story of Great Trust In God
Biblical 300 - The Midianite army had about 135,000 men. Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men. However, God told Gideon that there were too many men in the army. Through a selection process, God whittled the Israelite army down to just 300 men.
Though Gideon was scared, he trusted God to prove His promise. God said they needed a smaller army so that people would know that it was God who won the battle, and not a large army.
Posted by lulubellaloveslife on 11 March 2014
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Gideon - Bible Story of Great Trust In God
After Israel inhabited the Promised Land God sent various prophets and leaders to speak His Word and lead the people before they had a king. Part of this time period is narrated for us in the book called Judges. Gideon was one of these judges. God called him to lead Israel into battle with the Midianites.

The Midianite army had about 135,000 men. Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men. However, God told Gideon that there were too many men in the army. Through a selection process, God whittled the Israelite army down to just 300 men.

Though Gideon was scared, he trusted God to prove His promise. God said they needed a smaller army so that people would know that it was God who won the battle, and not a large army.

The night of the battle Gideon and his servant sneaked into the camp of the Midianites and overheard the telling of a dream. The two Midianites interpreted the dream to mean that Gideon’s small army would wipe out their larger army. With new assurance Gideon return to his camp to begin the battle. The Midianites were so scared that many of them started fighting and killing one another thinking that Gideon’s army was all around them.

Through faith Gideon, with a small army, conquered the Midianites.

The Faith Bible Story on the life of Gideon can be found in the Old Testament Bible book Judges.


Esther - Faith Story With Famous Bible
PHOTO: Esther - Faith Story With Famous Bible Quote “For Such A Time As This”
Queen Esther - a jewish woman who lived during the reign of the persian king xerxes. Esther learns of a genocide plot against the jews, and at the risk of death, approached the king to plead for the lives of her people. Because of her beauty and favor with the king, Esther's wish was granted, saving the lives of thousands of jews. The jewish holiday purim is celebrated in honor of her triumph over death. Esther's story can be found in the bible's old testament under the "Book of Esther".
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Esther - Faith Story With Famous Bible Quote “For Such A Time As This”
Though Esther was a Jew she was taken as the wife of Ahasuerus, the king of the Medes and Persians. This king had a minister in his court named Haman who devised a plot to eliminate the Jews. Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, learned of the plot and told Esther to talk with the king about the wicked plan. Though Esther was the queen, their relationship was not like that of husbands and wives today. She needed to request an audience of the king just like anyone else would. To enter the king’s presence without an invitation could get Esther killed.

Mordecai said that Esther was brought to the position she had “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14) She was the one who could alert the king of Haman’s plan. Esther responded that she would stand up for her people even if it meant death. She trusted God to guide her in revealing the evil plot against her people.

By faith, Esther boldly revealed her heritage as a child of God’s people, the Jews and stopped wicked Haman’s plan.

Esther’s Bible story on faith is found in the Old Testament book Esther. [5]


Esther - Faith Story With Famous Bible
PHOTO: Esther - Faith Story With Famous Bible Quote “For Such A Time As This”
By faith, Esther boldly revealed her heritage as a child of God’s people, the Jews and stopped wicked Haman’s plan.
Esther’s Bible story on faith is found in the Old Testament book Esther.
Picture posted by IPC (Iran Politics Club © 2000) on 23 April 2009
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http://iranpoliticsclub.net/art-literature/shakiba1/


Action plan
Suggested source website:
Abraham - Old Testament  Bible Story of Faith
1) What should we learn from the life of Abraham?, http://www.gotquestions.org/life-Abraham.html, © Copyright 2002-2015 Got Questions Ministries.

2) The Faith of Abraham, https://www.gci.org/bible/torah/abraham, © 2015 Grace Communion International.

3) Why did God command Abraham to sacrifice Isaac?, http://www.gotquestions.org/Abraham-Isaac.html, © Copyright 2002-2015 Got Questions Ministries.


Moses - Followed God’s Call Through Great Faith
1) What should we learn from the life of Moses?, http://www.gotquestions.org/life-Moses.html, © Copyright 2002-2015 Got Questions Ministries.

2) The Birth and Call of Moses (Exodus 1-4), by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, http://www.jesuswalk.com/moses/1_call.htm, Copyright © 1985-2015, Ralph F. Wilson.

3) Faith in Victory and in Death: A Study of Hebrews 11:23-40, https://www.gci.org/bible/hebrews11c, © 2015 Grace Communion International.


Joshua - Inspirational Bible Story of Faith
1) Joshua: Conflict and Conquest, https://www.gci.org/bible/hist/joshua2, © 2015 Grace Communion International.

2) Exploring Joshua, https://www.gci.org/bible/hist/joshua1, © 2015 Grace Communion International.


Gideon - Bible Story of Great Trust In God
1) Gideon Bible Story Summary With Lesson, by David Peach, http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/gideon-bible-story-summary-with-lesson/, © 2010-2015 Telling Ministries LLC.

2) Exploring Judges, https://www.gci.org/bible/hist/judges1, © 2015 Grace Communion International.


Esther - Faith Story With Famous Bible Quote “For Such A Time As This”
1) Esther in the Bible: Character Profile, Story and Life Application, Article by Pamela Rose Williams, http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/esther-in-the-bible-character-profile-story-and-life-application/, © 2010-2015 Telling Ministries LLC.

2) Women of Faith, https://www.gci.org/spiritual/womenfaith, © 2015 Grace Communion International.

3) Book of Esther, http://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Esther.html, © Copyright 2002-2015 Got Questions Ministries.

Reflection - Inspiring Christians, from Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012.


Inspiring Christian Prayers
PHOTO: Inspiring Christian Prayers
A prayer of love
God, my Father,
May I love You in all things and above all things.
May I reach the joy which You have prepared for me in Heaven.
Nothing is good that is against Your Will,
and all that is good comes from Your Hand.
Place in my heart a desire to please You and fill my mind with thoughts of Your Love,
so that I may grow in Your Wisdom and enjoy Your Peace.
Posted by Beliefnet, Inc.
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http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Prayer/Inspiring-Christian-Prayers.aspx?b=1&p=3



Reference
[1] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright © 2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART ONE: UNITED WITH CHRIST, Chapter 3 "I know my Heritage" (2 Timothy 1:3-7), Page 40 - 41.

[2] There are numerous good Christian biographies. One could begin with general introductions, e.g. Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith, eds., Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups, rev. ed. (London, Sydney, Auckland: Hodder & Stoughton, 1993) lists 51 individuals, from the early centuries of the church to the 20th century, and their writings, with helpful bibliographies. Another useful introductory book is Warren Wiersbe, 50 People Every Christian Should Know: Learning from Spiritual Giants of the Faith (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2009), focusing on Christians from te 16th to the 20th century. A similar resource is Mark Calli and Ted Olsen, eds., 131 Christian Everyone Should Know (Nashville: Broadman & Holmn, 2000), covering the entire period of church history.

[3] Inspirational Christians, https://www.biographyonline.net/people/inspirational/christians.html, Oxford, www.biographyonline.net, 11th February 2013.

[4] Amazing Stories, Christian Testimonies, Healing Miracles and Inspirational stories, http://www.cbn.com/700club/features/amazing/, © 2015 The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., A Non-profit 501 (c)(3) Charitable Organization.

[5] Bible Stories About Faith: 5 Great Scripture Summaries, by David Peach, http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-stories-about-faith-5-great-scripture-summaries/, © 2010-2015 Telling Ministries LLC.


NIV, New International Version, Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

2 Timothy 1:3-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A3-7&version=NIV

Esther 4:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+4%3A14&version=NIV

Genesis 22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+22&version=NIV

Hebrews 11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11&version=NIV

Isaiah 63:11-13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+63%3A11-13&version=NIV


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