Way of Wisdom - 18 February 2015

Way of Wisdomwith Regina Sanders
Four Keys To Recognizing The Problems You Were Created To Solve
Welcome to The Way of Wisdom with Regina Sanders. I am Regina Sanders your host and I am so honored that you have decided to be with me today. I want to jump right in. Today we are going to discuss four keys to recognizing the problem that you were created to solve. Did you realize that you were created to solve a problem for someone? Well, you were! Everything is created to solve a problem. Computers solve a problem for being able to retrieve information. If you are blessed to have one in your home and have internet access then you have the whole world right there at your finger tips. It solves a problem for you. An ink pen solves a problem...you are able to communicate the old fashioned way; write a letter, write down notes, make a list. So I want to discuss with you four keys to recognizing the problem that you are created to solve.
The problem that infuriates you the most is often the problem that God has assigned you to solve. Anger is a passion. Anger is energy requiring an appropriate focus. Anger is always a necessary ingredient for uncommon change. What angers you is a clue to an existing problem God intends for you to solve. It is a signal from God to correct something that grieves Him. People often say, "Oh, we're not supposed to be angry." God created us with that emotion. He just did, and it is how we use it. You don't allow anger to sit there and fester and become a root of bitterness but you use it to promote life in the kingdom of God. Jesus was angry. He said, "Be angry but sin not. He came into the temple, the synagogue, and they had it set up like a marketplace He overturned the moneychangers and He told them to honor His father's house. It is about honor.
What you love the most is a clue to the problem you are gifted to solve. Do you love computers? That is where your wisdom will be. Do you love children? You probably possess an innate, intuitive ability to communicate and aid children. What do you love? What you love is going to be a clue to the problem that you are to solve. I love people and I have experienced such massive grief in my life having lost two children. There is nothing like burying your child. It is a hard thing...part of my passion is for parents who have lost children; but you see grief doesn't just surround us when we lose a loved one; we are encompassed with grief when our pets pass away or get lost, we are encompassed with grief when we lose a job, when our favorite car dies and it seems like there is no money we are encompassed with grief.
So grief is one area that God has called me to. That is a problem I can solve, because we can get stuck in grief. God has called me to help people walk through the journey of grief because King David said in the 23rd Psalm, "I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." He didn't say he stopped, he didn't visit. He didn't linger and he certainly didn't set up residency, but he walked through it; and when he reached the other side his cup overflowed with joy! And that is my calling, to help people move through this process of grief.
What grieves your heart continually is a clue to a problem God wants you to solve. When you see television programs that make you weep for starving children that is a clue that God is linking you to something. I recently listened to Lisa Bevere give an interview and she has a wonderful book and study guide out "Lioness Awakening", and it is through this vision that God gave her that part of her ministry was birthed. She recalls sitting and reading a magazine about the trafficking of young women, selling them into slavery, and imprisoning them, and God placed it on her heart and opened the door, gave her a window of opportunity to be a part of rescuing these young women. He will put you there. What makes you weep? That's a sign, that's a clue to a problem you are to solve.
Your dominate gift is often a clue to the problem you are created to solve. Are you gifted with numbers? Do you work with children, administration and organization, music? Your gift is the bridge to the problem you are created to solve. You were created to solve a specific problem on the earth. You can't solve everybody's problem. You are not called to everybody, everywhere; but you are called to a specific geography; to a specific people, to solve their problems. In your job, you are there because your boss needs you.
There is a problem that he needs you to solve. Do your best, give your all, solve that problem with everything you've got; with minimal supervision. Allow him to see it. If he says, "Boy, I sure would like to have a glass of orange juice but we don't have any in the building..." be the first one to say, 'I'll be right back. I am going to get that orange juice for you. Do you want pulp in it or you want non-pulp?" Solve his problem and he will recognize you. Solve the problems that God has created you to solve and He will recognize and honor you. He qualifies you for the position that He has put you in.
Look at Joseph. Joseph had a dream as a child and he told it to his father and he was so happy. Then he told it to his brothers, and again, Joseph was so happy; but his father and brothers weren't happy! In fact, his brothers plotted to kill him! But one of them had mercy and a little fear of the Lord, and said, "We do not want his blood on our hands! We can't kill him! We will sell him! Let's sell him into slavery. Throw him in this pit until these Ishmaelites come by and we will sell him." And that is what they did. They sold him.
The Ishmaelites then sold him to the Egyptians. He landed in Potiphar's house, where he was over everything. God's favor was upon him. He was waiting for his dream, but he was in preparation. Preparation don't always feel good, but that is where he was. He supervised Potiphar's whole household, and had access to everything except Potiphar's wife. And when he refused her because he would not dishonor God and he would not dishonor Potiphar, then he was thrown in prison. Thrown in prison for choosing the right thing, making the right decision; but God's favor was upon him in that prison; and he was the supervisor over the prison. He solved a problem for the baker and the chief cup bearer. He interpreted their dreams and he asked them to remember him when they got out.
But you know, they forgot him for a long time, but then Pharaoh had a problem. He had a dream and nobody could tell him what it meant...he had a problem...and that is when they remembered, "Hey, you know what? When you threw me in jail...remember that way back when you threw me in jail? Well, I had this dream and I didn't know what it meant but there was one there and he told me what it meant. You should go get him. He is still there!" And what did Joseph do? Joseph prepared to go before the royalty. He bathed, changed his garments, and he shaved off his facial hair because Egyptians didn't like that. He prepared to go before the royalty.
He, with God's help, was able to tell Pharaoh what these dreams meant. He became second in command under Pharaoh. His father and his brothers bowed before him as he gave them grain in the famine. He prepared a place for them. His dream was finally fulfilled. It took 19 years. You know, when you pray for something and it don't happen immediately...don't get discouraged. Don't think, "Well, God said no..."maybe He's not saying no, but, "Wait! Let Me qualify you, and prepare you to walk in what I have called you." That is what He did with Joseph for 19 years! Keep your dream ever before you. That is what Joseph did, and he prepared each step of the way. And each step of the way in his preparation he was solving problems for somebody; whether it was Potiphar, somebody in the prison, or Pharaoh, or his own family; he was that problem solver. And you have that same design in you!
That's right, you, you are the next Joseph! Who are you called to? What problem are you called to solve? If you are not sure, i encourage you to dig deep into God's word. Stay ever present before Holy Spirit and ask! "Lord what problem is it that you want me to solve?" And be a willing vessel and tell him, "I am here. If there is anything I can do, use me." He will!
I thank you for being with me today. I want to close with prayer and I want to encourage you to come back and be with me next week in The Way of Wisdom with Regina Sanders. Father, God, I thank you for the message that you've brought forth today. I pray that it speaks life into everyone that listens to it. Father I thank you for Brother Dave who made this syndication possible, and I ask you to keep your hand upon him,anoint him, place your heavenly anointing upon him. Bless him. Let your favor rest upon him in everything that he does for the furtherance of your kingdom, God for his heart is to let the world know that you love them...that is his heart and I thank you for him. I thank you for each one that took the time to listen to this syndication this morning, and I pray that it spoke abundant life into them and that it was a guiding tool in helping them see what problems you have called for them to solve. I just thank you, Father, I just thank you for your love, for your hand which anoints us, provides for us, protects us and covers us. I thank you, Father. I thank you that you place us in the cleft of the rock, in the arms of Jesus, for our safety and our protection; and that you pour your mercy and your grace upon us. In Jesus name I pray! Amen.
My friend, if you don't know Jesus, if you don't have a personal relationship with him, then I ask you, will you make that decision today? Romans 10:9 teaches us that if we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus, and we believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, then we are saved. So, will you pray this prayer with me today? Dear Jesus, I believe that you died for me and you rose again on the third day. I confess that I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart,forgive my sins, I receive your eternal life. Confirm your love by giving me peace, joy, and a supernatural love for others. Amen. Friend, if you prayed this prayer, you made this decision today, write into us, let us know so that we can celebrate with you; because you are the prodigal son or daughter returning to the loving arms of your father and he is preparing a great celebration for you...a great feast, and I want to rejoice with you, and brother Dave wants to rejoice with you, so let us know. If you don't have a church we will do everything we can to help you get in contact with a church so you can be connected with other believers...and I just thank God for you! God bless you! Have a good day!
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Way of Wisdom - 25 February 2015

Way of Wisdomwith Regina Sanders
Perspective and Praise
Welcome to The Way of Wisdom. I am Regina Sanders your host and I am so honored that you have decided to be with me today. Today's Scripture comes from Revelation 5:11, "I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands."
As The New York Times recently concluded, we live in "the age of big data." This reflects the growing capacity and speed of computers and the growing importance of the internet. Data now is exploding, more than doubling every two years. In his recent book on big data, Christopher Surdak explains that the world's yearly data traffic will reach 1.3 zettabytes by the year 2016. ("If a zettabyte of data was burned onto data CDs, the resulting stack of CDs would be 4.1 million kilometers high.")
Today, computers "talk" to each other, exchanging information. This (theoretically) can make life easier and better, but also raises serious concerns about privacy. More about our lives can be known, and possibly misused. When overwhelmed with these statistics, believers should remember that we serve a God who is much bigger than any computer or data. We see His bigness in Revelation where we see a picture of the vastness of Heaven and a great celebration. How many were there? "Myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands." As far as John's eye could see, there were living creatures and angels.
This provides important perspectives for our lives. First, when we praise God, we are adding our voice to this myriad of myriads. We also need to realize that all of these people went through the struggles of life. They clearly realize that God is greater than any person, organization, or computer. He alone is worthy of praise. This vastness reminds us that God already knows everything about our lives. Even better, He loves us, and we can trust Him.
Today, praise and worship God the Father, and give Him thanks. Praise and worship Jesus, for He is worthy. Join the vast throngs of Heaven. Right now!
Please pray with me this Prayer: Father, I praise and worship You. Thank You that You know everything about my life. Help me to be pleasing in Your sight. I trust You! In Jesus name. Amen.
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Way of Wisdom - 4 March 2015

Way of Wisdomwith Regina Sanders
Victory Over Depression
Today's Scripture reading is Psalm 42: 5-11 (NKJV) "Why are you cast down, O my soul?...Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God."
Anyone can feel depressed, discouraged about life. Overwhelmed with problems. Impacted by world events. Each year nearly 15 million American adults experience a major depressive disorder. No one is immune, for this impacts the old and young. The US Census Bureau reports that the median age when depression disorders strike is 32, with women more likely to be victims than men.
Depression has been proven to be a significant byproduct for those with serious illnesses. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than half of eating disorder patients experience depression. But so do a high percentage of cancer patients, and those who have had strokes and heart attacks.
Christians are not immune from depression. We all face challenges and trials. We can be discouraged about our job, family, or marriage. We can be overwhelmed by financial needs, sicknesses, and disease. We can feel defeated by sin and mistakes we have made.
But God has given us the power to be free from depression. He told Isaiah that we might go through waters, rivers, and fire. But we are to realize that He is with us in every situation (Isaiah 43:1-2).
When we start to feel depressed, when we are cast down, the Bible urges us to focus on God, to remember we can hope in Him and trust Him no matter what we face.
If you feel overwhelmed by the weight of your burdens, turn to Him. Remember that you don't have to fear. He is with you, right by your side. Commit your needs to Him. And start praising and worshiping Him! You are His! And He has promised to take care of you!
Please repeat this prayer after me: Father, I entrust my life to You. Thank you that my life is in Your hands. Thank you for being with me and providing for me. I praise and worship You; in Jesus name, amen.
Please join me next week for The Way of Wisdom with Regina Sanders. God bless you!


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Way of Wisdom - 11 March 2015

Way of Wisdomwith Regina Sanders
Celebrate the healer!
Today's Scripture readings are from the book of Proverbs...
"With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips." Proverbs 18:20
"The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook." Proverbs 14:4
"A divine decision is in the lips of the king; his mouth should not err in judgment." Proverbs 16:10
"Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and he who speaks right is loved." Proverbs 16:13
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Here is Regina's prayer for you today!
Father, I pray for each one under the sound of my voice. I pray that these words have brought healing and life to them through the power given to us through your Holy Spirit. Father, thank you for being our healer. We celebrate you today and we share the mighty ways you have removed the garments of illness from us and placed on us the garments of righteousness, health, and wholeness. In Jesus name we pray! Amen.
Please join me next week for The Way of Wisdom with Regina Sanders. God bless you!


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Way of Wisdom - 18 March 2015

Way of Wisdomwith Regina Sanders
Land Is Desolate!
Today's Scripture readings are from the book of Isaiah...
Isaiah 1:7-10 "Your land is desolate, your cities burned with fire, your fields-strangers are devouring them in your presence; it is desolation, as overthrown by strangers. The daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a watchman's hut in a cucumber field, like a besieged city. Unless the Lord of hosts had left us a few survivors, we would be like Sodom, we would be like Gomorrah."
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Way of Wisdom - 25 March 2015

Way of Wisdomwith Regina Sanders
Passover and Easter!
Today's Scripture readings are from the letters of the Apostle John, one of Jesus' close friends...
1 John 5:2-3, "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome."
2 John 1: 5-6, "Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it."

To hear how Regina is helping you today from these Scriptures, please do download the mp3 using the links below or play the audio file! Come on in! Then please do make a comment to Regina using the comments section below...

Please join me next week for The Way of Wisdom with Regina Sanders. God bless you!Right Mouse click to save this as an audio mp3 file~
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Way of Wisdom - 7 April 2015

Way of Wisdomwith Regina Sanders
Chesed - Loving Kindness

Welcome! Thank you for being with me today for The Way of Wisdom with Regina Sanders. This week we are going to explore Chesed, or loving kindness.
Love is the single most powerful and necessary component in life. We were created to be connected to others. When God created Adam He said, "It is not good for man to be alone." Love is the origin and foundation of all human interactions..."For God so loved the world, that He gave His ONLY Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!" John 3:16. Love is both, giving and receiving. Love allows us to reach above and beyond ourselves. It allows us to experience another person and to allow that person to experience us. It is the tool by which we learn to experience the highest reality, God.
Healthy love must always include an element of discipline. A degree of distance and respect for the other. An assessment of the person's capacity to contain your love. Love must be tempered and directed properly. Ask a parent who in the name of love has spoiled his child; or someone who suffocates their spouse with love and doesn't allow her any space of her own...Love with discretion is necessary to avoid giving to those that don't deserve it.

There is love and there is beautiful love. True love includes empathy and compassion which makes it a beautiful love. Love is often fostered in expectation of reciprocity. Real love is expressed even when one gets nothing in return; even when the other doesn't deserve love. "Tiferet" (Compassion) is giving also to those that have hurt you. It acknowledges the discipline of gevurah and says that, nevertheless, compassionate love calls for helping all.

Is my love enduring? Does it withstand challenges and setbacks? Ups and downs of life? How much am I ready to fight for the love I have? Does my love have spirit and valor?

You can get locked in love and unable to forgive your beloved or to bend or compromise your position. Use humility in love; the ability to rise above yourself and forgive or give in to the one you love just for the sake of love even if you're convinced that you're right. Arrogant love is not love.

For love to be eternal it requires bonding. A sense of togetherness which actualizes the love in a joint effort. An intimate connection, kinship and attachment, benefiting both parties. This bonding bears fruit; the fruit born out of a healthy union.

Mature love comes with and brings personal dignity. An intimate feeling of nobility and regality. Knowing your special place and contribution in this world. Any love that is debilitating and breaks the human spirit is no love at all. For love to be complete it must have the dimension of personal sovereignty.

Today, examine the love aspect of love. The expression of love and its level of intensity. Everyone has the capacity to love in their hearts. The question is if and how we actualize and express it. Ask yourself questions such as: What is my capacity to love another person? Do I have problems with giving? Am I stingy or selfish? it difficult for me to let someone else in my life? Do I have room for someone else? Do I allow room for someone else? Am I afraid of my vulnerability, of opening up and getting hurt? How do I express love? Am I able to communicate my true feelings? Do I withhold expressing love out of fear of reaction? Or on the contrary: I often express too much too early. Do others misunderstand my intentions? Whom do I love? Do I only love those that I relate to and who relate to me? Do I have the capacity to love a stranger; to lend a helping hand to someone I don't know? Do I express love only when it's comfortable? Why do I have problems with love and what can I do about it? Does my love include the other aspects of chesed, of loving kindness, without which love will be distorted and unable to be truly realized.?Is my love disciplined enough? Do others take advantage of my giving nature? Am I hurting anyone by becoming their crutch in the name of love? Am I hurting my children by forcing upon them my value system because I love them so? Do I respect the one I love or is it a selfish love? Am I sensitive to his feelings and attitudes? Do I see my beloved as an extension of myself and my needs? In my love, is there as much emphasis on the one I love and his ability to contain my love as there is on me and my giving? Rain is a blessing only because it falls in drops that don't flood the fields. Help someone on their terms not on yours. Apply yourself to their specific needs even if fit takes effort. Offer a helping hand to a stranger. Do something that takes fight for a loved one.

Does love humble me? Am I arrogant notwithstanding - or sometimes, because I have the capacity to love? Do I realize that the ability to love comes from a greater, higher place; from God? And knowing that shouldn't I enter into any love with total humility, recognizing the great privilege of being able to love. Do I realize that through love I receive more than I give? Do I appreciate the one I love for this? Swallow your pride and reconcile with a loved one you have quarreled with.

Start building something constructive together with a loved one. Highlight an aspect in your love that has bolstered your spirit and enriched your life - and celebrate.

To hear how Regina is helping you today from these Scriptures, please do download the mp3 using the links below or play the audio file! Come on in! Then please do make a comment to Regina using the comments section below...

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Way of Wisdom - 15 April 2015

Way of Wisdomwith Regina Sanders
Chesed of Gevurah


In Ephesians 4 we are saying goodbye to the old and hello to the new: "put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth. Speak truth to each other for we are members of one another. … Only speak words good for edification so that it will give grace to those who hear."

Chesed is Love. Gevurah is discipline; so today we will discuss the discipline of love. If love (chesed) is the bedrock of human expression, discipline (gevurah) is the channels through which we express love. It gives our life and love direction and focus. Take a laser beam, its potency lies in the focus and concentration of light in one direction rather than fragmented light beams dispersed in all different directions.
Gevurah, discipline and measure, concentrates and directs our efforts, our love in the proper directions. Another aspect of gevurah is respect and awe. Healthy love requires respect for the one you love. The underlying intention and motive in discipline is love. Why do we measure our behavior, why do we establish standards and expect people to live up to them - only because of love. Even judgment of the guilty is only to express love. In other words punishment is not vengeance; it is just another way to express love by cleansing anything antithetical to love. Tolerance of people should never be confused with tolerance of their behavior. On the contrary: love for people includes wanting them to be the best they can and therefore helping them be aware of anything less than perfect behavior.
Chesed of gevurah is the love in discipline; awareness of the intrinsic love that feeds discipline and judgment. It is the recognition that your personal discipline and the discipline you expect of others is only an expression of love. And that comes across when disciplining. It is the understanding that we have no right to judge others; we have a right only to love them and that includes wanting them to be their best.Examine the discipline factor of discipline. Is my discipline disciplined or is it excessive? Do I have enough discipline in my life and in my interactions? Am I organized? Is my time used efficiently? Why do I have problems with discipline and what can I do to enhance it? Do I take time each day for personal accounting of my schedule and accomplishments?
Not just love but compassion has to drive discipline. Love comes from recognizing one's merits and positive qualities (discipline channels and directs those strengths and weeds out the negative). Compassion is unconditional love. It is love just for the sake of love, not considering the other position. Tiferet (compassion) is a result of total selflessness in the eyes of God. You love for no reason; you love because you are a reflection of God.
Effective discipline must be enduring and tenacious. Is my discipline consistent or only when forced? Am I perceived as a weak disciplinarian?
The results of discipline and might without humility are obvious. The greatest catastrophes have occurred as a result of people sitting in arrogant judgment of others. Am I arrogant in the name of justice (what I consider as just)? Do I ever think that I sit on a higher pedestal and bestow judgment on my subjects below? What about my children? A judge has to be the most humble creatures, recognizing that he sits in judgment not by his own merit but only because God gave the right to judge His children.
For discipline to be effective it must be coupled with commitment and bonding. Both in disciplining yourself and others there has to be a sense that the discipline is important for developing a stronger bond. Not that I discipline you, but that we are doing it together for our mutual benefit.
Discipline, like love, must enhance personal dignity. Discipline that breaks a person will backfire. Healthy discipline should bolster self-esteem and help elicit the best in a person; cultivating his sovereignty. And that does not compromise the discipline; on the contrary it fosters and enhances it. Does my discipline cripple the human spirit; does it weaken or strengthen me and others?
In closing, ask yourself, "when I judge and criticize another is it in any way tinged with any of my own contempt and irritation? Is there any hidden satisfaction in his failure? Or is it only out of love for the other?" Before you criticize someone today think twice if it is out of care and love. Make a detailed plan for spending your day and at the end of the day see if you've lived up to it. Ask yourself, "does my discipline have the element of compassion?" Be compassionate to someone you have reproached. List short-term and long-term goals and review and update it each day, and see how consistent you are; if you follow through. Don't judge anyone unless you are doing so selflessly with no personal bias. Demonstrate to your child or student how your bonding with each other is an essential ingredient in discipline and growth. And finally, when disciplining your child, foster his self-respect.

To hear how Regina is helping you today from the Scriptures, please do download the mp3 using the links below or play the audio file! Come on in! Then please do make a comment to Regina using the comments section below...
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Way of Wisdom - 22 April 2015

Way of Wisdomwith Regina Sanders
Compassion's Role In Love



Galatians 5:13-14; "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself..'"

Compassion blends and harmonizes the free outpouring of love with discipline. Compassion possesses this power by introducing the dimension of truth which is neither love or discipline and therefore can integrate the two. Truth is accessed through selflessness: rising above your ego and your predispositions, enables you to realize truth. A clear and objective picture of yours and others needs. The imbalance of love and discipline is a result of a subjective, hence limited perspective; introducing truth, by suspending personal prejudices, allows you to express your feelings in the healthiest manner.

This quality means beauty: it blends the differing colors of love and discipline, and this harmony makes it beautiful. For compassion to be complete it needs the inclusion of the following seven facets: love of compassion, discipline of compassion, compassion of compassion, endurance of compassion, humility of compassion, bonding of compassion, and sovereignty of compassion.

Examine the love aspect of compassion. Ask yourself: Is my compassion tender and loving or does it come across as pity? Is my sympathy condescending and patronizing? Even if my intention is otherwise, do others perceive it as such? Does my compassion overflow with love and warmth; is it expressed with enthusiasm, or is it static and lifeless?

For compassion to be effective and healthy it needs to be disciplined and focused. It requires discretion both to who you express compassion, and in the measure of the compassion itself. It is recognizing when compassion should be expressed and when it should be withheld or limited. Discipline in compassion is knowing that being truly compassionate sometimes requires withhold compassion. Because compassion is not an expression of the bestower's needs but a response to the recipient's needs. Am I more compassionate with strangers than with close ones? If yes, why? Is the compassion coming from guilt? Does my compassion for others compromise my own needs? Am I helping others at the expense of helping myself? Perhaps the contrary is the case: Does my compassion for my family and close ones overshadow others needs? Is my compassion impulsive and careless? Do I assess the measure of compassion necessary for a given situation? Is it commensurate with the recipient's needs? Can I possibly be hurting him with my compassion? Does my compassion overwhelm others? Is it respectful? Do I give too much or too little? Do others take advantage of my compassionate nature? When I see a needy person do I impetuously express compassion out of guilt or pity without any discretion? Do I commit the "crime" of compassion by helping him with something harmful (give him money to buy a harmful substance etc.)? Do I apply myself to determine this person's needs and help him in the best way possible?

Examine the compassion of compassion. The expression of compassion and its intensity. True compassion is limitless. It is not an extension of your needs and defined by your limited perspective. Compassion for another is achieved by having a selfless attitude, rising above yourself and placing yourself in the other person's situation and experience. Am I prepared and able to do that? If not, why? Do I express and actualize the compassion and empathy in my heart? What blocks me from expressing it? Am I locked in any way? Is my compassion compassionate or self-serving?
Test yourself by seeing if you express compassion even when you don't feel guilty. Does my compassion come from a sense of duty or is it frivolous? On the other hand: Is my compassion alive; does it resound with vitality, or is it expressed only out of obligation? Is my compassion only a result of being a creature of habit who feels badly when another suffers, or do I actually apply myself to examine and refine my compassion, observing it's limitations and forms of expression? How do I express compassion? Is my compassion beautiful? Is it well rounded? Does it contain the other six elements of compassion, without which my full compassion remains unrealized.

Is my compassion enduring and consistent? Is it reliable or whimsical? Does it prevail among other forces in my life? Do I have the capacity to be compassionate even when I'm busy with other activities or only when it's comfortable for me? Am I ready to stand up and fight for another?

Compassion must include humility for it not to be condescending and pretentious. Honor is recognizing that my ability to be compassionate and giving does not make me better than the recipient; it is the acknowledgement and appreciation that by creating one who needs compassion God gave me the gift of being able to bestow compassion. Thus there is no place for haughtiness in compassion. Do I feel superior because I am compassionate? Do I look down at those that need my compassion? Am I humble and thankful to God for giving me the ability to have compassion for others?

For compassion to be fully realized, it needs bonding. It requires creating a channel between giver and receiver. A mutuality that extends beyond the moment of need. A bond that continues to live on. That is the most gratifying result of true compassion. Do you bond with the one you have compassion for, or do you remain apart? Does your interaction achieve anything beyond a single act of sympathy?

Examine the dignity of your compassion. For compassion to be complete it must recognize and appreciate individual sovereignty. It should boost self-esteem and cultivate human dignity. Both your own dignity and the dignity of the one benefiting from your compassion. Is my compassion expressed in a dignified manner? Do I manifest and emphasize majesty in my compassion? Does it elicit dignity in others? Do I recognize the fact that when I experience compassion as dignified it will reflect reciprocally in the one who receives compassion?

When helping someone extend yourself in the fullest way; offer a smile or a loving gesture. Express your compassion in a focused and constructive manner by addressing someone's specific needs. Express your compassion in a new way that goes beyond your previous limitations: express it towards someone to whom you have been callous. In the middle of the busy day take a moment and call someone that needs a compassionate word. Defend someone who is in need of sympathy even if it's not a popular position. Express compassion in an anonymous fashion, not taking any personal credit. Ensure that something eternal is built as a result of your compassion. Rather than just giving them charity help them help themselves in a fashion that strengthens their dignity.

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Way of Wisdom - 29 April 2015

Way of Wisdomwith Regina SandersEndurance

Hello. Welcome to The Way of Wisdom with Regina Sanders. I am so thankful that you have chosen to listen today. Today I want us to discuss endurance. Often when one thinks of endurance they think of strength training for a race or something similar. Scripture also refers to endurance, and just as it strengthens you for a race, it strengthens you in your walk with Jesus. Let's see what Scripture says.
Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Endurance and ambition is a combination of determination and tenacity. It is a balance of patience, persistence, and guts. Endurance is also being reliable and accountable, which establishes security and commitment. Without endurance, any good endeavor or intention has no chance of success.
Endurance means to be alive, to be driven by what counts. It is the readiness to fight for what you believe, to go all the way. Without such commitment any undertaking remains flat and empty. It is an energy which comes from within and stops at nothing to achieve its goals. This, of course, requires that endurance be closely examined to ensure that it is used in a healthy and productive manner.
Ask yourself, "How committed am I to my values? How much would I fight for them? Am I easily swayed? What price am I ready to pay for my beliefs? Is there any truth for which I would be ready to give my life?"
For anything to endure it needs to be loved. A natural or indifferent attitude will reflect in a marginal commitment. If you have difficulty making commitments, examine how much you love and enjoy the object that requires your commitment. Do I love my work? My family? My choices?
For endurance to be effective it needs to be caring and loving. Endurance without love can be counterproductive. Raw endurance can come across as harsh and aggressive, which undermines the cooperation of others. Out of sheer determination one may often become controlling and demanding, driving others away. For endurance to be successful it needs a loving and caring attitude, it requires patience.
Does my endurance cause me to be, or seem to be, inflexible? Does my drive and determination cause me to be controlling? Am I too demanding? Do others (my employees, friends, children) cooperate with me out of the sheer force of my will and drive, or out of love? Is my endurance unloving? In order to get my way would I allow others to get hurt? Do I believe that the end justifies the means? Would I stop at nothing to achieve my goals? When my endurance prevails and I overcome the obstacles in my way, am I still loving? Even when defending myself and others against unhealthy influences, am I driven by love or hate?
Examine the discipline of your endurance. Endurance must be directed toward productive goals and expressed in a constructive manner. Is my endurance and determination focused to help cultivate good habits and break bad ones? Or is it the other way around? Does my endurance come from strength or weakness? Does it come out of deep conviction or out of defensiveness? Am I ever tenacious out of stubbornness and an unwillingness to acknowledge errors? Am I invested in certain decisions and not prepared to review them? Do I use my endurance against itself by being tenacious in my lack of determination?
Healthy endurance, directed to develop good qualities and modifying bad ones, will always be compassionate. The compassion of endurance reflects a most beautiful quality of endurance: an enduring commitment to help another grow. Endurance without compassion is misguided and selfish. Endurance needs to be not just loving to those who deserve love, but also compassionate to the less fortunate. Does my determination compromise my compassion for others? Am I able to rise above my ego and empathize with my competitors? Am I gracious in victory?
Examine the endurance aspect of endurance, its expression and intensity. Everyone has willpower and determination. We have the capacity to endure much more than we can imagine, and to prevail under the most trying of circumstances.
Ask yourself, "Is my behavior erratic? Am I inconsistent and unreliable? Since I have will and determination, why am I so mercurial? Am I afraid of accessing my endurance and committing? Do I fear being trapped by my commitment? If yes, why? Is it a reaction to some past trauma? Instead of cultivating endurance in healthy areas, have I developed a capacity for endurance of unhealthy experiences? Do I endure more pain than pleasure? Do I underestimate my capacity to endure?
Yielding, which is a result of humility, is an essential element of enduring. Standing fast can sometimes be a formula for destruction. The oak, lacking the ability to bend in the hurricane, is uprooted. The reed, which yields to the wind, survives without a problem. Do I know when to yield, out of strength not fear? Why am I often afraid to yield?
Endurance is fuelled by inner strength. Humility does not compromise the drive of endurance; on the contrary, it intensifies it, because human endurance can go only so far and endure only so much, whereas endurance that comes from God is limitless.
Do I attribute my success solely to my own strength and determination? Am I convinced that I am all powerful due to my level of endurance? Where do I get the strength at times when everything seems so bleak?
Bonding is an essential quality of endurance. It expresses your unwavering commitment to the person or experience you are bonding with, a commitment so powerful that you will endure all to preserve it. Endurance without bonding will not endure.
Sovereignty is the cornerstone of endurance. Is my endurance dignified? Does it bring out the best in me? When faced with hardships do I believe like a king or queen, walking proudly with my head up, confident in my God given strengths, or do I cower and shrivel up in fear?
When fighting for something you believe in, pause a moment to ensure that it is accomplished in a loving manner. Break one bad habit today. Be patient and listen to someone that usually makes you impatient. Commit yourself to developing a new good habit. When you awake, acknowledge God for giving you a soul with the extraordinary power and versatility to endure despite trying challenges. This will allow you to draw energy and strength for the entire day. To ensure that your new resolution should endure, bond with it immediately. This can be assured by promptly actualizing your resolution in some constructive deed. Fight for a dignified cause.
Let's pray....
Thank you for being with me today on The Way of Wisdom with Regina Sanders. Please join us again next Wednesday with more teachings. Be sure to visit this site each day for teaching from others. God bless you!To hear how Regina is helping you today from the Scriptures, please do download the mp3 using the links below or play the audio file! Come on in! Then please do make a comment to Regina using the comments section below...
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