Unhindered Prayers

Unhindered Prayers

Today's Scripture

“…Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7b NLT).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that the way you treat people has an impact on the effectiveness of your prayers? The Bible says that the prayer of the righteous person is powerful, but if we aren’t treating others with honor, kindness, and respect, then we aren’t allowing His righteousness to operate in us. When we don’t treat others the way we should, it closes the door to God’s power and hinders our prayers.

This is especially true in a marriage relationship. Marriage isn’t just an agreement between two people to live life together. Marriage is a God-ordained institution that helps us understand love and unity. When two people are married, they become one physically, spiritually, and emotionally. And, this particular passage is directed toward husbands, but it applies to all believers as well. We should all treat others “with understanding” which means considering the needs of others above our own. We should always aim to treat others with kindness, dignity, and respect and quickly choose forgiveness. The Bible says that the way we treat others is the way we treat God, so choose love and treat others with respect so that your prayers can be powerful and effective the way God promises!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I want to live in Your ways. I want to treat others with love and respect which shows that I honor You. Show me how to be a blessing to others and teach me how to make my prayers effective. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Do the Dishes‏

By: Yehuda Berg

Thursday, December 4

As difficult as dirty dishes can be, they're even worse when you let them sit for a while. And the longer they sit, the harder they are to clean.

This is life. Something that is potentially easy to clean up right after it happens - an unkind word to your father, a lie to your best friend, an insensitivity to your girlfriend - can become a difficult mess if you don't deal with it now.

Do the dishes today.

Finding Our Blessings

Finding Our Blessings
Posted: December 1st, 2008 | Author: MICHAEL | Filed under: Finding Our Blessings | Tags: desire to receive for the self alone, spiritual work, the need for transformation, ultimate fulfillment, unending blessings |

Kabbalah stresses the need for transformation as the key to our spiritual work and ultimate fulfillment. It is important that we understand this in a deep way.

The important spiritual process is a constant transformation from a being of receiving into a being whose essence of one of sharing. There are many reasons for this needed transformation. The Kabbalists explain it in a simple and powerful way. Our destiny is a life full of blessings abundance and fulfillment. But, the place where we are right now is limiting. Our attachment to the desire to receive for the self-alone restricts our ability to receive all that we are meant to receive.

We can view it in physical terms where a person is standing fifty feet away from a million dollars, all he needs to do is walk and move those fifty feet and he will have the million dollars. But, as long as he stays stuck in his place or moves only forty feet then he might have no money and complain and be upset that he has no money. Looking at him we would think that he is pretty silly all he needs to do is move a little more and he will get the million dollars.

This is exactly where we all find ourselves in our spiritual development. There are unending blessings waiting for us, we simply need to move and transform - then we will begin finding those gifts waiting for us down the road. As long as we do not change or do not change enough we can find ourselves complaining about our lack, but as we see above, this is pretty silly.

We simply need to transform in order to move to where all the blessings are waiting for us.

There is another important aspect of this understanding. Sometimes when the Creator sees that we are not moving closer to our blessings fast enough, he assists along the way. Sometimes this push of assistance does not feel great but when we understand the reason behind it, we cannot help but be grateful for it.

Imagine if a friend of the man in the parable came over and pushed him towards the million dollars, the man will certainly not be upset, but ever-thankful for the push and assistance.

Understanding this we can realize the amazing blessings waiting for us, and the need to transform as quickly as we can to attain those blessings. We can also be more appreciative of the assistance we receive, even if it is not always pleasant, along our way towards the gifts that are simply waiting for us.

Something Can Always Be Done, We Can Always Create Change

Something Can Always Be Done, We Can Always Create Change
Posted: November 25th, 2008 | Author: MICHAEL | Filed under: weekly wisdom | Tags: decree, diagnosis, God, hands are tied, hope, it's never over, Kabbalah study, King David, King Hizkiyah, King of Judah, mercy, prayer, prediction, Prophet Isaiah, prophetic vision, psychic, Rav Berg, supplication, sword on one's neck |


All of us at one point or another have faced a situation in which we felt our hands were tied. No matter what we did or said, we knew we couldn’t change the outcome. ”The doctor diagnosed me with…the lawyer said this…the psychic predicted…”

This idea of “it’s over and there’s nothing I can do about it” is one which my teacher (and father) Rav Berg has railed against his entire life. What I have learned from him, and wish to impart to you this week, is there is always something we can do.

Always.

There is a beautiful story in ancient times about King Hizkiyah, King of Judah 715-687 BCE. One day as he lay on his sick bed, he was visited by the Prophet Isaiah. “God has sent me to give you a message. Prepare your affairs, you're going to die. You are not going to live.”

Quite a message! It wasn’t enough that he came to tell him he was dying, but he made sure to emphasize he was not going to live, (which the kabbalists explain was a code for, there is no hope for him the afterlife, either.) Stunned, the King asks, “Why?”

"Because you did not try to have children in this world."

The King pleaded with the Prophet, telling him the reason for not attempting to procreate was because he had a prophetic vision in which he saw his offspring causing great destruction to the world.

“Never put stock in what you see!” the Prophet answered. “Even if it is a divine vision. Don’t worry about things beyond, what is not in your control. You have to do what you need to do and what is right.”

The King saw the merit of the lesson, and with renewed hope asked if he could marry the Prophet’s daughter. “Maybe with my merit and your merit combined, the offspring will be righteous.” His solution was rebuffed, the Prophet soberly informing him that the decree was signed, and nothing could be done about it.

To this the King replied, “I don't want to hear your prophecy! Get out of my house. This is what I have learned from my great-grandfather King David: even if the sword is on one's neck, he should not give up hope, for he can always draw mercy to change it.

The prophet leaves and Hizkiyah elevates and changes his consciousness and then he prays and his supplication for more life is granted.

This is our lesson. There is never a moment when we should to accept a decree, a prediction, a diagnosis, or anything. In King Hizkiyah’s case, God himself said it’s over and he refuses to accept. And with that consciousness, he changes the decree! If he had accepted the finality of the news he would have not had changed the decree and he would have died.

Notice the difference. This is not just an understanding. It is a consciousness. If you understand the concept but still allow the thought in your mind that yes, maybe it is over, maybe the doctor, lawyer, accountant, psychic is right, then you won’t be able to change it.

You can apply this lesson in the biggest and smallest of ways. Even when it comes to studying Kabbalah there are times when we come up against concepts that seem bigger than us and impenetrable. In these instances we want to apply this consciousness by saying, I can push myself.

A Picture of God

Today's Scripture

“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us” (1 John 4:12, NLT).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Most people have photos in their home of treasured times as a family or with friends. You probably enjoy showing those photos to others and sharing those special moments. But have you ever thought about having a picture of God in your house? It may not be in a frame on the shelf, but this scripture tells us that when we love others we are creating a picture of God. We are showing others what He looks like because God is love.

God wants us to know Him. He wants to reveal Himself in and through us. He wants us to display His love and share it with others. First Corinthians 13 tells us what love looks like—it’s patient, kind, gentle, and so much more. You are never more like God than when you are loving others. Love never fails. Always remember, the greatest thing you could ever have or do is love. Everything else will fade away, but His love is a picture that will last forever!

A Prayer for Today

Father in Heaven, I invite You today to show me Your love which lasts forever. Help me to love others the way You love them so that my life can be a picture of You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Work Out Your Salvation

Today's Scripture

“…work out your own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12, NKJ).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

When you make Jesus the Lord of your life, some things will change in you immediately and other things will be worked out over time. You may have addictions or sickness that you are instantly freed from, but yet, you may have wrong attitudes or other areas that are still in the process of changing. That’s because God is doing both a work in you and a work with you. He reveals His power to us and then gives us the opportunity to work with Him in the process of restoring and renewing our lives.

You work out your salvation by obeying His Word and surrendering every area of your life to Him. You are working out your salvation when you choose to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. You are working out your salvation when you stand strong and resist temptation. Remember, God is the one at work in you to give you the power to work out your salvation. He’s empowered you to overcome every obstacle! As you cultivate what He’s deposited within you, you’ll experience more of His power so you can live the life of victory He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for the work You are doing in my life. I choose to work with You so that I can live the life of victory You have prepared. Help me to be an example of Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Win Them by Your Actions

Today's Scripture

“…your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over” (1 Peter 3:1b NLT).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Oftentimes, we try to “win” people over by telling them all about what we know or explain how they should act. We may have good intentions and really want to help people, but in reality, it’s our life of excellence and integrity that speaks to the hearts of others.

In this particular scripture, Peter is talking to women who received salvation after they were married and had husbands who were not yet believers; but the message still applies to every believer. The first thing people should notice about us is our love, patience, kindness, gentleness, strength, and joy. When they see the difference Christ has made in our lives, they will want what we have. The scripture says it’s God’s kindness that leads people to repentance, not nagging. So, let your light shine, be fun to hang around, be good-natured, be kind. You are the salt of the earth. Make people thirsty for what you have. Behind the scenes, pray for their salvation and be ready to share the message of the gospel when the time is right. Remember, actions speak louder than words. Be an example of God’s love so you can effectively win others to Him!


A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for Your kindness which leads people to repentance. Help me display Your characteristics of love and goodness so that others will turn to You. Thank You for choosing to use me. I surrender every area of my life to You. In Jesus’ Name.

I Don't Want to Judge, but ... Part 2

By: Yehuda Berg

Wednesday, December 3

Digging down on yesterday's mirror concept, I know it can be a confusing lesson to apply because what happens, for example, if you see someone stealing in the market (and it makes you angry.) Is that the Light showing you that you're a thief? If not, then what?

Let's look at it from a different angle. Here's a simple exercise for today. Make a list with three columns:

Column 1: Write an incident you witnessed or were involved in that provoked a reaction inside of you.

Column 2: Describe how you felt about it.

Column 3: What possible reasons did the person have for doing what he did?

Write down at least ten incidents. Using the example above, maybe the robber was abused as a child. Maybe he was hungry. Maybe he was just selfish. Go for any possible cause. By the tenth example, you will begin to get clarity on the things YOU need to work on.

I don't want to judge but...

By: Yehuda Berg

Tuesday, December 2

"I don't want to judge but..."

Before you judge yourself for judging another, consider this: It's a good thing this is happening because it's activating something inside, some part of yourself that is crying out for correction. Remember what I wrote in the Power of Kabbalah, The Light surrounds us with mirrors reflecting back what our soul needs to correct.

Today, don't hate the mirror! Refocus on what's coming up for you. You'll see that as you begin to work on your reaction - and finding its hidden source - the judgment will fall away and understanding will take its place.

Recognizing Ego

By: Yehuda Berg

Monday, December 1

Rav Ashlag, the founder of The Kabbalah Centre, says there is only one thing we can do to defeat our ego - recognize it.

The moment we see it, the Light comes in and sucks it out of us. When we give up our ego completely, when we achieve the level where we can do true letting go of our agenda, that's immortality in all parts of our life.

Today, recognize everything about you that is opposite of the Light, and connect it to your ego. Whatever hurts you, whatever ticks you off, whatever saddens you, whatever insults you, whatever worries you, whatever frightens you, know that it's simply your ego doing its job of blocking your Light.

Good is Weak

November 30 — December 6

By: Yehuda Berg

It's easy to give up on giving to others. Friends don't listen, people don't say thank you, it seems like nothing changes. But the Kabbalists explain the reason the world looks the way it does is precisely because too many of us give up. Our gifts remain ungiven.

The Zohar says it like this, "the good is weak." There's no shortage of goodness in this world, but not enough of us are putting it to use.

Practically, we can act on this idea by helping people in our life even when we want to give up on them. When we have someone in our life that is headed down the wrong path, [and I think that applies to all of us] we can stick with them when everyone else heads for the door [and in some cases, the window.]

We have to keep working with them, getting them reoriented in a healthier direction.

Even if it seems like they don't listen and we are wasting our time, we're not.

I once asked my father how he avoided bitterness when someone he invested so much time and energy into turned their back on him.

He looked at me and explained, "this is something you have to remember for life: A good action is never wasted."

Spiritually, proactive behavior creates an opening in the cosmos. Even if your efforts do not directly affect the person you are trying to share with (because he or she doesn't have the vessel for that energy), at the end of the day, another person will step in at the same level the other person was at, and will be able to handle the energy and go upwards from there.

When it comes to being there for the suffering of friends and the world, this is something I hope we all remember this week. It's easy to get discouraged, but we need to be strong about our unconditional sharing. Not only will it create strong angels, but it will infuse the world with the mercy that is needed to shift the balance to Light and positivity.

It's all too easy for us to sit back and watch life go by. But those of you reading these emails and pursuing a spiritual journey know by now we have to get out of our box and share in ways we don't think are possible. We have to push ourselves to be unconditional when all we want to do is think about ourselves. .

The more we do, the more we enable ourselves and the world to receive the Light all of our souls crave. Why settle for comfort when we can have it all?


All the best,

Yehuda



72 Name of the Week

My motivation of self-interest, ulterior motives, and hidden agendas give way to pure acts of friendship, unconditional love, and giving. When I take myself out of the way, I create a space for true and loving friends, joy and fulfillment.

A Little Goes a Long Way

By: Yehuda Berg

Sunday, November 30

Connecting to the Light is easy compared to connecting to other people!

Rav Ashlag, founder of the Kabbaalh Centre in 1922, taught that the real work in this life is to learn how to relate better, to be a better friend, neighbor, so on and so forth.

Today, hone in on one difficult relationshiop and see where you can add a little extra compassion and understanding. In matters of the spirit, a little goes a long way.

Real As You Are

Looking into the nighttime sky, we perceive Jupiter as the brightest planet because it is the largest. Yet despite its massive appearance and vivid colors, the greatest part of its mass is gas.

As Jupiter is the controlling planet of Sagittarius, which we have just entered, this teaches us a huge lesson, not only about those born under this sign but about all of us this month.

The lesson here is that people are not always what they appear to be.

If you know any Sagittarians, you'll usually find them charming, charismatic people. Fun to be around. But if you really get to know them, you'll often find that they are riddled with guilt and low self-image. The image they project and who they really are don't match up.

We all have a mask we put on that shows us as the person we wish we were. Just look at the people in your life. What do you really know about them, even the ones you are closest to? Do really know what makes them tick? Chances are, you know only what they let you see.

[Reminds me of a quote I read yesterday from the psychologist and philosopher, William James: "Whenever two people meet, there are really six people present. There is each man as he sees himself, each man as the other person sees him, and each man as he really is."

Kabbalah teaches when you are not honest with others - and not honest with yourself - you create separation. This goes against your mission here on earth, which is to become one again with other souls, just as you were in the Endless. This is why it feels so good to have a close friend or lover - because your soul craves this oneness.

And this is why when you share your pure thoughts and are willing to say the uncomfortable truths, you feel peaceful and grounded.

An important lesson to remember this month is that if you truly care about a person, you should do anything in your power to be open and honest with them. As the kabbalists say: Love without unity isn't love, and unity without love isn't unity.

Whereas some months we are at risk of building more interpersonal walls because of the energy, this month the universe is helping us destroy walls. So if you have the opportunity to be honest, don't miss it. If you are thinking of telling a lie to save someone's feelings - or to save face - ask yourself: "Who does this lie serve?"

This month is one of the most positive of the year. You don't have any aspect of conflict or pressure of the zodiac compelling you to be argumentative or reactive. It's a time of pure positivity. Take advantage of these moments and watch your relationships blossom.