Published 1-31-11 - The Religion Network publishes every Monday
ON TODAY'S SITE:

Henri Nouwen, George MacDonald, Sarah Ban Breathnach, Tzvi Freeman,
Book of Psalms, Thomas à Kempis, Book of Proverbs
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Washington Monument by Chuck Bowman - All rights reserved


The second temptation to which Jesus was exposed was
precisely the temptation to do something spectacular,
something that could win him great applause. "Throw
yourself from the parapet of the temple and let the angels
catch you and carry you in their arms" (see Matthew 4:6).
But Jesus refused to be a stunt man. He did not come to
prove himself. He did not come to walk on hot coals, swallow
fire or put his hand in the lion's mouth to demonstrate he
had something worthwhile to say. "Don't put the Lord
your God to the test," he said.

From "In the Name of Jesus,"
by Henri J. M. Nouwen
The Crossroad Publishing Company, 1989

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He who seeks the Father more than anything He can give,
is likely to have what he asks, for he is not likely to ask amiss.

George MacDonald (1824-1905)
Scottish poet, author and Christian minister
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Authentic success is feeling good about who you are,
appreciating where you've been, celebrating your achievements,
and honoring the distance you've already come.

...Authentic success is living each day with a heart overflowing.

Excerpted from "Simple Abundance,"
by Sarah Ban Breathnach
Warner Books, 1995

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People are afraid of joy. They are afraid
they'll get out of hand and lose control.

These people haven't experienced real joy --
the joy that comes from doing something
G-dly and beautiful with all your heart. The
fact is, there is nothing that will lift you
higher. Where there is that joy, the Divine
Presence can enter. Where there is that joy,
there are no pits to fall into, and all
obstacles evaporate into thin air.

Tzvi Freeman
From the wisdom of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson
Courtesy of Chabad.org

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Trust in Hashem and do good; dwell in the land and nourish yourself
with faithfulness. And rely upon Hashem for your enjoyments, for He
will grant you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Hashem,
rely on Him and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness
like a light, and your justice like the high noon.



Psalm 37:3-6
The Stone Edition Tanach

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Grant me, O Lord, to know what I ought to know,
to love what I ought to love, to praise what delights
you most, to value what is precious in your sight...

Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380-1471)
German Catholic monk and author