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An Introduction to The Gospels
by Mitchell ReddishAn Introduction to the Gospels is designed to be a textbook for courses on the Gospels, for use at the college and beginning seminary level. Reflecting the most recent scholarship and written in an accessible style, the volume covers all four of the Gospels, including a survey of "the world of the Gospels".The book opens with a discussion of the origin, development, and interrelationships of the Four Gospels. After a chapter-length treatment of each canonical Gospel and the non-canonical Gospels, the work concludes with a discussion of the "historical Jesus" debate.In An Introduction to the Gospels, Mitchell G. Reddish: - provides a solid, convenient survey of the Gospels in an accessible textbook format- presents up-to-date scholarship in a field that has been dominated by older texts- gives a balanced presentation of the content of the Gospels
Invitation to John: A Short-Term DISCIPLE Bible Study
by Robert D KysarThe Leader Guide provides process guidance for weekly group sessions. The Leader Guide understands the role of leader as facilitator of small-group sessions. Procedures for guiding sessions include: directions for using related video segments, and questions for discussion. The invitation from Christ is: "Come and see, Follow me". Experience the magnificent passages in John including the I am statements (I am the truth, the life and the way, I am the living water and more). Revisit stories only told in John's gospel including Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene and the raising of Lazarus. During the weekly video segments, travel into the scripture as you hear the Word, experience the grand artwork connected with each story and interview the scholar. Each week wraps up with a small group discussion on video to spark your own conversation. Participants for this Invitation to John do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. Reading just two chapters of John a week, they will discover the life altering stories that will invite them to follow Christ as true disciples. This eleven-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations, a leader guide suggesting discussion activities for use in the 60–90-minute weekly meeting, and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts. Robert D. Kysar, Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching and New Testament, Candler School of Theology, is a noted scholar on the Gospel of John. He has authored numerous articles and books, including a revised edition of John: The Maverick Gospel; Preaching John; and most recently Voyages With John: Charting the Fourth Gospel. Session titles and scripture: Come and See (John 1–2) How Is It Possible? (John 3–4) Taste for Yourself (John 5–6) To Believe or Not to Believe (John 7–8) Are We Blind? (John 9–10) I Couldn't Believe My Eyes! (John 11–12) Would You Believe It? (John 13–14) What Time Is It? (John 15–16) Look Out! (John 17–18) Believing Without Seeing (John 19–20) Do You See Him? (John 21)
A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms: The Psalms as Torah
by J. Clinton Mccann Jr.Taking his point of departure from the newest frontier of research, McCann reads the psalms in the context of their final shape and canonical form. He interprets the psalms as scripture as well as in their character as songs, prayers, and poetry from Israel's history. McCann's intent is to contribute to the church's recovery of the psalms as torah--as instruction, as a guide to prayer, praise of God, and pious living. The explicit connections which McCann draws from the psalms to the New Testament and to Christian faith and life are extensive, making his work suitable for serious study of the psalms in academic and in church settings. An appendix examines the tradition of singing the psalms and offers suggestions for the use of the psalms in worship.
The Wisdom Literature: Interpreting Biblical Texts Series (Interpreting Biblical Texts)
by Richard J. CliffordIn this volume, Richard J. Clifford seeks to make the biblical wisdom literature intelligible to modern readers. It is easy to quote the occasional proverb, say a few things about "the problem of evil" in Job, or quote "vanity of vanities, " but far more rewarding to read the whole book with an appreciative and informed eye. Opening chapters of The Wisdom Literature comment on the striking similarities between ancient and modern "wisdom literature" and on the comparable literature from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Canaan. Thereafter, a chapter is devoted to each biblical wisdom book (Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Sirach, and Wisdom of Solomon), studying not only its content but also its rhetoric -- how it engages the reader.
Expect Nothing
by Clarice BryanA inspiring & instructional guide to living out the powerful Zen tenet: by expecting nothing, we gain everything.
When Grief Breaks Your Heart
by James W. MooreSooner or later, heartache comes to everyone. Sadness, sorrow, disappointment, mourning, grief--whatever people call it--is a fact of life. People need help in knowing how to deal with grief, how to work through it, and how to grow because of it. In When Grief Breaks Your Heart, best-selling author James W. Moore explores two major questions: * What does faith say about the grief experience? * How does faith help mend a broken heart? The book, therefore, is about grief and grace. Moore shows how these two words belong together: * God's grace sustains people through the grief experience * God's love supports people when they have nowhere else to turn * God's grace brings the healing touch people so desperately need when their hearts are crushed. The book is appropriate for anyone who is experiencing grief. Pastors especially will find it helpful to keep a quantity on hand to pass out to people during grief experiences and grief counseling.
Poems to Make the Soul Sing: A Collection of Mystical Poetry through the Ages
by Alan JacobA beautifully designed collection of mystical poems to soothe, inspire and rejuvenate the soul. With a body of work spanning the centuries, from the Vedas to St Teresa of Avila, Rumi and Rilke, and arranged by transcendent themes, this book will connect readers with nature, with the stillness within themselves and with the Divine. When your soul hungers for peace, knowledge or comfort, there is no answer as profound as poetry. In a world that is increasingly noisy and disconnected from the Divine, this wonderfully inspiring collection of poems for the soul from mystics of all traditions encourages readers to listen to their own hearts, marvel at the wonder of nature and explore profound truths of life, death, eternity and God. With its elegant design and comprehensive selection of poets, the volume is ideal for gifting. Themed chapters allow readers to choose topics to explore, including: DIVINITY – what is the nature of God or the One? TRANSCENDENCE – what deep truths can we find in our spiritual quest? LOVE – how can we give and cherish most profoundly? DEVOTION – how should we explore and affirm our faith? PEACE – how can we find stillness amidst turmoil and loss? NATURE – what lessons can we learn from creation? SPIRIT – what is sacred about the individual self? From the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas and the Song of Solomon to the Divine Comedy and the Rubaiyat of Mar Khayyam, readers will find all the great mystical writers, including Attar, Ansari, St Francis of Assisi, Lao Tzu, John Donne, John Bunyan, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Elizabeth Barratt Browning, Christine Rossetti and Walt Whitman, as well as many fine but lesser-known spiritual writers. A book to give as a thoughtful gift, and also one to treasure.
The Beliefnet Guide to Islam
by Hesham A. Hassaballa Kabir HelminskiThis concise introduction to Islam offers a sophisticated and informative exploration of the history, beliefs, tenets, and practices of the second-largest religion in the world. There are 1. 3 billion Muslims in the world today, yet Islam remains a misunderstood faith. In this day and age, when issues related to Islam are dominating current affairs,The Beliefnet® Guide to Islamtakes readers into the heart of this global religion, describing its origins, its links to Judaism and Christianity, and its place and practices in the modern world. In clear, unbiased language, the authors outline the core beliefs that shape the daily lives of practicing Muslims: faith, prayer, charity, fasting and self-purification (during the period of Ramadan), and the Hajj (the annual pilgrimage to Mecca). They clarify the differences between the Sunni and the Shia, the two main branches of Islam, shedding light on a topic that has garnered attention during the current crises in Iraq and other parts of the Muslim world. Hassaballa and Helminski also look at the many misinterpretations of basic terms and beliefs that have had a serious impact on the relationship between Muslims and those who practice other religions, explaining such essentials as the meaning ofjihad,Islamic teachings on the role of women in society, and much more. From the premier source of information on religion and spirituality, the Beliefnet® Guides introduce you to the major traditions, leaders, and issues of faith in the world today.
Chesterton
by Garry Wills"Part of a literary circle that included H. G. Wells, George Bernard Shaw, Hillaire Belloc, and Max Beerbohm, G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936) wrote essays of social criticism for contemporary journals, literary criticism (including notable books on Browning, Dickens, and Shaw), and works of theology and religious argument, but may have been best known for his Father Brown mysteries. Chesterton's interest in Catholic Christianity, first expressed in Orthodoxy, led to his conversion from Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism in 1922. His classic Saint Francis of Assisi and the equally acclaimed Saint Thomas Aquinas confirmed his reputation as a writer with the rare ability to simultaneously entertain, inform, and enlighten readers. This revised edition of Garry Wills's finely crafted biography includes updates to the text and a new Introduction by the author. "--BOOK JACKET. Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Devil Is a Gentleman
by J. C. HallmanA hundred years ago, the writer and philosopher William James wrote The Varieties of Religious Experience, a seminal work that has inspired generations of scholars and eccentrics alike. James’s book argues that the religious spirit in man is best understood through the study of its most extreme forms. Varieties was a watershed effort: a bestselling portrait of history’s pluralism and a defense of the spiritual quest, in all its guises, against the era’s increasingly secular sentiments. Today, with all the old tensions between skeptics and believers still in place, J. C. Hallman pays homage to James’s exploration of offbeat religious movements. But where James relied on the testimony and biographies of prophets and mystics, Hallman travels directly to some of America’s newest and most unusual religions, trekking from Druid circles in the mossy hills of northern California to the gleaming mother church of Scientology, from lurid satanic cellars in undisclosed locations to a professional-wrestling ministry in the fundamentalist heart of Texas. Along the way, he participates in a variety of rites and reports on a broad spectrum of beliefs. Eventually Hallman adopts James as his patron saint, spiritual adviser, and intellectual companion on the journey that will culminate in the creation of this book, a compelling combination of adventure and biography, spotted with hair-raising predicaments and rife with poignant portraits of unforgettable characters, including William James himself. The Devil Is a Gentlemanmaps the spiritual contours of modern American pluralism and examines the life and legacy of one of its most profound architects. From the Hardcover edition.
Grace Will Lead Me Home
by Katherine ValentineFollowing "A Miracle for St. Cecilia's" and "A Gathering of Angels," this third endearing installment in the St. Cecelia Church series captures the everyday miracles of a small-town Catholic parish. Through the fictional New England town of Dorsetville, Katherine Valentine has created a world where the dilemmas of modern life are met with timeless grace and wit--a cause for celebration among the author's growing fan base. Doubleday
I Like Being Catholic
by Michael Leach Therese J. BorchardA celebration of the treasured traditions, rituals, and stories that run through the bloodstream of American Catholics For Andrew Greeley, it is the reverence of Christmas night and the exultation of Easter morn. Martin Scorsese, like many others, remains grateful for the nuns who rapped his knuckles but built his self-esteem. Mary Gordon recalls the sense of lightness that follows confession; Vince Lombardi, the strength he derived from Mass; and Christopher Buckley, the role St. Thomas More plays in his writing. I Like Being Catholicbrings together the memories, thought, and hopes of famous Catholics and ordinary parishioners, lapsed and "good-enough" Catholics, and those who have devoted their lives to the faith. It captures their abiding ties to and deep affection for the Church and offers the wide-ranging, sometimes surprising views on the good things that come with being Catholic. This is not a book of theology. It is about the beauty at the heart of Catholicism. It is about what Teilhard de Chardin called "the chosen part of things. " It is about family and community, the value of Catholic education, the significance of sacraments and milestones, and the cultural impact of Catholicism—there are lists of the ten best Catholic novels, the ten best Catholic movies, ten Catholic heroes of the twentieth century, ten good reasons to raise your kids Catholic, fifty things Catholics like best about being Catholic, and much more . . . I Like Being Catholicis a book for all those who have ever called themselves Catholic. It is a book of warmth, affection, humor, and love.
The Life of David
by Robert PinskyPoet, warrior, and king, David has loomed large in myth and legend through the centuries, and he continues to haunt our collective imagination, his flaws and inconsistencies making him the most approachable of biblical heroes. Robert Pinsky, former poet laureate of the United States, plumbs the depths of David’s life: his triumphs and his failures, his charm and his cruelty, his divine destiny and his human humiliations. Drawing on the biblical chronicle of David’s life as well as on the later commentaries and the Psalms——traditionally considered to be David’s own words——Pinsky teases apart the many strands of David’s story and reweaves them into a glorious narrative. Under the clarifying and captivating light of Pinsky’s erudition and imagination, and his mastery of image and expression, King David——both the man and the idea of the man——is brought brilliantly to life. From the Hardcover edition.
Meditations from a Simple Path
by Mother Teresa Mother Teresa"Works of love are always works of joy.""Do we look at the poor with compassion? They are hungry not only for food, they are hungry to be recognized as human beings.""There is only one God and He is God to all; therefore it is important that everyone is seen as equal before God."These rich words of wisdom and conviction are among the pearls of thought found in Meditations from A Simple Path. Comprised of luminous selections culled from the New York Times bestseller, this warm and very loving volume is a joyful celebration of prayer, faith, love, service, and peace.Profound and uplifting, this elegant book will provide a tremendous source of inspiration for you or someone you love. It is brimming with timeless messages for us all.From the Hardcover edition.
The Mountain of Silence
by Kyriacos C. MarkidesAn acclaimed expert in Christian mysticism travels to a monastery high in the Trodos Mountains of Cyprus and offers a fascinating look at the Greek Orthodox approach to spirituality that will appeal to readers of Carlos Castaneda. In an engaging combination of dialogues, reflections, conversations, history, and travel information, Kyriacos C. Markides continues the exploration of a spiritual tradition and practice little known in the West he began in Riding with the Lion. His earlier book took readers to the isolated peninsula of Mount Athos in northern Greece and into the group of ancient monasteries. There, in what might be called a "Christian Tibet," two thousand monks and hermits practice the spiritual arts to attain a oneness with God. In his new book, Markides follows Father Maximos, one of Mount Athos's monks, to the troubled island of Cyprus. As Father Maximos establishes churches, convents, and monasteries in this deeply divided land, Markides is awakened anew to the magnificent spirituality of the Greek Orthodox Church. Images of the land and the people of Cyprus and details of its tragic history enrich the Mountain of Silence. Like the writings of Castaneda, the book brilliantly evokes the confluence of an inner and outer journey. The depth and richness of its spiritual message echo the thoughts and writings of Saint Francis of Assisi and other great saints of the Church as well. The result is a remarkable work-a moving, profoundly human examination of the role and the power of spirituality in a complex and confusing world.
The Nine Commandments
by David Noel Freedman Jeffrey C. Geoghegan Michael M. HomanIn a book certain to be as controversial as Harold Bloom's The Book of J and Elaine Pagels's The Gnostic Gospels, David Noel Freedman delves into the Old Testament and reveals a pattern of defiance of the Covenant with God that inexorably led to the downfall of the nation of Israel, the destruction of the Temple, and the banishment of survivors from the Promised Land. Book by book, from Exodus to Kings, Freedman charts the violation of the first nine Commandments one by one-from the sin of apostasy (the worship of the golden calf, Exodus 32) to murder (the death of a concubine, Judges, 19:25-26) to false testimony (Jezebel's charges against her neighbor, Naboth, I Kings 21). Because covetousness, Freedman shows, lies behind all the crimes committed, each act implicitly breaks the Tenth Commandment as well. In a powerful and persuasive argument, Freedman asserts that this hidden trail of sins betrays the hand of a master editor, who skillfully wove into Israel's history a message to a community in their Babylonian exile that their fate is not the result of God's abandoning them, but a consequence of their abandonment of God. With wit and insight, The Nine Commandments boldly challenges previous scholarship and conventional beliefs. David Noel Freedman has been General Editor and a contributing coauthor of the Anchor Bible series since its inception in 1956. He is a professor in Hebrew Bible at the University of California, San Diego, and lives in La Jolla, California.
A Thousand Names for Joy: Living in Harmony with the Way Things Are
by Byron KatieInspired by the 'Tao Te Ching', this is Byron Katie's inspiring and pragmatic approach to achieving an awakened mind and living more simply and profoundly. Using the template of the 81 chapters of the 'Tao Te Ching' Byron Katie talks about her own experience of life in harmony with the way things are. Katie Herself doesn't know anything about Eastern religion. As she says, she just knows the difference between what hurts and what doesn't. But like Lao-tzu, she speaks with such honesty and truth that it can seem irreverent. Katie has written two books that teach how suffering can be relieved by questioning the thoughts that create it, the thoughts that argue with reality. This questioning takes courage, and in her third book, Katie gives readers profound encouragement by showing them the freedom and love that live on the other side of self-inquiry. Many people believe that although enlightenment was attainable thousands of years ago by a few great saints or ascetics, such a state is out of reach of anyone living in the modern world, let alone themselves. This richly detailed account by bestselling Byron Katie has the ability to change that belief. Katie's variations on the theme of self-realisation are which are profound, vibrant, funny and crystal clear and all rooted in the familiar circumstances of everyday life.
The Beliefnet Guide to Kabbalah
by Arthur GoldwagThis lively, easy-to-follow guide to Kabbalah introduces the ancient Jewish mystical tradition that has captured the interest of Hollywood stars and the general public alike. With celebrities like Madonna, Paris Hilton, Demi Moore, and Britney Spears announcing their fascination with Kabbalah, curiosity about this ancient Jewish mystical tradition continues to grow. The Beliefnet® Guide to Kabbalah is a highly informative, reader-friendly overview of Kabbalah, whose messages Moses is said to have received from God on Mount Sinai. A collection of speculations on the nature of divinity, the creation, the origins and fate of the soul, and the role of human beings in the world, Kabbalah’s meaning and messages have influenced Jews, Christians, and others alike—and intrigued scholars for generations. The Beliefnet® Guide to Kabbalah covers the essentials of Kabbalah’s history, sheds light on what Kabbalists believe (including their views on angels and demons and on the afterlife), and provides instructions on both traditional and contemporary meditative, devotional, mystical, and magical practices. Sidebars featuring key facts, anecdotes, and frequently asked questions add to the book’s scope and appeal. From the premier source of information on religion and spirituality, the Beliefnet® Guides introduce you to the major traditions, leaders, and issues of faith in the world today. From the Trade Paperback edition.
The Crisis of Islam
by Bernard LewisPresident Bush has made it clear that we are engaged in a war against terrorism. But for Usama bin Laden and his followers this is religious war, a war for Islam against infidels, especially the United States, the greatest power in the world of the infidels. In this book Bernard Lewis shows us where the anger and frustration have come from, and the extent to which almost the entire Muslim world is affected by poverty and tyranny. He looks at the influence of extreme Wahhabist doctrines in the Saudi kingdom, where custodianship of Islam's holy places and the revenues of oil have given world-wide impact to what would otherwise have been an extremist fringe in a marginal country. He looks at American double standards, which have long caused Muslim anger. He tells us what the real meaning is of Islamic fundamentalism', jihad' and fatwa', and why the peoples of the Middle East are conscious of history in a way that most Americans find difficult to understand.
Holy Blood, Holy Grail: The Secret History of Christ. The Shocking Legacy of the Grail
by Michael Baigent Richard Leigh Henry LincolnIs the traditional, accepted view of the life of Christ in some way incomplete? • Is it possible Christ did not die on the cross? • Is it possible Jesus was married, a father, and that his bloodline still exists? • Is it possible that parchments found in the South of France a century ago reveal one of the best-kept secrets of Christendom? • Is it possible that these parchments contain the very heart of the mystery of the Holy Grail? According to the authors of this extraordinarily provocative, meticulously researched book, not only are these things possible — they are probably true! so revolutionary, so original, so convincing, that the most faithful Christians will be moved; here is the book that has sparked worldwide controversey. "Enough to seriously challenge many traditional Christian beliefs, if not alter them. " —Los Angeles Times Book Review "LikeChariots of the Gods?. . . the plot has all the elements of an international thriller. " —Newsweek From the Paperback edition.
Christianity, Cults, and the Occult
by Rose PublishingChristianity, Cults, and the Occult: Compare 11 Groups with Biblical ChristianityMany teenagers and adults know at least one person who has been involved with some sort of occult practice, whether it be reading horoscopes or being interested in astrology. A Barna Group survey reveals that nearly 75% of all U.S. teens have dabbled in some form of psychic activity or witchcraft.Christianity, Cults, and the Occult, an ebook that can be read in 30 minutes or less, takes a close look at eleven cultic movements that have a wide range of occult connections and compares them to the origins and key beliefs of Christianity.Christianity, Cults, and the Occult helps Christians understand their own beliefs and explains the backgrounds of different occults, a list of occult terms and definitions, as well as Scriptural warnings against the occult.People enjoy discussing this topic and the ebook will equip them to know how deal with the occult when it confronts them in their schools or neighborhoods. Christianity, Cults, and the Occult explains why people are attracted to occult groups like Kabbalah which include people like Madonna and Demi Moore.Christians need to understand what's behind the different cults and occult so you can express to others how and why your beliefs are different. Christianity, Cults, and the Occult addresses the following topics for each of the 11 movements:*Origins (founders, dates, headquarters)*Key writings*Key beliefs*Occultic practices*Affiliated organizations*Symbols and photos*News and controversiesThese are the 11 cults examined in Christianity, Cults, and the Occult:*Freemasonry (Masons, the Masonic Lodge)*Kabbalah*Wicca/Neopaganism *Satanism *Spiritualism *Santería*Voodoo *Theosophy*Anthroposophy*Rosicrucianism *EckankarMore than ever, you need clear, reliable information so you can speak intelligently when talking about your Christian beliefs. Christianity, Cults, and the Occult provides you with information that will help you understand, pray for, and offer help to others who are interested in the occult.
The Faith
by Brian MoynahanFor general readers and historians, an account of the Christian religion's defining events and people. Moynihan, a British journalist, made use of many primary sources and tells the story with verve: "There is something of the wolf to the religion that adores the Lamb," he writes, "and the characters to be found in these pages mirror every condition of humanity. There are crusaders and pacifists, mystics, hermits, jolly friars, and joyless puritans, polygamists, flagellants, missionaries, both sensitive and crass, misogynists, heroines, bigots, popes, emperors, and the frankly deranged. " In short, he covers Christianity's successful expansion as well as its catastrophes. B&W illustrations are scattered through the lengthy text. Annotation c. Book News, Inc. , Portland, OR (booknews. com)
Ngondro for Our Current Day: A Short Ngondro Practice and its Instructions
by Ogyen Trinley DorjeIn this succinct teaching presented in 2006 by His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa in Bodhgaya, India, students are guided through a shortened version of the preliminaries for mahamudra practice, which His Holiness composed with the aim of benefiting practitioners from developed countries who often lead busy lives. The complete practice, in Brief Recitations, is written in English, Tibetan, and Tibetan transliteration, and complete instructions for the Four Special Preliminaries are provided, with the exception of guru yoga. His Holiness guides students through the details of each practice, including the visualizations of Refuge, Vajrasattva purification, and Mandala offerings, often punctuated with his good humor. A summary of the practice sequences and a list of precepts of the refuge vow are also included in two appendices.
What Christianity Has Done for the World
by Rose PublishingA recent study concluded that Christianity's image is the United States is declining, especially among young people. Only 16% of non-Christians between the ages of 16 and 29 have a "good impression" of Christianity according to Barna Research. Evangelicals come under the severest criticism, with only 3% of 16-29 year olds having a favorable view of this group of Christians.This pamphlet was written to show this generation some of the "good deeds" that Christians have done over the past 2000 years.The Scriptures say that even non-Christians will glorify God when they see the kindness and good works done by Christians (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12)It includes dozens of examples, from the abolition of slavery in England to advances in medicine and science. Includes specifics about educating the poor, feeding the hungry, caring for lepers, and reforming laws to protect the weak. This is a valuable reference guide--buy one for a skeptical friend and another for yourself. Examples are taken from art, literature, science, medicine, law, education, philosophy, charity, and equality for all people.
الفوائد
by ابن القيمأساس كل خير أن تعلم أن ما شاء الله كان وما لم يشأ لم يكن، فتتيقن حينئذ أن الحسنات من نعمه فتشكره عليها. وتتضرع إليه ألا يقطعان عنك، وأن السيئات من خذلانه وعقوبته، فنبتهل إليه أن يحول بينك وبينها، ولا يكلك في فعل الحسنات وترك السيئات إلى نفسك. وقد أجمع العارفون على أن كل خير فأصله بتوفيق الله للعبد. وكل شر فأصله خذلانه لعبده. وأجمعوا أن التوفيق ألا يكلك الله نفسك وأن الخذلان هو أن يخلي بينك وبين نفسك. فإذا كان كل خير فأصله التوفيق وهو بيد العبد فمفتاحه الدعاء والافتقار وصدق اللجئ والرغبة والرهبة إليه، فمتى أعطي العبد هذا المفتاح فقد أراد أن يفتح له، ومتى أضله عن المفتاح بقي باب الخير مُرْتَجًا دونه. قال أمير المؤمنين عمر بن الخطاب: إني لا أحمل هم الإجابة ولكن هم الدعاء فإن الإجابة معه. وعلى قدر نية العبد وهمته ومراده ورغبته في ذلك يكون توفيقه سبحانه وإعانته، فالمعونة من الله تنزل على العباد على قدرهم وثباتهم ورغبتهم ورهبتهم، والخذلان ينزل عليهم على حسب ذلك، فالله سبحانه أحكم الحاكمين وأعلم العالمين، يضع التوفيق في مواضعه اللائقة به والخذلان في مواضعه اللائقة به، وهو العليم الحكيم. وما أتي من أتي إلا من قِبَل إضاعة الشكر وإهمال الافتقار والدعاء، ولا ظفر من ظفر بمشيئة الله وعونه إلا بقيامه بالشكر وصدق الافتقار والدعاء. وملاك ذلك الصبر فإنه من الإيمان بمنزله الرأس من الجسد، فإذا قطع الرأس فلا بقاء لجسد. ما ضرب عبد بعقوبة أعظم من قسوة القلب والبعد عن الله. خلقت النار لإذابة القلوب القاسية. أبعد القلوب من الله القلب القاسي. إذا قسا القلب قحطت العين. قسوة القلب من أربعة أشياء إذا جاوزت قدر الحاجة: الأكل والنوم والكلام والمخاطبة. كما أن البدن إذا مرض لم ينفع فيه الطعام والشراب. فكذلك القلب إذا مرض بالشهوات لم تنجح فيه المواعظ. من أراد صفاء قلبه فليؤثر الله على شهوته. القلوب المتعلقة بالشهوات محجوبة عن الله بقدر تعلقها بها. القلوب آنية الله في أرضه، فأحبها إليه أرقها وأصلبها وأصفاها. شغلوا قلوبهم بالدنيا، ولو شغلوها بالله والدار الآخرة لجالت في معاني كلامه وآياته المشهودة ورجعت إلى أصحابها بغرائب الحكم وظرف الفوائد. إذا غذي القلب بالتذكر وسقي بالتفكر ونقي من الدغل، رأى العجائب وألهم الحكمة. ليس كل من تحلى بالمعرفة والحكمة وانتحلها كان من أهلها، بل أهل المعرفة والحكمة الذين أحيوا قلوبهم بقتل الهوى. وأما من قتل قلبه فأحيا الهوى، فالمعرفة والحكمة عارية على لسانه. خراب القلب من الأمن والغفلة، وعمارته من الخشية والذكر. إذا زهدت القلوب في موائد الدنيا قعدت على موائد الآخرة بين أهل تلك الدعوة، وإذا رضيت بموائد الدنيا فاتتها تلك الموائد. الشوق إلى الله ولقائه نسيم يهب على القلب يروح عنه وهج الدنيا. من وطن قلبه عند ربه سكن واستراح، ومن أرسله في الناس اضطرب واشتد به القلق. لا تدخل محبة الله في قلب فيه حب الدنيا إلا كما يدخل الجمل في سم الإبرة. إذا أحب الله عبدا اصطنعه لنفسه واجتباه لمحبته واستخلصه لعبادته فشغل همته بخدمته.