The King's Generous Servant and the True Gift

 

Once upon a time, there was a mighty king who had conquered vast territories through numerous wars. He owed his victories to his four loyal ministers who fought valiantly by his side. One day, the king decided to celebrate his triumphs by hosting a grand feast, inviting esteemed guests from far and wide. During this momentous occasion, the king chose to honor his faithful ministers for their unwavering loyalty and bravery.

Gathering his ministers before the gathered guests, the king proclaimed, "You four have played a crucial role in our victories. As a token of my gratitude, I offer to grant each of you a heartfelt desire. Whatever your hearts desire, I shall fulfill it." The ministers, one by one, stepped forward and expressed their wishes.

The first minister, hailing from a humble background, spoke earnestly to the king, "Your Majesty, I come from a poor family that has suffered from hunger and deprivation. I wish for wealth and prosperity." The king, moved by the minister's plea, commanded his treasury servant to bestow a generous sum upon him, ensuring his newfound affluence.

The second minister approached the king, sharing his longing for a grand residence akin to the royal palace. Deeply understanding the minister's aspirations, the king directed his servants to construct a magnificent palace befitting his faithful servant.

Next, the third minister expressed his desire for a well-built road leading to his village. Although he possessed wealth and a comfortable home, the lack of a proper pathway hindered his daily journey. Responding empathetically, the king ordered the construction of a splendid royal road, ensuring a smooth passage for his devoted minister.

Finally, the turn came for the fourth minister. Overwhelmed by emotions, tears streamed down his face as he struggled to voice his request. The king, sensing the depth of his servant's sentiment, urged him to speak without hesitation. With a heavy heart, the minister sobbed, "Your Majesty, I do not seek riches, lavish abodes, or splendid paths. All I wish for is your gracious presence in my humble home, to spend a few days with me and my family." Touched by the sincerity of his request, the king assured him, "It shall be done. I am honored to accept your invitation and live amongst you and your loved ones."

As the king made preparations to visit the minister's home, he discovered that his loyal servant was indeed impoverished, lacking both adequate shelter and wealth. Determined to rectify this disparity, the king commanded the construction of a grand house, rivaling his own palace, ensuring a comfortable stay. Additionally, he arranged for a substantial sum of money to accompany him, ensuring the minister's needs were met. A royal path was also constructed, enabling the king's seamless journey to the minister's village. In the end, the generous servant received the same blessings bestowed upon his fellow ministers.

The moral of this story reminds us to seek the giver rather than merely focusing on the gift. True fulfillment lies in establishing a connection with the divine, transcending material desires. When we invite God into our lives, all other blessings follow naturally, showering us with abundance and contentment.

The Miraculous Escape: A Story of Courage and Transformation

 

In this inspiring tale recounted by Anthony Robbins, we learn about the extraordinary journey of Stanislavsky Lech, a survivor of the Krakow Death Camp. As he witnessed the Nazis mercilessly murder his family after being herded into Krakow, Stanislavsky found himself trapped in a world of grief, hunger, and despair.

 

However, he decided to change his perspective and pose a different question: "How can we escape from such a place?" Although the initial response remained bleak—"There is no escape"—Stanislavsky persisted, seeking alternative ways to phrase his inquiry: "How can I do it?"

 

Fate intervened when he detected the pungent odor of decaying flesh near his work area. Observing the bodies of recently gassed victims being loaded onto a truck, Stanislavsky altered his question once more: "How can I use this to help me escape?" Instead of questioning why such atrocities were allowed, he focused on leveraging the situation to his advantage.

 

Upon returning from work the following evening, he found the truck present once again. Seizing a critical opportunity, he discreetly shed his clothes and joined the lifeless bodies, feigning death. Immersed in the chilling embrace of corpses, he endured the suffocating stench, patiently waiting as the vehicle transported them to an open grave. Only when silence prevailed, indicating their departure, did he dare to venture out.

 

To his astonishment, they were gone. In a daring act, naked and vulnerable, Stanislavsky embarked on a harrowing 25-mile sprint to freedom that fateful night.

 

This extraordinary escape was made possible because Stanislavsky changed his question, tapping into his intuition or higher self. By asking a different inquiry, he received an answer that guided him towards liberation. This story reminds us of the power of our own perspective and the importance of knowing where we seek assistance in overcoming challenges.

 

Stanislavsky Lech's resilience and unwavering determination serve as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. His remarkable escape from the clutches of Krakow Death Camp inspires us to reframe our questions, discover our inner strength, and triumph over adversity.

A Legacy of Compassion: The Unseen Impact

 In the somber silence of the room, I sat before the lifeless body of my father. The weight of grief pressed upon my heart, mingling with memories of a man who had touched so many lives. It was during this solemn moment that an old lady, wrinkled with age and carrying the weight of her own stories, approached me.

 

With trembling hands, she shared a tale that would forever change the way I saw my father. She spoke of a winter evening, when despair had enveloped her home. There was nothing to eat, and the lack of money made the situation seem even more hopeless. In her deepest moments of despair, she had prepared what she thought would be her final meal, ready to succumb to the darkness that had consumed her soul.

But on that very evening, a glimmer of hope arrived unexpectedly, in the form of my father's truck. It was Christmas day, and he appeared with an abundance of food items and groceries, enough to sustain her and her child for several months. She spoke with a quiver in her voice, recalling how her tears mingled with gratitude as she accepted the gifts, realizing that there was still goodness left in the world.

As the harsh winter gave way to a season of rebirth, the old lady found herself blessed with a newfound opportunity. Through unwavering determination, she secured a job that not only sustained her family but also allowed her child to continue his education. The path that my father had paved for her had led her to a life of dignity and hope.

In the presence of the gathered mourners, she bravely shared her story. Her words pierced through the veil of sorrow, touching the hearts of all who listened. Tears flowed freely down the faces of those around me as they witnessed the immense impact my father had made, not just on our lives, but on the lives of others.

The room resonated with a mixture of emotions—grief, but also a profound gratitude for a man who had selflessly reached out to those in need. The old lady's story became a testament to the depth of my father's kindness, his capacity to bring light to the darkest corners of despair.

In that moment, surrounded by tears and shared memories, a newfound understanding settled within me. My father's legacy was not just confined to our familial bonds; it extended far beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of strangers. It was a reminder that even the simplest acts of compassion can sow seeds of hope that flourish long after we are gone.

As the old lady's voice faded and the room fell into a hushed stillness, I held onto that realization, cherishing the knowledge that my father's spirit would continue to inspire and touch lives, even in his absence. And though the pain of loss remained, it was softened by the comfort of knowing that his memory would forever be entwined with stories of love, generosity, and the power of a single act of kindness.

Strangers' Haven: A Journey of Unforeseen Blessings

Once upon a time, in a land far away, I found myself in a completely unfamiliar country. With wide eyes and a heart full of curiosity, I stepped onto the bustling streets of this new land, ready to embark on an adventure like no other.

 

As I strolled through the city, taking in the sights and sounds, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of excitement and apprehension. Everything around me was so different, from the language spoken to the customs observed. The vibrant atmosphere engulfed me as I continued my walk, eager to explore the hidden gems this foreign land had to offer.

Lost in my thoughts, I meandered away from the city center and found myself in the countryside. The narrow roads led me to a breathtaking scene: a group of chained elephants, their majestic presence contrasting with the humble carts they pulled. The carts were laden with colorful bushes, creating a mesmerizing display.

As I stood there, marveling at the beauty before me, I caught sight of some native people standing nearby. Their eyes lit up as they noticed me, mistaking me for a wealthy traveler. Their voices filled with hope, they approached me, eager to secure employment. They saw in me an opportunity to improve their lives, a chance for a better future.

Politely declining their offers, I continued my journey, grateful for the encounter but unsure of what lay ahead. The roads led me to a bus stop, and with a weary sigh, I settled on a bench, longing for a moment of respite. As I sat there, lost in my own thoughts, a tea shop caught my attention.

The aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air, inviting me in. I stepped inside, hoping to wash my hands and quench my thirst. To my surprise, I found familiar faces amidst the crowd. A group of people from my own village, who had migrated to this foreign land before me, sat in a corner, engaged in animated conversation.

Excited to see them, I rushed over and greeted them warmly. They smiled back, thrilled by the unexpected reunion. However, their smiles quickly faded as they explained their situation. They had entered into an agreement with their landlord, which restricted them from accommodating any more people without prior permission.

Disheartened but understanding, I bid them farewell and resumed my quest for a place to stay. Moments later, as I sat on the bus contemplating my next move, a woman with a child caught my attention. She smiled warmly, her eyes radiating kindness.

Taking a leap of faith, she approached me and, with broken English, asked me to accompany them to their destination. They were heading towards the next bus stop and invited me to stay with them. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I accepted their invitation, tears welling up in my eyes.

It was in that moment, surrounded by strangers who had become my saviors, that I felt a profound sense of belonging. The kindness and hospitality of these strangers, who had crossed my path in this foreign land, touched my heart. I silently thanked God for orchestrating this divine encounter, providing me with the support and comfort I so desperately needed.

As the bus moved forward, carrying us to our destination, I couldn't help but marvel at the unpredictable nature of life. In the midst of unfamiliarity and uncertainty, strangers had become my companions, transforming this foreign land into a place I could call home.

Land of the Dying and the Land of Living

Professional golfer Paul Azinger was diagnosed with cancer at age 33.

He had just won a PGA championship and had ten tournament victories to his credit.

He wrote, "A genuine feeling of fear came over me. I could die from cancer. Then another reality hit me even harder. I'm going to die eventually anyway, whether from cancer or something else. It's just a question of when.

Everything I had accomplished in golf became meaningless to me. All I wanted to do was live."

Then he remembered something that Larry Moody, who teaches a Bible study on the tour, had said to him.

"Zinger, we're not in the land of the living going to the land of the dying. We're in the land of the dying trying to get to the land of the living."

Golfer Paul Azinger recovered from chemotherapy and returned to the PGA tour.

He's done pretty well.

But that bout with cancer deepened his perspective. He wrote, "I've made a lot of money since I've been on the tour, and I've won a lot of tournaments, but that happiness is always temporary.

The only way you will ever have true contentment is in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I'm not saying that nothing ever bothers me and I don't have problems, but I feel like I've found the answer to the six-foot hole."

Paul's message was a great reminder for us that our life here on earth is just a dress rehearsal for eternity.

We should always aim to please God and let Him be the center of our lives.

Today, if you feel overwhelmed, stressed, and tired take a short break. Breathe, utter a prayer, and meditate your memory verse.

Life can be much easier if we marinate our minds with scriptures throughout the day.

How The Tortoise Got The Cracks On His Shell

Once upon a time in the animal kingdom, there was a famine. The animals in the kingdom all starved and looked very lean except the birds.

When the Tortoise noticed this, he decided to find out from the birds where they got their food.

The birds refused, citing the Tortoise's cunning as a reason why they wouldn’t disclose it.

The Tortoise continued to plead and promised not to play any tricks. The birds then agreed to tell him.

They told him of a feast held high up in the heavens for anyone who could make it up there.

The Tortoise thought about it and realized that it would be impossible for him to get to the heavens because he had no wings. However, an idea struck him; he said, “if only each of you would lend me a feather to attach to my body which would serve as a wing.”

The birds agreed and gave him a feather to attach to his body to form wings.

Before they left, the birds asked him to take a ceremonial name, one which he would be addressed by when he got to the heavens.

After thinking about it, the Tortoise said he should be called “Everyone of you," and so they left for the feast.

When they arrived, they were welcomed by the host of heaven and led to the table where a banquet was prepared. “This food is for every one of you,” said the host before leaving.

At that point, the Tortoise stepped forward and reminded them that his ceremonial name was “Everyone of you" and, as such, the food belonged to him alone.

He then went ahead to eat the entire food. When he was done, his smooth shell shone brightly.

The birds were very angry with him and they all agreed to take back their feathers, leaving him with no wings.

The Tortoise, however, pleaded with one of the birds to take a message home for him. “Tell my wife to bring out the softest materials, the beds and the pillows in my house, and put them out under the heavens, so that I can land safely when I jump down.”

The bird agreed to take the message, but when he got to the house of the Tortoise, he changed the message. “Your husband has instructed that you bring out the strong and hard materials in the house out in the open,” he said.

When the Tortoise saw his wife bringing out materials, he became assured that he would be able to land safely.

When she had finished, the Tortoise leaped from the heavens and crashed into the hard materials. His smooth shell shattered into several pieces.

It took the best healer in the land to put his shell together. Thus, until this day, the Tortoise has a broken shell as a reminder of what his greed cost him.

Who is the Leader

 

Once upon a time, members of the human body council met in order to choose a leader. Each member introduced himself to explain the role he played in the entire human body.

The Hand also announced, ‘ I want to be the leader because it is I who helps the man. If provoked, I can defend the human body by administering shots. The head should be strong. If someone is sick, I make him eat. If you need to cut something, you use me.

 

The members said to the Hand, ‘You cannot be our leader because you slap people, you hit people and you touch everything. Therefore, we do not give you the power.’

The Eyes spoke up, asking for power. He said, ‘We make it possible for people to move around, read, and see the light of day.’

The members replied to the Eyes, ‘Look, you are hungry, you are thieves, you look at the neighbor's wife, the diamond in a package, and other people’s money. You cannot be a leader.’ Other members refused.

The Foot in turn told the members, ‘I want to be the leader because I move people from one place to another.’

The members said to the Foot, ‘Foot, you perform karate, you kick people, you are always hidden in the shoe. You do not deserve to be our leader.’

The Knee said, ‘I want to be the leader because, if someone wants to pray, he kneels.’

The members said to the Knee, ‘You are hidden under people’s clothing. You cannot be our leader.’

The Mouth said, ‘I want to be the leader because, when I go to the Senate, I will speak for you.’

The members said to the Mouth, ‘You Mouth are provocative. You do not have self-control. You insult people, you accuse people falsely. You cannot be our leader.’

There remained only one member, and that was the Anus. He told members that he also wanted to be chief.

The members became very angry and told the Anus that, even if the power was given to every other member, they could not give it to the Anus. 

Anus said, ‘You will all know that I am the head. I will go home and you shall seek me.’ The Anus went home and closed his door.

The other members stayed to the party. The Hand took the food and gave it to the Mouth. The very happy Mouth ate joyfully. She sent it to the Stomach and the Stomach was happy to receive the food. The man walked around without any problem. The Feet moved smoothly.

The first day passed, the man was well. On the second day, things still went well, as well as the third day. However, on the fourth day, oh oh oh, the man's belly was bloated. His eyes were puffy, his hands and feet were shaking. The man was unable to move.

On the fifth day, the members decided to seek the Anus at his house. When they arrived at Mr. Anus’ house, they said to him, ‘Anus, it is you who should be our leader, we came to hand power over to you.’ Therefore, Anus accepted the offer.

He pressed the first button, the man let out some gas. The man begins to move his hands and feet and they asked the man, how are you now? The man replied, ‘I feel better.’ Mr. Anus pressed the second button, and the man was able to empty his bowel and felt comfortable.

 

 Moral:

Dear friends, really, all members of the body are very important and each member plays an important role in the life of a person. The foot cannot say to the eye, ‘You are not important.’ The hand cannot say to the head, ‘That does not matter.’ All members perform useful functions.