Friday, March 6, 2009

The Suffering Antidote in Krishna Books

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada translated and wrote many commentaries on Krishna, but more specifically about what he is like in his original, personal form.

They are also about he how he is doing in the eternal spiritual world. In the temporary world of manifold miseries, one will understand his transcendental activities that can attain the transcendental platform of eternal existence in full bliss and knowledge. The Krishna books tend to provide much more fascinating stories and invaluable spiritual knowledge.

Once you see the Krishna books, then you may like many others that express doubt. In fact, they wonder if they are mythology or if they are suppose to take his messages literally. Some feel that Krishna is just as imaginary as Superman or mythological gods of ancient lore. These people instead of rejecting Krishna as imaginary, they need to understand who he is, because he is much more than a hero or myth. His pastimes are described in these books and are transcendental. They deal with the philosophical understanding of the cause of all causes.

Many wonder how the ultimate truth can be a person, but Krishna's personality is not limited or material. He possesses the opulences of wealth, fame, beauty, knowledge, strength, and renunciation. Since so many people have had bitter experiences with people being imperfect and mortal, which is why it is so easy to come to the conclusion that truth can not have a personal form. Jiva Gosvami informs us that if we do not accept the truth as inconceivable, then we will never begin to understand him.

Krishna is a person, but he is not limited, frail, nor mortal as we are. Another pressing objection to taking Krishna consciousness seriously is that the concept of God as the supreme is valid, and understanding how it relevant to us today. We are faced with practical and urgent problems of economic and class struggles, and there is the imminent threat of nuclear war. It is wondered how can Krishna help with our everyday predicaments.

Unless we know the truth, then we can never solve problems arising from the immediate, relative truths. An expert physician knows certain symptoms indicate a specific disease and by curing the disease, then he can cure all the symptoms. Similarly, the world's problems of conflict, scarcity, oppression, disease, and so on, are merely symptoms of our ignorance of life's real purpose, which is know, serve, and love Him.

Unless our leaders become enlightened in God consciousness and attack the root cause of social ills, not to mention widespread spiritual ignorance, then no palliative measures can ever succeed in curing the body politic. Human propensity for love has to be satisfied in terms of real and its spiritual needs. Our ultimate need is to understand our intimate loving relationship with Krishna, who is not irrelevant. In fact, attempting to solve our problems without Him is irrelevant.

Forgetting him is disobeying His codes of universal religion are the causes of all suffering. Careful study of the Krishna books is not a waste of time, but an activity of the utmost importance. For those of us not interested in reading lengthy treatises on transcendental philosophy, Srila Prabhupada has presented the Krishna books in the attractive form of short stories comprising ninety chapters.

Krishna books are actually a summary study of the Tenth Canto of the Sanskrit scripture Srimad-Bhagavatam, which describes Lord Krishna's all attractive pastimes. They make the essence of this most sublime Vedic literature accessible to modern readers all over the world. The relevance to our modern difficulties becomes even clearer when we consider the setting of the original narration of Srimad-Bhagavatam, which was a sacred forest in India five thousand years ago.

The sage narrated the pastimes of Lord Krishna to the emperor Parikshit, who had been cursed to die within seven days. By their practical example, these two exalted persons teach us that life's ultimate purpose is to hear about, glorify, and remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead. King Parikshit was especially intent on hearing about Krishna, because he knew he would die in a matter of hours. He was confident that by hearing about Krishna during his last moments, he would attain the eternal, spiritual world and thus escape the cycle of birth and death.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about model boats, boat parts, and model submarines. You will find the best shopping at these sites for challenging model kits, used boat parts.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Money, Self-Help, and Mysticism - 9 Spiritual Steps to Help Banish Financial Fears

It seems just about everyone is needing to be more mindful about money these days. People are cutting back more than ever and finally paying more attention to their spending habits.

For some, so far, it's only a matter of awareness. All the recession talk is causing them to be more cautious, even though their income and expenses, to this date, have not changed much.

Others, after losing their job or experiencing major pay cuts, are having trouble meeting basic expenses like their rent or mortgage payment.

One good thing that may come from the recession includes an increasing number of people taking more responsibility for their financial future. Many will think twice before whipping out a credit card on every impulse. Things that seemed like necessities in the past, such as a nicer car, dining out frequently, expensive cups of coffee, or the hippest new fashions from the trendiest stores are being bypassed for alternatives.

Despondent about when things will get better? It varies for everyone. Periods of financial struggle and times of abundance throughout your life can be readily identified; they are symbolized through cyclical timing methods in the comprehensive numerology and astrology charts or foretold by some psychics. Likewise, your overall money fate over the course of your entire life can be determined as well; below, average, above, or way above average financial prosperity is symbolized in the comprehensive chart patterns. If this concept is new to you and you're skeptical, we understand. It took us many years to recognize the authenticity and accept the notion of, fixed personal fate.

How does this concept apply to someone who is always in debt? It indicates they may be living beyond their means, buying more than what they are destined to possess (unless they are destined to have more money but are subconsciously blocking financial success, which is discernible through handwriting analysis). They may think it's their "birthright" to have and buy whatever they want, when they want it. But if they want to get out of debt and remain there, they must reduce their spending and accept the level of material abundance that their soul (not their conscious self) chose before incarnating.

For those who are financially responsible but have hit a temporary rough patch, or for anyone else who wants to make the most of their financial fate, we offer two different methods to help whenever you're feeling apprehensive about your finances.

The first is what we call the Mystic's Magic Formula.

1) Make time to consider your situation from a spiritual perspective. Review your assumptions and expectations and let them go.

2) Accept what has happened, what is, and where you are (essential in order to move on). Surrender to your inner wisdom. Establish and cultivate your goals after determining if they are relatively realistic.

3) Gratitude: express it for where you are, everything rewarding in your life that you have, and the good that will be, and strengthen your faith by continuing to emotionalize the desired, end result.

4) Invite help from your higher-self, guides of the Light and, or God.

5) Calm your mind and fears and awaken your awareness through meditation

6) What's the next step? Ask this every step of the way and be open for clues.

7) Assume responsibility for yourself and your situation (no blaming).

8) Navigate your path with the tools available to you: numerology and astrology, meditation, past life regression, graphology, and other effective self-help methods.

9) Do what you need to do, when you need to do it (and do "the right thing" in all situations).

The second method is easier and especially helpful when you are feeling depressed, confused, or helpless about your situation. It can be used anywhere, anytime, and when practiced often, it will make a world of difference and generate enormous peace of mind.

Instead of feeding your depression or feelings of lack, elevate your energy and change your state of mind. That may sound a bit vague, but it's fairly easy to do: just feel excited about more money, a better work environment, more clients, more love, a better date, or whatever, but the trick is to feel in general terms, such as simply "mass abundance."

Don't think of details yet or analyze how you can reach your goal. When you feel the worry energy weighing down your heart and solar-plexus (stomach) chakras areas, instead of giving in to it, transmute it, replace it with the positive energy of excitement. Feel excited and let the energy rise and then imagine yourself merging with a higher, protective, and guiding power. Perceive yourself surrounded and filled with a bright, white light. Make this process a regular habit.

Feel as if your dilemma is solved. What's that really like for you? A huge sense of relief? Satisfaction? Generate all the positive emotions. Getting excited about the idea of a solution will more easily allow you to perceive the most fitting one when it's time for you to do so. Worrying about something? Cancel that (think, "cancel, cancel, cancel") and correct and, or reverse the fear-based imagery in your mind; feel excited as if everything is working out better than expected. Keep feeling the excitement over and over and it will help to cancel out dark or negative energy that may be interfering and causing you to experience more fear than usual.

Everything goes in unique cycles, including your finances. Even though you can't skip the tough parts of life, you can use your free will to make the most of your personal fate and your stay on this planet.

Scott Petullo and Stephen Petullo are identical twins and have been exploring metaphysics since the early 1980s. They are experts in the fields of prediction, personal fate, love life, and past life regression, and are natural psychics and mediums. Get their free report: 13 Spiritual and New Age Myths and 11 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Psychic. http://www.mystictwins.com

The Suffering Antidote in Krishna Books

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada translated and wrote many commentaries on Krishna, but more specifically about what he is like in his original, personal form.

They are also about he how he is doing in the eternal spiritual world. In the temporary world of manifold miseries, one will understand his transcendental activities that can attain the transcendental platform of eternal existence in full bliss and knowledge. The Krishna books tend to provide much more fascinating stories and invaluable spiritual knowledge.

Once you see the Krishna books, then you may like many others that express doubt. In fact, they wonder if they are mythology or if they are suppose to take his messages literally. Some feel that Krishna is just as imaginary as Superman or mythological gods of ancient lore. These people instead of rejecting Krishna as imaginary, they need to understand who he is, because he is much more than a hero or myth. His pastimes are described in these books and are transcendental. They deal with the philosophical understanding of the cause of all causes.

Many wonder how the ultimate truth can be a person, but Krishna's personality is not limited or material. He possesses the opulences of wealth, fame, beauty, knowledge, strength, and renunciation. Since so many people have had bitter experiences with people being imperfect and mortal, which is why it is so easy to come to the conclusion that truth can not have a personal form. Jiva Gosvami informs us that if we do not accept the truth as inconceivable, then we will never begin to understand him.

Krishna is a person, but he is not limited, frail, nor mortal as we are. Another pressing objection to taking Krishna consciousness seriously is that the concept of God as the supreme is valid, and understanding how it relevant to us today. We are faced with practical and urgent problems of economic and class struggles, and there is the imminent threat of nuclear war. It is wondered how can Krishna help with our everyday predicaments.

Unless we know the truth, then we can never solve problems arising from the immediate, relative truths. An expert physician knows certain symptoms indicate a specific disease and by curing the disease, then he can cure all the symptoms. Similarly, the world's problems of conflict, scarcity, oppression, disease, and so on, are merely symptoms of our ignorance of life's real purpose, which is know, serve, and love Him.

Unless our leaders become enlightened in God consciousness and attack the root cause of social ills, not to mention widespread spiritual ignorance, then no palliative measures can ever succeed in curing the body politic. Human propensity for love has to be satisfied in terms of real and its spiritual needs. Our ultimate need is to understand our intimate loving relationship with Krishna, who is not irrelevant. In fact, attempting to solve our problems without Him is irrelevant.

Forgetting him is disobeying His codes of universal religion are the causes of all suffering. Careful study of the Krishna books is not a waste of time, but an activity of the utmost importance. For those of us not interested in reading lengthy treatises on transcendental philosophy, Srila Prabhupada has presented the Krishna books in the attractive form of short stories comprising ninety chapters.

Krishna books are actually a summary study of the Tenth Canto of the Sanskrit scripture Srimad-Bhagavatam, which describes Lord Krishna's all attractive pastimes. They make the essence of this most sublime Vedic literature accessible to modern readers all over the world. The relevance to our modern difficulties becomes even clearer when we consider the setting of the original narration of Srimad-Bhagavatam, which was a sacred forest in India five thousand years ago.

The sage narrated the pastimes of Lord Krishna to the emperor Parikshit, who had been cursed to die within seven days. By their practical example, these two exalted persons teach us that life's ultimate purpose is to hear about, glorify, and remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead. King Parikshit was especially intent on hearing about Krishna, because he knew he would die in a matter of hours. He was confident that by hearing about Krishna during his last moments, he would attain the eternal, spiritual world and thus escape the cycle of birth and death.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about model boats, boat parts, and model submarines. You will find the best shopping at these sites for challenging model kits, used boat parts.

Spiritual Fasting With Diabetes

There seems to be a new move of God in the Body of Christ and a growing hunger for a deeper and more powerful relationship with Christ. Even as I write this article, thousands of men and women across North America and around the world are turning to prayer and fasting as they seek God and His wisdom for their lives.

But can you fast if you have diabetes? That's a question I am asked regularly on the Daniel Fast Blog that I started on WordPress in December 2007. The answer is a resounding, "Yes!" In fact, many have reported back to me that they were healed of their Type 2 diabetes as a result of changing their eating habits while on the Daniel Fast. The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, typically practiced for 21 consecutive days (you can learn more about the Daniel Fast by following the links at the end of this article).

I always encourage people with diabetes to contact their health professional before engaging in any fast. Depending on the severity of the infirmity, usually only slight adjustments must be made to the Daniel Fast Food List if any at all. The Daniel Fast is actually a very healthy way of eating and therefore almost always results in improved health for the individual, along with a deepened relationship with God.

I also stress to readers that fasting isn't necessarily about the foods you eat or don't eat. Rather, it's about your heart and that you are engaging in a spiritual fast to draw closer to the Lord. God tests your heart, so if you need to eat extra protein or consume more calories for health issues, then you can still fast successfully.

On the other hand, if you hear yourself saying, "I just can't give up coffee," and then adjust the fast so you can still have your morning java...then that attitude in your heart won't necessarily bring you successful fasting results.

Spiritual fasting is denying the body food for a spiritual purpose. It should never harm the body, but rather provide health to your body, your soul and your spirit.

If you have diabetes, I encourage you to learn more about the Daniel Fast by visiting the Daniel Fast Blog. There you will find just about everything you need for a successful spiritual fast that will increase your faith and bring you into a deeper and more abiding relationship with Christ.

Susan Gregory has been called "The Daniel Fast Expert" and teaches about spiritual fasting on The Daniel Fast Weblog which you can visit at http://DanielFast.wordpress.com

Spiritual Awakening - Truth in Ancient Teachings

Eckhart Tolle is a gifted spiritual teacher. In the opening chapter of his book, A New World, he identifies two common themes shared by mankind's greatest religions and spiritual teachings. The first is the idea than our normal awareness is flawed. In our normal state we are missing the mark, or missing the point of reality. Given our history of war and violence, it is hard to argue with this first theme. We seem to be always on our way somewhere, often unhappy with someone or something over perceived wrongs. So much of our lives are spent looking for the next person or event to make us happy. Seldom do we find what we are looking for and when we do it seldom lasts.

The flaws in our normal awareness are not hard to see. It is not to say we do not have our moments of great joy. It is the point that joy seldom lasts. I love Tolle's example of the unhappy guy who wins the lottery and lives the same unhappy life in more luxurious surroundings. Spiritual wisdom teaches that true joy comes from within.

Eckhart Tolle says that the world's great religions share two common themes. What then is the second? The second is the possibility of transformation. Redemption, salvation, awakening, or enlightenment - all refer to one core idea. The idea that man has the capacity to change his normal state of awareness and to wake up. Waking up is the clear goal of most spiritual seekers and the hidden goal of most of us who just want to be happy.

Paths to truth are varied, but there is likely only one absolute truth about our reality. Tolle believes he found it through unbearable pain. Others have found it though near-death experiences. My humble suggestion is not to wait for intense pain or a brush with death. If you agree our normal state leaves something to be desired, look for a way to wake up.

In the end we are together. If a path teaches you to blame or find causes of suffering outside yourself, avoid it. Change the world by changing your own mind.

Spiritual awakening is within anyone's grasp. Visit my website http://www.beapasserby.com where we uncover the insights of the world's greatest spiritual teachers and healers.

Money, Self-Help, and Mysticism - 9 Spiritual Steps to Help Banish Financial Fears

It seems just about everyone is needing to be more mindful about money these days. People are cutting back more than ever and finally paying more attention to their spending habits.

For some, so far, it's only a matter of awareness. All the recession talk is causing them to be more cautious, even though their income and expenses, to this date, have not changed much.

Others, after losing their job or experiencing major pay cuts, are having trouble meeting basic expenses like their rent or mortgage payment.

One good thing that may come from the recession includes an increasing number of people taking more responsibility for their financial future. Many will think twice before whipping out a credit card on every impulse. Things that seemed like necessities in the past, such as a nicer car, dining out frequently, expensive cups of coffee, or the hippest new fashions from the trendiest stores are being bypassed for alternatives.

Despondent about when things will get better? It varies for everyone. Periods of financial struggle and times of abundance throughout your life can be readily identified; they are symbolized through cyclical timing methods in the comprehensive numerology and astrology charts or foretold by some psychics. Likewise, your overall money fate over the course of your entire life can be determined as well; below, average, above, or way above average financial prosperity is symbolized in the comprehensive chart patterns. If this concept is new to you and you're skeptical, we understand. It took us many years to recognize the authenticity and accept the notion of, fixed personal fate.

How does this concept apply to someone who is always in debt? It indicates they may be living beyond their means, buying more than what they are destined to possess (unless they are destined to have more money but are subconsciously blocking financial success, which is discernible through handwriting analysis). They may think it's their "birthright" to have and buy whatever they want, when they want it. But if they want to get out of debt and remain there, they must reduce their spending and accept the level of material abundance that their soul (not their conscious self) chose before incarnating.

For those who are financially responsible but have hit a temporary rough patch, or for anyone else who wants to make the most of their financial fate, we offer two different methods to help whenever you're feeling apprehensive about your finances.

The first is what we call the Mystic's Magic Formula.

1) Make time to consider your situation from a spiritual perspective. Review your assumptions and expectations and let them go.

2) Accept what has happened, what is, and where you are (essential in order to move on). Surrender to your inner wisdom. Establish and cultivate your goals after determining if they are relatively realistic.

3) Gratitude: express it for where you are, everything rewarding in your life that you have, and the good that will be, and strengthen your faith by continuing to emotionalize the desired, end result.

4) Invite help from your higher-self, guides of the Light and, or God.

5) Calm your mind and fears and awaken your awareness through meditation

6) What's the next step? Ask this every step of the way and be open for clues.

7) Assume responsibility for yourself and your situation (no blaming).

8) Navigate your path with the tools available to you: numerology and astrology, meditation, past life regression, graphology, and other effective self-help methods.

9) Do what you need to do, when you need to do it (and do "the right thing" in all situations).

The second method is easier and especially helpful when you are feeling depressed, confused, or helpless about your situation. It can be used anywhere, anytime, and when practiced often, it will make a world of difference and generate enormous peace of mind.

Instead of feeding your depression or feelings of lack, elevate your energy and change your state of mind. That may sound a bit vague, but it's fairly easy to do: just feel excited about more money, a better work environment, more clients, more love, a better date, or whatever, but the trick is to feel in general terms, such as simply "mass abundance."

Don't think of details yet or analyze how you can reach your goal. When you feel the worry energy weighing down your heart and solar-plexus (stomach) chakras areas, instead of giving in to it, transmute it, replace it with the positive energy of excitement. Feel excited and let the energy rise and then imagine yourself merging with a higher, protective, and guiding power. Perceive yourself surrounded and filled with a bright, white light. Make this process a regular habit.

Feel as if your dilemma is solved. What's that really like for you? A huge sense of relief? Satisfaction? Generate all the positive emotions. Getting excited about the idea of a solution will more easily allow you to perceive the most fitting one when it's time for you to do so. Worrying about something? Cancel that (think, "cancel, cancel, cancel") and correct and, or reverse the fear-based imagery in your mind; feel excited as if everything is working out better than expected. Keep feeling the excitement over and over and it will help to cancel out dark or negative energy that may be interfering and causing you to experience more fear than usual.

Everything goes in unique cycles, including your finances. Even though you can't skip the tough parts of life, you can use your free will to make the most of your personal fate and your stay on this planet.

Scott Petullo and Stephen Petullo are identical twins and have been exploring metaphysics since the early 1980s. They are experts in the fields of prediction, personal fate, love life, and past life regression, and are natural psychics and mediums. Get their free report: 13 Spiritual and New Age Myths and 11 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Psychic. http://www.mystictwins.com

The Suffering Antidote in Krishna Books

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada translated and wrote many commentaries on Krishna, but more specifically about what he is like in his original, personal form.

They are also about he how he is doing in the eternal spiritual world. In the temporary world of manifold miseries, one will understand his transcendental activities that can attain the transcendental platform of eternal existence in full bliss and knowledge. The Krishna books tend to provide much more fascinating stories and invaluable spiritual knowledge.

Once you see the Krishna books, then you may like many others that express doubt. In fact, they wonder if they are mythology or if they are suppose to take his messages literally. Some feel that Krishna is just as imaginary as Superman or mythological gods of ancient lore. These people instead of rejecting Krishna as imaginary, they need to understand who he is, because he is much more than a hero or myth. His pastimes are described in these books and are transcendental. They deal with the philosophical understanding of the cause of all causes.

Many wonder how the ultimate truth can be a person, but Krishna's personality is not limited or material. He possesses the opulences of wealth, fame, beauty, knowledge, strength, and renunciation. Since so many people have had bitter experiences with people being imperfect and mortal, which is why it is so easy to come to the conclusion that truth can not have a personal form. Jiva Gosvami informs us that if we do not accept the truth as inconceivable, then we will never begin to understand him.

Krishna is a person, but he is not limited, frail, nor mortal as we are. Another pressing objection to taking Krishna consciousness seriously is that the concept of God as the supreme is valid, and understanding how it relevant to us today. We are faced with practical and urgent problems of economic and class struggles, and there is the imminent threat of nuclear war. It is wondered how can Krishna help with our everyday predicaments.

Unless we know the truth, then we can never solve problems arising from the immediate, relative truths. An expert physician knows certain symptoms indicate a specific disease and by curing the disease, then he can cure all the symptoms. Similarly, the world's problems of conflict, scarcity, oppression, disease, and so on, are merely symptoms of our ignorance of life's real purpose, which is know, serve, and love Him.

Unless our leaders become enlightened in God consciousness and attack the root cause of social ills, not to mention widespread spiritual ignorance, then no palliative measures can ever succeed in curing the body politic. Human propensity for love has to be satisfied in terms of real and its spiritual needs. Our ultimate need is to understand our intimate loving relationship with Krishna, who is not irrelevant. In fact, attempting to solve our problems without Him is irrelevant.

Forgetting him is disobeying His codes of universal religion are the causes of all suffering. Careful study of the Krishna books is not a waste of time, but an activity of the utmost importance. For those of us not interested in reading lengthy treatises on transcendental philosophy, Srila Prabhupada has presented the Krishna books in the attractive form of short stories comprising ninety chapters.

Krishna books are actually a summary study of the Tenth Canto of the Sanskrit scripture Srimad-Bhagavatam, which describes Lord Krishna's all attractive pastimes. They make the essence of this most sublime Vedic literature accessible to modern readers all over the world. The relevance to our modern difficulties becomes even clearer when we consider the setting of the original narration of Srimad-Bhagavatam, which was a sacred forest in India five thousand years ago.

The sage narrated the pastimes of Lord Krishna to the emperor Parikshit, who had been cursed to die within seven days. By their practical example, these two exalted persons teach us that life's ultimate purpose is to hear about, glorify, and remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead. King Parikshit was especially intent on hearing about Krishna, because he knew he would die in a matter of hours. He was confident that by hearing about Krishna during his last moments, he would attain the eternal, spiritual world and thus escape the cycle of birth and death.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about model boats, boat parts, and model submarines. You will find the best shopping at these sites for challenging model kits, used boat parts.

Home Remodeling Facts

Is the Bible Historically Accurate

I'm going to start with the first book of the holy Bible, Genesis chapter 1 verse one through five.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

And God said," let there be light," and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

If the Bible is historically accurate, did God actually create earth. I have been battling over this, my whole life. It's very easy for someone to accept and believe in any religion, government, other people or whatever they truly desire to make real. I see it every day of my life, open your eyes and you will see it to.

It's hard to imagine that a superior entity like God created everything that we touch and see. The moon itself is pretty big and the creation of the sun would prove to be a little more difficult, but if you're God and your all knowing and all powerful, he or she or it, must be one incredible being.

This is only the first couple of paragraphs in the Bible and there is no, I repeat no, historical accuracy to this event. It seems like God or man, whoever wrote the Bible, should have started the Bible with something a little more believable for people that live in the 21st century. It's not hard to imagine someone 2000 years ago, believing in something like this.

2000 years ago the Romans were worshiping their own gods, we might find this ridiculous today but back then the Romans would punish you if you didn't worship their gods. We are not too far from that today. If we don't stop organized religion and their influence on humanity, we're going to have serious problems in the future.

The biggest problem I foresee is common sense. If the Bible has 500 historical accurate facts that can be proven without a doubt by historians, scholars and other intelligent people, but has one thing that can't be explained, how do we handle this. How do we handle the fact that the Bible states God created light? If this is false, what else is false in the Bible.