tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62026814226396320502024-02-06T22:10:05.766-05:00Refreshment- found in Jesus the Nazarene, the One who calls Himself the Way, the Truth and the Life - as we use our whole heart, soul, mind and strength in His service.Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-87556181341126429282019-06-15T17:52:00.001-04:002020-11-02T19:33:19.288-05:00Plato on knowledge, justice and wisdom<br />
What follows was inspired by reflection on some words found in a sermon, 'On idolls and Images', given by Roger Edgeworth, circa 1540.<br />
<span class="hps">Science remoued from iustice is rather to be called wylynes then science -(sic) -</span><span class="hps"> </span><br />
<span class="hps"><br /></span>
<span class="hps">A translation of - 'sciencia, que est remota a iustitia calliditas potius quam cientia est appellanda'. This phrase was written by Plato and is quoted in context by Cicero. </span><br />
'Praeclarum igitur illud Platonis: "Non," inquit, "solum scientia, quae est remota ab iustitia calliditas potius quam sapientia est appellanda, verum etiam animus paratus ad periculum, si sua cupiditate, non utilitate communi impellitur, audaciae potius nomen habeat, quam fortitudinis." Itaque viros fortes et magnanimos eosdem bonos et simplices, veritatis amicos minimeque fallaces esse volumus; quae sunt ex media laude iustitiae.'<br />
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A good translation follows:<br />
This, then, is a fine saying of Plato's: "Not only must all knowledge that is divorced from justice be called cunning rather than wisdom," he says, "but even the courage that is prompt to face danger, if it is inspired not by public spirit, but by its own selfish purposes, should have the name of effrontery rather than of courage." And so we demand that men who are courageous and high-souled shall at the same time be good and straightforward, lovers of truth, and foes to deception; for these qualities are the centre and soul of justice. <br />
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<span class="hps">Remarquable</span> <span class="hps">est donc</span> <span class="hps">de Platon:</span> <span class="hps atn">"</span>Non," <span class="hps">dit-il,</span> <span class="hps atn">«</span>seulement la science, <span class="hps">qui</span> <span class="hps">est divorcé de</span> <span class="hps">la justice</span> <span class="hps">doit être appelé</span> <span class="hps">la ruse</span> <span class="hps">plutôt que</span> <span class="hps">la sagesse, mais</span> <span class="hps">aussi la volonté de</span> <span class="hps">danger, et si</span> <span class="hps">son désir</span>, non pas <span class="hps">pour le bien public</span> <span class="hps">est entraîné</span>, <span class="hps">le nom</span> <span class="hps">peut avoir une</span> <span class="hps">audace</span> <span class="hps">plutôt</span> <span class="hps">dans le visage,</span> <span class="hps">que</span> <span class="hps">de courage</span> <span class="hps">.</span> <span class="hps atn">"</span><span class="hps">Les hommes</span> <span class="hps">magnanimes</span> <span class="hps">et vaillant</span>, <span class="hps">et ceux de la</span> <span class="hps">bonne</span>, <span class="hps">par conséquent, la</span> <span class="hps">simple</span> <span class="hps">vérité</span> <span class="hps">d'amour à</span> <span class="hps">la tromperie</span> <span class="hps">et ce sont</span> <span class="hps">des louanges</span> <span class="hps">milieu de</span> <span class="hps">la justice</span>. - Google translation<br />
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<span class="hps">Notable</span> <span class="hps">es, pues,</span> <span class="hps">de Platón:</span> <span class="hps atn">"</span>No," <span class="hps atn">dijo él, "</span>sólo la ciencia, que <span class="hps">está divorciada de la</span> <span class="hps">justicia se</span> <span class="hps">llama</span> <span class="hps">astucia</span> <span class="hps">en lugar de</span> <span class="hps">sabiduría, pero</span> <span class="hps">también la voluntad de</span> <span class="hps">peligro</span>, y si es <span class="hps">su deseo</span>, no al <span class="hps">bienestar público</span> <span class="hps">es conducido</span>, el nombre puede <span class="hps">tener</span> <span class="hps">un atrevido</span> <span class="hps">y no</span> <span class="hps">en la cara,</span> <span class="hps">que de la</span> <span class="hps">fortaleza</span> <span class="hps">.</span> <span class="hps atn">"</span><span class="hps">Hombres</span> <span class="hps">magnánimo y</span> <span class="hps">valiente</span>, y las de <span class="hps">los buenos,</span> <span class="hps">por lo tanto</span>, la simple, <span class="hps">amante de la verdad</span> <span class="hps">al engaño</span> <span class="hps">y estos</span> <span class="hps">son de la</span> <span class="hps">alabanza</span> <span class="hps">medio</span> <span class="hps">de la justicia. - Google translation</span><br />
<span class="hps"></span> <br />
<span class="hps"><br /></span>
<span class="hps">Science without justice is but cunning or craftiness ...</span><br />
<span class="hps">Or to give a modern interpretation...</span><br />
<span class="hps">Science divorced from truth is rather to be called politics... </span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-48799023222530767652018-08-01T20:10:00.001-04:002020-11-02T19:33:50.049-05:00Mental Health and ApologeticsHope in the Darkness of Mental Illness - from <time class="updated article_meta" datetime="2017-10-25T21:16:59+00:00">August 4, 2017 <span class="time_seppy"> |</span> </time><span class="article_meta_author"><a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/profile/glen-scrivener/">Glen Scrivener </a></span><br />
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<div class="article_normal page_gradient post_url" data-post-excerpt="Jesus hasn’t remained in heaven, shouting, 'At least . . .' He has descended to our depths, whispering, 'Me too.'" data-post-image-details="["https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/tgc-web\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/25171709\/hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness-1.jpg",800,496,false]" data-post-title="Hope in the Darkness of Mental Illness" data-post-url="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness/" id="post-87673">
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=976499795701715&display=popup&href=https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness/&redirect_uri=https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-facebook social_share_gtm" data-share="facebook" data-shared-url="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness/"></i></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><i class="fa fa-twitter social_share_gtm" data-share="twitter" data-shared-url="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness/"></i></a><a href="https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness/&description=Hope%20in%20the%20Darkness%20of%20Mental%20Illness" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-pinterest-p social_share_gtm" data-share="pinterest" data-shared-url="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness/"></i></a><a href="sms:phonenumber?body=https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness/"><i class="fa fa-mobile social_share_gtm" data-share="sms" data-shared-url="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness/"></i></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title=""><i class="fa fa-envelope social_share_gtm" data-share="mail" data-shared-url="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness/"></i></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><i class="fa fa-print social_share_gtm" data-share="print" data-shared-url="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness/"></i></a></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7cc9524b-8be5-1d9e-cba3-9d483abec126">It’s a statistic often quoted in the UK: In any given year, one in four of us will experience some kind of mental health struggle. We have an epidemic on our hands. Already mental illness is the most common cause of work absence in Britain and, globally, it constitutes <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/fundamental-facts-15.pdf">the largest single source of world economic burden</a> ($2.5 trillion per year</span>). If you aren’t struggling with mental illness, someone close to you is. </div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7cc9524b-8be5-1d9e-cba3-9d483abec126">How should we respond in the church? Here’s one suggestion: apologetics. Not “destroy your opponent in debate” apologetics, but apologetics of the true <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+3%3A15&version=ESV">1 Peter 3:15</a> kind. In the midst of struggle and despair, we’re to share “reasons for the </span>hope that is in us.”</div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7cc9524b-8be5-1d9e-cba3-9d483abec126">This approach helps those who are suffering, and it also makes for effective evangelism.</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7cc9524b-8be5-1d9e-cba3-9d483abec126">If I speak at an event titled “Answering Thorny Questions,” people come looking for a fight.</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7cc9524b-8be5-1d9e-cba3-9d483abec126">If we do an evening titled “Hope in the Darkness,” people come for help, and in Jesus there’s abundant and unparalleled help.</span> <span id="docs-internal-guid-7cc9524b-8be5-1d9e-cba3-9d483abec126">At these events I sometimes show </span>a five-minute <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTwSJqnAW4o&t=45s">video</a> featuring Stephen Fry, an actor and comedian with bipolar disorder. He’s an atheist, but I find his analysis of mental illness profoundly illuminating. His solutions, however, are lacking, so we turn to the Bible in search of better ones. <span id="docs-internal-guid-7cc9524b-8be5-1d9e-cba3-9d483abec126">Fry likens our psychological state to the weather. If it’s pouring rain, there’s no point in denying reality or shaking your fist at the heavens. The rain is falling. You’re getting wet. That’s a fact. When it comes to a depressive state, the feelings are real and need to be acknowledged.</span> </div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7cc9524b-8be5-1d9e-cba3-9d483abec126">The Scriptures affirm the reality of terrible feelings. One-third of Psalms can be categorized as psalms of lament. Psalm 88—the one that ends “darkness is my closest friend”—includes lines like this: “I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death” (v. 3).</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>- for more from this article see <a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness/">hope-in-the-darkness-of-mental-illness</a> .<br />
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<br />Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-59416423161337009392018-07-28T09:41:00.002-04:002020-11-02T19:38:07.692-05:00Why is there no theology of mental health? Are our theologians asleep?<div>
I cringe when I hear friends say that mental illness is not real and that it's just an excuse to avoid responsibility.</div>
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</div><div><a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2016/may/christian-struggle-with-mental-illness.html">Christians struggle with mental illness</a></div>
<div> </div><div> </div><div>Yet there appears to be no Canadian College or University offering any easily accessible course opportunities for Christians to reflect upon their own experience with mental health issues.</div><div> </div><div>There are scarcely any efforts being made, in this country, to articulate or develop a theology of mental health. Why is this?<br /></div>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-2453545508115087782016-02-15T18:32:00.000-05:002016-02-15T18:32:11.444-05:00Collingwood - Blue Mountains - Feb 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-29968170973624465732015-12-13T20:27:00.001-05:002015-12-13T20:27:10.138-05:00Anglicans Ablaze: The Incoherence of GAFCON and the Global SouthThe Anglican church continues to struggle to understand what it means to believe in The Communion of Saints. Until it comes to its senses, which may take some time, perhaps it's best to steer clear.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<a href="http://anglicansablaze.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-incoherence-of-gafcon-and-global.html?spref=bl">Anglicans Ablaze: The Incoherence of GAFCON and the Global South</a>: Charles Raven’s recent article,“ To Mend the Net ?” and Andrew Atherstone’s earlier article, “ The Incoherence of the Anglican Communion...Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-21565431478992934252015-11-28T07:46:00.000-05:002015-12-15T22:26:19.328-05:00 Lex orandi, lex credendi and the Via MediaThe so-called via media has been lost since at least the 1990s in Canada, if not before.<br />
<br />
The idea that the so-called law of prayer can be equated with the law of belief has no basis in either logic or Scripture.<br />
<br />
Falsehood in liturgy, even beautifully dressed, is no excuse for sin. Prayers said in defiance of Scripture bring judgement along with weak churchmanship.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://anglicansablaze.blogspot.ca/2015/11/has-reformation-already-been-undermined.html">http://anglicansablaze.blogspot.ca/2015/11/has-reformation-already-been-undermined.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://anglicansablaze.blogspot.com/2015/12/exploding-myth-of-anglican-via-media.html">http://anglicansablaze.blogspot.com/2015/12/exploding-myth-of-anglican-via-media.html</a>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-87606754234282962332015-08-26T17:16:00.001-04:002020-11-02T19:47:47.386-05:00Words of Life from Poets of Old<table class="inner" style="background-color: white; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px none; color: black; font-family: serif; font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />The best poets and preachers are able to distill their thoughts and feelings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">into </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">words </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">which have impact within and beyond their own generations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Indeed some </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">of them had </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">to persevere through intense personal struggle,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">even severe depression, </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">which only served </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">to sharpen their skill in sharing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">their insights with others.</span><br />
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Jesus said, of the sign of His Coming and the end of the age,<br />
that many would betray one another and hate one another,<br />
many prophets would arise and mislead many and that,<br />
because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold,<br />
<b>but</b> <i>the one who endures to the end will be saved.</i></div>
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We wonder at our own willfully disobedient societies yet one hundred<br />
and seventy years ago Horatius Bonar wrote these lines:</div>
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The serpent’ s brood increase,</div>
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The powers of hell grow bold,</div>
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The conflict thickens, faith is low,</div>
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And love is waxing cold.</div>
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The following year he penned these more famous lines:</div>
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<br />
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest;<br />
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down, thy head upon My breast.”</div>
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I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;</div>
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I found in Him a resting-place, and He has made me glad.</div>
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<br />
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I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give</div>
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The living water; thirsty one, Stoop down and drink and live.”<br />
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream.<br />
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him.</div>
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<br />
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s Light.</div>
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Look unto Me; thy morn shall rise and all thy day be bright.”<br />
I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun;<br />
And in that Light of Life I’ll walk till traveling days are done. - c1846</div>
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<br />
Charles Spurgeon wrote, for the Lord's Supper, this hymn:</div>
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Amidst us our Belovèd stands,<br />
And bids us view His piercèd hands;<br />
Points to the wounded feet and side,<br />
Blest emblems of the Crucified.<br />
......<br />
Thou glorious Bridegroom of our hearts,<br />
Thy present smile a heav’n imparts!<br />
Oh lift the veil, if veil there be,<br />
Let every saint Thy beauties see! - c1860<br />
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Two hymns from John Newton, seafarer and<br />
slave-trader turned pastor:<br />
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How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds<br /> In a believer’s ear!<br /> It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,<br /> And drives away his fear.<br />
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<br />
It makes the wounded spirit whole,<br /> And calms the troubled breast;<br />’Tis manna to the hungry soul,<br /> And to the weary, rest.<br />
<br />
Dear Name, the Rock on which I build,<br /> My Shield and Hiding Place,<br /> My never failing treasury, filled<br /> With boundless stores of grace!<br />
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By Thee my prayers acceptance gain,<br /> Although with sin defiled;<br /> Satan accuses me in vain,<br /> And I am owned a child.<br />
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Jesus! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,<br /> O Prophet, Priest and King,<br /> My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,<br /> Accept the praise I bring.<br />
<br />
Weak is the effort of my heart,<br /> And cold my warmest thought;<br /> But when I see Thee as Thou art,<br /> I’ll praise Thee as I ought.<br />
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Till then I would Thy love proclaim<br /> With every fleeting breath,<br /> And may the music of Thy Name<br /> Refresh my soul in death! c1779</div>
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Dear Shepherd of Thy people, hear;</div>
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Thy presence now display;</div>
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As Thou hast given a place for prayer,</div>
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So give us hearts to pray. </div>
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......</div>
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May we in faith receive Thy Word,</div>
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In faith present our prayers;</div>
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And, in the presence of our Lord,</div>
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Unbosom all our cares. - c1779</div>
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<br /></div>
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John Piper describes the pastoral relationship between Newton and<br />
William Cowper, the poet, in this link - <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/insanity-and-spiritual-songs-in-the-soul-of-a-saint">http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/insanity-and-spiritual-songs-in-the-soul-of-a-saint</a></div>
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O for a closer walk with God,</div>
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A calm and heavenly frame,</div>
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A light to shine upon the road</div>
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That leads me to the Lamb!</div>
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Where is the blessedness I knew,</div>
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When first I saw the Lord?</div>
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Where is the soul refreshing view</div>
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Of Jesus and His Word?</div>
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......</div>
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The dearest idol I have known,</div>
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Whate’er that idol be</div>
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Help me to tear it from Thy throne,</div>
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And worship only Thee.</div>
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</div>
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So shall my walk be close with God,</div>
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Calm and serene my frame;</div>
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So purer light shall mark the road</div>
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That leads me to the Lamb. - William Cowper c1772</div>
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<br /></div>
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These words sum up our continued spiritual struggle<br />
to achieve a balance between our words and actions<br />
which is both mentally healthy and spiritually sound.<br />
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Dear Lord and Father of mankind,</div>
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forgive our foolish ways;</div>
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reclothe us in our rightful mind,</div>
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in purer lives thy service find,</div>
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in deeper reverence, praise.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In simple trust like theirs who heard</div>
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beside the Syrian sea</div>
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the gracious calling of the Lord,</div>
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let us, like them, without a word</div>
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rise up and follow thee.</div>
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......</div>
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Breathe through the heats of our desire</div>
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thy coolness and thy balm;</div>
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let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;</div>
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speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,</div>
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O still, small voice of calm! - John G. Whittier c1872 </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">A great song of inspiration and encouragement originally written for the sick and lonely:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At the name of Jesus ev'ry knee shall bow,<br />
ev'ry tongue confess him King of glory now.<br />
'Tis the Father's pleasure we should call him Lord,<br />
who from the beginning was the mighty Word.<br />
<p>At his voice creation sprang at once to sight,<br />
all the angel faces, all the hosts of light,<br />
thrones and dominations, stars upon their way,<br />
all the heav'nly orders in their great array.<br />
</p><p>Humbled for a season to receive a name<br />
from the lips of sinners unto whom he came,<br />
faithfully he bore it spotless to the last,<br />
brought it back victorious, when from death he passed.<br />
</p><p>In your hearts enthrone him; there let him subdue<br />
all that is not holy, all that is not true;<br />
crown him as your Captain in temptation's hour:<br />
let his will enfold you in its light and pow'r.<br />
</p>Brothers, this Lord Jesus shall return again,<br />
with his Father's glory, with his angel train;<br />
for all wreaths of empire meet upon his brow,<br />
and our hearts confess him King of glory now. - Caroline M Noel - 1870 <br /></div>
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Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-5359034228061583332014-11-09T16:11:00.000-05:002014-11-09T16:11:28.504-05:00Fall Colours - Glory to God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-27785189236314579482014-09-03T22:10:00.000-04:002014-09-11T19:02:52.870-04:00Ebola projections(revised Sept. 11, 2014)<br />
Based on currently available information, being reported by WHO and CDC, by the third week of September 2014, there could be as many as 5500 cases of Ebola in West Africa, 11000 by the third week of October, and 22000 by the third week of November. That would imply at least 11000 total deaths by mid-December.<br />
And this may end up being a modest 'best case' scenario.<br />
God forbid!<br />
Yet, this appears to have been foreseen by an expert with first-hand knowledge of the situation as described below.<br />
<br />
<strong>A Desperate Call for Help</strong><br />
<span class="byline" itemid="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/g/denise_grady/index.html" itemprop="author creator" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">- the title of an article written by <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/g/denise_grady/index.html" rel="author" title="More Articles by DENISE GRADY"><span class="byline-author" data-byline-name="DENISE GRADY" itemprop="name">DENISE GRADY</span></a> and </span><span class="byline" itemid="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/f/sheri_fink/index.html" itemprop="author creator" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/f/sheri_fink/index.html" rel="author" title="More Articles by SHERI FINK"><span class="byline-author" data-byline-name="SHERI FINK" itemprop="name">SHERI FINK</span></a></span><time class="dateline" datetime="2014-08-09"> on AUG. 9, 2014</time> <br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/world/africa/tracing-ebolas-breakout-to-an-african-2-year-old.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/world/africa/tracing-ebolas-breakout-to-an-african-2-year-old.html</a><br />
<br />
- including these words, 'By June and July, Sierra Leone was becoming the center of the outbreak.<br />
At the government hospital in Kenema, <strong>Dr. Sheik Umar Khan</strong> was leading the efforts to treat patients and control the epidemic.<br />
<br />
But he was desperate for supplies: chlorine for disinfection, gloves, goggles, protective suits, rudimentary sugar and salt solutions to fight dehydration and give patients a chance to survive. Early in July, he emailed friends and former medical school classmates in the United States, asking for their help and sending a spreadsheet listing what he needed, and what he had. Many of the lines in the “available” column were empty.<br />
<br />
One of his requests was for<strong> body bags: 3,000 adult, 2,000 child.</strong><br />
<br />
Before his friends could send the supplies, Dr. Khan contracted Ebola himself. He died on July 29.'<br />
<br />
President Obama has recently advised West Africans to use proper protective equipment when dealing with Ebola patients. If they had it they would presumably use it.<br />
<br />
Dr. Khan was warning of 5000 potential deaths in just one of the several countries struggling to contain this disease. As of September 7th the estimated total is already roughly 2300 fatalities for five countries.<br />
<br />
For an academic risk assessment see <a href="http://currents.plos.org/outbreaks/article/assessing-the-international-spreading-risk-associated-with-the-2014-west-african-ebola-outbreak/">http://currents.plos.org/outbreaks/article/assessing-the-international-spreading-risk-associated-with-the-2014-west-african-ebola-outbreak/</a><br />
<br />
Lord Jesus, have mercy! Heal the sick, calm those who are anxious, give wisdom, skill and endurance to all who are looking after the afflicted and to those who are tasked to preserve order in a time of fear and extreme need. Amen.Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-78454339128444782132014-08-23T00:21:00.002-04:002020-11-02T19:53:01.405-05:00On the Persecution of Christians Today<span class="userContent"></span><br />
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<span class="userContent">In my 57 years, I don't remember ever seeing, until this week, a top news media item, written by a minister of the gospel. Considering the details, how could (Anglican) Canon Andrew White do any less than bear witness to the truth. People are dying simply because they<span class="text_exposed_show"> refuse to give up their faith in Jesus. Sound the alarm! Pray! God help both them and us to react according to our means and God's direction. I have recently donated and recommend the frrme.org website.</span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> (Please read this link <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2720983/Vicar-Baghdad-We-need-military-actions-NOW.html">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2720983/Vicar-Baghdad-We-need-military-actions-NOW.html</a> )</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent">
</span>Pray for God's people and their persecutors. Pray for all innocents caught in the snares of the wicked. Iraq and Syria are merely two peaks on the top of the iceberg. From Liberia and Nigeria, to Sudan and Egypt, to Saudi Arabia and Chechnya, to Gaza and Israel, to Iran and Pakistan, to China and North Korea, to Brazil and East Timor, to Russia and the Ukraine, to Europe and Scandinavia and indeed to Britain and the Americas, our enemy, the devil, prowls the whole earth like a roaring lion seeking to devour. He is the sower of division and confusion. He is the Father of Lies, and for a time, the god of this world, of ISIS or DA'ISH, of FASCISM, of MORAL RELATIVISM, of HAMAS, of REBELLION, of HERESY, of SCHISM and of all other forms of SIN.<br />
<br />
In the spiritual battles which rage believers are given both armor and guidance. Put on the gospel armor: the helmet of Salvation, the breastplate of Righteousness and the belt of Truth. Don't take it off. Make sure it's tight as it needs to be and put it right back in place when the enemy knocks it off. Don't forget that on your feet you wear the Preparation of the Good News of God's Peace and that in your hands and your mouth you are equipped with a Mighty Spiritual Sword, The Word of God.<br />
<br />
Stand firm and remember that <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".26.1:3:1:$comment10204738042790241_10204738046030322:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".26.1:3:1:$comment10204738042790241_10204738046030322:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".26.1:3:1:$comment10204738042790241_10204738046030322:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Our God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is infinitely Greater than any other pretender. His Merciful Love is Everlasting. He is the Sun of Righteousness, the all-consuming Fire. March Forth. Don't give up. God's will shall prevail.</span><br data-reactid=".26.1:3:1:$comment10204738042790241_10204738046030322:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$1:0" /><span data-reactid=".26.1:3:1:$comment10204738042790241_10204738046030322:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$2:0"></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".26.1:3:1:$comment10204738042790241_10204738046030322:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".26.1:3:1:$comment10204738042790241_10204738046030322:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".26.1:3:1:$comment10204738042790241_10204738046030322:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$2:0">Even so, Come Lord, </span><span data-reactid=".26.1:3:1:$comment10204738042790241_10204738046030322:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$4:0">JESUS...YESHUA!</span></span></span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-30527130068222993012014-08-10T05:07:00.000-04:002014-08-10T05:31:16.063-04:00West Africa's Ebola outbreak <h1 class="articleHeadline">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">O Lord, heal the sick and give wisdom, skill and endurance to all who are working to bring healing. Protect and restore hope to all affected communities, and may those who are helped give glory and praise to you, through Christ Jesus.</span></h1>
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<a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ebola-out-control-doctors-without-borders" rel="nofollow">Ebola: Out of control in mid-June</a><br />
<br />
Excerpts from article by:</div>
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<h2>
Sarah Dilorenzo, The Associated Press </h2>
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<span class="date"> Published Friday, June 20, 2014 9:00AM EDT </span> <br />
<span class="date"> Last Updated Friday, June 20, 2014 12:46PM EDT </span><br />
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DAKAR, Senegal -- The Ebola outbreak ravaging West Africa is "totally out of control," according to a senior official for Doctors Without Borders, who says the medical group is stretched to the limit in its capacity to respond. International organizations and the governments involved need to send in more health experts and to increase the public education messages about how to stop the spread of the disease, Bart Janssens, the director of operations for the group in Brussels, told The Associated Press on Friday.<br />
<br />
Ebola has already been linked to more than 330 deaths in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, according to the latest numbers from the World Health Organization. The outbreak, which began in Guinea either late last year or early this year, had appeared to slow before picking up pace again in recent weeks, including spreading to the Liberian capital for the first time. "I'm absolutely convinced that this epidemic is far from over and will continue to kill a considerable amount of people, so this will definitely end up the biggest ever," he said.<br />
<br />
The multiple locations of the outbreak and its movement across borders make it one of the "most challenging Ebola outbreaks ever," Fadela Chaib, a spokeswoman for the World Health Organization, said earlier in the week.<br />
<br />
But Janssens' description of the Ebola outbreak was even more alarming, and he warned that the governments affected had not recognized the gravity of the situation. <br />
<br />
The governments involved and international agencies are definitely struggling to keep up with the severity of the outbreak, said Krishnan of Plan, which is providing equipment to the three affected countries and spreading information about how people can protect themselves against the disease. But he noted that the disease is striking in one of the world's poorest regions, where public health systems are already fragile. "The affected countries are at the bottom of the human development index," he said in an emailed statement. "Ebola is seriously crippling their capacities to respond effectively in containing the spread."<br />
<br />
"The situation requires a more effective response," said Janssens of Doctors Without Borders. "With more than 40 international staff currently on the ground and four treatment centres, Doctors Without Borders has <strong>reached its limit to respond</strong>," he said.<br />
<br />
"It's the first time in an Ebola epidemic where (Doctors Without Borders) teams cannot cover all the needs, at least for treatment centres," he said.<br />
<br />
The disease typically strikes sparsely populated areas in central or eastern Africa, where it spreads less easily, he said. By contrast, the epicenter of this outbreak is near a major regional transport hub, the Guinean city of Gueckedou.<br />
<br />
He said the only way to stop the disease's spread is to persuade people to come forward when symptoms occur and to avoid touching the sick and dead. "There is still not a real change of behaviour of the people," he said. "So a lot of sick people still remain in hiding or continue to travel. And there is still news that burial practices are remaining dangerous."<br />
<br />
<em>Associated Press writer Jonathan Paye-Layleh contributed to this report from Monrovia, Liberia</em></div>
</div>
<br />
CTV news picked up this story: <a href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/west-africa-s-ebola-outbreak-is-totally-out-of-control-1.1878133#ixzz39NdcFcSv">http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/west-africa-s-ebola-outbreak-is-totally-out-of-control-1.1878133#ixzz39NdcFcSv</a><br />
<br />
As of Aug 9, 2014 the suspected death toll had reached at least 954, much lower than the number who die annually from influenza, but still of grave concern because of the 60 to 90 % mortality rate for all cases.<br />
<br />
See also <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/tracing-ebolas-breakout-to-an-african-2-year-old/article19981276/">http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/tracing-ebolas-breakout-to-an-african-2-year-old/article19981276/</a>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-23665762783611801412014-07-05T11:46:00.001-04:002020-11-02T19:52:30.428-05:00Packets of truth: food for the soulThe Christian faith is revealed essentially and uniquely in the Holy Bible. We read the Bible for spiritual insight, leading to salvation, and for exhortation, encouragement and correction.<br />
Many believers have found the ancient creeds to be helpful in articulating those elements of faith considered to be guards against the misunderstanding of Scripture. In other words, creeds keep us on track. How does this happen? We are reminded each time we say them how these sentences have been spoken as acts of faith by people in places near and far. If you look you might still find people who have attended church at least 40 or 50 Sundays a year for 70, 80 or even 90+ years. If they were Anglican, Lutheran, Orthodox or Roman Catholic they might easily have recited one creed or another over 3000 times with varying degrees of intellectual and spiritual understanding and commitment. <br />
<br />
The Apostle's Creed is still well known if not as familiar as it once might have been.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>I believe in God</strong>, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; <br /> and in Jesus Christ,(the Messiah Yeshua) His only Son Our Lord, <br /> Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. <br /> He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; <br /> He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.<br />I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. <br /> Amen. </span> </span><br />
<br />
The Nicene Creed <a href="http://anglicansonline.org/basics/nicene.html">http://anglicansonline.org/basics/nicene.html</a> and that of St. Athanasius <a href="http://anglicansonline.org/basics/athanasian.html">http://anglicansonline.org/basics/athanasian.html</a> would come second and third in terms of their potentially being on the radar screen of a 21st century Christian.<br />
<br />
The chief business of life is both to learn truth and then to find ways to apply truth to our own lives.<br />
<span class="text John-13-36" id="en-CJB-26680"></span><br />
<span class="text John-13-36">Shim‘on Kefa said to Yeshua, “Lord, where are you going?” He answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow later.” </span><span class="text John-13-37" id="en-CJB-26681"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>“Lord,” Kefa said to him, “why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!”</span><span class="text John-13-38" id="en-CJB-26682"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Yeshua answered, “You will lay down your life for me? Yes, indeed! I tell you, before the rooster crows you will disown me three times.</span><span class="text John-14-1" id="en-CJB-26683"><span class="chapternum"> </span>“Don’t let yourselves be disturbed. Trust in God and trust in me. </span><span class="text John-14-2" id="en-CJB-26684">In my Father’s house are many places to live. If there weren’t, I would have told you; because I am going there to prepare a place for you. </span><span class="text John-14-3" id="en-CJB-26685">Since I am going and preparing a place for you, I will return to take you with me; so that where I am, you may be also. </span> <span class="text John-14-4" id="en-CJB-26686">Furthermore, you know where I’m going; and you know the way there.” </span><span class="text John-14-5" id="en-CJB-26687">T’oma said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going; so how can we know the way?” </span><span class="text John-14-6" id="en-CJB-26688">Yeshua said, “I AM the Way — and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me. </span><span class="text John-14-7" id="en-CJB-26689">Because you have known me, you will also know my Father; from now on, you do know him — in fact, you have seen him.” <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13-14&version=CJB;NIV">https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13-14&version=CJB;NIV</a></span><br />
<span class="text John-14-7"></span><br />
Love God. Love your neighbour. Yes, even love your enemy! But do it in accord with the truth which is revealed in Holy Scripture. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Complete-Jewish-Bible-CJB/">https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Complete-Jewish-Bible-CJB/</a>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-21625459250421575122014-06-19T21:47:00.001-04:002020-11-02T19:53:25.265-05:00Fight the Good Fight<b>'The Real Fight: Classical Liberalism vs. Authoritarian Progressivism</b><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Christian liberals ... interpret recent political history differently from “radicals.” ... “liberalism appears to be daily more hostile” to Christianity and suggests that the anti-Christian turn of modern governments is the fault of liberalism. Anti-Christian hostility (is) on the rise in modern governments, but (one cannot properly) describe these governments as “liberal.”<br />
<br />
(In effect,) Western states have been dominated by <i>illiberal</i> government since the first half of the twentieth century. What threatens Christianity today are governments inspired by <i>authoritarian progressivism</i>.' taken from <a href="http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2014/05/13122/">http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2014/05/13122/</a><br />
<br />
Our cultural 'thought police' despise the very concept of absolute truth and seek to prevent genuine evangelistic efforts.<br />
<br />
May God answer the prayers of all who have asked Him for good governments that truly and impartially administer justice, to the maintenance of true religion and virtue.<br />
<br />
Keep on praying and praising Jesus. Follow Him.Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-67152575865226673882014-06-14T12:11:00.002-04:002020-11-02T19:54:15.431-05:00Pray for the people of Iraq <a href="http://archbishop-cranmer.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/the-christian-centre-of-iraq-has-been.html">http://archbishop-cranmer.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/the-christian-centre-of-iraq-has-been.html</a><br />
<br />
A <a href="http://frrme.org/please-please-help-us-crisis/"><span style="color: #151b8d;">plea</span></a> from Canon Andrew White, Vicar of Baghdad: <br />
<br />
'Dear Friends,<br />
<br />
Things are so bad now in Iraq, the worst they have ever been. The Islamic terrorists have taken control of the whole of Mosul which is Nineveh the main Christian stronghold. The army have even fled. We urgently need help and support.<br />
<br />
The area is the heartland of the Christian community. Most of our people come from Nineveh and still see that as their home. It is there that they return to regularly. Many Christian’s fled from back to Nineveh from Baghdad, as things got so bad there. Now the Christian centre of Iraq has been totally ransacked. The tanks are moving into the Christian villages destroying them and causing total carnage. The ISIS militants are now moving towards Kirkuk, major areas to the Oil fields that provide the lifeblood of Iraq. We are faced with total war that all the Iraqi military have now retreated from.'<br />
<br />
<span class="byline" itemid="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/h/ben_hubbard/index.html" itemprop="author creator" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/h/ben_hubbard/index.html" rel="author" title="More Articles by BEN HUBBARD"><span class="byline-author" data-byline-name="BEN HUBBARD" itemprop="name">BEN HUBBARD</span></a></span><time class="dateline" datetime="2014-08-23"> on AUG. 23, 2014</time> commented in his New York Times article <br />
<br />
that 'Sunnis and Shiites tend to view many of the country’s most pressing issues through profoundly different lenses, making compromise difficult. Shiite leaders speak of ISIS as a terrorist threat that must be battled with all available means. Some have even accused Sunni leaders of providing political cover for the extremists.'<br />
<br />
Therefore, remember that formerly<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29241X" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29241X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29241Y" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29241Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup>— <span class="text Eph-2-12" id="en-NIV-29242"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29242Z" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29242Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> to the covenants of the promise,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29242AA" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29242AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> without hope<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29242AB" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29242AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup> and without God in the world.</span> <span class="text Eph-2-13" id="en-NIV-29243"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>But now in Christ Jesus you who once<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29243AC" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29243AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> were far away have been brought near<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29243AD" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29243AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> by the blood of Christ.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29243AE" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29243AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="text Eph-2-14" id="en-NIV-29244"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>For he himself is our peace,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29244AF" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29244AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> who has made the two groups one<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29244AG" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29244AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup> and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,</span> <span class="text Eph-2-15" id="en-NIV-29245"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>by setting aside in his flesh<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29245AH" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29245AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> the law with its commands and regulations.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29245AI" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29245AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup> His purpose was to create in himself one<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29245AJ" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29245AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,</span> <span class="text Eph-2-16" id="en-NIV-29246"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29246AK" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29246AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup> by which he put to death their hostility.</span> <span class="text Eph-2-17" id="en-NIV-29247"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>He came and preached peace<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29247AL" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29247AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29247AM" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29247AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Eph-2-18" id="en-NIV-29248"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>For through him we both have access<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29248AN" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29248AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup> to the Father<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29248AO" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29248AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> by one Spirit.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29248AP" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29248AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<br />
Pray and act as the Holy Spirit leads You.<br />
Click on the above link for more info.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/24/world/middleeast/response-to-attack-reflects-iraqs-sectarian-divide.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpSum&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news">http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/24/world/middleeast/response-to-attack-reflects-iraqs-sectarian-divide.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpSum&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news</a>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-28507250552068264722014-02-05T21:48:00.001-05:002020-11-02T19:54:48.925-05:00A Warning!<br /><br />
<img align="left" height="200" hspace="5" src="http://02varvara.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/metropolitan-kirill-gundyaev-e1271538170424.jpg" title="Metropolitan Krill" /> During a Sunday service some months ago in Kazan Cathedral on Red Square, Metropolitan Kirill the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church issued a grave warning regarding the growing phenomena in the west of legalizing same sex unions and same sex 'marriages' .<br /><br />He warned against the formalization of sin by codifying it in the laws of a country; <i>"This is a very dangerous apocalyptic symptom, and we must do everything in our powers to ensure that sin is never sanctioned ...</i><br />
To understand his comments read further at the following link: <a href="http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=18565#.UvL1tdqYbX4"><em>http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=18565#.UvL1tdqYbX4</em></a>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-78425257451396535212013-07-30T14:01:00.000-04:002013-07-30T14:01:04.590-04:00Gospel Outreach in Toronto, Canada<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrtpqjbDO74&feature=share">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrtpqjbDO74&feature=share</a>
This video is just two minutes out of two and a half hours of worship and ministry. God is merciful, and greatly to be praised!Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-51539609548928404692013-07-25T20:51:00.002-04:002020-11-02T19:55:09.787-05:00Pointing to Jesus in Canada<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
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O Canada, wake up!<br /> Only in Christ can we truly stand on guard for our country.</div>
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In Canada I’ve made my home<br /> Working in the Lord’s Vineyard.<br /> I seek always to give all praise<br /> To the One we all adore.<br /> With sisters, brothers, clients, friends <br /> We work and serve together<br /> The One who is our strength and song<br /><span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> Jesus our Redeemer.<br /><br />Trust in the Lord with all your heart<br /> Follow Him in pure delight,<br /> And tell Him all your cares and joys<br /> And Love with all your might.<br />The Word of faith in His cross and blood<br /> Gives life and love and power;<br /> As fully and above all else<br /> You hear and follow Jesus.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">‘I am the way - truth - life’, says he<br />‘All must come to God through me.’<br />T’is His desire that all be saved<br /> And healed from sin’s despair.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">God bless the stranger, rich or poor<br /> As family by faith;<br /> Relationships on earth will fade<br /> But Jesus is forever.</span></div>
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<br /><br /> <span class="text_exposed_show"> O Come, Lord Jesus!</span></div>
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Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-2591177035644321862013-07-06T18:11:00.001-04:002020-11-02T19:55:41.696-05:00O Canada! From West Down East and Back, The True NorthWhatever projects we get up to, I'm sure our Heavenly Father has some great laughs, sometimes in derision, sometimes delight.<br />
<br />
Whatever mischief we create or encounter, don't you think many tears from mingled sorrow and joy come easily from His eyes?<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Consider Canada,</strong></em><br />
<em><strong> Canada consider Jesus.</strong></em><br />
<br />
Comment ça va avec lui? avec nous?<br />
<a href="http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/img/holidays/canada-day/canadian-flag-heart.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/img/holidays/canada-day/canadian-flag-heart.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
What keeps us together?<br />
The Trans-Canada highway? Maybe.<br />
The Federal government? Eh, say what?<br />
<br />
But remember!<br />
Our governors separated us into Upper and Lower Canada.<br />
<br />
Then one day a true first-rate fellow took an act of political hubris to curb our inferiority and brought our constitution home from across the pond.<br />
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Now we can follow our dreams, if only we can agree on what they are.<br />
<br />
But there's a war afoot. Both within the church and outside its influence, there's a battle raging for our mental, physical and spiritual health!<br />
<br />
For the follower of Jesus, prayer and praise itself is an exercise in warfare. We fight against the spiritual forces at work in our own lives, the influences of the world the flesh and the devil. We battle on behalf of others including both friends and enemies. <br />
<br />
One can follow all the Christian traditions without actually following Christ. We can misuse our faith if we allow ourselves to become insulated from our responsibility to stand against the world, the flesh and the devil. We may be virtually acting against the promises we make at every baptism to do all in our power to support new believers in their life in Christ.<br />
<br />
Currently, many Christians inherit or intentionally choose the old pathways, expecting to receive all the valid traditions at face value. However, the true call and mark of the church is faithfulness to the gospel of Christ. This is nothing but the worship of God and the preaching of the message of the cross: the proclamation of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The call to focus on Christ and His Mission is essential. The urgency of our common calling is relevant to those who are lost and who need to know that The Living God will one day come again to judge this world.<br />
<br />
As lay people, we cannot be afraid to do whatever it is the Lord is calling us to say and do, especially in those situations where either secular society or the institutional church attempts to stifle us. We are responsible under God to minister to clergy and even bishops when necessary. This requires humility on all sides, especially on the part of the senior partners in these relationships.<br />
<br />
Spiritual warfare is not complicated. It can be as simple as maintaining a cheerful heart, serving quietly and participating in regular worship of God. It might mean, for some, extended times of prayer, for some, the singing of loud Alleluias. It might involve us in responsible social and political action, conducted in obedience to Jesus, according to our talents and interests.<br />
<br />
If those in need around us are starving, it’s unacceptable to sit on the rich food supply. We think we must wait for the food inspector to give a certificate of approval before we can unseal the crate and give out its contents. This is what we often feel compelled to do because we have an unhealthy and unbiblical deference to so-called authority.<br />
<br />
Perfect love is said to cast out fear. Scripture clearly calls all Christians to love and serve their fellows and through them their community. If we are being forced into independence, perhaps this is the Lord’s way of helping us grow up.<br />
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<strong>Help us, Lord Jesus, to love one another, to seek health for ourselves and our neighbours.</strong><br />
<br />
We who put our trust in God are called on occasion to arise in faith to stand up with the gospel, to set an example for our fellow believers to take risks in faith. This past few weeks I've been refreshed and strengthened to share the gospel on the streets and even to sing God's praises.<br />
<br />
<strong>Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered!<br />Jesus still says, “Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give refreshment,” and “Father, may they be one!”</strong><br />
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Let our churches return to the job of proclaiming the power of God to heal mental, spiritual and physical disease, and restore the partnership between medical and spiritual professionals.<br />
<br />
The men in our bible study have been praying for each other. One day, a few months ago I asked for prayer that I would be able to go down to Nova Scotia to visit family but especially for my twin nephew's graduation from High School. I didn't see how it could happen due to both poor health and finances.<br />
<br />
But the Lord prepared the Way. My boss gave me the time I needed. I was able to cash in some air miles and my wife was satisfied that there was enough food in the house for her while I was away.<br />
<br />
I flew out of Pearson 3 PM on a Wednesday and returned just after 8 PM the following Friday. Three full days of showers of blessing and peace. The rain lifted and the sun came out as my nephews left the ceremony.<br />
<br />
It was invigorating, seeing my sister and her clan, spending time with Mum and visiting my brother and his new family.<br />
<br />
As I return to the big city I've sensed like never before the freedom to preach and sing again the song I learned in Quebec in my youth, on the streets and byways of Toronto, especially last Sunday and again Monday, Canada Day.<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br />O Canada! Terre de nos aïeux,<br />Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!<br />Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,<br />Il sait porter la Croix!<br />Ton histoire est une épopée des plus brillant exploits'<br /><br />From far and wide,<br />O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.<br />God keep our land glorious and free!<br />O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.<br />O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.<br /><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />Some of the words have been changed since my days in Quebec, I say for the better.<br /><br />...and yet...<strong>Quebec feels</strong> left out.<br />But then, So do <strong>the Atlantic Provinces </strong>… <strong>the Prairies </strong>and <strong>B.C.</strong><br />We’ve no Grand Canyon, just a few noisy fire-crackers, dissidents who avoid responsibilities while promoting rights!<br />What about the privilege of duty?<br />What of <strong>Ontario</strong>?<br /><em><strong>The Place to Stand</strong></em>, Out in the cold with <strong>the North</strong>?<br /><br />So what can keep us together?<br />Simple convenience and compromise has so far,<br />but a little more is required:<br />Charity, friendship, common sense,<br />hope, the Word of life,<br />hot apple cider and sticky maple syrup<br /><strong>Et Mon Dieu!</strong><br /><br />Let’s take up our cross, using the sword of the Spirit to make our future full of exploits for Jesus! Whatever your national origin, let’s stand together for His righteousness and truth.<br /> </span><strong>All for Jesus! Gloire a Dieu!</strong>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-21236024964441226802013-06-30T08:10:00.001-04:002013-07-26T13:10:36.168-04:00Reflections on Deeper Things: Let The Dreams Begin!A reposting from a favorite website:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://reflectionsdeep.blogspot.ca/2013/06/let-dreams-begin.html">Reflections on Deeper Things: Let The Dreams Begin!</a>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-6355945249012939172013-05-01T00:29:00.001-04:002014-09-11T19:09:51.457-04:00On Psychiatry<a href="http://canadianmentalangst.blogspot.ca/2013/04/on-psychiatry.html">http://canadianmentalangst.blogspot.ca/2013/04/on-psychiatry.html</a><br />
<br />
Just to be clear: medicine and faith are not incompatible.Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-15994187834940535672012-12-02T18:32:00.001-05:002012-12-02T18:32:42.616-05:00The Spirit and the World: On Judgement<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jesus is coming again. Are you ready?</span><br />
<br />
Throughout history, this world has experienced many disasters, some natural and some man-made.<br />
From the plagues of the Exodus in 1442 BC to the volcanic explosions of Krakatoa in 1883 to the use of atomic bombs, from the blitzkrieg and Auschwitz to the destruction unleashed by terrorists in the USA on 9-11, from massive tsunamis in the Indian Ocean and Japan, to famine, drought and disease in various places, from dust and sand storms to hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires, we have struggled with questions always profound and sometimes controversial.<br />
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How might worldly disaster be related to divine punishment?<br />
What of those daring souls who suggest that this or that problem is connected to the sinful misbehavior of a particular nation or people?<br />
<br />
Even those who believe in God ask why He allows suffering.<br />
What about those who suggest the end of the world is at hand?<br />
How do we treat such questions and how are we to properly assess the various attempts to give coherent answers?<br />
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One might begin by considering these words from the 14th chapter of John, from the New Living Translation:<br />
<br />
'If you love me, obey my commandments,' Jesus says, '<span class="text John-14-16" id="en-NLT-26650"><span class="woj">And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.</span></span> <span class="text John-14-17" id="en-NLT-26651"><span class="woj">He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.'</span></span><br />
<span class="text John-14-17"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text John-14-17"><span class="woj">'The world cannot receive him,' Jesus says, 'because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.'</span></span><br />
<br />
This passage clearly explains why the reporters of the news of the world rarely give any hints of spiritual activity taking place behind the scenes of events both great and small. And even when spiritual influences are mentioned they are interpreted according to sociological or psychological theory.<br />
<span class="text John-14-17"><span class="woj"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></sup></span></span><br />
<span class="text John-14-17"><span class="woj"><span class="woj">'But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.'</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text John-14-27" id="en-NLT-26661"><span class="woj">'I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.</span></span> <span class="text John-14-28" id="en-NLT-26662"><span class="woj">Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.' </span></span><br />
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<span class="text John-14-28"><span class="woj">One might also consider the words of Jesus as found in Luke chapter 13:</span></span><br />
Now there were some
present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had
mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, <span class="nivred">“Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the
other Galileans because they suffered this way?</span> I tell you, no! But
unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who
died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty
than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But
unless you repent, you too will all perish.” <br />
<br />
<span class="text John-14-28"><span class="woj">Spiritual goods are not recognized by worldly minds. Spiritual evil is usually either minimized or explained away as somehow either inevitable or rationally justifiable or even the result, never the cause, of illness.</span></span><br />
<br />
For the time
has come for judgment, and it must begin with God's household. And if judgment
begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God's Good
News? 1 Peter 4:17<br />
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Wake up, Repent, turn away from sin, turn to Jesus!<br />
<br />
Have you asked Jesus to come into your heart?<br />
<br />
There's something even more important.<br />
Have you asked, 'Change my heart, O God, renew in me a spirit of purity, holiness, 'fire me up'<br />
Burn away my sin, keep me on guard against evil.'<br />
<br />
In Revelation, chapter 3, we find these words: 'Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars:<br />
<br />
<div class="left-1 top-1">
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<span class="text Rev-3-1"><span class="woj">“I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. </span></span><span class="text Rev-3-2" id="en-NLT-30710"><span class="woj">Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God.</span></span> <span class="text Rev-3-3" id="en-NLT-30711"><span class="woj">Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.</span></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="left-1">
<span class="text Rev-3-4" id="en-NLT-30712"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><span class="woj">“Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.</span></span> <span class="text Rev-3-5" id="en-NLT-30713"><span class="woj">All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.</span></span></div>
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<div class="left-1">
<span class="text Rev-3-6" id="en-NLT-30714"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><span class="woj">“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.</span></span></div>
And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. <span class="text Rev-20-12" id="en-NLT-31013"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books.</span> <span class="text Rev-20-13" id="en-NLT-31014"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-31014b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[</sup> gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds.</span> <span class="text Rev-20-14" id="en-NLT-31015">Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death.</span> <span class="text Rev-20-15" id="en-NLT-31016">And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.'</span><br />
<br />
Malachi 3:1-5 reads as follows:<br />
Behold, I am going to send <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23122B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> of hosts. <span class="text Mal-3-2" id="en-NASB-23123"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>“But who can <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23123E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23123F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. </span><span class="text Mal-3-3" id="en-NASB-23124">He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23124G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23124H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>present to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> offerings in righteousness.</span><span class="text Mal-3-4" id="en-NASB-23125"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23125I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>pleasing to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> as in the <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23125J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>days of old and as in former years.</span> <br />
<span class="text Mal-3-5" id="en-NASB-23126">“Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23126K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>sorcerers and against the <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23126L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>adulterers and against those who <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23126M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>swear falsely, and against those who oppress the <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23126N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>wage earner in his wages, the <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23126O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me,” says the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> of hosts.</span><br />
<span class="text Mal-3-5"> </span><br />
As this song from about 25 years ago says,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For I’m building a people of power</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And I’m making a people of praise</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That will move through this land by My Spirit </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And will glorify My precious name</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Build Your church Lord</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Make us strong Lord</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Join our hearts Lord, through Your Son</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Make us one Lord in Your body</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the Kingdom of Your Son</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jesus is coming again. Are you ready?</span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-29465481890611124792012-12-02T13:27:00.001-05:002012-12-02T18:33:36.455-05:00Jesus - The Stolen DoorThe Ruins of Rievaulx Abbey - a parable for the current state of the Church.<br />
<br />
I've been there. It's an amazing, inspiring ruin. <br />
<br />
It's in Yorkshire, England, not far from York Minster.<br />
<br />
Even now echoes of its former glory can still be sensed.<br />
<br />
It's tragic story is reflected in church and society, in political and philosophical disputes, in church membership decline and in continued spiritual hunger.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieq_YMwyQf9NUNmL6i_tDp18YonianVYnsbnZ0RFSdzWqhB_dZOppUrZG07A0VVTY-tgsNxkNYt9VL6gjIvdZM3IebraSbvGcc_0SkTyZe4NO9RYUPep2aOo3NqGlmFSmnAPlAdUrsAXU/s1600/Rievaulx+Abbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieq_YMwyQf9NUNmL6i_tDp18YonianVYnsbnZ0RFSdzWqhB_dZOppUrZG07A0VVTY-tgsNxkNYt9VL6gjIvdZM3IebraSbvGcc_0SkTyZe4NO9RYUPep2aOo3NqGlmFSmnAPlAdUrsAXU/s320/Rievaulx+Abbey.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The covering of God has been removed and the foundations are uninspected.<br />
The 12th century roof is long gone; God's glory appears to have departed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Its situation and condition point toward the state of spiritual schizophrenia in which the Christian Churches of our day find themselves.<br />
<br />
Is the church Catholic or Protestant, or both? Is it liberal or conservative, or both? Or neither. Do pastors teach the truth faithfully and in good conscience, according to accepted traditions? Does it matter?<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br />
A vision: 'The abbot comes with a giant door, five full inches thick, <br />
without hinges or handles or locks,<br />
made from one great piece of wood from a very old tree. </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
He places it in the entry frame.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
But in the middle of the night someone comes and steals it away.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
A woman is in the house when the demons come,<br />
and without the door she has no protection. </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
She hides.<br />
<br />
When the abbot wakes up he senses the demons are out to consume him.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
They throw a sacrifice into the oven and leave the good master to simmer and then serve dinner.'</div>
<br />
<br />
God's people, through the centuries, have been and remain at risk because the boundaries have been moved and removed. <br />
<br />
Clergy and others play politics, virtually oblivious and practically careless, while people's souls hang in the balance. Synod representatives pretend to have more power and authority than those they represent. They forget that the church is not a democracy. A majority vote is insufficient when total unity is demanded for major decisions.<br />
<br />
The Reformation is forgotten. The Via Media has been abandoned. False gospels are promoted. Education is little more than mere propaganda. Bishops routinely visit parishes but ignore their people. Unity and doctrine are equally forsaken. Appointed leaders tell us that relevance, for now, needs to trump Salvation.<br />
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Believers are being sacrificed to the felt needs of people in power, thrown, like Daniel's friends, into the fiery furnaces tended by the rulers of our day. Just for preaching, praying or wearing a cross!<br />
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The celebration of Jesus' birth goes on as usual while the Jesus of Judgement is hushed up.<br />
<br />
Jesus says, "I am the gate... Come to me...Do you want to be made whole?"<br />
He also warns, "What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don't enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering."<br />
<br />
O Christian, watch and pray! Be wary of wolves in sheep's clothing.<br />
The heretics have taken leadership in the Church. In many places Jesus is no longer welcome. He's been replaced by a replica, a look-alike. Take note and prepare.<br />
<br />
Jesus died. He is risen. He will come again.<br />
Are you ready?<br />
<br />
Come, Day of God, Come!<br />
Are children cared for by lost youths of
yesteryear,<br />
weakened, humbled souls,<br />
pared down by two thousand years of
adultedness,<br />
struggling ones, buried under wintry traditions,<br />
serving with
mocking tolerance,<br />
while little ones wander in avenues of daily blooming
disaster,<br />
suffering and wondering, why?<br />
Reminders are given by bookish
ones from city lanes and country homes,<br />
lessons of injuries and
martyrdoms,<br />
pointing the way ahead to those who would see.<br />
<br />
Read more at<br />
<a href="http://globalchristianangst.blogspot.ca/2010/11/advent-reflection.html">http://globalchristianangst.blogspot.ca/2010/11/advent-reflection.html</a>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-82145025555988244452012-11-02T14:51:00.001-04:002012-11-24T19:16:44.395-05:00The Origin (pt.1)Excellent video put together by a friend.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JlsALXfEimg?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-29003574987997500552012-10-25T21:46:00.001-04:002012-10-25T21:46:32.144-04:00Serve until Christ returns - Dr Michael Youssef | Christian News on Christian Today<a href="http://www.christiantoday.com/article/serve.until.christ.returns.dr.michael.youssef/30877.htm#.UInraA1LWws.blogger">Serve until Christ returns - Dr Michael Youssef | Christian News on Christian Today</a>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202681422639632050.post-11847889856276512782012-10-25T21:39:00.001-04:002012-10-25T21:44:55.669-04:00Does your pastor or leader mistreat wounded souls?<br />
A source of constant discouragement to me is the way people who have mental illness are so mistreated. Also, very sadly, it is often the pastor who does this. - Steve Bloem<br />
<br />
Continue reading at <a href="http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.ca/2012/10/a-post-i-put-on-sermon-central.html">http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.ca/2012/10/a-post-i-put-on-sermon-central.html</a>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004783407007639581noreply@blogger.com0