Fear in order to enter God's rest.

Greetings in Christ Jesus,

A reflection on today's readings Sunday 11-06-2016

Hebrews 4: 1-13
Psalm 120/121
Luke 20: 41 to end

      In the reading from the book of Hebrews we start by reading of the promise of living in God's rest. We can note that there will be those who do not enter into His rest and we can begin to understand that His rest is not fully upon us yet. There are a few types of rest in scripture, one is the Sabbath rest given to the Jews, Christians can also enter in to this type of rest when we worship Almighty God through the risen Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit. But this is not the final rest.

      There was a rest for the Jews when they escaped Egypt and entered in to Canaan but this was not a final rest; they still had a lot of work to do. Let us take a quick moment to see also that there was only two people from those Jews who originally fled Egypt and entered the Promised Land; these were Joshua and Caleb.

      We rest in Jesus and yet there is still a lot of work to do and much affliction in this present life. Not all will make it beyond this rest here because some will fall. Were you able to see that in this reading of Hebrews?

      Looking at today's Psalm does it not tell us that the Lord helps us and keeps us?

      In the Gospel of Luke that we read today does it not tell us that the Christ is Lord, He is the Son of David in His humanity and David's Lord in His divinity? We know that Jesus is the Son of David and the Son of God. We know that we have been promised a rest but not all will enter in to this promised rest. How is it that in this short written homily/sermon with these few verses that we can understand who enters this promised rest?

      Start again in the book of the Hebrews; are we not told from the start; therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to come short of it? I don't know about you but I do not hear this word fear very often when the preaching starts. Fear lest you fall away. There is no promise of a guarantee. We must be diligent to enter that rest. God's word is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.

      Are we not told in the Gospel of Luke to beware of the scribes ? Why? The desire of their heart is not the fear and obedience of God but to walk in pride and to be admired by men, and to rob the widows. The fear of the Lord should guide us to repentance  and obedience. Why have we forgotten to  fear and obey. Did Jesus not tell us; if you love me, keep my commandments? This is how we enter in to the rest that is promised. My friends there is no other way.

In Christ.

   

Member of the Autocephalous Orthodox Catholic Church of the Americas

Web Page;http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback; http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

   

TEACHING OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES.

My Friends,

      After praying the Midnight hours thoughts of many problems in the world  came in to my heart and mind, unity of true Christians foremost. All who claim the Christ seem to have this concept that they alone are the true church and all others are in some sort of error to differing degrees and must be purged of all untruths. Many proselytize those of another group often by standing outside of their place of worship and hand out flyers telling the worshipers how wrong their group is and then become irate and feign offense when someone runs them off. After all they are only attempting to bring the truth to light and show the darkness of the group that they are now targeting in order to save their soul.

      Another problem is the Eucharist which in fact is among the first and foremost issue, the idea that it is merely a symbol and has no substance or life to it of course is all the rage of the devil which keeps the many away from this spiritually life giving food. Another issue is Holy Scripture, there is a major misunderstanding of things written, changes have been made overtime, more differing doctrines and teachings coming from the same books than one can imagine and now there are those that claim that the words are changing within the books as the Bible stands on the shelf or lies on the desk.

      Friends,
Why in the most holy name of Jesus the Christ do we add difficulty to the Christian Way? The world (which is run by the Devil, Lucifer, that Satan), is difficult enough as it is to live a true and pure Christian life, do not make it harder on one another, instead; confess, repent, fast, and pray that one should first gain true understanding within oneself before going off half cocked and saving others. Allow me please to show one simple page that demonstrates much of the way in which we as Christians should behave.

TEACHING OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES.

TEACHING OF THE LORD, THROUGH THE TWELVE APOSTLES, TO THE GENTILES.

CHAPTER I.                   

THERE are two ways, one of life and one of death, 2 but the difference between the two ways is great.

3 This is the way of life: First, thou shalt love God who made thee; secondly, Τhοu shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; and all things whatsoever thou wouldst not have happen to thee, do not thou do to another. Now, this is the teaching 4 of these words:

Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for them that persecute you: for what thank have ye if ye love them that love you? Do not the Gentiles also the same? But do you love them that hate you and you shall have no enemy.

5 Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If any one give thee a blow on the right cheek, turn to him the other also, and thou shalt be perfect; if any one compel thee to go one mile, go with him two; if any one take thy cloak, give him thy tunic also; if any one take from thee what is thine, ask not for it back;6 for indeed thou canst not.

To every one that asketh thee give, and ask not back;7 for to all the Father wishes to give of His own gracious gifts.8 Blessed is he that giveth 9 according to the commandment, for 10 he is guiltless; 11 woe to him that taketh; for if, indeed, one taketh who hath need, he shall be guiltless; but 12 he who hath no need shall give account why he took, and for what end, and being in sore straits, shall be examined concerning what he did, and shall not go out thence 13 until he pay the last farthing. But 14 it hath been also said concerning this matter:

Let thine alms drop like sweat into thy hands,15 so long as thou knowest to whom thou givest.

      Friends,
This is one simple page that contains much. There of course is more to this and is easily found or one can simply contact me and I can send a pdf of this complete document. To be a true Christian is a difficult task, it requires supernatural help, we cannot do it on our own. The world is full of distractions and more continue to be invented. The pleasure of the mind and body has superseded anything else. Most believe that they somehow are deserving of some sort of life of ease and pleasure.
   
      Sorry to say that this is not the life of the Christian on earth in the flesh. The flesh, the world, must be conquered within oneself if one is to achieve eternal happiness. There is nothing wrong in pleasure, one must simply determine what that pleasure is; seeking and worshiping Almighty God through Jesus the Christ here while in the flesh is what is needed to be seen as pleasure, even with it's hardships and struggles, this is how one gains faith,strength and perseverance, remember that it is through this faith and perseverance that we achieve heaven.

      Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force.

Blessings,

In Christ,
+William

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback; http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

Priests Should be on Their Knees!

Priests Should be on Their Knees!


My friends and brethren,

The times and the church are changing rapidly. There are many rumors running around, there are lies being told, so many it is difficult to keep up with. This day of instant communication has caused much trouble. The deceiver is doing excellent work. The flock along with many ministers seem to be going crazy and running amok. It is time, the time is now, all priests, all who claim to know and to love Jesus the Christ need to be on their knees.

We do not know where we are in time according to Almighty God's plan. I can only say this; all true Christians need to be on their knees. This is not a time for complacency, this is not a time for idleness and forgetfulness. This is a time for the knees to be bent, morning and evening. There is nothing more to be said. The church appears to be wavering.

Read the prophet Joel and wonder; will we be there soon? Can we head it off? Do we want it to happen now and get it done? On your knees and seek the will of Almighty God.

Joel 1

 1 The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Phatuel. 2 Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land: did this ever happen in your days, or in the days of your fathers? 3 Tell ye of this to your children, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation. 4 That which the palmerworm hath left, the locust hath eaten: and that which the locust hath left, the bruchus hath eaten: and that which the bruchus hath left, the mildew hath destroyed. 5 Awake, ye that are drunk, and weep, and mourn all ye that take delight in drinking sweet wine: for it is cut off from your mouth. 6 For a nation is come up upon my land, strong and without number: his teeth are like the teeth of a lion: and his cheek teeth as of a lion's whelp.

7 He hath laid my vineyard waste, and hath pilled off the bark of my fig tree: he hath stripped it bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white. 8 Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth. 9 Sacrifice and libation is cut off from the house of the Lord: the priests, the Lord's ministers, have mourned: 10 The country is destroyed, the ground hath mourned: for the corn is wasted, the wine is confounded, the oil hath languished. 11 The husbandmen are ashamed, the vinedressers have howled for the wheat, and for the barley, because the harvest of the field is perished. 12 The vineyard is confounded, and the fig tree hath languished: the pomegranate tree, and the palm tree, and the apple tree, and all the trees of the field are withered: because joy is withdrawn from the children of men.

13 Gird yourselves, and lament, O ye priests, howl, ye ministers of the altars: go in, lie in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: because sacrifice and libation is cut off from the house of your God. 14 Sanctify ye a fast, call an assembly; gather together the ancients, all the inhabitants of the land into the house of your God: and cry ye to the Lord: 15 Ah, ah, ah, for the day: because the day of the Lord is at hand, and it shall come like destruction from the mighty. 16 Is not your food cut off before your eyes, joy and gladness from the house of our God? 17 The beasts have rotted in their dung, the barns are destroyed, the storehouses are broken down: because the corn is confounded. 18 Why did the beast groan, why did the herds of cattle low? because there is no pasture for them: yea, and the flocks of sheep are perished.

19 To thee, O Lord, will I cry: because fire hath devoured the beautiful places of the wilderness, and the flame hath burnt all the trees of the country. 20 Yea and the beasts of the field have looked up to thee, as a garden bed that thirsteth after rain, for the springs of waters are dried up, and fire hath devoured the beautiful places of the wilderness.

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback; http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

Planet Earth: The Holy War

Planet Earth: The Holy War

Good and Evil have now become Evil and Good

Or

Why we need Jesus the Christ

My friends,

It is now July in the year of our Lord 2016. I understand that during this month, to be specific on July 29th, 2016 the world will once again come to an end. This will be tomorrow. So with that said I wish to simply just say GOODBYE.

I am going to say, and without apology, that the so-called Body of Christ or the Church contains many if not a 50/50 split or quite possibly a slight majority of people who are in fact insane. Many of these are people who make a nice living from preying on the gullible while calling themselves educated and learned people, or prophets, more like profits if you ask me.  There are many conspiracy theories going on out there, some are so totally insane it boggles the mind and yet intelligent or seemingly intelligent people are falling into them.

Even the arguments used to support some of these conspiracies are mind boggling and also borderline if not full blown insanity. The so-called Body of Christ is full of many divisions and each division has its own understanding or interpretation of Holy Writ and one speaks out against another at times with vile hatred and each in turn will support one another in other areas and times because of a worse mutual vile hatred of another. This so-called body of Christ contains war mongers and pacifists, those who believe that all are saved no matter what and love everyone no matter what and those who are so selective that they actually hate anyone who is not with or of them as anti-Christ and have no issue in killing them.

What is truly amazing is the fact that all of these opposites claim to be reading the same Bible. How is this even possible? Well the people whether secular or religious are so dumbed-down that they in fact can barely comprehend what they read and are led easily by the self proclaimed elite while being fleeced on a daily basis. The people jump from one philosophy or another and one conspiracy or another with simply a change in the wind practically. No one is grounded in the truth any longer because truth is relevant; what is true for me may not be true for you. This is of course a step into insanity. Truth is truth and nothing else is truth, period. Man has reduced himself from the ultimate of creation to nothing more than an elite animal simply based on the fact that he can think and other animals cannot. Pleasure is the only thing worth living for. Without pleasure what else is there? Whatever gives us pleasure is all that matters.

Why it’s even in the Declaration of Independence for the United States isn’t it? We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. 

Well there it is right? So what pursuits of happiness are you chasing? Does having sex with your nine year old son or daughter make you happy? How about with your neighbor’s son or daughter or maybe your neighbor’s wife or husband? Does that make you happy? Maybe same sex is your happiness or possibly you prefer your dog. Why have the headache of any type of partner and simply pursue yourself? Oh I know why don’t we grab a few friends, go downtown and burn down some buildings, rape a few people, steal whatever we can carry and if we’re lucky we can find an eighty year old woman that we can kill and steal the pennies out of her purse.

This is the insanity of today’s pursuit of happiness. This is a far cry from a paradise on earth isn’t it? Well not for these people in the above paragraph it isn’t. You know that many of these people call themselves Christian right? How many in the entertainment industry call themselves Christian while engaging in the worldly pursuit of extreme vanity, adulation, and idolization of themselves and others? Don’t judge you say? What about discernment? Do we discern what is right and wrong and shun the wrong? Or do we indulge in the wrong so that we cannot be accused of judging?

So what is Christian? Let’s take a look;

We/I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end.

And [we/I believe] in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

What is this about? Almighty God created all that is seen and unseen. Man, the ultimate creation, listened to the Devil and believed that he would be like God by doing specifically what he was told not to do. By doing this man allowed the Devil to take control of the world, he could not have done it had not man allowed him in. This not only corrupted all of the earth and man; but brought death, sin, and decay into creation. Since man brought it in, it would have to be man who got rid of it, but how? Man is now corrupted and weak. Almighty God who created through His Word in saying; let there be light and so there was light, placed this same Word into the womb of a virgin, a young woman handpicked by Almighty God Himself to bear His Only Begotten Son, through the virgin by the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

God and man are now united in our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Man now has the opportunity to reunite with his Creator through Jesus the Christ because in Him is the unity of God and man. But what about this sin and death? This sin and death were brought into the world through the flesh and through the flesh it had to be destroyed, Jesus the Christ by living a sinless life in the flesh defeated sin in the flesh. By dying on the cross in the flesh and rising again on the third day in the flesh defeated death in the flesh. So sin and death came into the world by the flesh and is defeated in the world by the flesh and by believing on Him, Jesus the Christ as Lord and Savior, as God the Word in the flesh, we can have salvation through Him because we are united to Him by faith, by believing, and by the Grace of Almighty God we may be saved in this manner. By being God and man Jesus the Christ is our High Priest before God, He is our mediator and He is the only one who is both God and man and therefore the only way to the Father and eternal salvation.

Jesus said that if we loved Him we would keep His commandments, what are His commandments? You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

These things written above are Christian, Jesus also said that if we do not love our brother who we can see how can we love God who we cannot see? Jesus also said to pray for your enemies, how many so-called Christians pray for the other Christians whom they attack with vile hatred? How many truly pray from the heart for their alleged enemy in Christ?

Do these things Christian, say that I am to be a pacifist? By no means, Jesus said that He was the Fulfillment of the Law. All who believe on Jesus are Israel, the true Israel are those who believe on Jesus as the Christ. In the law if a man broke into another man’s house and was caught but struggled and was killed in the struggle then his blood was not on the hands of the man whose house he had broken into. Defense of self and family as well as neighbor or any defenseless one is permissible. Many attempt to use the sword that Peter drew as another example of pacifism but I tell you this; unless Peter was a great sorcerer, he was carrying that sword all along, he did not produce it out of thin air. Nowhere in scripture do we see Jesus telling Peter to leave the sword behind.

When Peter drew the sword to prevent the capture of Jesus he was attempting to prevent the whole plan of redemption, he was told to put the sword away, Jesus told him that this was the reason that he was here in the first place. Jesus did not tell Peter to get rid of the sword and never carry it again. No, in fact Jesus told the disciples at one point that whoever did not have money, to sell his coat and buy a sword. Pacifists can make any excuse they want out of these verses and the whole of scripture to promote the concept of standing by while people are being raped and slaughtered but they do not hold water, pray for your enemies, if you can escape then flee to another city, if you can fight and save the people and keep them free then do so. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. If the fight will only get more people slaughtered and enslaved deeper, than yield, use common sense and a lot of prayer before doing anything.

Pray about these things, the world is changing rapidly. What is next we do not know, twelve men set out and changed the world, what can we today do if we have the truth?

Peace to you through our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.

+William

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback; http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

What do the Christians do now?

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ

This will be a very simple and very short blog. Here is a simple and yet a complicated question. With all of the turmoil going on in the world today, and with the United States coming up on a presidential election. What do the Christians do if their chosen one is not elected? Whichever one that may be? Many who call themselves Christian are deceiving themselves and have no clue what it is to be Christian. The so-called body of Christ is disgustingly divided on who Jesus the Christ actually is and what He represents or what we are even expected to do in this day and age.

Obviously something needs to be done, but what? Think about it, pray about it. What will we do?

But first let us take a look at a couple more fables.

The Kingdom of the Lion 

THE BEASTS of the field and forest had a Lion as their king. He was neither wrathful, cruel, nor tyrannical, but just and gentle as a king could be. During his reign he made a royal proclamation for a general assembly of all the birds and beasts, and drew up conditions for a universal league, in which the Wolf and the Lamb, the Panther and the Kid, the Tiger and the Stag, the Dog and the Hare, should live together in perfect peace and amity. The Hare said, “Oh, how I have longed to see this day, in which the weak shall take their place with impunity by the side of the strong.”

And after the Hare said this, he ran for his life.

Translated by George Fyler Townsend. Aesop's Fables (p. 16). Amazon Digital Services, Inc..

The Wolf and the Crane 

A WOLF who had a bone stuck in his throat hired a Crane, for a large sum, to put her head into his mouth and draw out the bone. When the Crane had extracted the bone and demanded the promised payment, the Wolf, grinning and grinding his teeth, exclaimed: “Why, you have surely already had a sufficient recompense, in having been permitted to draw out your head in safety from the mouth and jaws of a wolf.”

In serving the wicked, expect no reward, and be thankful if you escape injury for your pains.

Translated by George Fyler Townsend. Aesop's Fables (p. 17). Amazon Digital Services, Inc..


As before I will ask again; what can we learn from fables? What will we do Christian?

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback; http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

The Wolf and the Lamb! A fable.

My friends,

What can be learned from fables? Well I say that much can be learned. let us take a look at a very brief and yet easily understood fable from Aesop.

The Wolf and the Lamb

The Wolf and the Lamb. A WOLF, meeting with a Lamb astray from the fold, resolved not to lay violent hands on him, but to find some plea to justify to the Lamb the Wolf’s right to eat him. He thus addressed him: “Sirrah, last year you grossly insulted me.” “Indeed,” bleated the Lamb in a mournful tone of voice, “I was not then born.” Then said the Wolf, “You feed in my pasture.” “No, good sir,” replied the Lamb, “I have not yet tasted grass.” Again said the Wolf, “You drink of my well.” “No,” exclaimed the Lamb, “I never yet drank water, for as yet my mother’s milk is both food and drink to me.” Upon which the Wolf seized him and ate him up, saying, “Well! I won’t remain supperless, even though you refute every one of my imputations.”  The tyrant will always find a pretext for his tyranny.

Translated by George Fyler Townsend. Aesop's Fables (p. 15). Amazon Digital Services, Inc.. 

Who is the Wolf and who is the Lamb?

World governments and the people.

The false prophets and the true church.

The world political system and the true church.

The false church and the true church.

Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback; http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

Call to Arms!

My friends,

I will make this short. A call to arms is needed. All true Christians need to answer this call. There are many ways in which to answer this call, for the very young and the elderly: you can pray continuously for peace and for the life of all Christians everywhere and for the victory of Christians and especially for Almighty God's intervention and guidance.

For those of able bodies it will mean not just the above but to also take up arms. We must not judge others in this, remember to follow the above first, now, while there may still be time. Also keep in mind Gideon's Army;

2 And the Lord said to Gideon: The people that are with you are many, and Madian shall not be delivered into their hands: lest Israel should glory against me, and say: I was delivered by my own strength. 3 Speak to the people, and proclaim in the hearing of all, Whosoever is fearful and timorous, let him return. So two and twenty thousand men went away from mount Galaad and returned home, and only ten thousand remained. 4 And the Lord said to Gideon: The people are still too many, bring them to the waters, and there I will try them: and of whom I shall say to you, This shall go with you, let him go: whom I shall forbid to go, let him return. 5 And when the people were come down to the waters, the Lord said to Gideon: They that shall lap the water with their tongues, as dogs are wont to lap, you shall set apart by themselves: but they that shall drink bowing down their knees, shall be on the other side. 6 And the number of them that had lapped water, casting it with the hand to their mouth, was three hundred men: and all the rest of the multitude had drunk kneeling. 7 And the Lord said to Gideon: By the three hundred men, that lapped water, I will save you, and deliver Madian into your hand: but let all the rest of the people return to their place. 8 So taking victuals and trumpets according to their number, he ordered all the rest of the multitude to depart to their tents: and he with the three hundred gave himself to the battle. Now the camp of Madian was beneath him in the valley.

With this in story in mind we must (as I said) not judge others but prepare for the worst on behalf of all. This does not mean anarchy or riotous behavior. Remember this; And Jesus answering, said to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him. Also this;Take no pleasure in riotous assemblies, be they ever so small: for their concertation is continual.

This as well; Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy: but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences. We are to obey the law unless it attempts to supersede and or replace the law of God. this we cannot do.

We cannot stand idle while innocent people are beaten or killed by any so called religious thinking. There is a war coming  and that is already here but will grow in intensity unless there is a great intervention by Almighty God. Please feel free to contact me personally to discuss how we may fight this war honorably in the name of Jesus the Christ. We must unite in Christ throughout the world.

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback;
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

Be a Conqueror!

An excerpt from the Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp

Let not those who seem worthy of credit, but teach strange doctrines, fill you with apprehension. Stand firm, as does an anvil which is beaten. It is the part of a noble athlete to be wounded, and yet to conquer. And especially we ought to bear all things for the sake of God, that He also may bear with us, and bring us into His kingdom. Add more and more to your diligence; run your race with increasing energy; weigh carefully the times. While you are here, be a conqueror; for here is the course, and there are the crowns, Look for Christ, the Son of God; who was before time, yet appeared in time; who was invisible by nature, yet visible in the flesh; who was impalpable, and could not be touched, as being without a body, but for our sakes became such, might be touched and handled in the body; who was impassible as God, but became passible for our sakes as man; and who in every kind of way suffered for our sakes.

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Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

The past is gone, we must press forward

My Friends,

The world and life are changing. In the United States there is a presidential election coming up. So many ridiculous promises, so much smoke blowing. We have gone through "yes we can" and now,  "make America great again". We have heard "what difference does it make". Let me say this; we have had Republican presidents and Republican majority Congress as well as a Democrat president and a Democratic controlled Congress. So let me ask a question: what is different? is the world still going downhill? Are we making progress to a more Godly world?

We worry about what we had, we worry about what we want no matter the cost, what if anything do these wants of ours have to do with our eternal salvation? Read a few quick verses from the Apostle Paul;

Philippians 3:11 If by any means I may attain to the resurrection which is from the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, or were already perfect; but I follow after, if I may by any means apprehend, wherein I am also apprehended by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended. But one thing I do: forgetting the things that are behind, and stretching forth myself to those that are before, 14 I press towards the mark, to the prize of the supernal vocation of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded; and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, this also God will reveal to you. 16 Nevertheless whereunto we are come, that we be of the same mind, let us also continue in the same rule.

We notice a few things here in these verses; 1. Paul is hoping for his salvation, his claim is not that he has already attained or has already been made perfect but that he follows after it or is seeking this perfection. 2. He says that he is forgetting things that are behind and stretching forth himself to those that are before.  What does this mean? Can it mean that we forget everything that has passed as if it is completely wiped from our memories? Of course it doesn't, our life is ingrained in us, what has been has been and cannot be changed but we must look at the day that we are in.

Yesterday is gone, today is where we live and tomorrow is where we are going. So in looking at where we are going we must pay attention to today so that tomorrow looks a little more promising. If our life is not in the eternal arms of the Christ Jesus than we are eternally miserable. This not looking back applies not to each of us personally or to any specific group but also to nations and the whole planet.While the planet and each nation falls apart today we can work on that in order to make a better tomorrow because we cannot go backwards. That time is gone.

So what else does Paul say in these verses? 3. be thus minded; and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, this also God will reveal to you. 16 Nevertheless whereunto we are come, that we be of the same mind, let us also continue in the same rule. What is this saying? The Body of Christ should be one. There is one Lord, there can be only one body, there can be nothing else. As so many look forward to bringing some sort of semblance of moral law back into the world we must strive towards working together to be one body of Christ.

Does this mean that we accept all teachings that are completely contradictory to one another? Not on your life because it is in fact on your life that this rests. Swallow pride, destroy prejudice, clear the heart and mind and seek earnestly for the truth. There is no other way. Seek, pray, ask. We must become one in Christ in truth.

The past is gone for each of us and for every nation, we must press forward.

In Christ,
+William

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

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Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

You call yourself Christian? Heed the Prophet.

My friends,

Take a look at the world around us. Take a look at the United States. The general state of the world and the United States is to abandon Almighty God. Tolerance does not mean passing laws that defend and protect evil. How many of those who call themselves the people of God march right along with the passing of ungodly laws? How many who call themselves the people of God or Christian seek diligently and pray continually for the true unity of Christianity? How many are willing to abandon untruths and their own pride and seek the one truth in unity with the one Christ. I speak not of any one church group or denomination but to all who call themselves the Body of Christ.

How many priests, pastors, or ministers or whatever one may call oneself are face down at the feet of Almighty God praying for true unity in the Body of Christ rather than the sole promotion of one’s special group who alone holds all truth? Do you think that the body of Christ will not be held responsible? How many scream against a priest because it sounds Catholic and claim that Holy Scripture calls us all priests? You do so at your own peril, if you indeed choose to follow this then I advise you to be on your face to Almighty God seeking true unity along with all other priests and religious.

Heed my friends the warning of Joel to those who were priests in the order of Aaron, has God changed? Or is Almighty God the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow? Heed my friends, abandon pride and ego and seek the truth in Christ Jesus, seek the true unity in the Body of Christ.

Joel the prophet

13 Gird yourselves, and lament, O you priests, howl, you ministers of the altars: go in, lie in sackcloth, you ministers of my God: because sacrifice and libation is cut off from the house of your God. 14 Sanctify you a fast, call an assembly; gather together the ancients, all the inhabitants of the land into the house of your God: and cry you to the Lord: 15 Ah, ah, ah, for the day: because the day of the Lord is at hand, and it shall come like destruction from the mighty. 16 Is not your food cut off before your eyes, joy and gladness from the house of our God? 17 The beasts have rotted in their dung, the barns are destroyed, the storehouses are broken down: because the corn is confounded. 18 Why did the beast groan, why did the herds of cattle low? because there is no pasture for them: yea, and the flocks of sheep are perished.

19 To you, O Lord, will I cry: because fire has devoured the beautiful places of the wilderness, and the flame has burnt all the trees of the country. 20 Yea and the beasts of the field have looked up to you, as a garden bed that thirsts after rain, for the springs of waters are dried up, and fire has devoured the beautiful places of the wilderness.

1 Blow you the trumpet in Sion, sound an alarm in my holy mountain, let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: because the day of the Lord comes, because it is nigh at hand, 2 A day of darkness, and of gloominess, a day of clouds and whirlwinds: a numerous and strong people as the morning spread upon the mountains: the like to it has not been from the beginning, nor shall be after it even to the years of generation and generation. 3 Before the face thereof a devouring fire, and behind it a burning flame: the land is like a garden of pleasure before it, and behind it a desolate wilderness, neither is there any one that can escape it. 4 The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses, and they shall run like horsemen. 5 They shall leap like the noise of chariots upon the tops of mountains, like the noise of a flame of fire devouring the stubble, as a strong people prepared to battle. 6 At their presence the people shall be in grievous pains: all faces shall be made like a kettle.

7 They shall run like valiant men: like men of war they shall scale the wall: the men shall march every one on his way, and they shall not turn aside from their ranks. 8 No one shall press upon his brother: they shall walk every one in his path: yea, and they shall fall through the windows, and shall take no harm. 9 They shall enter into the city: they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up the houses, they shall come in at the windows as a thief. 10 At their presence the earth has trembled, the heavens are moved: the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars have withdrawn their shining. 11 And the Lord has uttered his voice before the face of his army: for his armies are exceeding great, for they are strong and execute his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible: and who can stand it?

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

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Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

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Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

The Blessings that will flow from Faith.

THE EPISTLE OF MATHETES TO DIOGNETUS

CHAP. X.--THE BLESSINGS THAT WILL FLOW FROM FAITH.

If you also desire [to possess] this faith, you likewise shall receive first of all the knowledge of the Father. For God has loved mankind, on whose account He made the world, to whom He rendered subject all the things that are in it, to whom He gave reason and understanding, to whom alone He imparted the privilege of looking upwards to Himself, whom He formed after His own image, to whom He sent His only-begotten Son, to whom He has promised a kingdom in heaven, and will give it to those who have loved Him. And when you have attained this knowledge, with what joy do you think you will be filled? Or, how will you love Him who has first so loved you? And if you love Him, you will be an imitator of His kindness.

And do not wonder that a man may become an imitator of God. He can, if he is willing. For it is not by ruling over his neighbours, or by seeking to hold the supremacy over those that are weaker, or by being rich, and showing violence towards those that are inferior, that happiness is found; nor can any one by these things become an imitator of God. But these things do not at all constitute His majesty. On the contrary he who takes upon himself the burden of his neighbour; he who, in whatsoever respect he may be superior, is ready to benefit another who is deficient; he who, whatsoever things he has received from God, by distributing these to the needy, becomes a god to those who receive [his benefits]: he is an imitator of God. Then you shall see, while still on earth, that God in the heavens rules over [the universe]; then you shall begin to speak the mysteries of God; then shall you both love and admire those that suffer punishment because they will not deny God; then shall you condemn the deceit and error of the world when you shall know what it is to live truly in heaven, when you shall despise that which is here esteemed to be death, when you shall fear what is truly death, which is reserved for those who shall be condemned to the eternal fire, which shall afflict those even to the end that are committed to it. Then shall you admire those who for righteousness' sake endure the fire that is but for a moment, and shall count them happy when you shall know [the nature of] that fire.

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback; http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

THE RELATION OF CHRISTIANS TO THE WORLD.

CHAP. VI.--THE RELATION OF CHRISTIANS TO THE WORLD.

To sum up all in one word--what the soul is in the body, that are Christians in the world. The soul is dispersed through all the members of the body, and Christians are scattered through all the cities of the world. The soul dwells in the body, yet is not of the body; and Christians dwell in the world, yet are not of the world. The invisible soul is guarded by the visible body, and Christians are known indeed to be in the world, but their godliness remains invisible. The flesh hates the soul, and wars against it, though itself suffering no injury, because it is prevented from enjoying pleasures; the world also hates the Christians, though in nowise injured, because they abjure pleasures.

The soul loves the flesh that hates it, and [loves also] the members; Christians likewise love those that hate them. The soul is imprisoned in the body, yet preserves that very body; and Christians are confined in the world as in a prison, and yet they are the preservers of the world. The immortal soul dwells in a mortal tabernacle; and Christians dwell as sojourners in corruptible [bodies], looking for an incorruptible dwelling in the heavens. The soul, when but ill-provided with food and drink, becomes better; in like manner, the Christians, though subjected day by day to punishment, increase the more in number. God has assigned them this illustrious position, which it were unlawful for them to forsake.

Web Page;

http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

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Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

The Church Departed from the Holy Spirit!

My friends,

Read the words of St. John Chrysostom and wonder at them. His life span was from 347 AD to 407 AD. He wrote of the church in the fourth century as having lost the Holy Spirit, what I have placed here is from Homily 1 on the Gospel of Matthew. St. John Chrysostom is considered to be the greatest Orthodox preacher of the early church, so much so that the government kidnapped him and transported him to the capital, where he was forcibly consecrated as archbishop of Constantinople. His kidnapping was arranged by a government official who wanted to adorn the church in the capital city with the best orator in Christianity.

After reading these words; wonder at where the church has gone since they have been spoken. It has been about seventeen centuries since these words were spoken. I do not believe that the church has improved its status. The church has walked away from the Holy Spirit, it is that simple. These are not my words or the musings of an insane person today. They are the words of the Golden Tongue or the Golden Mouth, St. John Chrysostom. The one in whom the church venerates and uses the Liturgy of. Sadly, aside from these things the church no longer hears his preaching.

The church has left its first love and has become a corporate machine, not much different than any other world business. It’s time to leave this nonsense behind and seek the Holy Spirit, seek the wisdom of the One True God. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in speech, but in power.

Seek the Holy Spirit, rekindle the fire of the Lord, it is not through intelligent conversation that we preach the word but through power and authority.

5 For our gospel has not been unto you in word only, but in power also, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much fullness, as you know what manner of men we have been among you for your sakes. 6 And you became followers of us, and of the Lord; receiving the word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

Do not hesitate, begin now for now is the time, seek the Holy Spirit, seek wisdom, seek understanding not just in intellect but in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit.

Here is what St. John Chrysostom had to say regarding the church;

It were indeed meet for us not at all to require [15] the aid of the written Word, but to exhibit a life so pure, that the grace of the Spirit should be instead of books to our souls, and that as these are inscribed with ink, even so should our hearts be with the Spirit. But, since we have utterly put away from us this grace, come, let us at any rate embrace the second best course.

For that the former was better, God has made manifest, [16] both by His words, and by His doings. Since unto Noah, and unto Abraham, and unto his offspring, and unto Job, and unto Moses too, He discoursed not by writings, but Himself by Himself, finding their mind pure. But after the whole people of the Hebrews had fallen into the very pit of wickedness, then and thereafter was a written word, and tables, and the admonition which is given by these.

And this one may perceive was the case, not of the saints in the Old Testament only, but also of those in the New. For neither to the apostles did God give anything in writing, but instead of written words He promised that He would give them the grace of the Spirit: for "He," said our Lord, "shall bring all things to your remembrance." [17] And that you may learn that this was far better, hear what He said by the Prophet: "I will make a new covenant with you, putting my laws into their mind, and in their heart I will write them," and, "they shall be all taught of God." [18] And Paul too, pointing out the same superiority, said, that they had received a law "not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart." [19]

            But since in process of time they made shipwreck, some with regard to

doctrines, others as to life and manners, there was again need that they should be put in remembrance by the written word.

            2. Reflect then how great an evil it is for us, who ought to live so

purely as not even to need written words, but to yield up our hearts, as books, to the Spirit; now that we have lost that honor, and are come to have need of these, to fail again in duly employing even this second remedy. For if it be a blame to stand in need of written words, and not to have brought down on ourselves the grace of the Spirit; consider how heavy the charge of not choosing to profit even after this assistance, but rather treating what is written with neglect, as if it were cast forth without purpose, and at random, and so bringing down upon

ourselves our punishment with increase. [20]

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

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Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

But Now Christ is Risen from the Dead!

My friends,

Much to my distress I understand that there are those who do not celebrate the risen Christ, they enjoy no feast on the day chosen to celebrate the Resurrection and this is due to the name given to this day as Easter. This blog is not long enough to go into the discussion of this word, the most popular understanding is that it is from the name of a goddess. Although this is the most popular definition given it is not the only definition given. 

Along with this the name Easter is strictly a western name used only by western Christianity. This day is the Day of Resurrection, Pascha, and Easter. Without the Resurrection my friends there is no Christian faith. There is nothing, nought, Without the Resurrection we have no hope in or of anything. This is a day to celebrate and bring joy. 

I ask you who reads this to pray for all to come to this understanding and learn the joy that is found in this Day of Resurrection.

12 Now if Christ be preached, that he arose again from the dead, how do some among you say, that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen again. 14 And if Christ be not risen again, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God: because we have given testimony against God, that he has raised up Christ; whom he has not raised up, if the dead rise not again. 16 For if the dead rise not again, neither is Christ risen again. 17 And if Christ be not risen again, your faith is vain, for you are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ, are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, the firstfruits of them that sleep: 21 For by a man came death, and by a man the resurrection of the dead. 22 And as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But every one in his own order: the firstfruits Christ, then they that are of Christ, who have believed in his coming. 24 Afterwards the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God and the Father, when he shall have brought to nought all principality, and power, and virtue. 25 For he must reign, until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 And the enemy death shall be destroyed last: For he has put all things under his feet. And whereas he says, 27 All things are put under him; undoubtedly, he is excepted, who put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then the Son also himself shall be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback; http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

Flesh and Blood Cannot Possess the Kingdom of God!

My Friends, how often do we find ourselves frustrated and anxious? I have read of many who labor for our Lord who become so frustrated and so worn that they leave their ministry. We must understand and persevere, remember that this is the job of the evil one, to wear down the saints; 

25 And he shall speak words against the High One, and shall crush the saints of the most High: and he shall think himself able to change times and laws, and they shall be delivered into his hand until a time, and times, and half a time. 26 And judgment shall sit, that his power may be taken away, and be broken in pieces, and perish even to the end. 27 And that the kingdom, and power, and the greatness of the kingdom, under the whole heaven, may be given to the people of the saints of the most High: whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all kings shall serve him, and shall obey him. 28 Hitherto is the end of the word.

We must at all times remember where we are from and where we are attempting to go and the manner in which we must achieve this. Pray always, seek the wisdom that is from God in order to handle the stress and strain that comes with serving our Lord in the many different ways that we may serve or attempt to serve. We are human, our Lord knows this, We must persevere in faith, pray for strength and guidance. May Almighty God have mercy on us all.

47 The first man was of the earth, earthly: the second man, from heaven, heavenly. 48 Such as is the earthly, such also are the earthly: and such as is the heavenly, such also are they that are heavenly. 49 Therefore as we have borne the image of the earthly, let us bear also the image of the heavenly.

 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot possess the kingdom of God: neither shall corruption possess incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall all indeed rise again: but we shall not all be changed. 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall rise again incorruptible: and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption; and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 And when this mortal has put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? 56 Now the sting of death is sin: and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast and unmoveable; always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback; http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

Praise the Lord in His Holy Places!

My Friends,

Heed the word; glory to God in the highest. Praise Him above all. But let us seek true wisdom and understanding. Have we indeed purged ourselves? We must remember during our celebration to also keep watch so that the evil one does not re-enter, then praise God and feast.

6 Your glorying is not good. Know you not that a little leaven corrupts the whole lump? 7 Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new paste, as you are unleavened. For Christ our Pasch is sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us feast, not with the old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

1 Alleluia. PRAISE the Lord in his holy places: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to the multitude of his greatness. 3 Praise him with sound of trumpet: praise him with psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with timbrel and choir: praise him with strings and organs. 5 Praise him on high sounding cymbals: praise him on cymbals of joy: 6 let every spirit praise the Lord. Alleluia.

Web Page;

http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback; http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

A Vow is Paid in Jerusalem!

A vow is paid in Jerusalem, blessed is the one who has been chosen and taken to the Father for He shall dwell in HIS courts.

1 To the end, a psalm of David. The canticle of Jeremias and Ezechiel to the people of the captivity, when they began to go out. 2 A HYMN, O God, becomes you in Sion: and a vow shall be paid to you in Jerusalem. 3 O hear my prayer: all flesh shall come to you. 4 The words of the wicked have prevailed over us: and you will pardon our transgressions. 5 Blessed is he whom you have chosen and taken to you: he shall dwell in your courts. We shall be filled with the good things of your house; holy is your temple, 6 wonderful in justice. Hear us, O God our saviour, who is the hope of all the ends of the earth, and in the sea afar off. 7 You who prepares the mountains by your strength, being girded with power: 8 who troubles the depth of the sea, the noise of its waves. The Gentiles shall be troubled, 9 and they that dwell in the uttermost borders shall be afraid at your signs: you shall make the outgoings of the morning and of the evening to be joyful. 10 You have visited the earth, and have plentifully watered it; you have many ways enriched it. The river of God is filled with water, you have prepared their food: for so is its preparation. 11 Fill up plentifully the streams thereof, multiply its fruits; it shall spring up and rejoice in its showers. 12 You shall bless the crown of the year of your goodness: and your fields shall be filled with plenty. 13 The beautiful places of the wilderness shall grow fat: and the hills shall be girded about with joy, 14 The rams of the flock are clothed, and the vales shall abound with corn: they shall shout, yea they shall sing a hymn.

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback; http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost

My friends, I am simply posting a very small portion of the readings for today from the Breviary. They require no explanation, pray for mercy and salvation.

ALEPH

1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are they who search his testimonies: that seek him with their whole heart.
3 For they that work iniquity, have not walked in his ways.
4 You have commanded your commandments to be kept most diligently.
5 O! that my ways may be directed to keep your justifications.
6 Then shall I not be confounded, when I shall look into all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned the judgments of your justice.
8 I will keep your justifications: O! do not you utterly forsake me.

TAU

169 Let my supplication, O Lord, come near in your sight: give me understanding according to your word.
170 Let my request come in before you; deliver you me according to your word.
171 My lips shall utter a hymn, when you shall teach me your justifications.
172 My tongue shall pronounce your word: because all your commandments are justice.
173 Let your hand be with me to save me; for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I have longed for your salvation, O Lord; and your law is my meditation.
175 My soul shall live and shall praise you: and your judgments shall help me.
176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost: seek your servant, because I have not forgotten your commandments.

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Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William

Praise the Lord at all times!

My friends, at all times and in all places we should be praising the Lord. To praise God is our purpose. What were we told at the time of creation? And God blessed them, saying: Increase and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and all living creatures that move upon the earth. This is what we are tasked with, this is our job and yet what about our Creator? We learn again in the psalms; 

1 Alleluia. PRAISE the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the high places. 2 Praise him, all his angels: praise him, all his hosts. 3 Praise him, O sun and moon: praise him, all you stars and light. 4 Praise him, you heavens of heavens: and let all the waters that are above the heavens 5 praise the name of the Lord. For he spoke, and they were made: he commanded, and they were created. 6 He has established them for ever, and for ages of ages: he has made a decree, and it shall not pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons, and all you deeps: 8 Fire, hail, snow, ice, stormy winds which fulfill his word: 9 Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars: 10 Beasts and all cattle: serpents and feathered fowls: 11 Kings of the earth and all people: princes and all judges of the earth: 12 Young men and maidens: let the old with the younger, praise the name of the Lord: 13 for his name alone is exalted. 14 The praise of him is above heaven and earth: and he has exalted the horn of his people. A hymn to all his saints: to the children of Israel, a people approaching to him. Alleluia.

We know that by Him all things were created and for that, creation itself praises God. There is no other name to glory in or to praise other than our Creator. Praise Him in the morning, praise Him in the afternoon, praise Him in the evening. Sing praises to our Lord.

1 A psalm of David when he was in the desert of Edom. 2 O GOD, my God, to you do I watch at break of day. For you my soul has thirsted; for you my flesh, O how many ways! 3 In a desert land, and where there is no way, and no water: so in the sanctuary have I come before you, to see your power and your glory. 4 For your mercy is better than lives: you my lips shall praise. 5 Thus will I bless you all my life long: and in your name I will lift up my hands. 6 Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fatness: and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips. 7 If I have remembered you upon my bed, I will meditate on you in the morning: 8 because you have been my helper. And I will rejoice under the covert of your wings: 9 my soul has stuck close to you: your right hand has received me. 10 But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go into the lower parts of the earth: 11 They shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be the portions of foxes. 12 But the king shall rejoice in God, all they shall be praised that swear by him: because the mouth is stopped of them that speak wicked things.

Web Page; http://www.monkmichael.com

For Monk Michael's videos; http://www.youtube.com/user/HieroMonkMichael

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! on Kindle; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZCIF4M

Monk Michael's 'Spiritual Christianity for Today! paperback; http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Rev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARev.%20Fr.%20Michael%20Valentine%20Sweet

Many Blessings!

In Christ,

+William