linux.poet said:

I agree with the thrust of your wisdom, but our friend is from the United Kingdom.

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Thanks for pointing that out. I edited to the message to reflect that. God bless!

I really didn't know if David would be just alright, decent, good, etc. I ended up loving it. It's the best theatrical release this year. Best Christian animated movie since Prince of Egypt. One of the best Christian movies ever made. Stunning animation, great music, sincere, and heartfelt. David is handled so well and I liked how it did more with his family.

I was never taught that December 25 was the birth date of Jesus. I don't see the problem with celebrating his birth just because it's not in the bible.

I don't understand the lecture but I really don't care about it all that much, either.

Celebrate it or don't?

Interesting.

I forget where I read it, but I did read an article somewhere about how most of Israel is not even religious. The younger generations refused to follow the orthodox ways, saying it was just too much.

Maybe there are some similarities here.

Xeno.of.athens said:

Sacred tradition and Sacred Scripture form one sacred deposit of the word of God. One cannot remove either and remain faithful to the teaching of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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So says everyone who promotes a bible + tradition doctrine. History has shown that tradition has fallen short. If you're unwilling to defend a doctrine without extra-biblical support, I must view this as a doctrine that cannot be supported biblically.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen

Gracious Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus,
I pray for Your hand of healing through this mental health episode. Guard her physical and spiritual health. I pray for Your strength and endurance for those who are caring for her.
In Christ’s Name,
Amen

Gracious Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus,
I pray for wisdom for those dealing with mental illness. These sufferers need You to restore correct beliefs and heal broken hearts, but may others need interventions in body as well. Help Your children to follow You in the midst of these storms and also to find the wisdom and treatments that they may need.
In Christ’s Name,
Amen

Thank you

linux.poet said:

Gracious Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus,
I pray for Your provision for BPPLEE’s financial situation, help him to get the disability support that he needs. Please stand in the gap to advocate for his needs to any government officials who might be reviewing his case, and I pray for Your wisdom for his lawyer.
In Christ’s Name,
Amen

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Thank you

1 Cor 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified: unto the Jews indeed a stumbling block, and unto the Gentiles foolishness:

Gracious Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus,
Enough! I pray for relief for these thoughts, the negative spiral of rumination, the depression, or whatever else is causing this man’s countenance to fall. Guard him with Your joy and peace, and reassure his mother that he will not die by suicide. Give Jakeb hope!
In Christ’s Name,
Amen

BNR32FAN said:

I wouldn’t say that science can’t tell us anything about the earth’s past, just that it can’t tell us when the earth’s was created. I would also say that we can’t look to science to explain the other miracles mentioned in the Bible either, like Jesus walking on water or being resurrected to life after being dead for 3 days. These beliefs also require us to disregard science.

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If the scientific picture of history is so far off that it projects billions of extra years, why would you then trust science for other areas of history? We're not talking individual or momentary departures, but multiple undetected departures that renders science entirely untrustworthy.

Gracious Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus,
I pray for Your protection for Your children in Canada, that they may continue to freely proclaim Your truth and to be free from harassment and lawsuits from their enemies and the government. Help them to be free from fear.
In Christ’s Name,
Amen

Based on: The Full Armor of God

Father in Heaven, I submit to you anew this day, reaffirming my love, commitment and need for your Power and Grace in my life, and surrendering anew, all my worldly ways; that I may go forth in a manner becoming of a servant of the Risen and triumphant Christ, Jesus.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as sacrifice so mankind may know forgiveness, I apply the 'Shoes of Peace' as I prepare for the daily battle awaiting all who hold fast to your Righteousness and your Commandments.

May the Will of the Father be of full effect upon me, as I claim the fullness of your Holy Spirit Eternal anew: that through sanctification of my spirit I may enjoy thorough cleansing of mind and soul of any impediments to obedience as I apply to my whole being the full Armor of God. Not seeking to apply your precious Armor over an unregenerate self, grant me Lord that I may know a clean heart, an alert mind, and the courage to stand fast in defense of the Tradition and Truth fulfilled in the person of your Son Jesus.

I realize the importance of shielding my spirit in the sanctuary of your Sacred Armor, that by this I shall resist the temptations and attacks of Satan and his followers. For this purpose, I ask that you strengthen my sometimes hesitant heart, that I may discern with split-second timing, your command to advance, regardless of the size and nature of adversity. Filled with the life-giving Blood of Jesus I rest my faith in your Eternal Promise and Victory on the Cross over death and the forces of evil.

Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

I rejoice that I am reborn in Royal Kinship with the Lord of Heavenly Hosts; and as result am born an enemy of the world; which aligns itself to the temporary reign of Satan: whom I renounce. May I never be seen as weak and compromising of faith, but as a shining light among darkness: that all may know that you are THE LORD, my God.

Heavenly Father, teach me to apply your precious Spiritual Armor effectively; that I may stand firm in the evil day to come. Grant this both today and every day as I apply the 'Belt of Truth'; that I may stand fast against deception: enabling me to shield the heart within my soul with the 'Breastplate of Righteousness' in order to know your Wisdom, affecting Godly thoughts, words and actions, while reflecting your healing strength to the world around

As a defender of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, I appreciate the need for faith-building and strengthening experience which may see me feeling the occasional sting of Satan's flaming arrows, as he seeks to weaken my resolve and cheat me of my rightful inheritance awaiting me in the Eternal Kingdom of God. While acknowledging that no trial shall ever befall me, which is beyond my capacity to overcome, I pray that only those arrows sanctified in accordance with your Will may penetrate the 'Shield of Faith'; confounding the enemy's efforts and building greater faith and perseverance within me. For this purpose, as I take up the Shield of Faith this day, I do so in confidence of its ability to quench all the destructive power of Satan's arrows.

Ephesians 6: 14-16 NKJV: 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Thank you, Lord, that the refining Fire of your Holy Spirit within me burns brighter, hotter, and fiercer than anything Satan and his evil army can withstand. Therefore, melt me, Lord, and mould me into Your likeness. This is my hearts desire.

Finally, Father, as I apply the 'Helmet of Salvation' granted me by rebirth in the Lord Jesus Christ, and taking up the 'Sword of the Spirit' - which is the inerrant Word of God - first honing sharp its edge with much prayer and supplication - that I may march against your enemies this day in humble obedience; advancing the Truth of God boldly and without hesitation; and by righteous example making known the mysteries of the Gospel to the deceived in the manner of your purpose.

Ephesians 6: 17-18: 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

This is my prayer, my faith, as I serve you as an Ambassador in chains, having once known bondage by many ties of iniquity and evil leading; now set free by the precious Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Having been permanently reunited in the family of Almighty God, I secure myself to the safety and comfort of His Love. These things I pray, in partition to you, dear Father, that as servant of the only true God I may lead others to you; according to your Will and great plan for all Humanity.

In full acknowledgment and submission to the Grace of God, The Almighty, the Sovereignty of the Son, and the Power of the Holy Spirit Eternal, I go forth this day; seeking a re-anointing of spirit as I pledge anew my faith in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Ephesians 6: 19-20 NKJV: 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Closing (Based on Ephesians 6:21–24 NKJV)

As we move forward in our daily walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we need to show the same openness, encouragement, and steadfast love that marked the early believers towards all those who cross our paths. Just as Paul sent faithful companions to strengthen and comfort the hearts of the people, our own walk needs to bring that same kind of reassurance, encouragement and peace to those around us.

Questions to Ponder

What does it look like for me to “put on the whole armor of God” at the start of each day?



Are there areas where I’ve been trying to fight spiritual battles in my own strength instead of God’s?



How can I fasten the Belt of Truth more firmly in my life — in my thoughts, my words, and my choices?

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I pray that the peace of God, the love that flows from the Father, and the faith we hold in Christ will rest on all those who seek Him with diligence and sincerity. I pray also, that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with every heart that loves Him in truth, now and always. In Jesus’ wonderful name, Amen.

To the Holy Spirit: Thank You for guiding every word, guarding every step, and glorifying Jesus. All glory, honour, praise, and worship belong to God Almighty, who alone is worthy.

Scripture Acknowledgement: All Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version® (NKJV). Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Special thanks to Bible Gateway for providing accessible, searchable Scripture resources that support devotional writing and spiritual study.

May these words echo grace, healing, and truth wherever they are read.

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Gracious Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus,
Please be with this elderly relative to comfort them, and to hold their memory and their mind together. Help them to be free of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and to walk with mental clarity until it is Your Will for them to go home to be with You.
In Christ’s Name,
Amen

Pine Knot

I hope Graham's sermon included the important part that you have to be on His side with a "just" cause. In many wars both sides invoke God's name as on their side. Could be too He is not involved in the conflict at all; just the devil stirring up trouble.
If I may say too that the war on drugs is not won fighting various nations. It is an individual's war, where freedom from addiction comes from God. I am not saying stopping traffickers will not help, but no nation can fully win the war on drugs.

Mockingbird0 said:

Once again you fail to recognize that my proposal would allow individual jurisdictions (especially in North and South America) to adopt the Gregorian paschalion voluntarily. Jerusalem and Mount Athos could still use the Julian Paschalion if they wanted to.

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Right, the problem with that proposal is we currently have it already, and insofar as we have it, it has not brought about ecumenical bliss with the Roman Catholics but has driven many into schism, and created a situation where there are now three different liturgical calendars in use in the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which has also destroyed its relationship for other reasons with all but one of the largest Orthodox jurisdictions (they are still on somewhat good terms with the Romanians, but have alienated the Russians, Serbians, Georgians and Bulgarians) and also the fastest growing jurisdictions (the OCA, Antioch, ROCOR); GOArch, which represents the largest part of the EP in North America, is shrinking, aside from the monasteries founded by Elder Ephraim, memory eternal, which are growing, and are bitterly resented by the more liberal parish clergy that dominate much of GoArch as a result, but which are probably responsible for many people not joining the Genuine Orthodox Church or another Old Calendarist jurisdiction (that the leading Old Calendarist churches are Greek or Romanian demonstrates the nature of the problem aptly - Orthodox laity resent liturgical modernism; that there are no Georgian or Serbian Old Calendarists (why would there be?) and the Russian Old Calendarists are small in number and driven mainly by the lingering effects of the Cold War and suspicions of the motives of the MP, is important to consider.

*see the Church of Finland, the Church of Estonia, etc); and it has been a disaster; indeed the mere fact of the Church of Finland being allowed to use the Gregorian Paschalion has caused many EO to join the the Old Calendarist schismatics.

Among the Oriental Orthodox, most Armenians as well as the Indian Orthodox use the Gregorian Calendar, whereas the Syriac Orthodox use the Revised Julian Calendar, except in India, but the Copts and Ethiopians are fiercely committed to the Coptic Calendar and the Ethiopian variant from it; the Coptic Calendar predates the Julian Calendar (which was based upon it) and has useful features; the last day of every month falls on the same day as the feasts of the Nativity and Annunciation and also the estimated date of Pascha in 33 AD, and so the last day of each Coptic month is a special feast of the Incarnation of God in the person of Christ, something the Copts with their strident anti-Nestorianism (they refuse to allow the Assyrian Church of the East or the Ancient Church of the East to be admitted to the Middle Eastern Council of Churches as long as they continue to venerate Nestorius as a “confessor”* even though the Assyrians have not been literally Nestorian in Christology since Mar Babai the Great, a decision which I respect, even if I would personally be inclined to be more accomodating).

The problem with your proposal - your ecumenical instincts are appreciated, but what you’re proposing we already have, it hasn’t worked, it has contributed to problems, also the only reason really it exists is because the Finnish Orthodox are under heavy influence with the Finnish government, which most people are unaware was an authoritarian one party state during the Cold War (see: Finlandization) and which desired the Orthodox minority and the Lutheran majority celebrate Easter on the same day for reasons of administrative efficiency), and if expanded, it would cause more schisms.

Indeed in suggesting an expansion of it, you’re basically proposing increasing internal disunity within the Orthodox, around important issues such as when we celebrate the Pascha, in order to facilitate increased unity with the Roman Catholics, when really, we should be increasing our distance from the Roman Catholics due to the recent move by the liberal German bishops and the failure of the Papacy to adequately reject, to embrace modes of sexuality that the Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to as “intrinsically disordered.” Until the RCC fixes its liturgy and unequivocally condemns homosexuality and reiterates its pro-life stance from the Vatican, undoing the damage caused in the previous decade after the surprising, unexpected and unusual resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, we Orthodox should have very little to do with the Roman Catholic Church, officially.

Also, if a common Pascha is really desired, the Roman Catholics certainly could switch to the Julian Paschalion without causing a schism, whereas we can’t switch calendars, without causing a schism, so consider that.

Gracious Heavenly Father,
I prayer for Your financial provision and/or Your wisdom for Jakob about this trip and this relationship. Help him to understand what to do.
In Christ’s Name,
Amen