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"My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass." Psalm 102:11"What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while, and then vanishes!" James 4:14"Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it!" Psalm 39:6It is of the greatest service to us, to be reminded that our life is but a mist, which appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Through forgetfulness of this obvious truth, worldlings live at ease, and Christians walk carelessly. Unless we consciously live in the light of eternity, worldliness soon eats into our heart like a canker! If you have this world's riches, believer--then remember that this poor world is not your rest, and do not place an excessive value on its comforts. If, on the other hand, you are afflicted, and are burdened with poverty--then do not be too much depressed thereby, for these light afflictions are but for a moment, and are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Remember that you are a part of a great procession which is always moving ahead; others are coming and going before your eyes--you see them for a short time, and they disappear into the eternal world. In the same way, you yourself are moving onward to eternity. It is most wise to contemplate the fact that our life is quickly passing away, and to be prepared to stand before God's great and final tribunal. "Remember Him, before . . . the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it!" Ecclesiastes 12:6-7"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________Feast of Holy InnocentsAnd the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.Luke 2:10-11 ConfessionOfficiant: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.People: Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws.We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare all those who confess their faults. Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen. The Lord's PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Invitatory & PsalmsOfficiant: O God, make speed to save us. People: O Lord, make haste to help us. Officiant & People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. O Gracious Light Phos hilaronO gracious Light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of life,and to be glorified through all the worlds. Psalm 19 Cæli enarrant1The heavens declare the glory of God, *and the firmament shows his handiwork.2One day tells its tale to another, *and one night imparts knowledge to another.3Although they have no words or language, *and their voices are not heard,4Their sound has gone out into all lands, *and their message to the ends of the world.5In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;it rejoices like a champion to run its course.6It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavensand runs about to the end of it again; *nothing is hidden from its burning heat.7The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; *the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent.8The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; *the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes.9The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; *the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.10More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, *sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.11By them also is your servant enlightened, *and in keeping them there is great reward.12Who can tell how often he offends? *cleanse me from my secret faults.13Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;let them not get dominion over me; *then shall I be whole and sound,and innocent of a great offense.14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, *O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 126 In convertendo1When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *then were we like those who dream.2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *and our tongue with shouts of joy.3Then they said among the nations, *“The Lord has done great things for them.”4The Lord has done great things for us, *and we are glad indeed.5Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *like the watercourses of the Negev.6Those who sowed with tears *will reap with songs of joy.7Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The LessonsIsaiah 54:1-13 English Standard Version54 “Sing, O barren one, who did not bear;    break forth into singing and cry aloud,    you who have not been in labor!For the children of the desolate one will be more    than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord.2 “Enlarge the place of your tent,    and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;do not hold back; lengthen your cords    and strengthen your stakes.3 For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left,    and your offspring will possess the nations    and will people the desolate cities.4 “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed;    be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced;for you will forget the shame of your youth,    and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.5 For your Maker is your husband,    the Lord of hosts is his name;and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,    the God of the whole earth he is called.6 For the Lord has called you    like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit,like a wife of youth when she is cast off,    says your God.7 For a brief moment I deserted you,    but with great compassion I will gather you.8 In overflowing anger for a moment    I hid my face from you,but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,”    says the Lord, your Redeemer.9 “This is like the days of Noah to me:    as I swore that the waters of Noah    should no more go over the earth,so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you,    and will not rebuke you.10 For the mountains may depart    and the hills be removed,but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,    and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”    says the Lord, who has compassion on you.11 “O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted,    behold, I will set your stones in antimony,    and lay your foundations with sapphires.12 I will make your pinnacles of agate,    your gates of carbuncles,    and all your wall of precious stones.13 All your children shall be taught by the Lord,    and great shall be the peace of your children.Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. The Song of Mary - MagnificatMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as It was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Mark 10:13-16 English Standard Version13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.Mark 10:23-31 English Standard Version23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. The Song of Simeon - Nunc dimittisLord, you now have set your servant free * to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, * whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, * and the glory of your people Israel.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersOfficiant: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.Officiant: Let us pray The SuffragesThat this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful, We entreat you, O Lord.That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses, We entreat you, O Lord.That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ, We entreat you, O Lord.Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for the needs of others. Holy InnocentsWe remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.A Collect for PeaceMost holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.A Collect for Aid against PerilsBe our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.For MissionKeep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. ThanksgivingsThe General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. ConclusionMay the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. - Romans 15:13 

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________The First Week of AdventThe glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.Isaiah 40:5 ConfessionOfficiant: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.People: Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws.We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare all those who confess their faults. Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen. The Lord's PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Invitatory & PsalmsOfficiant: O God, make speed to save us. People: O Lord, make haste to help us. Officiant & People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. O Gracious Light Phos hilaronO gracious Light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of life,and to be glorified through all the worlds. Psalm 15 Domine, quis habitabit?1Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? *who may abide upon your holy hill?2Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, *who speaks the truth from his heart.3There is no guile upon his tongue;he does no evil to his friend; *he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor.4In his sight the wicked is rejected, *but he honors those who fear the Lord.5He has sworn to do no wrong *and does not take back his word.6He does not give his money in hope of gain, *nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.7Whoever does these things *shall never be overthrown. Psalm 19 Cæli enarrant1The heavens declare the glory of God, *and the firmament shows his handiwork.2One day tells its tale to another, *and one night imparts knowledge to another.3Although they have no words or language, *and their voices are not heard,4Their sound has gone out into all lands, *and their message to the ends of the world.5In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;it rejoices like a champion to run its course.6It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavensand runs about to the end of it again; *nothing is hidden from its burning heat.7The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; *the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent.8The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; *the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes.9The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; *the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.10More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, *sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.11By them also is your servant enlightened, *and in keeping them there is great reward.12Who can tell how often he offends? *cleanse me from my secret faults.13Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;let them not get dominion over me; *then shall I be whole and sound,and innocent of a great offense.14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, *O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The LessonsIsaiah 3:1-3 - English Standard VersionFor behold, the Lord God of hosts    is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judahsupport and supply,    all support of bread,    and all support of water;the mighty man and the soldier,    the judge and the prophet,    the diviner and the elder,the captain of fifty    and the man of rank,the counselor and the skillful magician    and the expert in charms. Isaiah 3:8-15 - English Standard VersionFor Jerusalem has stumbled,    and Judah has fallen,because their speech and their deeds are against the Lord,    defying his glorious presence.For the look on their faces bears witness against them;    they proclaim their sin like Sodom;    they do not hide it.Woe to them!    For they have brought evil on themselves.Tell the righteous that it shall be well with them,    for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds.Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him,    for what his hands have dealt out shall be done to him.My people—infants are their oppressors,    and women rule over them.O my people, your guides mislead you    and they have swallowed up the course of your paths.The Lord has taken his place to contend;    he stands to judge peoples.The Lord will enter into judgment    with the elders and princes of his people:“It is you who have devoured the vineyard,    the spoil of the poor is in your houses.What do you mean by crushing my people,    by grinding the face of the poor?”declares the Lord God of hosts.Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. The Song of Mary - MagnificatMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as It was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Revelation 5 - English Standard VersionThen I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,“Worthy are you to take the scroll    and to open its seals,for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God    from every tribe and language and people and nation,and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,    and they shall reign on the earth.”Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,to receive power and wealth and wisdom and mightand honor and glory and blessing!”And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lambbe blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. The Song of Simeon - Nunc dimittisLord, you now have set your servant free * to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, * whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, * and the glory of your people Israel.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersOfficiant: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.Officiant: Let us pray The SuffragesThat this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful, We entreat you, O Lord.That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses, We entreat you, O Lord.That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ, We entreat you, O Lord.Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for the needs of others. The First Week of AdventAlmighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.A Collect for PeaceMost holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.A Collect for Aid against PerilsBe our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.For MissionKeep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. ThanksgivingsThe General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. ConclusionMay the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. - Romans 15:13

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________Opening Words:“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”Psalm 19:14 (ESV) Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The InvitatoryLord, open our lips.And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Venite (Psalm 95:1-7)Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him. Come, let us sing to the Lord; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.For the Lord is a great God, * and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also.The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker.For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice! Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him. The PsalterPsalm 19Cæli enarrant1The heavens declare the glory of God, *and the firmament shows his handiwork.2One day tells its tale to another, *and one night imparts knowledge to another.3Although they have no words or language, *and their voices are not heard,4Their sound has gone out into all lands, *and their message to the ends of the world.5In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;it rejoices like a champion to run its course.6It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavensand runs about to the end of it again; *nothing is hidden from its burning heat. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. LessonsDeuteronomy 30:11-14English Standard Version“For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?' Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?' But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.Romans 10:8-18English Standard VersionBut what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for“Their voice has gone out to all the earth,    and their words to the ends of the world.”Matthew 4:18-22English Standard VersionWhile walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Benedictus (The Song of Zechariah)Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; * he has come to his people and set them free.He has raised up for us a mighty savior, * born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, * from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers * and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, * to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, * holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation * by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersLord, have mercy.Christ, have mercyLord, have mercyOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. The SuffragesO Lord, show your mercy upon us;And grant us your salvation.O Lord, guide those who govern usAnd lead us in the way of justice and truth.Clothe your ministers with righteousnessAnd let your people sing with joy.O Lord, save your peopleAnd bless your inheritance.Give peace in our time, O LordAnd defend us by your mighty power.Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgottenNor the hope of the poor be taken away.Create in us clean hearts, O GodAnd take not your Holy Spirit from us. Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others. The CollectsSt AndrewAlmighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by your Holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for GraceO Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Collect of Saint BasilO Christ God, Who art worshipped and glorified at every place and time; Who art long-suffering, most merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the righteous and art merciful to sinners; Who callest all to salvation with the promise of good things to come: receive, Lord, the prayers we now offer, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our minds and deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness. Surround us with Thy holy angels, that guarded and instructed by their forces, we may reach unity of faith and the understanding of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. DismissalLet us bless the LordThanks be to God!Alleluia, Alleluia! BenedictionThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen

Many prophecies in the Bible are dual. There can be a type and an anti-type of prophetic events. The type is the first occurrence of any given prophecy and it foreshadows the anti-type, which is a similar prophecy that would come later.If we’re unaware of the first fulfillment of a prophecy in ancient Israel and why it was given, how would we know about the anti-type, or second fulfillment of the prophecy or why it was given?God sternly warned, through the Prophet Hosea:My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.Hosea 4:6It’s appears as though ignorance of the law is no excuse for not keeping it.Now, Ronald L. Dart with part 6 in our study on History and Prophecy.

Evangelization Challenge:As a family or group of friends suggest to go to Confession together monthly.  Scripture on Confession John 20:22-23 “Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven, whose sins you retain are retained.” James 5:161 John 1:9 THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION   1422 "Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion."4   I. WHAT IS THIS SACRAMENT CALLED?   1423 It is called the sacrament of conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus' call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father5 from whom one has strayed by sin.It is called the sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner's personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction.   1424 It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man.It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest's sacramental absolution God grants the penitent "pardon and peace."6It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: "Be reconciled to God."7 He who lives by God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brother."8   II. WHY A SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION AFTER BAPTISM?   1425 "You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."9 One must appreciate the magnitude of the gift God has given us in the sacraments of Christian initiation in order to grasp the degree to which sin is excluded for him who has "put on Christ."10 But the apostle John also says: "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."11 And the Lord himself taught us to pray: "Forgive us our trespasses,"12 linking our forgiveness of one another's offenses to the forgiveness of our sins that God will grant us.   1426 Conversion to Christ, the new birth of Baptism, the gift of the Holy Spirit and the Body and Blood of Christ received as food have made us "holy and without blemish," just as the Church herself, the Bride of Christ, is "holy and without blemish."13 Nevertheless the new life received in Christian initiation has not abolished the frailty and weakness of human nature, nor the inclination to sin that tradition calls concupiscence, which remains in the baptized such that with the help of the grace of Christ they may prove themselves in the struggle of Christian life.14 This is the struggle of conversion directed toward holiness and eternal life to which the Lord never ceases to call us.15   III. THE CONVERSION OF THE BAPTIZED   1427 Jesus calls to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."16 In the Church's preaching this call is addressed first to those who do not yet know Christ and his Gospel. Also, Baptism is the principal place for the first and fundamental conversion. It is by faith in the Gospel and by Baptism17 that one renounces evil and gains salvation, that is, the forgiveness of all sins and the gift of new life.   1428 Christ's call to conversion continues to resound in the lives of Christians. This second conversion is an uninterrupted&

1You then,my child,be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,2andwhat you have heard from me in the presence of many witnessesentrust to faithful men,[a]who will be able to teach others also.3Share in suffering asa good soldier of Christ Jesus.4No soldiergets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.5An athlete is notcrowned unless he competes according to the rules.6It isthe hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.7Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8Remember Jesus Christ,risen from the dead, theoffspring of David,as preached in my gospel,9for which I am suffering,bound with chains as a criminal. Butthe word of God is not bound!10ThereforeI endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtainthe salvation that is in Christ Jesus witheternal glory.11The saying istrustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will alsolive with him;12if we endure, we will also reign with him;if we deny him, he also will deny us;13if we are faithless,he remains faithful forhe cannot deny himself.

ThunderCats hooooo! Or should we say, By the Power of Grayskull! Two 1980s icons join forces in He-Man / ThunderCats as the Masters of the Universe pair up with Lion-O and team to battle the combine forces of Skeletor and Mumm-Ra in this six-part comic book series from DC Comics. And speaking of joining forces, we are joined in this conversation by special guest Mike from Multiverse of Badness.Ep. 93 What if He-Man teamed up with the Thundercats? With Special Guest Mike of the Multiverse of Badness PodcastEarth of an unknown designation as seen in He-Man / Thundercats #1-6It's all 80s as we explore the crossover between Lion-O and the ThunderCats and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in their six part comic book series from DC Comics and writers Rob David & Lloyd Goldfine (from Mattel) and Freddie E. Williams II (Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). We discuss the origins of both properties including their iconic tv shows, dive into the the long comic book roots of ThunderCats head writer Leonard Starr, wonder if Cats the musical influenced ThunderCats and speculate what could be next for these two franchises. All this plus what happens when these characters get amalgamated with Superman and each other in our conversation with Mike from Multiverse of Badness. Reading List: He-Man & The Masters of the Universe (TV Show 1983) Thundercats (TV Show 1985) He-Man / Thundercats #1-6 (DC Comics 2016-17) Follow Mike & Multiverse of Badness on Mastodon, email him at mike@multiverseofbadness.com or listen on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Find us at https://linktr.ee/dearwatchersEmail Podcast@DearWatchers.comTheme music is Space Heroes by MaxKoMusic (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0) ★ Support this podcast ★

Merry Christmas! We're talking about It's a Wonderful Life (1946) and It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002) - two films about prominent and well-loved members of a community going through hardship and being shown a world in which they were never born-----The Movies:It's a Wonderful Life (1946)Directed by Frank CapraWritten by Frank Capra, Frances Goodrich & Albert HackettIMDb Rating: 8.6It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002)Directed by Kirk R. ThatcherWritten by Tom Martin & Jim LewisIMDb Rating: 6.3-----Find us on:Discord - https://discord.gg/dxgmcfj552Facebook - @ItTakesTwoPodTwitter - @ItTakesTwo_podInstagram - @ItTakesTwo_podOur website - ItTakesTwo.co.nz-----Content warning: Discussions of suicide and suicidal ideation

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  -Philippians 4.6It's at all time and in all things that our community of disciples can respond and in prayer, and proactively seek pray spaces as well.

A very good morning to you. It is Monday morning the 7th of February, the year 2022. This is your friend, Angus Buchan with a thought for today.“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”Galatians 2:20Today, I want to say that it is in dying to self that we live. I have always said it to you: Our worst enemy is ourselves.My wife Jill shared a little quotation with me that she read from a famous woman and it goes like this: "To be thankful to God for the things that we do not own.” Now, I had to think about that... "To be thankful to God for the things that I do not own." You see, when you hand over everything you have to Jesus, then freedom comes. Hand it over to Him today and He will lighten your load.“…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”1 Peter 5:7When we realize that the responsibility is God's anyway, it gives us great joy, peace and confidence.“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6It is His responsibility. You see, Sir, your wife belongs to God - She is not yours… You say, “No, she is.” No, you didn't create her. That little baby that is a tremendous gift, Mom and Dad, is not yours. God has given you that little child to look after (her or him) for God. She belongs to Jesus. Do you see the freedom there? That is why we are thankful to God for the things that we don't own. Your husband belongs to God. Pray for him but he is God's responsibility.You know, it is not an easy thing for a Dad to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day... it is not easy - I have done it. I have done it three times in fact. From that moment onwards, you realize you have had her for so many years, twenty-odd years, but she is not yours. She never was. she is God's and that gives you freedom.That business, Sir... You say, “I started this business from the beginning by myself.” - God gave you the ability. Your career - give it to God! "I can do what I like. It is my life." No, it is not your life. God created you in His own image. That is why suicide is not an option.I remember like it was yesterday, just after I had given my life to the Lord, I was walking through my maize crop one morning and they were talking about the possibility of hail. I was nervous and fearful and then the penny dropped. Jesus said, "You gave your life to Me, this maize crop is My responsibility, Angus. If it gets wiped out by hail, I will have another plan for you. It's not yours!” Do you know the freedom that I had in that! I lay down in that maize field and I just rejoiced. Cast all your cares on the Lord. Remember, be thankful to God for the things you do not own. You don't have to take care of them, He will!Have a wonderful day.God bless you and goodbye.

Hello Interactors,As the rain returns to the northwest it’s time to summon even more motivation to get outside for exercise. I established a bit of a fitness pattern this summer and I’m motivated to keep it up. But the rain isn’t the only thing holding me back, so is my body and my mind.As interactors, you’re special individuals self-selected to be a part of an evolutionary journey. You’re also members of an attentive community so I welcome your participation.Please leave your comments below or email me directly.Now let’s go…THE DEVIL MADE ME DO ITAs part of my Monday fitness routine, I begrudgingly slog jog up a steep hill in my Market neighborhood, zig-zag my way through gravel alleys, down calm side streets, and through occasional narrow easements that snake between homes guarded by fences and barking dogs. Some called this route the ‘Market wiggle’.It drops me onto an arterial road that skirts along a wooded wetlands. I suffer as I shuffle on a rolling narrow strip of painted bike lane for about a half a mile where I’m presented with a decision. Do I keep running up a gradual hill to achieve more distance or do I face the challenge of ascending a wall of over 100 steps that climb up a steep grade to my destination. It’s a short cut, but also a glute burn.My destination is an outdoor gym plopped on a patch of asphalt nestled in the corner of an expansive park made of grassy ball fields and scattered pines. I have my routine: a series of upper body exercises on machines that leverage my body weight. I do pull-ups (kind of), seated bench press, and sit-ups. I usually have the place to myself. Though I was once surprised by an eager and excitable white toy poodle. As I was doing sit-ups he ran up behind me and licked the salty sweat off my face.Upper body fitness has never been my favorite. It’s a necessary evil that seems to be getting harder all the time. But I have my repetition goals and I’m determined to improve. Pullups are the hardest. After a summer of just holding my chin above the bar, I’m finally getting to a point where I can actually pull myself up. (kind of)My forearms don’t much like supporting my weight. I finish my routine and head back home. Just across from the park is a the middle school track. It’s a cinder track; a relic in the rainy northwest where most tracks have turned artificial. On the weekends I do a timed mile. I can’t help but be disappointed in my time and progress. I just can’t run as fast as I used to.I also beat myself up over my lack of progress. I should be getting faster by now. I should be able to do more pullups. A battle in my brain ensues.DEVIL: If you lose weight, maybe you can run faster and do more pullups.ANGEL: Yeah, but you’re not really overweight – in fact, you’re maintaining a healthy weight because you’re running.DEVIL: Unless, of course, the extra weight is coming from the added muscle mass from all those stair climbs, and upper body work.ANGEL: But you can’t stop doing upper body work. You know you’ve been losing muscle mass since the day you turned 30.DEVIL: C’mon, dudes older than you can run faster than this. You can’t run faster until you start running faster. And you just have to keep doing more pullups if you want to do more pullups!”Then an independent interloping inquisitor interrupts; “Why are you trying to run faster? Why is the number of pullups important? What is your goal? Is it to increase the number of pullups and decrease your running speed, or is it to maintain your health?”It’s hard to rally behind asymptotic performance plateaus. Just ask any aging professional athlete. And it’s depressing to consider that as long as that plateau may be, its end is punctuated by a certain mortal decline. I am fully aware of my body’s limitations in this race with mortality, but my mind is trained to expect, and even crave harder, better, faster, stronger.WHAT GOES UP, MUST COME DOWNWe are all trained by a culture infused with metaphors that lead to a desire to increase growth and optimize time. In 1980, two cognitive linguists, scientists, and philosophers, George Lakoff and Mark Johnson wrote a seminal book called Metaphors We Live By. They give examples of how orientation concepts and words like up and down shape how we think and act.You can see evidence of it in the words I’ve already written. I was beating myself up and feeling down because the number of pullups wasn’t going up. I get depressed when my running times fall off. My athletic abilities are declining as I near the height of my physical abilities. Have I reached a peak? I am now longer in top shape. As my age slowly climbs up, my abilities will be sinking fast. What if I come down with an illness? My health will decline. And one day, I will drop dead.They suggest other metaphorical orientation concepts by category:HAPPY IS UP AND SAD IS DOWN.I’m feeling up. I fell into a depression.FORESEEABLE FUTURE EVENTS ARE UP (and AHEAD)What’s up on the agenda? I’m afraid of what’s ahead of us.HIGH STATUS IS UP, LOW STATUS IS DOWNShe’ll rise to the top. He’s at the bottom of the hierarchy.MORE IS UP, LESS IS DOWNThe GDP rose. My income fell.GOOD IS UP, BAD IS DOWNThings are looking up. Things are at an all time low.RATIONAL IS UP, EMOTIONAL IS DOWNHe couldn’t rise above his emotions. The discussion fell to the emotional level, but I raised it back up to the rational plane.Another metaphor their book highlights also runs deep in our culture:TIME IS MONEYYou’re wasting my time.I don’t have the time to give you.I’ve invested a lot of time in her.You’re running out of time.Is it worth your while?He’s living on borrowed time.You need to budget your time.Thank you for your time.The Bible is as riddled with these metaphors as Christianity is with our culture. The great sociologist and political economist, Max Weber, claims Protestantism is at the root of capitalism in his book, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism,"In these cases the choice of occupation and future career has undoubtedly been determined by the distinct mental characteristics which have been instilled into them and indeed by the influence on them of the religious atmosphere of their locality and home background."Here are some quotes from the bible that urge followers to work their butts off, or else.Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.The diligent hand will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor.Fools fold their idle hands, leading them to ruin.Here’s one from the King’s bible that lends insight into perhaps why the American workforce is overworked, has too few days off, and is led to shame should they loose their job.How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. Proverbs 6:6It may come as a surprise, but not every culture lives by these metaphors. The culture I was raised in certainly did. It’s also one that views the more innocuous concept of future as ahead, but another culture may view it as behind — or up, down, through, under, or over for that matter. Perhaps some cultures have no orientation metaphors at all, or use them differently than, say, the Bible does.When these two researchers came together to write their book, they “discovered that [these] certain assumptions of contemporary philosophy and linguistics have been taken for granted…since the Greeks.”Substantiating the role cultural metaphors play in shaping thought and action “meant rejecting the possibility of any objective or absolute truth.” Those absolutisms, including those found in the Bible, are assumed in so much of Western tradition and contemporary belief systems.The alternative, as outlined in their book, is to suggest the human lived experience plays a more central role than some religious, mythical, or universally constant human objective truth.Our current economic system relies heavily on a belief in rational choice theory. This idea, in keeping with the Western tradition Lakoff and Johnson sought to debunk, says that humans – also known among neoliberal economists as homo economicus – routinely conduct perfectly objective and absolute rational cost-benefit analysis before deciding how to spend money or accumulate wealth.If what Lakoff and Johnson suggest is true, and I’m inclined to believe it is, there is no such thing as objective or absolute truth in decision making. Our decisions are guided by our culturally engrained metaphors. The so-called invisible hand that neoliberal economists turn to as a self-interested magical motivational source of individual wealth and prosperity is actually the invisible mind; a mind influenced by embedded conceptual metaphors that guide our emotions which in turn trigger our thoughts and actions.IN EXCESS WILL END SUCCESSSocial psychologist, Jonathan Haidt, once said (and I’m paraphrasing) that if you want to find evidence of irrational behavior in self-reported rational people, study their entrenched dogmatic positions – it’s there you’ll find their irrational behavior. In our currently divided society, you don’t need to look far to see evidence of the myth of perfectly rational behavior in human decision making.“Every society clings to a myth by which it lives. Ours is the myth of economic growth.” Those are the words of British ecological economist, Tim Jackson. To illustrate the myth, he offers that “People are persuaded to spend money we don't have, on things we don't need, to create impressions that won't last, on people we don't care about.”Aristotle observed as much in the 4th century and wrote about it in a set of eight books on the philosophy of human affairs called, Politics. He wrote,“For, as their enjoyment is in excess, they seek an art which produces the excess of enjoyment; and, if they are not able to supply their pleasures by the art of getting wealth, they try other causes, using in turn every faculty in a manner contrary to nature…some men turn every quality or art into a means of getting wealth; this they conceive to be the end, and to the promotion of the end they think all things must contribute.” There are ongoing debates about what Aristotle would think of today’s economy. Both capitalists and communists draw on Aristotle as the genesis of their philosophies. But suffice it to say, Aristotle was not a fan of individual wealth accumulation. Any accumulation should be shared back to the society in support of a healthy community.Some scholars believe Aristotle would say “the lending out of money to acquire more money is merely the most unnatural and corrupting way to employ money.” As corrupt, they claim, as using human sexuality to sell sex.They believe Aristotle would not have made it a “question of the market value of your gold.” But instead, “what kind of man your gold makes of you.”It also seems Aristotle would not have been very impressed with the damage we inflicted on the earth in our pursuit of wealth accumulation. He was aware of the negative aspects of “unintended consequences” due to human activity, but he also found them to be “generally bad and disappointing.” That, for sure, is a departure from our current neoliberal stance.It was Adam Smith, the father of the capitalist economic system that dominates the world today, who said,“[People are] led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of [their] intention.”By this logic, the plastics industry is led by an invisible hand to promote an end (for example, a path toward more plastic in the ocean than fish), which was no part of their intention. The oil industry is led by an invisible hand to promote an end (for example, climate collapse), but is not part of their intention. Even though they’ve known this for over 30 years.The aerosol industry was led by an invisible hand to promote an end, a hole in the ozone, which was not part of their intention; but the world rallied to curb its use. The tobacco industry was led by an invisible hand to promote an end, addiction to a cancer causing drug, which was not part of their intention; but the U.S cracked down on them anyway.British economist, John Maynard Keynes – an advocate of the free market, but also of instituting limits, put it best by issuing this sober warning,“Capitalism is the extraordinary belief that the nastiest of men, for the nastiest of reasons, will somehow work for the benefit of us all.”LEAKS AND PEAKS; GO WITH THE FLOWInfluential American economist Milton Friedman started to distance himself, and U.S. economic philosophy, from Keynesian ideas in the 70s. The country was in a recession and personal wealth accumulation had stagnated.This American ideal of wealth accumulation began in American economics in the late 1940s after two world wars and a depression. Personal and national wealth accumulation was as much a need as it was a desire. It only follows that the model of economics we have with us today puts personal and corporate wealth accumulation at the center, above all else. (note the orientation metaphors I inadvertently used: follows, center, above all else!)This economic model was drawn in a diagram by economist and Nobel prize winner, Paul Samuelson, for the canonical economic text book, Economics, in 1948. It has sold over four million copies and is still used by many schools today. That book became standard issue for Econ 101 in universities across the country that were flooded with men returning from WWII. It’s a simple diagram that shows Circular Flows of money being exchanged between households and businesses.Households flow labor into businesses which in turn crank out goods and services. Businesses flow wages to households that flow that money back to businesses through consumer spending on their goods and services.There are also leakages in this central flow from households; savings leak into banks, taxes to the government, and imports to trade. These leaks are converted into value and flowed back to the business side as injections into the economy; investments flow from banks, spending from government, and exports from trade.As economist Kate Raworth points out, missing from the diagram is the earth and the resources necessary to sustain this economic flow. But many advocates of this model believe resources are endless.In the 1980’s University of Maryland business professor and neoliberal, Julian Simon, believed that “Discoveries, like resources, may well be infinite: the more we discover, the more we are able to discover.” He imagined competitive market prices would keep resources from being over exploited and novel inventions would efficiently reuse and recycle any wasted matter and energy. That doesn’t appear to be working.Instead improvements in technology have accelerated the rate of extraction resulting in environmental degradation and collapse. Take the fishing industry. With improved sensing technologies, they’re able to fish small and sparsely populated schools of fish. It can lead to collapse and extinction. What’s more, these small populations are vulnerable to effects of climate change which challenges both their survival and ability to repopulate. And sure enough, if they do recover, the fishing industry pounces and the cycle of over exploitation begins again.Systems thinker, environmentalist and Dartmouth professor, Donella Meadows, states:“Nonrenewable resources are stock-limited. The entire stock is available at once, and can be extracted at any rate. But since the stock is not renewed, the faster the extraction rate, the shorter the lifetime of the resource.” In contrast,“Renewable resources are flow-limited. They can support extraction or harvest indefinitely, but only at a finite flow rate equal to their regeneration rate. If they are extracted faster than they regenerate, they may eventually be driven below a critical threshold and become, for all practical purposes, nonrenewable.”Indigenous cultures have known this for millennia. That’s why they leave harvestable crops behind. If they didn’t, they know there would not be any seeds for next season.We have been led to believe, and our current economic systems substantiates, nonrenewable resources are limitless. We’re taught that even though our self-interest in accumulating wealth may come with unintended consequences, those negative effects are a matter of “value judgement.”For example, valuing profit over the health of the planet and it’s occupants is a matter of judgement. It’s a line of thinking that values capitalism and corporate and individual wealth accumulation over all else – even the prospect of the collapse of entire species; including humans. Will capitalism seek to out live human existence? You be the judge.We’re reminded every day that economic indicators can only go up because our culture evolved to associate up with good. If an economy can only be deemed good by a limitless line that goes up for eternity but relies on limited resources that require periods of flattening of that curve to be renewed, we need to extend the metaphor for good to include flat and even declining.  Up is good. Growth is good. And we don’t have time to waste. But even though the Bible tells us otherwise, we might want to sit down and take a breather sometimes and call it good.  My aging body reminds me, there are limits to up. I struggle with accepting this fact. Most do. It also shows there are exceptions to metaphors. Just because our age goes up, that doesn’t necessarily mean it feels good.My body is a renewable resource but with a limited and declining life span. It can’t support the extraction of resources indefinitely, but it can maintain a finite flow of energy equal to my body’s, albeit declining, regeneration rate.But if I push too hard and exploit my resources; and equate increased pullup reps or faster running speed with good, I’ll drive my resources below a critical threshold and they’ll become nonrenewable.So now when I’m feeling up for a run. I don’t let myself get too depressed when my energy starts to fall. Instead of digging deep in a yearning for peak performance, I change my goal and shift my metaphor. I push that irrational ‘growth at all cost’ dogma to the side, bring the joy of a flat and slightly declining curve to the foreground, and feel my energy levels and my spirit rise.You see, I have a rational mind after all. Aristotle believed our ability to reason with our feelings is what makes us human. It’s what sets us apart from other animals. I have a rational choice to make when presented with a curve that flattens out or declines. I can succumb to the cultural belief and emotion that a line that curves flat or trends down is always bad, or I can shift my thinking that it is sometimes good and even necessary for survival.If I can do this with my fitness routine amidst a mid-life crisis, surely we can for an imbalanced economic regime amidst a climate crisis. Subscribe at interplace.io

1If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God's love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. 2And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing. 3If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it does me no good at all. 4Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 6It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. 8Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part [for our knowledge is fragmentary and incomplete]. 10But when that which is complete and perfect comes, that which is incomplete and partial will pass away. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]. 13And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God's love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13 16 For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 Amplified® Bible Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631 All rights reserved. http://www.lockman.org

Quick Announcement!I'm excited to finally share the news that I was asked to be a part of the new series on the History Channel called, "The Machines That Built America: Power Tool Showdown". https://play.history.com/shows/the-machines-that-built-america/season-1/episode-6It's streaming now.If you are a fan of power tools and are curious to know how Milwaukee Tool, Black and Decker, and DeWalt got their start, then this is a must-watch.

Sermon on the mount series message 20Text: Matthew 7:1-6It is true Jesus teaches us not to be hypocritical in judging others, but Jesus is not teaching that we should incorrectly judge in discerning truth from error, or sin from righteousness. On this Mother's Day, we'll present a balanced biblical picture of the right and wrong way to judge - an important aspect of raising kids!

Sane PerceptionI. The Need to StudyAll learning involves attention and study at some level. 2This course is a mind-training course. 3Good students assign study periods for themselves. 4However, since this obvious step may not have occurred to you and since we are cooperating in this, I urge you to make the obvious assignment now.1 5You may understand the need to study this course yet still not realize that many of the problems you keep being faced with may already have been solved here. 6Perhaps you do not think of the course in this way at all. 7Or perhaps you do from time to time, but then think the answer is probably in here and do not look it up. 8You vaguely know that the course is intended for some sort of preparation. 9But are you prepared?2 Mental retardation is a defense which, like the others (with the exception of the Atonement), can be used on behalf of error or truth, as elected.2 2When it occurs in the literal sense, it is a temporary device, agreed on beforehand, to check the miscreative activities of a strong but misdirected will. 3The lesson involves not only the individual himself but also his parents, siblings, and all of those who come in close relations with him. 4The person himself is a poor learner by definition, but only as a step toward changing from a bad to a good one.3 Mental retardation can also be used, however, as a maladaptive defense, if the wrong (or attack) side is employed. 2This produces the “pseudo-retardation syndrome,” which is justly classified as a psychiatric (or disturbed-level) symptom.3 3You may well be using this defense as you read this course. 4This represents a joint attack on both yourself and me, because it renders your mind weak and mine incompetent.4 5Remember, this puts you in a truly fearful position. 6If you cannot understand either your own mind or mine, you do not know what is really willed. 7It is thus impossible to avoid behavior-will conflict (as defined before), because even if you acted according to will, you wouldn’t know it.54 The next part of this course rests too heavily on the earlier part not to require its study.6 2Without this, you will become much too fearful when the unexpected does occur to make constructive use of it.7 3However, as you study the earlier part, you will see some of the obvious implications, unless you still persist in misusing the defense of mental retardation. 4Please remember that its constructive use, described above, is hardly a real part of your own real equipment. 5It is a particularly inappropriate defense as you use it, and I can only urge you to avoid it.5 The reason why a solid foundation is necessary at this point is because of the highly likely confusion of “fearful” and “awesome,” which most people do make. 2You will remember that we said once before that awe is inappropriate in connection with the Sons of God, because you should not experience awe in the presence of your own equals.8 3But it was emphasized that awe is a proper reaction of the Son in the presence of his Creator.96 So far, this course has had only indirect recourse to God and rarely even refers to Him directly. 2I have emphasized that awe is not appropriate in connection with me, because of our inherent equality.10 3I have been careful to clarify my own role in the Atonement, without either over- or understating it.11 4I have tried to do exactly the same thing in connection with yours.12 5The next step, however, does involve the direct approach to God Himself. 6It would be most unwise to start on this step at all without very careful preparation, or awe will surely be confused with fear, and the experience will be more traumatic than beatific.7 Healing is of God in the end. 2The means are carefully explained in this course. 3Revelation may occasionally show you the end, but to reach it the means are needed.13

XII. The Mastery of LoveWe have already said that the basic conflict is one between love and fear, and that the proper organization of the psyche rests on a lack of level confusion.154 2The section on psychic energy should be reread very carefully, because it is particularly likely to be misinterpreted until this section has been completed.1552 It has already been said that you cannot control fear, because you yourself made it.156 2Your belief in it renders it out of your control by definition. 3For this reason, any attempt to resolve the basic conflict through the concept of mastery of fear is meaningless. 4In fact, it asserts the power of fear by the simple assumption that it need be mastered at all. 5The essential resolution rests entirely on the mastery of love.1573 In the interim, conflict is inevitable. 2The reason for this is the strangely illogical position in which you have placed yourself. 3Since we have frequently emphasized that correction must be applied within the level that error occurs, it should be clear that the miracle must be illogical because its purpose is to correct the illogical and restore order.1584 Two concepts which cannot coexist are nothing and everything. 2To whatever extent one is believed in, the other has been abolished. 3In the conflict, fear is really nothing, and love is really everything. 4The unwillingness to let one’s darkness be seen, or to submit error to light, is a way of denying that the separation ever occurred. 5Like all pseudo-solutions, this kind of distorted thinking is very creative but false.5 The separation has occurred.159 2To deny this is merely to misuse denial. 3However, to concentrate on error is merely a further misuse of legitimate psychic mechanisms. 4The true corrective procedure, which has already been described as the proper use of the spiritual eye (or true vision), is to accept the error temporarily, but only as an indication that immediate correction is mandatory.160 5This establishes a state of mind in which the Atonement can be accepted without delay.6 It is worth repeating that ultimately there is no compromise possible between everything and nothing. 2The purpose of time is essentially to serve as a device by which all compromise in this respect can be abolished. 3It seems to be abolished by degrees precisely because time itself involves a concept of intervals which does not really exist. 4The faulty use of creation has made this necessary as a corrective device. 5“And God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish but have eternal life” needs only one slight correction to be entirely meaningful in this context. 6It should read, “And God so loved the world that He gave it to His only begotten Son.”1617 It should be noted that God has begotten only one Son. 2If you believe that all of the minds that God created are His Sons, and if you also believe that the Sonship is one, then every mind must be a Son of God, or an integral part of the Sonship. 3You do not find the concept that the whole is greater than its parts difficult to understand. 4You should therefore not have too great of a difficulty with this. 5The Sonship in its oneness does transcend the sum of its parts. 6However, it loses this special state as long as any of its parts are missing. 7This is why the conflict cannot ultimately be resolved until all of the individual parts of the Sonship have returned. 8Only then can the meaning of wholeness in the true sense be understood.8 The concept of minus numbers has always been regarded as a mathematical rather than an actual expedient. 2Yet it represents a major limitation on mathematics as presently understood.162 3Any statement which implies degrees of difference in negation is essentially meaningless. 4What can replace this negative approach is a recognition of the fact that as long as one part (which is the same as a million or ten or eight thousand parts) of the Sonship is missing, it is not complete.163 5In the divine psyche, the Father and the Holy Spirit are not incomplete at all. 6The Sonship has the unique faculty of believing in error, or incompleteness, if it so elects. 7However, it is quite apparent that so to elect is to believe in the existence of nothingness. 8The correction of this error is the Atonement.9 We have already briefly spoken about readiness.164 2But there are some additional awarenesses which might be helpful. 3Readiness is nothing more than the prerequisite for accomplishment. 4The two should not be confused. 5As soon as a state of readiness occurs, there is always some will to accomplish, but this is by no means undivided. 6The state does not imply more than the potential for a shift of will. 7Confidence cannot develop fully until mastery has been accomplished.10 We began this section with an attempt to correct the fundamental human error that fear can be mastered. 2The correction was that only love can be mastered. 3Even if you are ready for revelation, though, that does not mean that you have in any way mastered that form of communication. 4Mastery of love necessarily involves a much more complete confidence in the ability than you have as yet attained. 5Readiness, however, is at least an indication that you believe this is possible. 6This is only the beginning of confidence. 7In case this be misunderstood as a statement that an enormous amount of time will be necessary between readiness and mastery, I would again remind you that time and space are under my control.165

VII. The Miracle as the Means of HealingThe new emphasis will now be on healing. 2The miracle is the means, the Atonement the principle, and the healing is the result. 3Those who speak of “the miracle of healing” are combining two orders of reality inappropriately. 4Healing is not a miracle. 5The Atonement, or the final miracle, is purely a means, while any type of healing is a result.2 Atonement is the remedy. 2The degree of error to which it is applied is irrelevant. 3Essentially, all healing is the release from fear. 4But to undertake this you cannot be fearful yourself. 5You do not understand healing because of your own fear. 6I have been hinting throughout that you must heal others.89 7The reason is that their healing merely witnesses to yours.3 A major step in the Atonement plan is to undo error at all levels. 2Illness, which is really “not-right-mindedness,” is the result of level confusion in the sense that it always entails the belief that what is amiss in one level can adversely affect another. 3We have constantly referred to miracles as the means of correcting level confusion.90 4In reality, all mistakes must be corrected at the level at which they occur.4 Only the mind is capable of error. 2The body can act erroneously, but this is only because it has responded to misthought. 3The body cannot create, and to believe that it can, a fundamental error responsible for most of the fallacies already referred to, produces all physical symptoms.5 All physical illness represents a belief in magic. 2The whole distortion which made magic rested on the belief that there is a creative ability in matter, which can control the mind. 3This fallacy can work either way; that is, it can be believed either that the mind can miscreate in the body or that the body can miscreate in the mind. 4If it can be made clear that the mind, which is the only level of causation, cannot generate effects beyond itself, then neither confusion need occur.6 The reason why only the mind can make or create is more obvious than may be immediately apparent. 2Spirit has been created. 3The body is a learning device for the mind. 4Learning devices are not lessons in themselves. 5Their purpose is merely to facilitate the thinking of the learner. 6The most that a faulty use of a learning device can do is to fail to facilitate learning. 7It does not have the power in itself to introduce actual learning errors.91 8The body, if properly understood, shares the invulnerability of the Atonement to two-edged application. 9This is not because the body is a miracle, but because it is not inherently open to misinterpretation.7 The body is merely a fact in this world. 2Its abilities can be, and frequently are, overevaluated. 3However, it is almost impossible to deny its existence in this world. 4Those who do are engaging in a particularly unworthy form of denial. 5The use of the word “unworthy” here implies simply that it is not necessary to protect the mind by denying the unmindful. 6There is little doubt that the mind can miscreate. 7If one denies this unfortunate aspect of its power, one is also denying the power itself.928 All material means which you accept as remedies for bodily ills are simply restatements of magic principles. 2It was the first level of the error to believe that the body created its own illness. 3Thereafter, it is a second misstep to attempt to heal it through noncreative agents. 4It does not follow, however, that the application of these very weak corrective devices is evil. 5Sometimes the illness has sufficiently great a hold over an individual’s mind to render him inaccessible to Atonement. 6In this case, one may be wise to utilize a compromise approach to mind and body, in which something from the outside is temporarily given healing belief.9 This is because the last thing that can help the non-right-minded (or the sick) is an increase in fear. 2They are already in a fear-weakened state. 3If they are inappropriately exposed to a straight and undiluted miracle, they may be precipitated into panic. 4This is particularly likely to occur when upside-down perception has induced the belief that miracles are frightening.10 The value of the Atonement does not lie in the manner in which it is expressed. 2In fact, if it is truly used it will inevitably be expressed in whatever way is most helpful to the receiver, not the giver. 3This means that a miracle, to attain its full efficacy, must be expressed in a language which the recipient can understand without fear. 4It does not follow by any means that this is the highest level of communication of which he is capable. 5But it does mean that it is the highest level of communication of which he is capable now. 6The whole aim of the miracle is to raise the level of communication, not to impose regression (in the improper sense) upon it.11 Before it is safe to let miracle workers loose in this world, it is essential that they understand fully the fear of release. 2Otherwise, they may unwittingly foster the belief that release is imprisonment, which is very prevalent. 3This misperception arose from the attempted protection device (or misused defense) that harm can be limited to the body. 4This was because of the much greater fear (which this one counteracts) that the mind can hurt itself.93 5Neither error is really meaningful, because the miscreations of the mind do not really exist. 6That recognition is a far better protection device than any form of level confusion, because of the advantages of introducing correction at the level of the error.12 It is essential that the remembrance remain with you that only mind can make or create. 2Implicit in this is the corollary that correction belongs at the thought level and not at either level to which correction is inapplicable. 3To repeat an earlier statement, and also to extend it somewhat, spirit is already perfect and therefore does not require correction. 4The body does not really exist, except as a learning device for the mind. 5This learning device is not subject to errors of its own, because it was made but does not make.94 6It should be obvious, then, that correcting the maker (or inducing it to give up miscreation) is the only application of creative power which is inherently meaningful at all.13 We said before that magic is essentially mindless, or the destructive (miscreative) use of mind.95 2Physical medicines are a form of “spells.” 3In one way, they are a more benign form, in that they do not entail the possession fallacy, which does enter when a mind believes that it can possess another. 4Since this is considerably less dangerous, though still incorrect, it has its advantages.96 5It is particularly helpful to the therapist who really wants to heal, but is still fearful himself. 6By using physical means to do so, he is not engaging in any form of enslavement, even though he is not applying the Atonement. 7This means that his mind is dulled by fear, but is not actively engaged in distortion.14 Those who are afraid of using the mind to heal are right in avoiding it, because the very fact that they are afraid has made them vulnerable to miscreation. 2They are therefore likely to misunderstand any healing they might induce and, because egocentricity and fear usually occur together, may be unable to accept the real Source of the healing. 3Under these conditions, it is safer for them to rely temporarily on physical healing devices, because they cannot misperceive them as their own creations. 4As long as their own vulnerability persists, it is essential to preserve them from even attempting miracles.

II. The Cause of the SeparationThis section deals with a more fundamental misuse of knowledge, referred to in the Bible as the cause of the fall (or separation).27 2There are several introductory remarks which are intended to make these explanations less fear provoking. 3First, I draw your attention to a couplet from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream:4Be as thou wast wont to be;See as thou wast wont to see.285These words were said by Oberon in releasing Titania from her own errors, both of being and perceiving. 6These were the words which reestablished her true identity as well as her true abilities and judgment.29 7The similarity to your release is obvious.2 There are also some dictionary definitions which will be helpful. 2Their somewhat unusual nature is due to the fact that they are not usually the first definitions listed. 3Nevertheless, the fact that each of them does appear in the dictionary should be reassuring.4project (verb): to extend forward or out305project (noun): a plan in the mind316world: a natural grand division323 We will refer later to projection as related to both mental illness and mental health.33 2It has also been commented on that Lucifer literally projected himself from Heaven.34 3We also have observed that you can make an empty shell, but cannot make nothing at all.35 4This emptiness provides the screen for the misuse of projection.4 The Garden of Eden, which is described as a literal garden in the Bible, was not originally an actual garden at all. 2It was merely a mental state of complete need-lack. 3Even in the literal account, it is noteworthy that the pre-separation state was essentially one in which man needed nothing. 4The tree of knowledge, again an overly literal concept (as is clearly shown by the subsequent reference to “eating of the fruit of the tree”), is a symbolic reference to some of the misuses of knowledge referred to in the section immediately preceding this one.36 5There is, however, considerable clarification of this concept which must be understood before the real meaning of the “detour into fear” can be fully comprehended.5 Projection, as defined above (this refers to the verb), is a fundamental attribute of God, which He also gave to His Son. 2In the creation, God projected his creative ability out of Himself toward the Sons whom He created, and also imbued them with the same loving will to create. 3We have commented before on the fundamental error involved in confusing what has been created with what is being made.37 4We have also emphasized that you have not only been fully created, but also been created perfect.38 5There is no emptiness in you. 6The next point, too, has already been made, but bears repetition here: The Son, because of his own likeness to his Creator, is creative.39 7No child of God is capable of losing this ability, because it is inherent in what he is.6 Whenever projection in its inappropriate sense is utilized, it always implies that some emptiness (or lack of everything) must exist, and that it is within your ability to put your own ideas there instead of the truth. 2If you will consider carefully what this entails, the following will become quite apparent:7 First, the assumption is implicit that what God has created can be changed by your own mind.8 Second, the concept has intruded that what is perfect can be rendered imperfect or wanting.9 Third, the belief has arisen, and is tolerated, that you can distort the creations of God, including yourself.10 Fourth, the idea has entered that since you can create yourself, the direction of your own creation is up to you.11 These related distortions represent a picture of what actually occurred in the separation. 2None of this existed before, nor does it actually exist now. 3The Sonship was created as a natural grand division, or projecting outward of God. 4That is why everything which He created is like Him. 5Projection as undertaken by God was very similar to the kind of inner radiance which the children of the Father inherit from Him. 6It is important to note that the term “project outward” necessarily implies that the real source of projection is internal. 7This is as true of the Son as of the Father.12 The Kingdom of God, in its original connotation, included both the proper creation of the Son by God and the proper creation by the Son in his right mind. 2The latter required the endowment of the Son by God with free will, because all loving creation is freely given. 3Nothing in either of these statements implies any sort of levels, or, in fact, anything except one continuous line of creation, in which all aspects are of the same order.13 When the “lies of the serpent” were introduced, they were called lies because they are not true.40 2When man listened, all he heard was untruth. 3You do not have to continue to believe what is not true, unless you choose to do so. 4All of your miscreations can disappear in the well-known “twinkling of an eye,” because they are a visual misperception.41 5Your spiritual eye can sleep, but remember, a sleeping eye can still see.4214 One translation of the fall, a view emphasized by Mary Baker Eddy and worthy of note, is that “a deep sleep fell upon Adam.”43 2While the Bible seems to regard this sleep as a kind of anesthetic utilized for the protection of Adam during the creation of Eve, Mrs. Eddy was correct in emphasizing that nowhere is there any reference made to his waking up. 3While Christian Science is clearly incomplete, this point is much in its favor.15 The history of humanity in the world as you see it has not been characterized by any genuine or comprehensive reawakening or rebirth. 2This is impossible as long as humanity projects in the spirit of miscreation. 3It still remains within you to project as God projected His Own Spirit to you. 4In reality, this is your only choice, because your free will was made for your own joy in creating the perfect.16 All fear is ultimately reducible to the basic misperception that you have the ability to usurp the power of God. 2It is again emphasized that you neither can nor have been able to do this.44 3In this statement lies the real justification for your escape from fear. 4This is brought about by your acceptance of the Atonement, which places you in a position to realize that your own errors never really occurred.17 When the deep sleep fell upon Adam, he was then in a condition to experience nightmares, precisely because he was sleeping. 2If a light is suddenly turned on while someone is dreaming and the content of his dream is fearful, he is initially likely to interpret the light itself as part of the content of his own dream. 3However, as soon as he awakens, the light is correctly perceived as the release from the dream, which is no longer accorded reality. 4I would like to conclude this with the biblical injunction “Go, and do thou likewise.”4518 It is quite apparent that this depends on the kind of knowledge which was not referred to by the “tree of knowledge,” which bore lies as fruit.46 2The knowledge that illuminates rather than obscures is the knowledge which not only makes you free, but also shows you clearly that you are free.47

The real meaning of possession should be clarified. 2Fear of possession is a perverted expression of the fear of the irresistible attraction of God. 3The truth is still that the attraction of God is irresistible at all levels, and the acceptance of this totally unavoidable truth is only a matter of time. 4But you should consider whether you want to wait, because you can return now, if you choose.2 Possession is a concept which has been subject to numerous distortions, some of which we will list below:3 Type 1: Possession can be associated with the body only. 2If this occurs, sex is particularly likely to be contaminated. 3Possession versus being possessed is apt to be seen as the male versus the female role. 4Since neither will be conceived of as satisfying alone, and both will be associated with fear, this interpretation is particularly vulnerable to psychosexual confusion.24 Type 2: From a rather similar reference point, possession can also be associated with things. 2This is essentially a shift from type 1 and is usually due to an underlying fear of associating possession with people. 3In this sense, it is an attempt to protect people from one’s possessiveness, like the superstition about “protecting the name” we mentioned before.35 Both type 1 and type 2 are likely to become compulsive for several reasons, including:a) 2They represent an attempt to escape from the real possession drive, which cannot be satisfied this way.b) 3They set up substitute goals, which are usually reasonably easy to attain.4c) 4They appear to be relatively harmless, and thus seem to allay fear. 5The fact that they usually interfere with good interpersonal relationships can be interpreted, in this culture, as a lack of sophistication on the part of the other (not the self), and this induces a false feeling of confidence in the solution. 6It is also fairly easy to find a partner who shares the illusion. 7Thus, we have any number of relationships which are actually established on the basis of type 1, and others which hold together primarily because of a joint interest in type 2.d) 8The manifestly external emphasis which both entail seems to be a safety device, and thus permits a false escape from much more basic inhibitions.5 9As a compromise solution, the illusion of interpersonal relating is preserved, along with the retention of lack of love. 10This kind of psychic juggling leaves the juggler with a feeling of emptiness, which in fact is perfectly justified, because he is acting from scarcity. 11He then becomes more and more driven in his behavior, to fill the emptiness.6 When these solutions have been invested with extreme belief, type 1 leads to sex crimes and type 2 to stealing. 2The kleptomaniac is a good example of the latter.7 Generally, three types of emotional disturbance result:a) 2The tendency to maintain the illusion that only the physical is real. 3This produces depression.b) 4The tendency to invest the physical with nonphysical properties. 5This is essentially magic and tends more toward anxiety-proneness.c) 6The tendency to vacillate from one to the other, which produces a corresponding vacillation between depression and anxiety.7All three result in self-imposed starvation.8 Type 3: Another type of distortion is seen in the fear of or desire for “spirit” possession. 2The term “spirit” is profoundly debased in this context, but it does entail a recognition that the body is not enough and investing it with magic will not work. 3This recognition accepts the fact that neither type 1 nor type 2 is sufficient, but precisely because it does not limit fear so narrowly, it is more likely to produce greater fear in its own right.9 Endowing the Spirit with human possessiveness is a more inclusive error than type 1 or type 2, and a step somewhat further away from the right mind. 2Projection is also more likely to occur, with vacillations between grandiosity and fear.6 3“Religion,” in a distorted sense, is also more likely to occur in this kind of error, because the idea of a “spirit” is introduced, though fallaciously, while it is excluded from type 1 and type 2. 4Witchcraft is thus particularly apt to be associated with type 3, because of the much greater investment in magic.10 It should be noted that type 1 involves only the body, and type 2 involves an attempt to associate things with human attributes. 2Type 3, on the other hand, is a more serious level confusion, because it endows the Spirit with evil attributes. 3This accounts both for the religious zeal of its proponents and the aversion (or fear) of its opponents. 4Both attitudes stem from the same false belief.11 This is not what the Bible means by “filled with the Holy Spirit.”7 2The concept of “speaking in many tongues” was originally an injunction to communicate to everyone in his own language, or at his own level. 3It hardly meant to speak in a way that nobody could understand.12 This strange error occurs when people do understand the need for universal communication, but have contaminated it with the possession fallacy. 2The fear engendered by this misperception leads to a conflicted state in which communication is attempted, but the fear is allayed by making the communication incomprehensible.8 3It could also be said that the fear induces selfishness or regression, because incomprehensible communication is hardly a worthy offering from one Son of God to another.13 Type 4: Knowledge can also be misinterpreted as a means of possession. 2Here, the content is not physical, and the underlying fallacy is more likely to be the confusion of mind and brain.9 3The attempt to unite nonphysical content with physical attributes is illustrated by statements like “the thirst for knowledge.” 4This is not what “thirst” in the Bible means.10 5The term was used only because of humanity’s limited comprehension and is probably better dropped.14 The fallacious use of knowledge can result in several errors, including:a) 2The idea that knowledge will make the individual more attractive to others. 3This is a possession fallacy.11b) 4The idea that knowledge will make the individual invulnerable. 5This is a reaction formation against the underlying fear of vulnerability.c) 6The idea that knowledge will make the individual worthy. 7This is largely pathetic.15 Like all of these fallacies, type 4 contains a denial mechanism, which swings into operation as the fear increases, thus canceling out the error temporarily but seriously impairing efficiency. 2For example, one person might claim she cannot read, while another might claim he cannot speak.1216 Note that depression is a real risk here, for a child of God should never reduce his efficiency in any way. 2The depression comes from a peculiar pseudo-solution which reads:3A child of God is efficient.4I am not efficient.5Therefore, I am not a child of God.136This leads to neurotic resignation, and this is a state which merely increases the depression.17 The corresponding denial mechanism for type 1 is physical inability, or impotence. 2The denial mechanism for type 2 is often bankruptcy. 3Collectors of things often drive themselves well beyond their financial means, in an attempt to force discontinuance. 4If this idea of cessation cannot be tolerated, a strange compromise involving both insatiable possessiveness and insatiable throwing away may result.18 An example is the inveterate or compulsive gambler, particularly the horse-racing addict. 2Here, the conflicted drive is displaced both from people and things, and is invested in animals. 3The implied derogation of people is the cause of the underlying extreme superstition of the horse-racing addict.14 4The alcoholic is in a similar position, except that his hostility is more inward than outward directed.15 5Defenses aimed at protecting (or retaining) error are particularly hard to undo, because they introduce second-order misperceptions which obscure the underlying errors still further.1619 The pseudo-corrective mechanism for type 3 is apt to be more varied because of the more inclusive nature of the error, which has already been mentioned. 2Some of the possibilities are listed below:a) 3One aspect of the possession/possessed conflict can be raised to predominance. 4If this is attempted in connection with possessing, it leads to the paranoid solution.17 5The underlying component of “being possessed” is retained in the “persecution” fantasies which generally accompany the paranoia.

Finish this phrase with an adjective, Love is…Motivational1 Cor. 13:1-8 If I had the gift of being able to speak in other languages without learning them and could speak in every language there is in all of heaven and earth, but didn't love others, I would only be making noise. 2If I had the gift of prophecy and knew all about what is going to happen in the future, knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would it do? Even if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, I would still be worth nothing at all without love. 3If I gave everything I have to poor people, and if I were burned alive for preaching the Gospel but didn't love others, it would be of no value whatever.4Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, 5never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. 6It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. 7If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.8All the special gifts and powers from God will someday come to an end, but love goes on forever. Someday prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge--these gifts will disappear. [Living]RelationalPhilip. 2:1-2 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [NKJV]The fulfillment of the law Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”The evidence you are a follower of God 1 John 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we [d]know that we are of the truth, and shall [e]assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave [f]us commandment.Love is God. 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

When I say the word treasure, what comes to your mind?Perhaps you think of a chest filled with gold, precious jewels. Perhaps you think of a priceless artifact retrieved from the bottom of the ocean. Perhaps you think of a family heirloom which you greatly prize or a prized possession of a loved one which has been passed on to you. The word Treasure is synonymous with resources, riches, reserves, materials, assets, possessions. I love to watch the Antique Road Show, it is amazing the treasures people have and don't realize it. The other day I was watching, and a lady had a painting in her attic which had an estimated value of $300,000.00. We all love treasure hunting, don't we? Whether it is the prize in a box of Cracker Jacks, or a safe deposit box filled with cash, stocks, and gold we look forward to the discovery of treasure. Illustration: Al Capone's Vault Read Text:Luke 6:45 (NKJV) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 1. What is "good treasure?"We might say the good treasure is the fruit of the Holy Spirit resident in our heart. Galatians 5:22 Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, meekness, faithfulness, goodness, self – control.2. What is "evil treasure?"Paul on several occasions lists what I'm calling "evil treasure." These are the works of sin in our flesh. They stand as the antithesis of the good treasure. Galatians 5:19-21 (NLT) When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, 20idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, 21envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.3. What are the treasures of your heart?Listen to your words, they reveal the content of the heart. What do you value most… replay your conversations of the past week and you will have a clear picture of your heart's treasure. Look at your checkbook it will also give you a very clear picture of the treasures of your heart. Matthew 6:21 (NKJV) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. I conclude today by calling each of you to do a heart check. Jesus calls us to live a Spirit filled life, to walk in the authority and power of His Word. He calls us to be overcomers not victims, to be people of faith, not fear. When we fill our heart with His treasure, we become just that, even in the midst of less than ideal circumstances. Let's get the fear and anger out. Let's stop blaming others for our “issues” and let's fill our hearts with His treasure.Col. 3:1-17 (Msg) So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. 2Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.3Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. 4When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.5And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. 6It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. 7It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. 8But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.9Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. 10Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. 11Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.12So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. 13Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. 14And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.15Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. 16Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! 17Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Jeremiah 23:6It's easy to treat people well when they treat you right. The real challenge is when they treat you badly. As human beings, we have an innate desire to pursue justice. Today, Coach Red helps us understand that the Lord is "Yahweh Tsidkenu" — which means, God is Righteous. Therefore, His righteousness endures forever. #DailyDevo

为你读英语美文 · 第396期主播：永清What is the Corona/ Covid-19 Virus Really Teaching us?新冠真正教给我们的是什么？作者，译者：佚名I'm a strong believer that there is a spiritual purpose behind everything that happens in this world whether that is what we perceive as being good or being bad.As I meditate upon this, I want to share with you what I feel the Corona/ Covid-19 virus is really doing to us:我坚信发生的每一件事后面都有一个精神层面的目的，无论我们认为是好还是坏。当我沉思时, 我想与大家分享我的心得，新冠病毒究竟对我们做了些什么。1It is reminding us that we are all equal, regardless of our culture, religion, occupation, financial situation or how famous we are. This disease treats us all equally, perhaps we should too. If you don't believe me, just ask Tom Hanks.病毒提醒我们，人都是平等的，无论我们的文化、宗教、职业、经济状况，或是一个人有多么出名。在病毒眼中我们都是平等的，也许我们也应该平等对待他人。如果你不相信我的话，那就去问汤姆·汉克斯。2It is reminding us that we are all connected and something that affects one person has an effect on another. It is reminding us that the false borders that we have put up have little value as this virus does not need a passport. It is reminding us, by oppressing us for a short time, of those in this world whose whole life is spent in oppression.病毒提醒我们，我们的命运都是联在一起的，影响一个人的事情同时也会影响另一个人。病毒也提醒我们，我们建立的虚假国境线毫无价值，因为病毒并不需要护照。病毒还提醒我们，虽然我们暂时受到压迫，世界上还有人一生都受到压迫。3It is reminding us of how precious our health is and how we have moved to neglect it through eating nutrient poor manufactured food and drinking water that is contaminated with chemicals upon chemicals. If we don't look after our health, we will, of course, get sick病毒提醒我们，健康多么珍贵。而我们却忽视健康，吃垃圾食品，喝被各种化学品污染的水，如果我们不照顾自己，我们当然就会生病。4It is reminding us of the shortness of life and of what is most important for us to do, which is to help each other, especially those who are old or sick. Our purpose is not to buy toilet roll.病毒提醒我们，生命苦短，什么是我们应该做的最重要的事情，特别是那些已经生病的老年人。人生在世的目的不是买一卷卷的厕纸。5It is reminding us of how materialistic our society has become and how, when in times of difficulty, we remember that it's the essentials that we need (food, water, medicine) as opposed to the luxuries that we sometimes unnecessarily give value to.病毒提醒我们，我们的社会已经变得物质至上，当我们遇到困难时，我们才想起我们的基本需求是食物、饮水和药品，而不是并没有什么价值的奢侈品。6It is reminding us of how important our family and home life is and how much we have neglected this. It is forcing us back into our houses so we can rebuild them into our home and to strengthen our family unit.病毒提醒我们，家庭是如何重要，但我们却忽视了这一点。病毒强迫我们回到我们的房子里，所以我们可以把房子建成家庭，并建立牢固的家庭纽带。7It is reminding us that our true work is not our job, that is what we do, not what we were created to do. Our true work is to look after each other, to protect each other and to be of benefit to one another.病毒提醒我们，我们真正的工作并不是我们打的那份工，我们固然需要打工，然而上帝创造我们的目的并不是让我们打工。我们真正的工作是互相照顾、互相保护、互助互利。8It is reminding us to keep our egos in check. It is reminding us that no matter how great we think we are or how great others think we are, a virus can bring our world to a standstill.病毒提醒我们，我们不能妄自尊大。病毒还提醒我们，无论你觉得自己多伟大，也无论别人觉得你多么伟大，一个小小的病毒就能让整个世界停摆。9It is reminding us that the power of freewill is in our hands. We can choose to cooperate and help each other, to share, to give, to help and to support each other or we can choose to be selfish, to hoard [hɔːrd], to look after only our self. Indeed, it is difficulties that bring out our true colours.病毒提醒我们，自由掌握在我们自己手中。我们可以选择合作互助、分享、付出、互相支持，或者我们也可以选择自私、囤积和自顾自。只有在困难的时候才能看出一个人的真面目。10It is reminding us that we can be patient, or we can panic. We can either understand that this type of situation has happened many times before in history and will pass, or we can panic and see it as the end of the world and, consequently, cause ourselves more harm than good.病毒提醒我们，我们既可以耐心，也可以恐慌。我们既可以理解这种情况在历史上已经发生过多次，但最后都过去了，我们也可以恐慌，以为世界末日到了，结果伤害了我们自己。11It is reminding us that this can either be an end or a new beginning. This can be a time of reflection and understanding, where we learn from our mistakes, or it can be the start of a cycle which will continue until we finally learn the lesson we are meant to.病毒提醒我们，疫情既是结束也是开始。我们现在可以反省和理解，从错误里吸取教训。疫情也可以是一个轮回的开始，而且还会继续下去，直至我们吸取教训为止。12It is reminding us that this Earth is sick. It is reminding us that we need to look at the rate of deforestation just as urgently as we look at the speed at which toilet rolls are disappearing off of shelves. We are sick because our home is sick.病毒提醒我们，我们的地球病了。病毒还提醒我们，我们必须看到森林消失的速度，也必须看到一卷卷厕纸从货架上消失的速度。我们都病了，因为我们的家庭病了。13It is reminding us that after every difficulty, there is always ease. Life is cyclical ['sɪklɪkəl], and this is just a phase in this great cycle. We do not need to panic; this too shall pass.病毒提醒我们，困难总会过去，然后就容易了。生活是周期性的，现在只是周期里的一个阶段。我们不必恐慌，疫情一定会过去。Whereas [ˌweərˈæz] many see the Corona/ Covid-19 virus as a great disaster, I prefer to see it as a great corrector. It is sent to remind us of the important lessons that we seem to have forgotten and it is up to us if we will learn them or not.▎主播介绍永清：为你读英语美文创始人后期，编辑：永清▎节目首发，背景音乐，图文资料，更多推送敬请关注微信公众号：为你读英语美文，ID：readenglishforyou

为你读英语美文 · 第396期主播：永清What is the Corona/ Covid-19 Virus Really Teaching us?新冠真正教给我们的是什么？作者，译者：佚名I'm a strong believer that there is a spiritual purpose behind everything that happens in this world whether that is what we perceive as being good or being bad.As I meditate upon this, I want to share with you what I feel the Corona/ Covid-19 virus is really doing to us:我坚信发生的每一件事后面都有一个精神层面的目的，无论我们认为是好还是坏。当我沉思时, 我想与大家分享我的心得，新冠病毒究竟对我们做了些什么。1It is reminding us that we are all equal, regardless of our culture, religion, occupation, financial situation or how famous we are. This disease treats us all equally, perhaps we should too. If you don't believe me, just ask Tom Hanks.病毒提醒我们，人都是平等的，无论我们的文化、宗教、职业、经济状况，或是一个人有多么出名。在病毒眼中我们都是平等的，也许我们也应该平等对待他人。如果你不相信我的话，那就去问汤姆·汉克斯。2It is reminding us that we are all connected and something that affects one person has an effect on another. It is reminding us that the false borders that we have put up have little value as this virus does not need a passport. It is reminding us, by oppressing us for a short time, of those in this world whose whole life is spent in oppression.病毒提醒我们，我们的命运都是联在一起的，影响一个人的事情同时也会影响另一个人。病毒也提醒我们，我们建立的虚假国境线毫无价值，因为病毒并不需要护照。病毒还提醒我们，虽然我们暂时受到压迫，世界上还有人一生都受到压迫。3It is reminding us of how precious our health is and how we have moved to neglect it through eating nutrient poor manufactured food and drinking water that is contaminated with chemicals upon chemicals. If we don't look after our health, we will, of course, get sick病毒提醒我们，健康多么珍贵。而我们却忽视健康，吃垃圾食品，喝被各种化学品污染的水，如果我们不照顾自己，我们当然就会生病。4It is reminding us of the shortness of life and of what is most important for us to do, which is to help each other, especially those who are old or sick. Our purpose is not to buy toilet roll.病毒提醒我们，生命苦短，什么是我们应该做的最重要的事情，特别是那些已经生病的老年人。人生在世的目的不是买一卷卷的厕纸。5It is reminding us of how materialistic our society has become and how, when in times of difficulty, we remember that it's the essentials that we need (food, water, medicine) as opposed to the luxuries that we sometimes unnecessarily give value to.病毒提醒我们，我们的社会已经变得物质至上，当我们遇到困难时，我们才想起我们的基本需求是食物、饮水和药品，而不是并没有什么价值的奢侈品。6It is reminding us of how important our family and home life is and how much we have neglected this. It is forcing us back into our houses so we can rebuild them into our home and to strengthen our family unit.病毒提醒我们，家庭是如何重要，但我们却忽视了这一点。病毒强迫我们回到我们的房子里，所以我们可以把房子建成家庭，并建立牢固的家庭纽带。7It is reminding us that our true work is not our job, that is what we do, not what we were created to do. Our true work is to look after each other, to protect each other and to be of benefit to one another.病毒提醒我们，我们真正的工作并不是我们打的那份工，我们固然需要打工，然而上帝创造我们的目的并不是让我们打工。我们真正的工作是互相照顾、互相保护、互助互利。8It is reminding us to keep our egos in check. It is reminding us that no matter how great we think we are or how great others think we are, a virus can bring our world to a standstill.病毒提醒我们，我们不能妄自尊大。病毒还提醒我们，无论你觉得自己多伟大，也无论别人觉得你多么伟大，一个小小的病毒就能让整个世界停摆。9It is reminding us that the power of freewill is in our hands. We can choose to cooperate and help each other, to share, to give, to help and to support each other or we can choose to be selfish, to hoard [hɔːrd], to look after only our self. Indeed, it is difficulties that bring out our true colours.病毒提醒我们，自由掌握在我们自己手中。我们可以选择合作互助、分享、付出、互相支持，或者我们也可以选择自私、囤积和自顾自。只有在困难的时候才能看出一个人的真面目。10It is reminding us that we can be patient, or we can panic. We can either understand that this type of situation has happened many times before in history and will pass, or we can panic and see it as the end of the world and, consequently, cause ourselves more harm than good.病毒提醒我们，我们既可以耐心，也可以恐慌。我们既可以理解这种情况在历史上已经发生过多次，但最后都过去了，我们也可以恐慌，以为世界末日到了，结果伤害了我们自己。11It is reminding us that this can either be an end or a new beginning. This can be a time of reflection and understanding, where we learn from our mistakes, or it can be the start of a cycle which will continue until we finally learn the lesson we are meant to.病毒提醒我们，疫情既是结束也是开始。我们现在可以反省和理解，从错误里吸取教训。疫情也可以是一个轮回的开始，而且还会继续下去，直至我们吸取教训为止。12It is reminding us that this Earth is sick. It is reminding us that we need to look at the rate of deforestation just as urgently as we look at the speed at which toilet rolls are disappearing off of shelves. We are sick because our home is sick.病毒提醒我们，我们的地球病了。病毒还提醒我们，我们必须看到森林消失的速度，也必须看到一卷卷厕纸从货架上消失的速度。我们都病了，因为我们的家庭病了。13It is reminding us that after every difficulty, there is always ease. Life is cyclical ['sɪklɪkəl], and this is just a phase in this great cycle. We do not need to panic; this too shall pass.病毒提醒我们，困难总会过去，然后就容易了。生活是周期性的，现在只是周期里的一个阶段。我们不必恐慌，疫情一定会过去。Whereas [ˌweərˈæz] many see the Corona/ Covid-19 virus as a great disaster, I prefer to see it as a great corrector. It is sent to remind us of the important lessons that we seem to have forgotten and it is up to us if we will learn them or not.▎主播介绍永清：为你读英语美文创始人后期，编辑：永清▎节目首发，背景音乐，图文资料，更多推送敬请关注微信公众号：为你读英语美文，ID：readenglishforyou

Hebrews 2-5-18 -ESV--5For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. -6It has been testified somewhere, -What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him- -7You made him for a little while lower than the angels- you have crowned him with glory and honor, -8putting everything in subjection under his feet.- Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. -9But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. -10For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. -11For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, -12saying, -I will tell of your name to my brothers- in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.- -13And again, -I will put my trust in him.- And again, -Behold, I and the children God has given me.- -14Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, -15and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. -16For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. -17Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that

1 Cor. 13:1-8a If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!

Disciple Up # 186 Greater Than, Part 4 Jesus Suffered & Understands Our Suffering; Hebrews 2:5-18 By Louie Marsh, 11-18-2020   Intro.   Angels Won't Rule the World - Hebrews 2:5-8   “5For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? 7You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, 8putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.” (Hebrews 2:5–8, ESV)   The words “put in subjection” are the translation of hupotasso (ὑποτασσο), a military term used of arranging soldiers in order under the commanding general. The word speaks of an economy, a system of administration.  -  Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Vol. 10, p. 54). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. This speaks to the order that God always brings to things. Even when we can't see it or understand it, it's there. Which is why Paul says that God is not a God of confusion but of peace. – 1 Corinthians 14:33 We still marvel at the way nature works to this very day. We marvel at how human creativity works, at how things often seem to come together. This is why people say ignorant things like, “The universe brings this to me.”  NO, it's not the universe – the universe is just an inanimate created thing. IT's God's creation and the order He built into the universe that does all these things. Give Him the glory NOT the things He created! This isn't the usual word for world we see – Kosmos. Kosmos means a world system or what we call culture. But this word means…   The word “world” is the translation of oikoumene (οἰκουμενε), literally, “the inhabited earth,” - Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Vol. 10, p. 54). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. So he's really talking about people here. In the world to come – Millennial Kingdom, whatever, Angels won't be ruling over people. God and His people will rule.   6It has been testified somewhere… (Hebrews 2:6a)   I love this!  He doesn't have the reference in mind but correctly quotes the verses anyway! Here's the reference from Psalm 8   “4what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? 5Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,” (Psalm 8:4–6, ESV) But this isn't happening right now. …Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.” (Hebrews 2:8b, ESV)   This is another example of the realism of the Bible. Obviously this world isn't under subjection to God and the Bible makes no attempt to pretend that it is. But someday it will be and that's what this passage is talking about.   The Incarnation:   “9But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:9, ESV) Note here how the incarnation and Christ's work on the cross is described:   Lower than the angels for a little while. Crowned with glory and honor because he suffered and died He died for everyone   “10For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” 13And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”” (Hebrews 2:10–13, ESV) Why is it fitting that Jesus had to suffer? For it was fitting for him, on account of whom (are) all the (existing) things and through whom (are) all the (existing) things, that he as bringing many sons to glory make the Author of their salvation complete by means of suffering. In the case of the Messiah suffering is so far from being an outrageous idea that in the accomplishment of God's grace, that of bringing many sons to glory, it positively accorded with his own nature and his relation to all things to make the Author of their salvation the Author that he is by means of suffering. Nothing else would have befitted God, all Jewish and all human preconceptions to the contrary notwithstanding. The writer does not speak of necessity although one might say that what is fitting and proper for God is, therefore, also necessary for him, for God cannot act in a manner that is unbefitting him. The fact that αὐτῷ refers to God and not to Jesus needs no proof. God is the agent of the passive participles used in v. 9 as he is the agent also of this new sentence. To aid us in understanding his thought the writer does not merely say that “it is fitting for God” but that it is fitting “for him on account of whom all the (existing) things (are) and through whom all the (existing) things (are),” τὰ πάντα as in v. 8. The two διά clauses declare that all the things that exist and occur do so “because of him” and “through him”: they are on God's account, for his sake (i. e., for his glory), as they are also due to his agency (his hand being involved in them all.) - Lenski, R. C. H. (1938). The interpretation of the Epistle to the Hebrews and of the Epistle of James (pp. 79–80). Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern. So Lenski is saying that it's fitting because it's connected with God's nature and His relationships with His created beings to bring about salvation thru suffering. Man brought sin into the world, sin brings suffering, God suffers to free us from sin and suffering. One source? The words “of one” are literally, “out of one.” We have the ablative of source here. That is, the Lord Jesus and the saints, are all out of one source. Because the Lord Jesus and the saints are all out of one source, the writer says that He is not ashamed to call the saints His brethren. The Greek word for brother (adelphos (ἀδελφος)) means “from the same womb.” That one source is God the Father - Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Vol. 10, p. 61). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. How Redemption Works: “14Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:14–18, ESV) The Devil is destroyed Vs. 14   He destroys the devil by first of all removing his authority over death and hell. That now belongs to Jesus thanks to His death, burial and resurrection.  “18and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:18, ESV) Our Fear of Death is Removed Vs. 15-16   Once we come to Christ we no longer have to fear death. This doesn't mean many of us don't, just that we have no reason too thanks to the finished work of Christ on the Cross.   He also circles back to his earlier theme of the angels when he mentions Jesus isn't doing this for the angels.   To Fully Redeem He Had to Be Fully Human- Vs. 17   Propitiation – removing God's wrath from those who have sinned. Jesus did this by suffering, bleeding and dying on the cross as a man.   Because He is both God and Man He Understands Our Suffering. – Vs. 18   Now – because He has suffered – He can completely understand our suffering, whatever that suffering may be.  

Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 60 CEV, Ch. 61 GNT, Ch 62 NIRV Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. Thoughts Psalm 62 actually reads like a song.  In verses 1 and 2 David begins with declaring some truths. These verses establish the theme. 1It is surely true that I find my rest in God.He is the God who saves me.2It is surely true that he is my rock. He is the God who saves me.He is like a fort to me.I will always be secure. So what is the theme? We can rely on God. In verses 3 and 4, he talks about his enemies.  3How long will you enemies attack me?Will all of you throw me down?I’m like a leaning wall.I’m like a fence about to fall.4Surely my enemies only want to pull me down from my place of honor.They take delight in telling lies.They bless me with what they say.But in their hearts they ask for bad things to happen to me. His enemies try to shake his confidence in God, but they are only liars. Verses 5 and 6 repeat verses 1 and 2 5Yes, I must find my rest in God.He is the God who gives me hope.6It is surely true that he is my rock and the God who saves me.He is like a fort to me,so I will always be secure.Verse 7 is a sort of remix of verses 1 and 27I depend on God to save me and to honor me.He is my mighty rock and my place of safety. Though his enemies try to bring dishonor to him, God is his source of honor and safety. In verse 8, David shares the message with the people 8Trust in him at all times, you people.Tell him all your troubles.God is our place of safety. When we find something wonderful, don't we want to share it? Verses 9 and 10 talk about what not to rely on  9Surely ordinary people are only a breath.Important people are not what they seem to be.If they were weighed on a scale, they wouldn’t amount to anything.Together they are only a breath.10Don’t trust in money you have taken from others.Don’t put false hope in things you have stolen.Even if your riches grow,don’t put your trust in them. People and money are temporary. In verses 11 and 12, we learn what we can rely on 11God, I have heard you say two things.One is that power belongs to you, God.12The other is that your love, Lord, never ends.You will reward everyonein keeping with what they have done. There are rewards at the judgement, beloved. If a person has not accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, he or she will unfortunately for them, be sentenced to Hell. Romans 6:23 "The wages of sin is death." That is the reward for rejecting the free gift of salvation. For those who have accepted Jesus, they will be rewarded with eternal life with God. And in Heaven, we will receive rewards. There is a good article at gotquestions.org that discusses rewards in heaven.

TBOL ch 6It's time for a formal dinner! Fun, right? Let's answer this question as Lady Daemons: "Nah, Bruh." Eventually, we get to a calm period when people were able to break bread without killing each other, and that's nice -- until the ultimate party-crasher dialed it in. Yikes.In typical fashion -- when this book is concerned -- this episode is packed! So prepare for a long ride in the wagon. We will stop for pee-breaks, but pack snacks!See full show notes: go.DaemonsDiscuss.com/74Join us on Patreon (as little as $2 monthly will gain you access to extra episodes + different level incentives for those who join at higher tiers!)A Discovery of Witches TV News info (Continually updated; scenes, sets, trailer video, official photographs, casting + more)Become a Discusser (contact info located there as well)Email us directly: DaemonsDiscuss@gmail.comCall & Leave a voicemail! 1 (360) 519-7836 or hit us up on SpeakPipe Our Podcast Page: DaemonsDiscuss.com Our Main Site: DaemonsDomain.com Social Media: Twitter - @DaemonsDiscuss, Facebook - Daemons Discuss & Instagram - @daemonsdiscussTo join our private, listener-only Facebook group, apply here: Join Daemonic Discussers The "word" is "F*cking Firedrake"To see/hear all of our chapter reviews, check out this list: Chapter Review EpisodesTV show reviews? Go here: A Discovery of Witches TV ReviewsTo check out all of our episodes go here: Daemons Discuss! Full Episode ListGet your Daemon merch here: go.DaemonsDiscuss.com/shop -- and for 2020, our enamel FTSIO pins (+ masks and T-shirts) can be found here: go.DaemonsDiscuss.com/FTSIO2020In this episode:By the segment . . .(00:15) Intro/Patreon sponsorship(03:34) Discusser emails/Speakpipe - Thank you Suzanne, Nikki, and Chloe! (14:40) Main discussion - Ch 6 TBOL; sponsored by Shanon Milman Rodriguez(1:22:20) Housekeeping - Thank you Nancy, Shelley, and Kimberly - sponsored by Sarah Dye(1:30:50) Save It For the Show - *TOPIC: Speculations. Sponsored by Suzanne Stevenson(1:38:40) Promo break - scroll down, or click here to get a hold of us and/or become a Discusser -- information on joining our Facebook group also located on that page. (1:40:10) Last thoughts/Outro. Informational links:Hachiogi guideAll Souls ConWarrior NunFTSIO gear!PodchaserB’s PatreonCredits/Copyright Information * Intro music: "Ghost Dance" (edited down to second chorus) by Kevin Macleod, licensed for use by Creative Commons.* Outro music: Rimsky-Korsakov - "Scheherazade Symphonic Suite for Orchestra Op.35 - IV. Allegro molto," Public domain/copyright-free. * "Save it for the Show" segment introduction voiceover by Devyn Grendell * Cover art (+ all variations associated w/ it): © Daemons Domain* The term "unofficial" is explained in our disclaimer located in Terms of Use - item 14.* The Daemons Discuss podcast is hosted and produced by the owners (Angela, Jean and Valerie) of Daemons Domain and can also be found by entering the url http://www.DaemonsDiscuss.com in your browser, (listed on the various podcast syndicates like Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, etc.) which will redirect you back to the parent site, Daemons Domain.* This podcast is intended for personal download/consumption. Please see our Terms of Use; item 3.* Our episode titles are a loving tribute to the show "Friends" just 'cause we love Friends and - let's face it - it's easier! Here's how one of the show creators explains their reasoning:Jeff Greenstein: "When Marta & David & Jeff & I did 'Dream On', we used to spend a lot of time thinking about titles, because they were on-screen at the top of each episode. On "Friends", we decided that was a waste of time. We figured, why not name each episode after the thing that people will ostensibly be talking about around the water-cooler the next day?" See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

               Back to Basic Series:                  “Victorious Faith”                       1 John 5:1-5 Jesus said that he overcame in John 16:33The three test of Victorious faith:I.   Doctrinal:  Faith. Who is Jesus?Jesus is the way: John 14:6It is for everyone: Rom 10:9-10Jesus is the foundation: 1 Cor. 3:11 II.   Social: Loving the Brothers & Sisters ·        If you walk in the light… 1 John 1:7·        Sacrificial Love: 1 John 3:16-17·        Love is action: 1 John 3:18·        1 John 3:23:  Belief and love go together·        Faith and love are the twin pillars of the faith: Col 1:3-4 III.   Moral: Obey His Commands·        Jesus said his yoke was easy: Mt. 11:30·        God is love and dwells in us: 1 John 4:8·        The Spirit indwells us: 1 Cor. 6:19Support the show (https://paypal.me/pwp398?locale.x=en_US)

 You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: Psalm 8:6It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone has testified:  “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.”, In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. Hebrews 2:5-9

For the director of music. A psalm of David. 1The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, 5which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat. 7The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Having seen Jesus, the wise men went home a different way.Readings for the Epiphany (Year A) 5th January 2020.Reading 1Isa 60:1-6Above you the glory of the Lord appears.PsalmPs 71:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 r. cf. 11All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.Reading 2Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6It has now been revealed that pagans share the same inheritance.GospelMatt 2:1-12We saw his star and have come to do the king homage.

THREE Reasons Why Your Church Can And Should Multiply Itself In At Least One New Congregation In The Next 3-5 Years #1 CHURCH Multiplication is as Biblical as Church Growth The primary explanation for why we should shift from forms and strategies which produce addition to those resulting in multiplication is that it is biblical. Form follows function---Values beget vision The great function of the church is the Great Commission: “… to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20). You might summarize this as everyone on earth praying, “Thy will be done …” Regardless of the forms we choose, we must be faithfully committed to, and be good stewards of, Jesus' command to “go”, “make” and “teach” in the Great Commission. The bulls-eye of these action words is a surrender to the Lordship of Jesus that produces transformed lives.The Great Commission provides me with a framework for understanding my own life: I've always assumed that making disciples and teaching them to obey includes a mandate to plant churches. A church with “add and grow” mentality will have less impact on the world than a church possessing an “add and grow so we can multiply” mentality. Many churches seek to optimize the teaching dimension while falling short on the “go and make disciples” bit. The Level 5 multiplying church must seek the holistic intersection of all 3 commands.Back to the Great Commission In the Greek, “go” communicates, “as you are going”—suggesting that being a follower of Jesus is something we do naturally, on a regular basis. While the fruit of our faithfulness to this command produces fruit geographically to the ends of earth, it's not referring to a special “missionary mode” reserved for a few select saints. Instead, Jesus expressed this part of the Great Commission to define a way of life for His followers, a mindset to inform their understanding of what it means to be His disciples. Disciples are always in a state of readiness to engage in this mission.4Jerusalem as a Level 3 Addition Model In its early days in Jerusalem, the Church functioned at Level 3, locally. It became a megachurch in one day and remained that way until persecution forced change. It took on Level 4 reproduction attributes (adding preaching points) only after Saul's persecution (Acts 8:1; 11:19- 20). From Antioch outwards, it looks like Level 5 multiplication. Antioch as a Pointer toward Level 4 Reproduction Intentional multiplication and commissioning The Jerusalem church was a megachurch that almost accidentally planted churches due to persecution. The first church planters were those who ran away due to the threats of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 7:57-8:4). Philip got something going in Samaria and if it lasted, it became a church, though Acts mentions no Samaritan follow-through. Others spread the gospel in Cyprus, Cyrene and Antioch because of the same mistreatment. There seems to have been little motivation for intentional church planting in Jerusalem.Antioch, however, sent missionaries who planted churches. Antioch was a substantial church that intentionally commissioned some of its best leaders to take the gospel to other locations. This single congregation generated the movement in the West that we enjoy today. Real multiplication is found, not only in the wider travels of Barnabas and Saul, but specifically after Paul was stoned and left for dead in Derbe.Derby and Asia Minor as Setups for Level 5 Multiplication Paul and Barnabas snuck back into that city and went on preaching “When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith…. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed” (Acts 14:21-23 ESV). When they appointed select disciples as elders they, themselves, became Level 5 church multipliers.The choice is never to grow or to plant. It is always to do both. They should naturally happen together. The power is in the AND, not the tyranny of the OR.Adding AND Multiplying Addition and multiplication should walk hand-in-hand. All churches should attempt growth, and all should reproduce themselves toward new congregations. There is little merit in size for size sake. And there is nothing gained by keeping a church small. This is not an argument for small over large. In fact, using a multi/micro approach, a church of 30 can reproduce as easily as a church of 3,000 (and smaller might actually make it easier).The bottom line: Let your church grow as big as it can, but whatever its size, seek to value multiplication as the intentional and natural outcome of healthy, Biblical disciple making. Do this Jesus' way, as you seek to “make” and “teach” don't leave out the “go.”#2 It works Where it Works The second reason why we should multiply our congregations is that we have lots of room to grow and evangelize our country. By 200 A.D., the Church had grown from zero to about 1.8 million out of the earth's population of 250 million people, or about 7/10ths of one percent of the world. That incredible growth came mostly through multiplication. Eighteen centuries later, roughly 33 percent of the people in the world call themselves Christians. That's good, but two-thirds of the people on earth remain estranged from Christ. Christianity currently grows faster in Nepal than anywhere. Nigeria boasts the highest rate of Christ followers per capita. Asia, Africa and Latin America see serious church growth in the macro sense. Church multiplication is a primary cause for success in these nations.#3 We're a shrinking minority with a DEMAND NEED to multiply for SURVIVALBetween 1990 and 2006 the number of people born in the United States equaled the size of the church in 1990. The downside to this is that the church was almost exactly the same size in 2006 as it was in 1990. Sixteen years and many more large churches brought no measurable growth to Christianity in America.Evangelicals numbers are growing. But compared to the overall population, our share of the pie is now smaller. Between 2007 and 2014, the evangelical segment of the U.S. population fell by 0.9 percent.6It is possible for your church to grow rapidly while falling behind the growth curve in your own community. More people attend U.S. churches than ever before but when measured against the larger population, but we're still a shrinking minority. We need to stop measuring church growth and begin measuring cultural penetration.Moreover, church attendance doesn't always translate into cultural “lift.” We focus on evangelism while neglecting poverty, crime and oppression. To combat this, churches have coined terms like “missional church,” or “missional Christians.” A. Every church should reflect Jesus' calling, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come” (Luke 4:18-19, NLT). Our mission expects true spiritual transformation of communities, not just individuals. B. Every church & every Christ-Follower should reflect Jesus' commandment—great commission. C. Every disciplemaker should reflect Paul's admonition in 2 Timothy 2:2 NEXT TIME: Your Church as a Launch Platform rather than a Content PortalRemember to share this podcast if you find it meaningful—sharing is caring!www.ralphmoore.netwww.wordofhope.onlinewww.hopechapelchurches.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Preacher: Dawn HydeDate: October 6, 2019Scripture: Luke 17:5-6It’s like the disciples are moving a couch, three cushions deep, and it’s got to go up a flight of stairs that bends halfway at the landing.

To view the show notes for this episode, visit: cogent.co/podcast-6It can be a difficult to turn a consulting business into a product business. The two require very different mindsets and the immediacy of consulting revenue can be tempting to pursue over the longer-term benefits of product creation.The founders of Neighbourlytics seem to have negotiated this path well, learning quickly after winning the She Starts program, creating a product that is loved by customers, and now with a team of 10 operating from 6 desks, they just completed a $1.25 million seed investment round.We spoke with one of the co-founders, Jessica Christiansen-Franks, about things like countering the bro-culture of tech startups, creating vibrant cities where people find a connection, and the importance of finding work meaningful to enable us to do great work.To keep up to date with what is happening with Cogent, including when new episodes of this podcast are released, you can subscribe to our blog at cogent.co/blog. Or follow us on Twitter: @cogent_co or Instagram: @cogent_co.

I am concerned we have made our vision our God. We worship the accomplishment of the dreams God gave us rather than worshipping Him.One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.” When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. I am the God of your father - the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey - the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live. Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”Exodus 3:3-10 Fulfilling our vision is not synonymous with living a godly life.God cares more about who we are becoming than where we are headed. Don’t let your destination become your god.We make the assumption that we can create our own burning bush moments.Are we concerned with God’s will or only his approval of our will.And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.Philippians 1:6It’s not about where we are going. It’s about who we are becoming.

“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,” Colossians 2:6It's by the life of Jesus that we are sanctified in our souls by grace. The root of our sanctification is grounded in our relationship with Jesus which then will lead to works. Our spiritual discipline serves our faith and the foundation is grace.In this podcast Peter teaches on how our sanctification is connected to the life of Jesus.Support the show (https://app.clovergive.com/app/giving/clodo-braveheartministries)

023 I Have Engraved You on the Palms of My Hands - A Guided Christian Meditation Podcast on Isaiah 49:14-16 As a Hospice chaplain and having worked as an ICU chaplain in a busy hospital, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open to be changed by the Spirit of God.   Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation, Visualization   Intro: We will begin with some deep breathing in order to remove distractions so that we can focus completely on God’s word.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:     As we begin, look down at your hands. Pick one and stare at it. If you can’t do this, visualize it or look at some other part of your body. Notice the creases in your hands. Try and notice every contour. When I look at my hands I notice small hairs, pores, and many scars. As you do this let your whole focus rest on what you are seeing. Perhaps you run your fingers along the palms of your hands. As you do this breathe deeply. Allow all your focus gently rest upon your hands. The imagery of our hands reminds us what we have done. These hands of yours have been with you your whole life. When you have held a baby, or touched the grass and dirt. When you have worshiped and sinned. This is part of your existence on earth. Perhaps you have lost the ability to fully use your hands or the experience discomfort. Perhaps you never think about them. Our relationship to our body is very complex and confusing at times. Take this time to breathe deeply and allow all your muscles relax. Don't run from feelings that come but just let them be without fighting it. Open your heart to the word of God in the Bible. I’m breaking tradition a little here. As you continue to relax close your eyes and keep breathing deeply. One of my new friends who has reached out to me via my website ChristianMeditationPodcast.com send me this message while we were talking about some hard things going on in his life. He brought up this scripture.   Bible verse for meditation: This scripture is in the gospel of Isaiah 49:1-6 1Hear me, coastlands,listen, distant peoples.Before birth the LORD called me,from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.2He made my mouth like a sharp-edged sword,concealed me, shielded by his hand.He made me a sharpened arrow,in his quiver he hid me.3He said to me, You are my servant,in you, Israel, I show my glory.4Though I thought I had toiled in vain,for nothing and for naught spent my strength,Yet my right is with the LORD,my recompense is with my God. 5For now the LORD has spokenwho formed me as his servant from the womb,That Jacob may be brought back to himand Israel gathered to him;I am honored in the sight of the LORD,and my God is now my strength!6It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant,to raise up the tribes of Jacob,and restore the survivors of Israel;I will make you a light to the nations,that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth   At times we can feel dejected. We can feel overcome. Deeply in need of the peace of the LORD. Later in the same scripture we find this profound scripture. Keep your heart open as you receive this scripture. Notice what word or thought your attention rests upon.   Isaiah 49:14-16 Catholic Bible (NABRE) 14But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me;my Lord has forgotten me.” 15Can a mother forget her infant,be without tenderness for the child of her womb?Even should she forget,I will never forget you. 16See, upon the palms of my hands I have engraved you; your walls are ever before me. Look for similarities and differences in this reading.   ESV 14     But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me;my Lord has forgotten me.”15     “Can a woman forget her nursing child,that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?Even these may forget,yet I will not forget you.16     Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;your walls are continually before me.   Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation: Take another deep breath as you ponder what this scripture means. What stuck out to you as you focused on the scripture?     Continue breathing deeply and pondering as I share some thoughts.   When I first started the podcast I started very exegetical and technical. Since there are many more people much smarter than me and the main goal of this podcast is to align ourselves with the spirit of peace my focus has turned to application. Part of me wants to talk about how Isaiah 49 forms one of the other servant songs. Similarl to Isiah 53 covered in episode 9. I'll place my focus on this follow on scripture.     At times we find ourselves feeling as though we have sinned before God and are no more worthy to be called his sons and daughters. At times we feel thrown off, neglected, or worse… rebellious. This scripture is a calm reminder of the care of God. I’ve held my own children with the overwhelming love of a father. As they have rested helplessly in my arms as they weep I have felt profound love for them. The love of a mother is even more unique. God correctly demonstrates that human parents can fail, but he will not. His love for you is so profound.     For you he treated the winepress alone. As he was betrayed outside gethsemane (which means wine press) He was crushed for our iniquity. He loves us so profoundly that he has engraven us upon the palms of his hands through his sacrifice. These same engravings he showed to his apostle Thomas after his resurrection. Remember as you looked at your frail human hands. God can hold the galaxies in His hands. His omnipresent omnipotent self was sacrificed for you and I willingly. He did it with full awareness. You and I have fallen. We have sinned. As we are held helplessly in the arms of God he pours his love over us. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Pray now regarding the beatitude that is resonating with you. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence and feel yourself in God’s hands. Meditate and Visualize Positive Change in Your Life: What insights did you gain during these moments? What thing will change in your life after this moment? Use you imagination to fully visualize what that change will look at. Image one very concrete change you will make in your life. What new action will you take. Visualize yourself now doing this new action.  Make it as vivid as possible with as much detail. Visualize blessing someone else: Now visualize someone or a group of people who need this message. Imagine what their face would look like as they receive this scripture in their hearts. Imagine how you can share it with them. Conclusion: Print and use this scripture. I release a new episode of this every Sunday morning at 1AM Mountain time in the US. You can get more information about my podcast by visiting my website ChristianMeditationPodcast.com. After hearing the blessings many of you have been experiencing this podcast, I feel it is a good idea to offer an opportunity for you to support that option financially I have a Patreon page setup to accept donations at Patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast. In this way you can help support this cause of bringing peace.       78 countries all 50 states.   May you experience His peace in your life as you make these changes is my prayer in Jesus name. Amen.   FIND ME ON: iTunes Facebook ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Youtube Twitter Pintrist

In today's message, we're reminded on the importance of looking beyond our differences to truly love each other. Help us spread the love and share this message around the world via social media! Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. ~ Proverbs 17:9 Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends. ~ Proverbs 17:9 *Many versions say … don’t dwell on it, don’t gossip about it, don’t even repeat it Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. ~ 1 Peter 4:8 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through e 1 Corinthians 13:7 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.4Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.6It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:3-6 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. ~ Proverbs 13:10 After the flood, Noah began to cultivate the ground, and he planted a vineyard. 21 One day he drank some wine he had made, and he became drunk and lay naked inside his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw that his father was naked and went outside and told his brothers. 23 Then Shem and Japheth took a robe, held it over their shoulders, and backed into the tent to cover their father. As they did this, they looked the other way so they would not see him naked. ~Genesis 9:20-23

I Corinthians 13: 4-7 (NLT) 4Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud  5or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  6It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Haydn: Folk Songs for voice with violin, cello, and piano Haydn: String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 64, No. 6It’s easy to forget that chamber music is so called because it was written for performance in one’s own chamber, not the concert hall. The advent of recording and the internet has made it possible for you to listen to this live performance in your car, on the treadmill, or in your living room. In Haydn’s day, though, all music was live. Gathering a few friends to play together in your home was one of the most common ways to experience music. First we’ll hear three folk songs arranged by Haydn for a chamber ensemble of violin, cello, piano, and voice, the sort of instrumentation one could easily imagine gathering together among friends. Then, we’ll hear Haydn’s String Quartet in E-flat Major. Written later in Haydn’s career, these quartets were likely composed for one of the violinists in Haydn’s court orchestra, but they were also intended for public performance in London. Thus they draw on the genre’s history as at-home entertainment but also anticipate chamber music’s future as a concert form.

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