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Work of the Holy Spirit in Prayer Chapter 5 The matter of our prayer respects the depravation of our nature, and our wants on that account: The darkness and ignorance that is in our understandings; Our unacquaintedness with heavenly things; Our alienation from the life of God thereby; The secret workings of the lusts of the mind under the shade and covert of this darkness; The stubbornness, obstinacy, and perverseness of our wills by nature; Our wills' reluctance toward and dislike of spiritual things; Innumerable latent guiles arising from this reluctance. All of these keep the soul from a due conformity to the holiness of God.

Pastor Alan R. Knapp discusses the topic of "The 144,000: An Innumerable Company of Redeemed" in his series entitled "Rev The Book (2X)" This is Part 224 and it focuses on the following verses: Revelation 7:1-9

The difficult states reveal who the Lord is and what the self is ARrcana Coelstia 3469… during regeneration man observes a combat between his rational or internal man and his natural or external man; and why his external man is regenerated much later, and likewise with much greater difficulty, than his internal man. For that which is nearer to the world and nearer to the body cannot be easily constrained to render obedience to the internal man; but only after considerable length of time and by means of many new states into which the man is introduced, which are states of self-acknowledgment, and of acknowledgment of the Lord, that is, of one's own wretchedness, and of the Lord's mercy; thus states of humiliation resulting from temptation combats. The 3 experiences of self/proprium AC 141. Innumerable things might be said about man's Own in describing its nature with the corporeal and worldly man, with the spiritual man, and with the celestial man.  With the corporeal and worldly man, his Own is his all, he knows of nothing else than his Own, and imagines, as before said, that if he were to lose this Own he would perish.  With the spiritual man also his Own has a similar appearance, for although he knows that the Lord is the life of all, and gives wisdom and understanding, and consequently the power to think and to act, yet this knowledge is rather the profession of his lips than the belief of his heart.  But the celestial man discerns that the Lord is the life of all and gives the power to think and to act, for he perceives that it is really so. He never desires his Own, nevertheless an Own is given him by the Lord, which is conjoined with all perception of what is good and true, and with all happiness. The angels are in such an Own, and are at the same time in the highest peace and tranquility, for in their Own are those things which are the Lord's, who governs their Own, or them by means of their Own. This Own is the veriest celestial itself, whereas that of the corporeal man is infernal. But concerning this Own more hereafter. The gift of self/proprium AC 9938 [2] Gifts and presents were said to be made to Jehovah, though Jehovah, that is, the Lord, is not the receiver of gifts or presents, but the giver of them, freely to everyone. Even so, His will is that they should come from a person as though they did so from that person himself, provided the person acknowledges that they do not actually come from him but from the Lord. For the Lord imparts a desire to do good because he loves it, and a desire to speak the truth because he believes it. The actual desire flows in from the Lord, yet appears to be inherent in the person and so to flow from the person. For whatever a person does out of love and desire for it, he does from his life, love being what composes anyone's life. From this it is evident that the things that are called gifts and presents made to the Lord by a person are essentially gifts and presents made to a person by the Lord, and that they are called gifts and presents on account of what they appear to be. All who are wise at heart recognize this appearance, but not so the simple. Yet their gifts and presents are acceptable, so far as they are made in ignorance that has innocence within it. Innocence is the good of love to God, and dwells within ignorance, especially with the wise at heart. Those who are wise at heart know, indeed perceive, that nothing whatever of the wisdom within themselves originates in themselves, but that the all of wisdom is attributable to the Lord, that is, the all of the good of love and the all of the truth of faith are attributable to Him, and that for this reason even with the wise innocence dwells in ignorance. From this it is evident that the acknowledgement of this matter, and especially the perception of it, constitutes the innocence of wisdom. The switch from good of truth to the truth of good 3995… what is seen before regeneration is the appearance but what is seen after it is the reality of the situation, see 3539, 3548, 3556, 3563, 3570, 3576, 3603, 3616, 3701. For while a person is being regenerated he does what is good from the truth he has learned, it being from truth that he learns what good is. Yet it is the good present inwardly that performs what is good because good is flowing in from the Lord by an internal route, that is, by way of the soul, while truth flows in by an external route, that is, by way of the senses, which is that of the body. Truth which enters by the external route is adopted by the good present inwardly and is joined to it, an activity which continues until that person has been regenerated. Then a reversal takes place and truth is done from good. This shows what is meant by the good of truth and by the truth of good. Third Round posts are short audio clips taken from Round 3 comments in the online Logopraxis Life Group meetings. The aim is to maintain focus on understanding the Text's application to the inner life while reinforcing key LP principles highlighted in the exchanges.

Who is Israel? What happened to Israel? Who is the one “tribe” God preserved? Who are the Jews?  — These are just some of the questions we ask as we walk through Israel's history and bring correction to many misconceptions about the identity of Israel.  As we learn exactly who Israel is, we then discover […] The post 251010 Israel Becomes Innumerable As Stars and Sand first appeared on Gospel Revolution.com.

Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Close your eyes, And listen… PAUSE Do you hear them whisper?  Can you feel them rumble?  PAUSE The pieces of wisdom you've acquired so far, Lay inside of you. Innumerable grains of sand, Rolling rocks, And massive boulders.  All contributing to the magical you you are.  Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen  Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life.  If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want!  Namaste, Beautiful,

Innumerable people have tried over many years to stop the  forever wars between Israel and Palestine. With the world now horrified by the use of starvation as a weapon, the urgency of a resolution has never been greater. Even if The post A Blueprint for A Future Israel/Palestine appeared first on KDA Keeping Democracy Alive Podcast & Radio Show.

How long did the "yes" take?

This icon was once kept in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. In 1383, it suddenly appeared in the sky over Lake Ladoga, then travelled through the air to the city of Tikhvin, where it alit by the River Tikhvina. A monastery was built there to house it. In the twentieth century it was brought to America. Innumerable miracles have been worked through this wonderworking icon, especially healings of children.   On this day is also commemorated the Hodigritia Icon of the Mother of God. According to many accounts, this icon and the Tikhvin Icon are one and the same, so we list them together. Hodigritia is translated "Directress" or more literally "She who shows the way." It was painted by Luke the Evangelist himself, who knew the Mother of God in the flesh. Over the years the icon was taken from Antioch to Jerusalem, then to Constantinople where it was enshrined in the Church of Blachernae. When Constantinople was attacked at the same time by the Persians and the Scythians, Patriarch Sergius carried the holy icon around the ramparts, and the city was miraculously delivered from its pagan enemies. During the iconoclast period, the icon was hidden in a wall in the monastery of the Pantocrator.

This icon was once kept in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. In 1383, it suddenly appeared in the sky over Lake Ladoga, then travelled through the air to the city of Tikhvin, where it alit by the River Tikhvina. A monastery was built there to house it. In the twentieth century it was brought to America. Innumerable miracles have been worked through this wonderworking icon, especially healings of children.   On this day is also commemorated the Hodigritia Icon of the Mother of God. According to many accounts, this icon and the Tikhvin Icon are one and the same, so we list them together. Hodigritia is translated "Directress" or more literally "She who shows the way." It was painted by Luke the Evangelist himself, who knew the Mother of God in the flesh. Over the years the icon was taken from Antioch to Jerusalem, then to Constantinople where it was enshrined in the Church of Blachernae. When Constantinople was attacked at the same time by the Persians and the Scythians, Patriarch Sergius carried the holy icon around the ramparts, and the city was miraculously delivered from its pagan enemies. During the iconoclast period, the icon was hidden in a wall in the monastery of the Pantocrator.

Friday, 2 May 2025   And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!” Matthew 9:33   “And the demon, having been ejected, the mute – he spoke. And the crowds, they marveled, saying that never it appeared thus in Israel” (CG).   In the previous verse, a demon-possessed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. That thought now continues with, “And the demon, having been ejected.”   The surrounding details that took place are omitted. At other times, Jesus may ask a question or make some sort of statement in connection with a miracle, and that was surely the case at this time as well. However, the narrative is focusing on the miracle for effect. The mute man, who was also demon possessed, was brought forward, and the narrative goes right to the fact that the demon is ejected. With that accomplished, it next says, “the mute – he spoke.”   This would be as incredible as healing the blind. A mute person has some sort of cause for his condition. In his case, it is attributed to being demon-possessed. Jesus' authority over the demon is made manifest in His ability to cast it out. If the demon is under authority, meaning under Satan, it demonstrates that Jesus' abilities are greater than those of the house of Satan.   This is an important consideration because of what is recorded in the next verse. For now, however, those who beheld the miracle were amazed, as it next says, “And the crowds, they marveled.”   With the healing accomplished, the masses could hardly believe what their eyes saw. Even today, such a display would be considered incredible. It is one thing to go to a doctor, schedule surgery or some type of lengthy rehab, or take some other avenue to be cured of such things, and another to have someone taken to another person who immediately cures him of some major ailment. And yet, this is just what Matthew records. Therefore, the people were “saying that never it appeared thus in Israel.”   The words are debated over because such a statement is not usually made. People are cured of major issues by Jesus, the young girl was raised to life, etc., but this expression is a mark of something inordinate, as if healing a mute man is more exceptional than the other miracles.   Because of this, fanciful explanations have been made up over the years. One such explanation is that it was common to ask the name of a demon. By knowing its name, its source of power could be determined, and therefore, it could be properly handled. However, because this man is deaf, Jesus was exercising a power over an unnamed demon, something never seen before.   The explanation is ridiculous. There is nothing to even hint at this, but because it is sensational, people will pass it on as if it is true. Rather, the words “never it appeared thus in Israel” are a summary of everything thus far presented while Jesus is in Capernaum.   He had arrived there, and right in the middle of reclining, He was asked to come and restore a girl who had died to life. On the way to do this, a woman who had bled for twelve years was restored by faith. All she did was reach out to Him, and she was healed. After that, the young girl's life was restored. That was followed by the two blind men having their sight restored, and then this mute man having a demon ejected. This then loosened the man's tongue to speak.   Because of all of these marvelous things happening in rapid succession, the people of Capernaum were exceedingly astonished and made their exclamation that Israel had never seen such things. Throughout their Scriptures, which extensively cover their history and the lives of many prophets, nothing like this had ever been seen.   Life application: When watching videos or reading commentaries about the Bible, be careful not to accept what you read without checking things out. Innumerable falsities have become accepted explanations of things because people don't know how to otherwise explain them, and so they make something up out of thin air.   In a similar fashion, there are innumerable Jewish traditions (at times, invented Jewish traditions) that are inserted into the Bible in an attempt to explain matters. By saying, “The Jews often did xx and this is what Jesus is basing His example on,” a seeming note of authority is assigned to the explanation. In other words, “If the Jews did this, God must be using their tradition to explain His word.”   A major problem with that is that it makes God's word subject to some supposed Jewish cultural tradition. This is especially problematic when there actually is no such tradition. Rather, we must let Scripture interpret Scripture. To assign meaning to events in the Bible that come from outside of it destroys the integrity of what the Bible is presenting. It becomes an “anything means anything” approach to explaining Scripture.   Be careful of what you believe until you can verify that the matter is true. More often than not, if it sensationally explains the matter, you will find it is not.   Lord God, the record of Jesus' miracles as He ministered to Israel is extensive. They are laid out in a manner that tells us, with all certainty, that He is the Messiah. Despite this, the people as a whole rejected Him. We lift up the nation of Israel today, praying that many will have their eyes opened to the truth of what You have done through the coming of Jesus. Amen.

As a monk, he was known for his very severe asceticism. Against his will, he was made Bishop of Zahum, where he served his flock faithfully for many years, "keeping it from the cruelty of the Turks and the guile of the Latins" (Prologue). When his monastery was destroyed by the Turks he moved to Ostrog, where he reposed. His body has remained whole, incorrupt, healing and wonderworking to this day. Innumerable miracles have been worked at his grave; both Christians and Muslims seek out his relics for healing from sicknesses and sufferings.   (A story heard from a parishioner at St Basil of Ostrog Church in Illinois: while the Saint's relics remain intact, reputedly his shoes wear out from time to time and need to be replaced.)

As a monk, he was known for his very severe asceticism. Against his will, he was made Bishop of Zahum, where he served his flock faithfully for many years, "keeping it from the cruelty of the Turks and the guile of the Latins" (Prologue). When his monastery was destroyed by the Turks he moved to Ostrog, where he reposed. His body has remained whole, incorrupt, healing and wonderworking to this day. Innumerable miracles have been worked at his grave; both Christians and Muslims seek out his relics for healing from sicknesses and sufferings.   (A story heard from a parishioner at St Basil of Ostrog Church in Illinois: while the Saint's relics remain intact, reputedly his shoes wear out from time to time and need to be replaced.)

Sunday, 27 April 2025   And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Matthew 9:28   “And having come into the house, they came to Him – the blind – and Jesus, He says to them, ‘You believe that I can do this?' They say to Him, ‘Yes, Lord'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus departed from the ruler's house, and two blind men followed Him, crying out for mercy upon them. Now, the narrative continues with, “And having come into the house, they came to Him – the blind.”   It doesn't say what house He went into, but the use of the definite article means it is a particular house. Verse 10 of this chapter mentions a house, but it doesn't say which. But going back to the previous chapter, verse 8:14 specifically notes Peter's house. So this may be the house being referred to.   Either way, it doesn't say why He didn't just stop and turn to them as they followed Him. But it may be that He wanted His next actions to be in a private setting. Therefore, now in the house with the two blind men there, it next says, “and Jesus, He says to them, ‘You believe that I can do this?'”   What seems apparent is that they did believe. Calling out to Jesus for Him to have mercy on them means they understood His capabilities. Continuing to follow Him in a blind state, even to the house He was staying in, demonstrated this as well. Therefore, the question is probably for faith-building.   Such questions span human history and innumerable circumstances. A question like this might be asked by a gym coach to spur on an already-capable student, “Are you really sure you can do this?” “Yes, I am confident I can.”   Jesus wants them mentally prepared for what He certainly already intends to do. Therefore, the question is asked. And as anticipated, “They say to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.'”   They already knew this, but their own words have testified to Him and also encouraged their own faith. They are prepared for what lies ahead...   Life application: Innumerable books have been written about confidence-building. Seminars are held on the subject. People living in clamshells are spurred on to break free and live an emboldened life.   These things are common to human nature, and different levels of confidence exist in all of us. Some of us may be fully confident in one matter and yet totally reluctant to act in another. There is nothing wrong with this. Those who are overconfident will often cause more trouble than their confidence supports.   For example, a person may be so sure of himself that he decides to tear out his wall and fix a leaky pipe by himself. In doing so, he forgets that he doesn't know everything about the entire process of hydraulics or maybe structural engineering, or even the nuances of electrical wiring.   Without understanding the whole process, he may bust the pipe while under pressure and cause tens of thousands of dollars of water damage. Or he may cause a wall to collapse or otherwise be so damaged that he will need a crew of specialists to fix it. Or he may need a coffin because he didn't think about live wiring while standing in a pool of water that had dripped on the floor.   After a short adventure of hair standing on its end, he collapses like a bunch of broccoli, never to rise again. Thus, it is good not to be overly confident. And yet, when things are lined up properly and the outcome appears certain, we shouldn't hesitate to act.   It is true that there may be some small point that was overlooked that may end in a negative outcome, but this is what the clam dwellers fear to the point of complete inability to act. There needs to be a point where we will allow for error if the outcome has a high enough probability of success.   At the same time, we need to be willing to accept the results of defeat without becoming so stressed that we allow it to shape the rest of our lives. Where the balance in such situations is will be hard to determine at times, but that is where prayer comes in.   We have access to the Creator of all things. And so, if we have things set to the highest probability of success and are still reticent, we should have already prayed that the Lord will be with us through the process. If there is failure, we can accept that He allowed it for His purposes. This is true if we really believe in God's unlimited wisdom and power and the power of prayer that He has allowed us, as explained in His word.   We have what no other people on the planet have, absolute and certain access to the throne of grace, where we can go in times of need. Let us use this most important tool as we move forward in life from decision to decision.   Lord God, help us to be people of prayer as we walk in Your presence. From moment to moment, may our existence be filled with communication with You to help us as we continue this path through life. We know that You are as close to us as the spoken breath we utter for our needs, thanks, and praises. Thank You for this knowledge. Amen.  

On the Difference between the Spiritual and Natural Arcana Coelestia 141. Innumerable things might be said about man's Own in describing its nature with the corporeal and worldly man, with the spiritual man, and with the celestial man. With the corporeal and worldly man, his Own is his all, he knows of nothing else than his Own, and imagines, as before said, that if he were to lose this Own he would perish. With the spiritual man also his Own has a similar appearance, for although he knows that the Lord is the life of all, and gives wisdom and understanding, and consequently the power to think and to act, yet this knowledge is rather the profession of his lips than the belief of his heart. But the celestial man discerns that the Lord is the life of all and gives the power to think and to act, for he perceives that it is really so. He never desires his Own, nevertheless an Own is given him by the Lord, which is conjoined with all perception of what is good and true, and with all happiness. The angels are in such an Own, and are at the same time in the highest peace and tranquility, for in their Own are those things which are the Lord's, who governs their Own, or them by means of their Own. This Own is the veriest celestial itself, whereas that of the corporeal man is infernal. But concerning this Own more hereafter. The Obscurity of the Spiritual Arcana Coelestia 7233 [2] In respect to this matter, be it known further that the doctrine of the spiritual church is not that of truth Divine itself, because those who are of the spiritual church have no perception of truth Divine, as have those who are of the celestial church; but instead of this perception they have conscience, which is formed from the truth and good which they have acknowledged within their own church, of whatever kind these may be. (That those who are of the spiritual church are relatively in obscurity in respect to the truths of faith, see n. 86, 2708, 2715, 2716, 2718, 2831, 2935, 2937, 3241, 3246, 3833, 6289, 6500, 6865, 6945.) Hence it is that everyone within the spiritual church acknowledges as the truth of faith that which its founders have dictated, nor do they search further from the Word whether it be the very truth; and moreover if they did search they would not find it unless they had been regenerated and at the same time enlightened in an especial manner; and this for the reason that their intellectual can indeed be enlightened, but the new will cannot be affected with any other good than that which has been formed by means of conjunction with the truth received within the church. For their own will has been destroyed, and a new will has been formed in the intellectual part (see n. 863, 875, 1023, 1043, 1044, 1555, 2256, 4328, 5113); and when their own will has been separated from the new will which is in the intellectual part, the light in this is feeble, such as is the nocturnal light from the moon and stars compared with the diurnal light from the sun. Hence also it is that by the “moon” in the Word, in the internal sense, is meant the good of spiritual love, and by the “sun” the good of celestial love (n. 30-38, 1529-1531, 2495, 4060). [3] The case being so with the spiritual church, it is not to be wondered at that with most persons faith is the essential of the church, and not charity, and also that they have no doctrine of charity. Their doctrinal things being from the Word does not make them Divine truths, for from the sense of the letter of the Word any doctrinal thing whatever can be hatched, and that which favors the concupiscences can be readily learned; thus also what is false can be taken for what is true, as is the case with the doctrinal things of the Jews, of the Socinians, and of many others; but not so if doctrine is formed from the internal sense. The internal sense is not only that sense which lies concealed in the external sense, as has heretofore been shown, but is also that which results from a number of passages...

Arcana Coelestia 141. Innumerable things might be said about man's Own in describing its nature with the corporeal and worldly man, with the spiritual man, and with the celestial man. With the corporeal and worldly man, his Own is his all, he knows of nothing else than his Own, and imagines, as before said, that if he were to lose this Own he would perish. With the spiritual man also his Own has a similar appearance, for although he knows that the Lord is the life of all, and gives wisdom and understanding, and consequently the power to think and to act, yet this knowledge is rather the profession of his lips than the belief of his heart. But the celestial man discerns that the Lord is the life of all and gives the power to think and to act, for he perceives that it is really so. He never desires his Own, nevertheless an Own is given him by the Lord, which is conjoined with all perception of what is good and true, and with all happiness. The angels are in such an Own, and are at the same time in the highest peace and tranquility, for in their Own are those things which are the Lord's, who governs their Own, or them by means of their Own. This Own is the veriest celestial itself, whereas that of the corporeal man is infernal. The desire for immediate liberation 7186. And Jehovah said unto Moses. That this signifies instruction about the law Divine, is evident from the signification of “Jehovah said,” as being instruction from the Divine (of which below); and from the representation of Moses, as being the law Divine (see n. 6723, 6752, 7014). That “Jehovah said unto Moses,” signifies instruction about the law Divine, is because at the end of the preceding chapter it was believed from the law Divine, that it would come to pass that those who are of the spiritual church would be immediately liberated from infestations; when yet it is according to order that the evil who infest should be removed by degrees, and that they who are of the spiritual church should be liberated by degrees; for such is the Divine order; and therefore such is the law Divine; for all law Divine is of order, insomuch that whether we say the law Divine, or the law of Divine order, it is the same. [2] Concerning this law they who are of the spiritual church are now instructed, and that it is from this law that they are certain to be liberated when the time and state according to order arrives. That Moses (by whom is here represented the law Divine, such as it is with those of the spiritual church when they are in a state of infestations) believed from the law Divine that it would come to pass that they would be immediately liberated from infestations, is plain from what he said at the close of the preceding chapter, namely, “Wherefore hast Thou done evil unto this people? Why is this that Thou hast sent me? And liberating Thou hast not liberated Thy people;” by which words is signified that they were too much infested by falsities, when yet the law proceeding from the Divine seems to say otherwise, and that in this way they have not been released from a state of infestations (n. 7165, 7166, 7169). [3] That those who are of the spiritual church, and who are in the lower earth, would be gradually liberated from infestations, and not immediately, is because the evils and falsities that cling to them cannot otherwise be removed, and goods and truths be instilled in their place; for this is effected by many changes of state, thus successively by degrees. They who believe that man can be immediately introduced into heaven, and that this is solely of the Lord's mercy, are very much mistaken. If this were possible, all whatsoever who are in hell would be raised into heaven, for the Lord's mercy extends to all. But it is according to order that everyone carries with him his life which he had lived in the world, and his state in the other life is according to this, and that the mercy of the Lord flows in with all, but is diversely received,

Arcana Coelestia 141. Innumerable things might be said about man's Own in describing its nature with the corporeal and worldly man, with the spiritual man, and with the celestial man. With the corporeal and worldly man, his Own is his all, he knows of nothing else than his Own, and imagines, as before said, that if he were to lose this Own he would perish. With the spiritual man also his Own has a similar appearance, for although he knows that the Lord is the life of all, and gives wisdom and understanding, and consequently the power to think and to act, yet this knowledge is rather the profession of his lips than the belief of his heart. But the celestial man discerns that the Lord is the life of all and gives the power to think and to act, for he perceives that it is really so. He never desires his Own, nevertheless an Own is given him by the Lord, which is conjoined with all perception of what is good and true, and with all happiness. The angels are in such an Own, and are at the same time in the highest peace and tranquility, for in their Own are those things which are the Lord's, who governs their Own, or them by means of their Own. This Own is the veriest celestial itself, whereas that of the corporeal man is infernal. Third Round posts are short audio clips taken from Round 3 comments offered in the online Logopraxis Life Group meetings. The aim is to keep the focus on understanding the Text in terms of its application to the inner life along with reinforcing any key LP principles that have been highlighted in the exchanges.

Innumerable barriers exist for people of all lived experiences accessing healthcare. An innovation supporting people gaining access, regardless of location or transportation, is telehealth. Listen as Dr. Vidya Raman-Tangella, Chief Medical Officer at Teladoc Health and Brendan discuss the important role telehealth – and those providing it – are playing in ensuring patients receive equitable and optimal healthcare from anywhere. 

AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports on a study of the brain of a pregnant woman.

Revelation 6:12–7:17When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:12,000 [each] from the tribe of Judah… Reuben… Gad… Asher… Napthali… Manasseh… Simeon… Levi… Issachar… Zebulun.... Joseph… and Benjamin were sealed,After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.“Therefore they are before the throne of God,and serve him day and night in his temple;and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;the sun shall not strike them,nor any scorching heat.For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,and he will guide them to springs of living water,and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”Sermon Questions:What are precious things that you seal up to protect? Can you see yourself as something even more important to God?Do you know your tears are counted, written in God's book? Can you imagine each one being answered, redeemed?How often are you surprised that one or another aspect of life is hard? Is it encouraging to hear that while you might not be sealed from suffering, you are sealed through it?Faith is washing your robe in the blood of Jesus, not the blood of your enemies. What does that look like in your life?How are people different from you who you find are hard to love?Is it exciting that heaven is bursting with innumerable, diverse people? Does that impact your attitude towards sharing the faith with others?

“Our commitment to distractions and our commitment to not committing actually takes a lot of effort.”       The newest telescopes can see stars being born hundreds of millions of lightyears away. Innumerable stars, like the sun in our solar system, are scattered across the farthest reaches of the cosmos. It boggles the mind, […] The post Returning to the Original Place | Koshin Paley Ellison appeared first on New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care.

This icon was once kept in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. In 1383, it suddenly appeared in the sky over Lake Ladoga, then travelled through the air to the city of Tikhvin, where it alit by the River Tikhvina. A monastery was built there to house it. In the twentieth century it was brought to America. Innumerable miracles have been worked through this wonderworking icon, especially healings of children.   On this day is also commemorated the Hodigritia Icon of the Mother of God. According to many accounts, this icon and the Tikhvin Icon are one and the same, so we list them together. Hodigritia is translated "Directress" or more literally "She who shows the way." It was painted by Luke the Evangelist himself, who knew the Mother of God in the flesh. Over the years the icon was taken from Antioch to Jerusalem, then to Constantinople where it was enshrined in the Church of Blachernae. When Constantinople was attacked at the same time by the Persians and the Scythians, Patriarch Sergius carried the holy icon around the ramparts, and the city was miraculously delivered from its pagan enemies. During the iconoclast period, the icon was hidden in a wall in the monastery of the Pantocrator.

This icon was once kept in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. In 1383, it suddenly appeared in the sky over Lake Ladoga, then travelled through the air to the city of Tikhvin, where it alit by the River Tikhvina. A monastery was built there to house it. In the twentieth century it was brought to America. Innumerable miracles have been worked through this wonderworking icon, especially healings of children.   On this day is also commemorated the Hodigritia Icon of the Mother of God. According to many accounts, this icon and the Tikhvin Icon are one and the same, so we list them together. Hodigritia is translated "Directress" or more literally "She who shows the way." It was painted by Luke the Evangelist himself, who knew the Mother of God in the flesh. Over the years the icon was taken from Antioch to Jerusalem, then to Constantinople where it was enshrined in the Church of Blachernae. When Constantinople was attacked at the same time by the Persians and the Scythians, Patriarch Sergius carried the holy icon around the ramparts, and the city was miraculously delivered from its pagan enemies. During the iconoclast period, the icon was hidden in a wall in the monastery of the Pantocrator.

This icon was once kept in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. In 1383, it suddenly appeared in the sky over Lake Ladoga, then travelled through the air to the city of Tikhvin, where it alit by the River Tikhvina. A monastery was built there to house it. In the twentieth century it was brought to America. Innumerable miracles have been worked through this wonderworking icon, especially healings of children.   On this day is also commemorated the Hodigritia Icon of the Mother of God. According to many accounts, this icon and the Tikhvin Icon are one and the same, so we list them together. Hodigritia is translated "Directress" or more literally "She who shows the way." It was painted by Luke the Evangelist himself, who knew the Mother of God in the flesh. Over the years the icon was taken from Antioch to Jerusalem, then to Constantinople where it was enshrined in the Church of Blachernae. When Constantinople was attacked at the same time by the Persians and the Scythians, Patriarch Sergius carried the holy icon around the ramparts, and the city was miraculously delivered from its pagan enemies. During the iconoclast period, the icon was hidden in a wall in the monastery of the Pantocrator.

As a monk, he was known for his very severe asceticism. Against his will, he was made Bishop of Zahum, where he served his flock faithfully for many years, "keeping it from the cruelty of the Turks and the guile of the Latins" (Prologue). When his monastery was destroyed by the Turks he moved to Ostrog, where he reposed. His body has remained whole, incorrupt, healing and wonderworking to this day. Innumerable miracles have been worked at his grave; both Christians and Muslims seek out his relics for healing from sicknesses and sufferings.   (A story heard from a parishioner at St Basil of Ostrog Church in Illinois: while the Saint's relics remain intact, reputedly his shoes wear out from time to time and need to be replaced.)

As a monk, he was known for his very severe asceticism. Against his will, he was made Bishop of Zahum, where he served his flock faithfully for many years, "keeping it from the cruelty of the Turks and the guile of the Latins" (Prologue). When his monastery was destroyed by the Turks he moved to Ostrog, where he reposed. His body has remained whole, incorrupt, healing and wonderworking to this day. Innumerable miracles have been worked at his grave; both Christians and Muslims seek out his relics for healing from sicknesses and sufferings.   (A story heard from a parishioner at St Basil of Ostrog Church in Illinois: while the Saint's relics remain intact, reputedly his shoes wear out from time to time and need to be replaced.)

As a monk, he was known for his very severe asceticism. Against his will, he was made Bishop of Zahum, where he served his flock faithfully for many years, "keeping it from the cruelty of the Turks and the guile of the Latins" (Prologue). When his monastery was destroyed by the Turks he moved to Ostrog, where he reposed. His body has remained whole, incorrupt, healing and wonderworking to this day. Innumerable miracles have been worked at his grave; both Christians and Muslims seek out his relics for healing from sicknesses and sufferings.   (A story heard from a parishioner at St Basil of Ostrog Church in Illinois: while the Saint's relics remain intact, reputedly his shoes wear out from time to time and need to be replaced.)

Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. Today, Bob Wilkin and David Renfro are answering questions about Deuteronomy 1:10 and Hebrews 11:1. Are some prophecies fulfilled more than once, and sometimes progressively? What is the relation between faith and certainty? Bob and Dave have some answers and an interesting discussion for you concerning these questions.

This year, the Tarbiya Institute chose the notion of Ubudiyyah to guide its conversations and become the year's theme. No other month can more effectively articulate and emphasize this beautiful theme than the blessed month of Ramadan. This year, Tarbiya's Imams and guest speakers will focus on the spiritual gems shared by Imam Abul-Faraj ibn-ul-Jawzi's widely read book, Sayd al-Khaatir, or Captured Thoughts.

628 We Have Come to Mount Zion and Innumerable Company of Angels, A Guided Christian Meditation on Hebrews 12:22-24 with the Recenter With Christ app  The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with Godr. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation ESV  22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. NKJV 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. Meditation on Scripture: As we learn to school our actions and responses, and as we learn to love, we come to understand our relationship with God better. In the Old Testament we see the way Moses approaches God in fear. Although we shouldn't minimize the grandeur of God, scripture us full of times when God commands people to not fear as they approach.  We are offered a mountain of Joy not one of fear. We are surrounded by an innumerable community of heavenly beings. We don't see them and many times don't see the impact but God commands legions of beings full of love. This is the Lingdom of God. Not to fear Gods wrath but to rejoice in Gods power and direction and the miraculous gift he has given with the new covenant through Jesus Christ.  How lucky for us that God is both our judge but also our mediator before the effects of Sin. The spilling of Christs blood cleanses us from the effects of the most horrible failings of humanity. Each breath we draw can be ingratitude of our all powerful and loving God. Praise be to God.  Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod  

3 men. 100 episodes. 247 movies.  Innumerable hand-farts.  IN A WORLD…where movie theaters closed their doors during a worldwide pandemic, three best friends decided to hop into their mental DeLoreans, go back in time to talk about movies & opening weekends from the last 40 years, and bask in the buttery glow of nostalgia.  Three and half years later they arrive at their 100th and final trip back in time…twice! First, the boys head AAALLL the way back to where it all started: early summer of 1977, and William Friedkin's Star Wars squashed thriller, SORCERER.  And then, in a space/time continuum-shaking rift, they jump forward to 2015 and the last time all three of them were in a movie theatre together, screaming their heads off like John Boyega, watching STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. And finally, the boys raise a glass to some MORE nostalgia with the Fourth Annual Golden Sheila Awards ©.  PLUS a final visit from The Arthropod Squad and Gene Gene the Punning Machine: Mr. Shalit, himself.  ALL the feels and ALL the farts on EPISODE 100 of OPENING WEEKEND!

Pastor Wayne Van Gelderen shares biblical truth that will bring hope and comfort in these uncertain days. May we draw closer to God through this time and impact those around us for eternity. https://fallsbaptist.org https://baptistcollege.org https://www.theegeneration.org https://ontovictorypress.com If you'd like to support this ministry - https://fallsbaptist.org/give/

Thursday, 28 December 2023   Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. Acts 23:10   The Greek more literally reads, “And great dissension arising, the commander, having feared lest Paul should be torn apart by them, commanded the detachment – having descended – to seize him from among them and bring into the barracks” (CG).   In the previous verse, the scribes of the Pharisees protested Paul's treatment, defending the fact that he could have been spoken to by a spirit or an angel. This upset the apple cart, and things immediately devolved, as seen in the next words, “And great dissension arising.”   It is the same word just used in verse 7 that indicated a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees. Now, the entire council is in an uproar. This was so much the case that “the commander, having feared lest Paul should be torn apart by them.”   Here is the second and last use of the word diaspaó in Scripture. It was only seen elsewhere in Mark 5:4, where it noted that the demon-possessed man tore apart the chains that bound him. This is now what the commander feared would happen to Paul.   This argument between the two parties grew to such a state that each side was probably grabbing onto Paul and pulling him in either direction – one to rescue him and one to pummel him. In the tugging, he could actually be ripped apart. But, being a Roman citizen, the commander was responsible for him. Therefore, he “commanded the detachment – having descended – to seize him from among them and bring into the barracks.”   The soldiers would be necessary by this time because of the violence of those who meant Paul harm. This included the high priest himself, and it shows the level of depravity that they had fallen to, despite being the supposed representatives of the Lord on earth.   In securing Paul and taking him to the barracks, it could be that Paul had been in and out of the very same room that had been used for Jesus on the night before His cross. In contrast to the sufferings He faced, Paul would be kept safe in that same location.   Life application: The conduct of the council seems entirely out of place, and it is. However, it is not uncommon. Innumerable fights have broken out in parliaments, congresses, and other bodies that rule the people. Many of them are recorded and can be seen on YouTube.   It is not unlikely that if you pick a country at random and do a search for a fight in that country's government, you will find a video of a fight breaking out. An arbitrary search immediately brought up a lively brawl in Kosovo's cabinet, including men and women, older and younger, etc. Following that came a long list of similar videos. The Indian parliament went full throttle, into chaos throwing microphones and lamps; the Taiwanese were throwing chairs; and there was a lot of slapping and punching in the Jordanian parliament.   Anytime you deal with religion or politics, tempers are bound to get out of control. In the council where Paul stood, it was a mixture of both. Thus, it was an explosive environment that Paul was able to successfully divide, taking the focus off of him and demonstrating the hypocrisy of those who stood over him with their accusations.   If you attend any large gathering to defend your rights as a Christian, such as a state or local meeting, you should be prepared to have accusations fly, angry people demanding your silence, and possibly fighting to break out. In the place where civility is most expected, it often is not. Thus, it is a clear indication that things will only continue to devolve in the world around us.   The message of Christ is the only true hope and saving message in the world. And yet, it is becoming less and less tolerated because it deals with the underlying problem in man: sin. Because it does, in highlighting this defect, people will continue to strengthen their enmity toward the message it proclaims. Be aware of this as you head out and speak about the goodness of God in Christ. Many will find it offensive.   Glorious Lord God, we were all at enmity with You at some point. But because of Jesus, we were reconciled to You. Help us to be willing to share this message, even if it brings about trouble in our lives. Without addressing the problem of sin, all people remain Your enemies. Give us the ability to explain this and to effectively speak about the goodness of what You have done in sending Jesus to fix the problem. Amen.

Today, the guys dissect the comedic male mind, Saturday Night Fever, and a roundtable on Donna Pescow. Plus, the legend of Hans Conried, and an episode of 'The Love Boat' the Aceman hasn't seen? Please Support Our Sponsor: TryMiracle.com/ADS, Promo code: ADS

Thank You For Joining Us! Share this broadcast with your friends and get ready to experience the unlimited power of God! Get connected with us and watch “Greater Glory” on the High Tower Ministries, Int. Facebook Page! Sundays at 9 AM & 7 PM and Wednesdays at 7 PM for inspiring messages that will raise your faith and grow you in the Word! Don't miss a message, Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.Linktr.ee/hightowerministries www.HighTowerMinistry.org Bookings/ Churches / Conferences: Bookings@HighTowerMinistry.org  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hightowerministries_usa/ Unlocking Glory and the Unlocking Glory Study Guide are available on our website (signed copy with free shipping within the US). Also available on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles.    

In a world that often seems divided by lines drawn in blood and conflict, I find myself at a crossroads. The Israel-Gaza conflict, a longstanding and painful struggle, has once again erupted into headlines and social media feeds. As the world debates and takes sides, I have taken a side.  I have made my choice, but it's not a choice between Israelis and Palestinians. It's an altogether different choice.The Israel-Gaza conflict is a deeply complex and emotional issue that has defied resolution for generations. Innumerable lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and families torn apart. The cycle of violence, while it may ebb and flow, persists. It's easy to be swayed by the prevailing narratives and to feel the pressure to pick a side, to become a cog in this destructive cycle. But I've finally come to the realization that I do need to pick a side.  And I choose Love.Credit to Reuters for history of Gaza passages used in this episode: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gazas-centuries-war-brief-history-2023-10-30/To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Close your eyes, And listen… PAUSE Do you hear them whisper?  Can you feel them rumble?  PAUSE The pieces of wisdom you've acquired so far, Lay inside of you. Innumerable grains of sand, Rolling rocks, And massive boulders.  All contributing to the magical you you are.  LONG PAUSE All the experiences swirl around, Painful, Joyful, And everything in between.  PAUSE Observations,  Relationships,  Beautiful insights from Spirit.  They all live within you, Here to support your growth, Expand your soul, And guide your evolution.  LONG PAUSE So touch them here within you, With the wonder of child playing in the sand, Grateful for every grain, Every formation, Every single one.  LONG PAUSE Namaste, Beautiful   

Send us a Text Message."When we gazed upon all this splendor at once, we scarcely knew what to think, and we doubted whether all that we beheld was real. A series of large towns stretched themselves along the banks of the lake, out of which still larger ones rose magnificently above the waters. Innumerable crowds of canoes were plying everywhere around us; at regular distances we continually passed over new bridges, and before us lay the great city of Mexico in all its splendor." Those are the words of Bernal Díaz del Castillo, a Spanish soldier, upon first seeing the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan in 1519. At the time, the Aztec Empire was the most powerful Mesoamerican kingdom of all time, with 80,000 square miles of territory and some 15 million inhabitants. Just 2 years later, the empire would crumble, utterly defeated by European forces staking a claim for Spain. But did you know, the leader of this exploit, Hernán Cortés, had defied Spanish authority and run off to conquer the Aztecs with less than 500 soldiers? Let's fix that. Sources: New York Times "After 500 Years Cortes Girlfriend Is Not Forgiven"New York Historical Society "Live Story: Malitzen (La Malinche)"Thoughtco "Ten Facts About Hernán Cortés"bizarreandgrotesque.com "Gonazlo Guerrero and Geronimo de Aguilar, Two Spanish Men who Were Captured by the Mayans"The Borgen Project "Facts About Indigenous Poverty in Mexico"History.com "How Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire"New World Encyclopedia "Battle of Tenochtitlan"Live Science "Hernán Cortés: Conqueror of the Aztecs"houstonculture.org "The Indigenous People of Central Mexico"Support the show! Buy Me a CoffeeVenmo @Shea-LaFountaine

Tuesday, 18 July 2023   Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. Acts 18:24   The words now form an insert into the narrative to introduce a new figure into the Bible. While Paul is going through the areas of Galatia and Phrygia, the figure is introduced so that when he meets with Paul, their two accounts will properly align. Understanding this, it now says, “Now a certain Jew named Apollos.”   The name Apollos is derived from the pagan deity Apollon, meaning the sun god. It is from the same source as Apollonia which is a place in Macedonia noted in Acts 17:1. The name Apollos may be a shortened form of a longer Greek name, such as Apollonius or Apollodorus.   This person will be noted twice in Acts, six times in 1 Corinthians, and then once in Titus. Outside of these verses, nothing more is known of him. He is next noted as having been “born at Alexandria.” Of this location, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown says –   “...the celebrated city of Egypt on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean, called after its founder, Alexander the Great. Nowhere was there such a fusion of Greek, Jewish, and Oriental peculiarities, and an intelligent Jew educated in that city could hardly fail to manifest all these elements in his mental character.”   This evaluation then explains the next words, saying he was “an eloquent man.” The word in Greek is logios. It signifies being gifted with learning. It also speaks of one with excellent oratory skills. Vincent's Word Studies explains further –   “The word is used in Greek literature in several senses. As λόγος [logos] means either reason or speech, so this derivative may signify either one who has thought much, and has much to say, or one who can say it well. Hence it is used: 1. Of one skilled in history. Herodotus, for example, says that the Heliopolitans are the most learned in history (λογιώτατοι) of all the Egyptians. 2. Of an eloquent person. An epithet of Hermes or Mercury, as the god of speech and eloquence. 3. Of a learned person generally. ...the scripture-learning of Apollos is specified in the words mighty in the scriptures, and his superior eloquence appears to have been the reason why some of the Corinthians preferred him to Paul.”   The comment about Apollo being preferred by some in Corinth is found in Paul's first epistle to them where the church was divided in who was the best example to follow. Because of his eloquence, it is assumed that some in the church preferred following Apollos. Not only did he possess the ability to eloquently convey his thoughts, but it also notes of him as, “and mighty in the Scriptures.”   Rather, the Greek contains a present participle, saying, “being mighty in the Scriptures.” In other words, he had a deep knowledge of the Jewish Scriptures. Of this, Albert Barnes rightly says, “The foundation was thus laid for future usefulness in the Christian church.”   This is the purpose of introducing him at this point. When someone will soon play a prominent role in the ongoing narrative, he or she is often introduced in advance. Then, at the right time, that person is brought directly into the ongoing narrative. Suddenly introducing Apollos as Luke has done means that this will be the case with him in the verses ahead. For now, it notes of him that he “came to Ephesus.”   Earlier in the chapter, it noted that Paul indicated that he would return to Ephesus –   “When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, 21 but took leave of them, saying, ‘I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.' And he sailed from Ephesus.” Acts 18:20, 21   From there, the account hurriedly rushed through Paul's trip. At this point, he has left Antioch and is in the region of Galatia and Phrygia. At the same time, Apollos is introduced and he is at Ephesus, the place Paul committed to returning to. Without looking forward, one can be reasonably assured that these two will meet up in Ephesus. What type of meeting is unknown. Maybe they will be rivals, fighting over points of doctrine. Maybe they will become close friends as Paul and Timothy have done. But it is reasonably assured that the two will be brought into the same account in the narrative in the not-too-distant future.   Life application: One of the biggest mistakes made by people looking for a church, or of churches in the selection of the pastors, is that they look, first and foremost, for a person who is a skilled orator. There is nothing wrong with good oratory skills. Instead, they can be a source of great encouragement or stirring of the soul by those who hear well-spoken sermons.   Another similar mistake occurs when people look first and foremost for a pastor who is incredibly intelligent and articulates his thoughts in a remarkably logical and methodical way. There is nothing wrong with this approach either. Some people or congregations are so well developed in their thinking that having this type of presentation really edifies them.   However, the problem with such selections is derived from the thought “first and foremost.” All of the oratory skills in the world are wholly useless to a church if they are not properly aligned with Scripture. Likewise, being extremely well versed in the Greek language or in the structure of literature means diddly if evaluations of such things are torn out of their proper context.   What should be the first and foremost consideration is, “How well does this person know, understand, and care about Scripture?” Without this considered, nothing else really matters. To be properly and excitingly orated into heresy can only lead to sadness. To be presented with meticulous analyses of Scripture that are not based on what is contextually proper will only lead to faulty conclusions and aberrant doctrine.   If a person does not know Scripture well and if his understanding of it is not orthodox, he shouldn't be given two seconds of your time. Don't look at externals! How he is dressed, what he looks like, where he went to school, what type of degree he possesses, etc., are all not to be thought of as primary considerations. Understanding of, and adherence to, sound doctrine should be looked for before anything else.   Remember this and don't get caught up in fallacious thinking. Innumerable people have been swept up into cults and aberrant sects because they failed this first and primary consideration.   Glorious Lord God, please direct us to leaders who are mighty in Scripture and who handle it properly. We have our part in the selection of our leaders, so help us to be well-versed in Your word as well. Fill us with the strong desire to be fully aware of what Your word is conveying before we select those who we will appoint over us. If they are sound in such things, only then should we consider their other qualities. Keep us on the straight path in this matter. Amen.  

This icon was once kept in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. In 1383, it suddenly appeared in the sky over Lake Ladoga, then travelled through the air to the city of Tikhvin, where it alit by the River Tikhvina. A monastery was built there to house it. In the twentieth century it was brought to America. Innumerable miracles have been worked through this wonderworking icon, especially healings of children.   On this day is also commemorated the Hodigritia Icon of the Mother of God. According to many accounts, this icon and the Tikhvin Icon are one and the same, so we list them together. Hodigritia is translated "Directress" or more literally "She who shows the way." It was painted by Luke the Evangelist himself, who knew the Mother of God in the flesh. Over the years the icon was taken from Antioch to Jerusalem, then to Constantinople where it was enshrined in the Church of Blachernae. When Constantinople was attacked at the same time by the Persians and the Scythians, Patriarch Sergius carried the holy icon around the ramparts, and the city was miraculously delivered from its pagan enemies. During the iconoclast period, the icon was hidden in a wall in the monastery of the Pantocrator.

This icon was once kept in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. In 1383, it suddenly appeared in the sky over Lake Ladoga, then travelled through the air to the city of Tikhvin, where it alit by the River Tikhvina. A monastery was built there to house it. In the twentieth century it was brought to America. Innumerable miracles have been worked through this wonderworking icon, especially healings of children.   On this day is also commemorated the Hodigritia Icon of the Mother of God. According to many accounts, this icon and the Tikhvin Icon are one and the same, so we list them together. Hodigritia is translated "Directress" or more literally "She who shows the way." It was painted by Luke the Evangelist himself, who knew the Mother of God in the flesh. Over the years the icon was taken from Antioch to Jerusalem, then to Constantinople where it was enshrined in the Church of Blachernae. When Constantinople was attacked at the same time by the Persians and the Scythians, Patriarch Sergius carried the holy icon around the ramparts, and the city was miraculously delivered from its pagan enemies. During the iconoclast period, the icon was hidden in a wall in the monastery of the Pantocrator.

This icon was once kept in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. In 1383, it suddenly appeared in the sky over Lake Ladoga, then travelled through the air to the city of Tikhvin, where it alit by the River Tikhvina. A monastery was built there to house it. In the twentieth century it was brought to America. Innumerable miracles have been worked through this wonderworking icon, especially healings of children.   On this day is also commemorated the Hodigritia Icon of the Mother of God. According to many accounts, this icon and the Tikhvin Icon are one and the same, so we list them together. Hodigritia is translated "Directress" or more literally "She who shows the way." It was painted by Luke the Evangelist himself, who knew the Mother of God in the flesh. Over the years the icon was taken from Antioch to Jerusalem, then to Constantinople where it was enshrined in the Church of Blachernae. When Constantinople was attacked at the same time by the Persians and the Scythians, Patriarch Sergius carried the holy icon around the ramparts, and the city was miraculously delivered from its pagan enemies. During the iconoclast period, the icon was hidden in a wall in the monastery of the Pantocrator.

As a monk, he was known for his very severe asceticism. Against his will, he was made Bishop of Zahum, where he served his flock faithfully for many years, "keeping it from the cruelty of the Turks and the guile of the Latins" (Prologue). When his monastery was destroyed by the Turks he moved to Ostrog, where he reposed. His body has remained whole, incorrupt, healing and wonderworking to this day. Innumerable miracles have been worked at his grave; both Christians and Muslims seek out his relics for healing from sicknesses and sufferings.   (A story heard from a parishioner at St Basil of Ostrog Church in Illinois: while the Saint's relics remain intact, reputedly his shoes wear out from time to time and need to be replaced.)

As a monk, he was known for his very severe asceticism. Against his will, he was made Bishop of Zahum, where he served his flock faithfully for many years, "keeping it from the cruelty of the Turks and the guile of the Latins" (Prologue). When his monastery was destroyed by the Turks he moved to Ostrog, where he reposed. His body has remained whole, incorrupt, healing and wonderworking to this day. Innumerable miracles have been worked at his grave; both Christians and Muslims seek out his relics for healing from sicknesses and sufferings.   (A story heard from a parishioner at St Basil of Ostrog Church in Illinois: while the Saint's relics remain intact, reputedly his shoes wear out from time to time and need to be replaced.)

As a monk, he was known for his very severe asceticism. Against his will, he was made Bishop of Zahum, where he served his flock faithfully for many years, "keeping it from the cruelty of the Turks and the guile of the Latins" (Prologue). When his monastery was destroyed by the Turks he moved to Ostrog, where he reposed. His body has remained whole, incorrupt, healing and wonderworking to this day. Innumerable miracles have been worked at his grave; both Christians and Muslims seek out his relics for healing from sicknesses and sufferings.   (A story heard from a parishioner at St Basil of Ostrog Church in Illinois: while the Saint's relics remain intact, reputedly his shoes wear out from time to time and need to be replaced.)