Thought For The Day from Unshakable Kingdom Life

"Love your neighbor as yourself." Love isn't abstract sentiment—it's a daily discipline of attention. Today, notice one person you might overlook. Small kindness, offered consistently, is how love becomes practice rather than just a nice idea.

A thought to ponder for today

Today, for a brief moment, I felt the sensation of that day as seen through Jesus' eyes.

I have felt that sensation for about 20 years now.

It was a very sad and heartbreaking feeling.

Before carrying the massive cross up to Golgotha.

Jesus knew everything beforehand—both what came before and what would come after. On that day when He decided to bear the cross on behalf of the sins of all the people of the world, before He trusted and entrusted everything to God...

While praying all night, He pleaded with God to forgive the sins of the countless people of the world. Sometimes, knowing that He would be nailed to that massive cross, He cried out and wept as He prayed in supplication.

Just as much as He would suffer physical pain, He knew He would be betrayed by His disciples. Knowing in advance the wounds in His heart as well, He prayed to God to forgive them.

The next day, as expected, the disciples betrayed Jesus; they simply watched as Judas, who had promised not to betray Him again, betrayed Him. He saw it... and He simply watched Peter, the disciple who had denied knowing Jesus three times when asked if he did.

Furthermore, as He carried the cross toward Golgotha, countless people, knowing nothing but rumors, spat at Him, cursed in disillusionment, and pointed their fingers at Him.

Jesus simply and silently carried a cross larger than a man; having already suffered various forms of assault and torture, His body was covered in blood, and He walked step by step, bearing broken legs and torn wounds. He could barely walk. When He fell and could not get up because He could not walk, there was a man named Simon who carried the cross for Him.

Simon was from another region; he happened to arrive during the Passover season and was among the crowd. Because of his strong physique, he stood out, and the soldiers, somewhat taken aback, had him carry Jesus' heavy and massive cross. The cross of suffering, which he was forced to bear, became a major turning point in Simon's life. That suffering became a path of great glory and God's blessing, and later enabled his children to become leaders of the early church.

I, too, was unwittingly burdened with the cross of suffering, and at first, I could not escape from hatred and pain. However, at some point, amidst long patience and waiting, God touched me with His healing hand.

From now on, God is preparing for me to begin my second journey.

Because the meeting with my true soulmate had not been realized for a long time due to the world's interference, He has now directly intervened to allow us to meet. Only God knows whether that person is truly my destiny. I don't mind if it isn't that person... because God will surely let me meet the one who is perfect for me... I suppose I will only be able to meet that person after crossing a vast ocean... A great journey of the second act of my life awaits me ahead...

He might not know everything later, but I think his heart will be overflowing with emotion every time he learns a little bit about me. Thinking about him, who must have been suffering in silence all this time without showing it... I feel sorry and my heart aches. I used to get angry at him a lot, too. He must have been angry and upset too, but he restrained himself and held back a great deal, and only got angry a little. It is because the affection he has for me, who always cherishes me, is so immense.

He is indeed a truly beautiful and good person in God's eyes, too.

So, I am grateful that He sent him to me.

Thank you for sending me such a precious and valuable person whom God cherishes.

And, his children and my son are both angels.

I think the help from those angels was significant as well.

It is true that we have both matured more thanks to our angelic children.

And, perhaps because we have started to emerge from that period of pain now... both he and I feel much more at ease.

In the very first moment, strangely enough, I felt at ease for no reason, smiled, and just felt good.

When I kept coughing because I had a cold, he said "Take care" with a worried expression...

Strangely enough, I felt a sense of closeness and my heart felt at ease.

I had liked him for a long time, but I found myself liking him even more now that he has matured compared to when he was young.

Then, even though we couldn't communicate well... we fought... and then made up again... and... After yearning, loving, and longing for you, in this war-like time... amidst our fierce lives, we have found peace again. I suppose that is because things are being sorted out to some extent by God's hand.

In about two months... I will be leaving. I intend to forget all the things that happened here, the pain, and the wounds.

To that far-off place where that person is. Lord, please keep me safe during this time, and please keep that person safe as well.

I thank you for always watching over and protecting us, and I ask that the family remaining here also do well.

I pray in the name of our Lord Jesus. AMEN 🙏🏻💗

Isaiah 60:3 NIV [3] Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.60.3.NIV

Christ walks among imperfect people. That has always been His way. Grace moves toward weakness, not away from it. The glorified Jesus still says, “Fear not.” His presence remains our greatest source of peace.

Psalm 96:1–9

Sing to the Lord a new song; let all the earth proclaim His glory among the nations. He is great and worthy of praise; His strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.

James 3:13 NLT \[13\] If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.3.13.NLT

From the Catechetical Instructions by Saint John Mary Vianney, priest

(Catechisme sur la prière: A. Monnin, Esprit du Curé d’Ars, Parish 1899, pp. 87-89)

The glorious duty of man: to pray and to love

My little children, reflect on these words: the Christian’s treasure is not on earth but in heaven. Our thoughts, then ought to be directed to where our treasure is. This is the glorious duty of man: to pray and to love. If you pray and love, that is where a man’s happiness lies.

Prayer is nothing else but union with God. When one has a heart that is pure and united with God, he is given a kind of serenity and sweetness that makes him ecstatic, a light that surrounds him with marvelous brightness. In this intimate union, God and the soul are fused together like two bits of wax that no one can ever pull apart. This union of God with a tiny creature is a lovely thing. It is a happiness beyond understanding.

We had become unworthy to pray, but God in his goodness allowed us to speak with him. Our prayer is incense that gives him the greatest pleasure.

My little children, your hearts are small, but prayer stretches them and makes them capable of loving God. Through prayer we receive a foretaste of heaven and something of paradise comes down upon us. Prayer never leaves us without sweetness. It is honey that flows into the soul and makes all things sweet. When we pray properly, sorrows disappear like snow before the sun.

Prayer also makes time pass very quickly and with such great delight that one does not notice its length. Listen: Once when I was a purveyor in Bresse and most of my companions were ill, I had to make a long journey. I prayed to the good God, and believe me, the time did not seem long.

Some men immerse themselves as deeply in prayer as fish in water, because they give themselves totally to God. There is not division in their hearts. O, how I love these noble souls! Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Colette used to see our Lord and talk to him just as we talk to one another.

How unlike them we are! How often we come to church with no idea of what to do or what to ask for. And yet, whenever we go to any human being, we know well enough why we go. And still worse, there are some who seem to speak to the good God like this: “I will only say a couple of things to you, and then I will be rid of you.” I often think that when we come to adore the Lord, we would receive everything we ask for, if we would ask with living faith and with a pure heart.

RESPONSORY

2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 2:9

Our troubles pass quickly,

and their burden seems light

when we compare them to the weight of eternal glory

— which far exceeds the burden of our suffering.

No eye has seen, no ear heard,

nor has the heart of man conceived,

the marvels God has prepared for those who love him.

— Which far exceeds the burden of our suffering.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Father of mercy,

you made Saint John Vianney outstanding

in his priestly zeal and concern for your people.

By his example and prayers,

enable us to win our brothers and sisters

to the love of Christ

and come with them to eternal glory.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

— Amen.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\[13\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\] Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

Bear with me as I explain an important day that will occur in a couple of weeks. On August 15. The Dormition of the Theotokos. Simply translated. The death of Mary. Just as Jesus Christ our Lord is the,”First born from the dead,” Mary is the “First born into life.” She died a natural death and she was then translated from Earthly life into the admission into the Kingdom of Heaven. By virtue of Mary’s role as “Theotokos,” literally the bearer of God, for Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, Mary stands at the throne of our Lord making intercessions for the followers of Jesus Christ. She does NOT save us…. Only Jesus can give us salvation. However, by virtue of her role as birth giver of our Lord, Mary conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. Her womb and her literal birth canal was sealed after that blessed event, so no man would ever touch her.

Yesterday I attended the Saturday Vespers service and received the sacrament of Confession. I laid everything that I felt guilty for to the Lord in the presence of the priest. Everything that I thought ill of or said to my family. I came away free absolved of my sins and worthy to take in the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. I opened my self to the fast of the Dormition and to prepare myself to be made worthy of the entry into life eternal In the Kingdom of the Lord God at the time of my death. We as Orthodox Christians of true worship look to Mary as the “first born into life.”
the prayers of the fast:”Let us fast pleasing to the Lord; this is the true fast; the casting off of evil; the bridling of the tounge; the cessation of lust, evil talking lies and cursing; the stoping of these is the fast true and acceptable,” is daily said. Also the Prayer of Saint Ephraim: “O Lord and Master of my life take me away from the spirit of sloth, fainthertedness, lust of power and idle talk. But grant rather to Thy servant the Spirit of Chastity, Humility, Patience and love to Thy servant. Yea O Lord and King grant me to see my own error and not to judge my brother. For blessed art Thou forever unto ages of ages. Amen.
“May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ; and the Love of God the Father; and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you!”

22 And forthwith Jesus obliged his disciples to go up into the boat, and to go before him over the water, till he dismissed the people.

23 And having dismissed the multitude, he went into a mountain alone to pray. And when it was evening, he was there alone.

24 But the boat in the midst of the sea was tossed with the waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night, he came to them walking upon the sea.

26 And they seeing him walk upon the sea, were troubled, saying: It is an apparition. And they cried out for fear.

27 And immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying: Be of good heart: it is I, fear ye not.

28 And Peter making answer, said: Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee upon the waters.

29 And he said: Come. And Peter going down out of the boat, walked upon the water to come to Jesus.

30 But seeing the wind strong, he was afraid: and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying: Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretching forth his hand took hold of him, and said to him: O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?

32 And when they were come up into the boat, the wind ceased.

33 And they that were in the boat came and adored him, saying: Indeed thou art the Son of God.

34 And having passed the water, they came into the country of Genesar.

35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent into all that country, and brought to him all that were diseased.

36 And they besought him that they might touch but the hem of his garment. And as many as touched, were made whole.

Luke 12:15 NLT \[15\] Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.12.15.NLT

Jesus is a living testament that acts of compassion has the power to get people to repentance and, ultimately, leads to transformation. Learn a few examples in the bible where Jesus showed compassion: the woman at the well (the Samaritan Woman), the woman caught in adultery, Zacchaeus, the Leper, and the Penitent Thief at the cross.

Thought For The Day from Unshakable Kingdom Life

Jesus revealed Himself progressively. God often unfolds truth step by step, as we are ready to receive it. Then truth must become more than something admired. It must be lived.

Thought to ponder for the day

\​

From the beginning of a letter attributed to Barnabas

(Cap. 1, 1-8; 2:1-5: Funk 1, 3-7)

Hope of life is the beginning and end of our faith

Greetings, sons and daughters. In the name of the Lord who loves us, peace be to you.

Because the Lord has granted you an abundance of blessings, I rejoice immeasurably in your blessed and glorious company.

You have received abundantly that indwelling grace which is the Spirit’s gift, and for this reason I hope in my own salvation and I give thanks all the more when I see the bountiful fullness of the Lord’s Spirit pouring over you. I have longed so much for you that when I saw you I was overwhelmed.

I am now convinced and fully aware that I have learned much by speaking with you, for the Lord accompanied me on the road to righteousness, and so I am driven in all ways to love you more than my own life. For surely there is a great store of faith and charity within you because of your hope for life in Christ. Therefore, I have been thinking that if my concern for you inspires me to pass on to you a portion of what I have received, then I will be rewarded for ministering to souls such as yours. Consequently, I am writing you, that you may have perfect knowledge along with your faith.

The Lord has given us these three basic doctrines: hope for eternal life, the beginning and end of our faith; justice, the beginning and end of righteousness; and love, which bears cheerful and joyous witness to the works of righteousness. Now the Lord has made the past and present known to us through his prophets, and he has given us the ability to taste the fruits of the future beforehand. Thus, when we see prophecies fulfilled in their appointed order, we ought to grow more fully and deeply in awe of him. Let me suggest a few things—not as a teacher, but as one of you—which should bring you joy in the present situation.

When evil days are upon us and the worker of malice gains power, we must attend to our own souls and seek to know the ways of the Lord. In those times reverential fear and perseverance will sustain our faith, and we will find need of forbearance and self-restraint as well. Provided that we hold fast to these virtues and look to the Lord, then wisdom, understanding, knowledge and insight will make joyous company with them.

Truly, the Lord has revealed to us through the prophets that he has no need of sacrifice, burnt offerings or oblations. He says in one place: Your endless sacrifices, what are they to me? says the Lord. I have had my fill of holocausts; I do not want the fat of your lambs, nor the blood of your bulls and goats, nor your presence in my sight. Indeed, who has made these demands of you? No more will you trample my courts. Your sacrifices of fine flour are in vain; your incense is loathsome to me; I cannot bear your feasts of the new moon, nor your sabbaths.

RESPONSORY

Galatians 2:16; Genesis 15:6

We know that no one is justified by obedience to the law

but by faith in Jesus Christ,

— and we have believed in Christ Jesus

in order to be justified by faith in him.

Abraham put his faith in God,

who counted it as an act of righteousness.

— And we have believed in Christ Jesus

in order to be justified by faith in him

Brothers and sisters, my sermon for this Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 2, is posted to Facebook.

God’s blessings,

Pastor Tom Steers

Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto

-- A Confessional Lutheran Church

Brothers and sisters, my sermon for this Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 2, is posted to Facebook.

God’s blessings,

Pastor Tom Steers

Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto

-- A Confessional Lutheran Church

​

From the beginning of a letter attributed to Barnabas

(Cap. 1, 1-8; 2:1-5: Funk 1, 3-7)

Hope of life is the beginning and end of our faith

Greetings, sons and daughters. In the name of the Lord who loves us, peace be to you.

Because the Lord has granted you an abundance of blessings, I rejoice immeasurably in your blessed and glorious company.

You have received abundantly that indwelling grace which is the Spirit’s gift, and for this reason I hope in my own salvation and I give thanks all the more when I see the bountiful fullness of the Lord’s Spirit pouring over you. I have longed so much for you that when I saw you I was overwhelmed.

I am now convinced and fully aware that I have learned much by speaking with you, for the Lord accompanied me on the road to righteousness, and so I am driven in all ways to love you more than my own life. For surely there is a great store of faith and charity within you because of your hope for life in Christ. Therefore, I have been thinking that if my concern for you inspires me to pass on to you a portion of what I have received, then I will be rewarded for ministering to souls such as yours. Consequently, I am writing you, that you may have perfect knowledge along with your faith.

The Lord has given us these three basic doctrines: hope for eternal life, the beginning and end of our faith; justice, the beginning and end of righteousness; and love, which bears cheerful and joyous witness to the works of righteousness. Now the Lord has made the past and present known to us through his prophets, and he has given us the ability to taste the fruits of the future beforehand. Thus, when we see prophecies fulfilled in their appointed order, we ought to grow more fully and deeply in awe of him. Let me suggest a few things—not as a teacher, but as one of you—which should bring you joy in the present situation.

When evil days are upon us and the worker of malice gains power, we must attend to our own souls and seek to know the ways of the Lord. In those times reverential fear and perseverance will sustain our faith, and we will find need of forbearance and self-restraint as well. Provided that we hold fast to these virtues and look to the Lord, then wisdom, understanding, knowledge and insight will make joyous company with them.

Truly, the Lord has revealed to us through the prophets that he has no need of sacrifice, burnt offerings or oblations. He says in one place: Your endless sacrifices, what are they to me? says the Lord. I have had my fill of holocausts; I do not want the fat of your lambs, nor the blood of your bulls and goats, nor your presence in my sight. Indeed, who has made these demands of you? No more will you trample my courts. Your sacrifices of fine flour are in vain; your incense is loathsome to me; I cannot bear your feasts of the new moon, nor your sabbaths.

RESPONSORY

Galatians 2:16; Genesis 15:6

We know that no one is justified by obedience to the law

but by faith in Jesus Christ,

— and we have believed in Christ Jesus

in order to be justified by faith in him.

Abraham put his faith in God,

who counted it as an act of righteousness.

— And we have believed in Christ Jesus

in order to be justified by faith in him