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March 31, 1999
A Watchman's View of the Kosovo Crisis
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
136. Having hidden your virtue, do not be filled with pride, imagining you
have achieved righteousness. For righteousness is not only to hide your good
actions, but also never to think forbidden thoughts.
March 30, 1999
Kosovo: The Geopolitics of the End Game
Coming Tomorrow!!: A Watchman's View of the Kosovo Crisis
Milestone #2: April 1, 1999: On this date, Canada, Japan, and the State of New York begin their fiscal year. This will, of course, include dates beyond Y2K. As a result, planning systems, especially budgets, that have not been repaired will fail as they attempt to process Y2K dates. Since New York City is the media capitol of the world, problems there will grab headlines worldwide. Problems in Japan will remind everyone again of how interconnected our world is. The Japanese will also be forced to admit that their systems will not make it. I expect the stock market to react and begin (or continue) its downward spiral. Public confidence will continue to wane and the number of Y2K optimists will continue to dwindle.
FEMA makes Y2K recommendations
If you knew a hurricane was coming, or a severe winter storm, what would you do to prepare?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that you get ready for any possible Y2K-related disruptions in the same way.
That means check your flashlight for batteries, buy some canned food and a few days worth of bottled water. Also make sure your car has at least one half of a tank of gasoline.
FEMA says it will be ready for the worst but it expects only isolated and local problems.
"Now I want to be very clear about one thing. The sky is not falling," says Mike Walker, FEMA Deputy Director. "Y2K does not have to become a major disaster in America."
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
135. If you want your sins to be 'covered' by the Lord (cf. Ps. 32:1), do
not display your virtues to others. For whatever we do with our virtues,
God will also do with our sins.
March 29, 1999
Happy Easter ??
Alexy II, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, called as an outrage upon the sacred feelings of Serbian people actions by British pilots who write inscriptions "Happy Easter" on bombs hitting Yugoslavia. This is how he commented, at a request by Itar-Tass, on reports received from London on Saturday. "'The NATO countries which call themselves Christians, are far from Christian ideals. This is a sacrilege,' said Patriarch Alexy who performed on Sunday a divine liturgy at the Nicholas-Ugreshsky monastery near Moscow."
Gracanica Monastery in Yugoslavia Damaged
Sadly enough this holy Monastery in Kosovo has been slightly damaged due to the recent bombings which is located near the city of Pristina. This monastery wall was damaged and the roof. This has been confirmed now. It's also being reported that schools are be bombed too, and civic places.
God be merciful unto us all!
Source: Father Demetrios Serfes [email protected]
Serbia: The lesson of Army Group E
Before we engage the Serbs in a limited guerilla war over Kosovo, it would be wise to review the experiences of the 22 German divisions that were committed to stamping out Serb resistance between 1941 and 1945. Though the Germans also had the help of 200,000 Croatian, Slovenian and Bosnian Moslem volunteer auxiliaries, they still could not do the job -- and with a combined army of over 700,000 men willing to commit atrocities that the U.S. and her allies would never contemplate in this "civilized" day and age.
Among the many refugees trying to escape the NATO bombing in Yugoslavia, are about 200 Jews who managed to reach Hungary and are currently being housed in the Jewish Community Center building in Budapest.
At least some of the Jews have turned to the Israeli Consulate there and requested to come to Israel. In some cases, Yugoslavian Jews who emigrated to Israel over the past few years, are anxiously waiting by the phone to hear from relatives who remain there.
(Ezek 11:17) "Therefore say: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.'
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
134. If you wish to remember God unceasingly, do not reject as undeserved
what happens to you, but patiently accept it as your due. For patient acceptance
of whatever happens kindles the remembrance of God, whereas refusal to accept
weakens the spiritual purpose of the heart and so makes it forgetful.
March 28, 1999
Please click on the above link to read a passionate appeal on behalf of the Serbian people. Verification that the above plea is authentic was received as follows:
"My Brother In Christ: William,
This statement is quite true and sent by Hieromonk Sava of Holy Decani Monastery, Decani, Kosovo. One monastery too was slightly damaged I heard this morning. Let us indeed continue to cry out for peace and good will among all men.
God Love And Bless You!
With The Love Of Christ Our True God,
Who prays for you, and with you!"
+ Father Demetrios Serfes
[email protected]
http://home.rmci.net/fr-d-serfes
Contact Congress! : http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/
Contact God! : Pray for Peace!!!!!!!
Prophecies of Thomas S. Gibson
March 20, 1999 (Prophecy, #211); The Future of America:
For the people of America have said they want to choose their own ways, they want to choose their own destiny -- and so they have.
I sent Clinton and his sins to be a test of those people who have chosen their own way. And they chose. They chose to be in love with a man of sin. They chose to love that sin. They chose to love that way of life.
It is the joke, it is the formal training, that came from satan himself, that they love the things of sin.
So they have chosen their way, and they have chosen their future. The future of wrath, the future of judgment, the future of damnation from the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.
Police foil attack on U.S. embassy in Moscow
Gunmen armed with grenade launchers and an assault rifle attacked the U.S. Embassy in Moscow on Sunday, but were driven off by police guards firing pistols. No one was hurt in the attack apparently linked to protests against NATO airstrikes on Yugoslavia.
(Job 4:8) As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
133. When the enemy has booked against a man many forgotten sins, he forces
his debtor to recall them in memory, taking full advantage of 'the
law of sin' (cf. Rom. 8:2).
March 27, 1999
Russia's parliament prepares to debate anti-NATO resolution
Russian lawmakers angrily denounced NATO's airstrikes today against Yugoslavia, calling for an immediate end to the attacks and demanding Moscow give aid to Belgrade.
Nationalist leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky, wearing an army colonel's uniform, told the Duma, ''The Third World War started on March 24.''
Nostradamus Warned about Conflict during 1999
The Serbia conflict may have devastating consequences for all of Europe, Italian researchers have said on reading carefully into the predictions of famed French astrologer Nostradamus.
In his prophesies, called Centuries, written in 1555, Nostradamus dedicated more than 10 pages to the year 1999, said Professor Renucio Boscolo, one of the most trustworthy commentators of the book.
The French astrologer dubbed 1999 as a "black" year for the Old World, with bolts of lightning falling from the skies onto Earth.
Also, a long war will ensue and the Pope will die in 1999, according to him.
Holy See: Bombings of Serbia are a "Defeat for Humanity"
John Paul II yesterday evening called for an end "as soon as possible" to the war in Yugoslavia and for a just and lasting peace. The Holy Father follows with profound concern the sufferings of the people stricken by the painful situation created in Serbia and Kosovo.
"It is a question of solidarity which includes all: Albanians, Serbs, Moslems, Christians, Orthodox and Catholics: all are who is in Heaven."
"Recourse to the use of force is always a defeat for humanity. One cannot help but think of the eventual victims and the feelings of hatred that will inevitably arise. It brings to mind Pius XII's words on August 24, 1939," a few days before Hitler's Germany attacked Poland, beginning the onslaught of the second World War."'Nothing is lost with peace.Everything can be lost with war."'
Call for Peace and Prayer: Declaration of the Orthodox Bishops of Germany
Congregated at this meeting in Cologne, the bishops were deeply moved when they heard the report of the representative of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Germany about the situation and the latest development in Serbia and his evaluation of the circumstances. He complained about the partial presentation of the reasons that led to this situation in the German society and especially in the German media.
The situation is presented as if the action of NATO forces would be inevitable. But the representative of the Serbian underlined that every engagement of NATO forces will only bring even more harm and misery to the innocent people and for Serbia in general.
Facing this obviously hopeless situation the Orthodox bishops call all Orthodox, Evangelical, Catholic and other Christians to pray in their services next Sunday for peace and the people in Serbia and Kosovo.
Kosovo: Notable Quotes via ICEJ
· Bill Lind, director of the Free Congress Foundation's Center for Cultural Conservatism (CNS, Mar 19):
"I wonder how many American Christians have thought about the fact that their defense dollars now go to attacking other Christians on behalf of Islam?"
· Israeli journalist Steve Rodan (WORLD TRIBUNE.COM, Mar 24):
"[According to European security and diplomatic sources] Kosovo has become the latest and most significant arena for radical Islamic states and groups that seek to widen their influence in Europe.
"Nobody argues that Islamic elements fomented the conflicts in the Balkans. But they say Iran, Saudi Arabia and some of their terrorist beneficiaries have exploited the fighting to establish a sphere of influence that spans from Greece to the Austrian border."
Kosovo News links:
Yahoo News: Nata Strikes Kosovo
B92- Independent Media in Yugoslavia
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
132. Do not say that a dispassionate man cannot suffer affliction; for even
if he does not suffer on his own account, he is under a liability to do so
for his neighbour.
March 26, 1999
Safe in the Hand of God
Was meditating and praying on the International Day of Prayer against Abortion yesterday when a thought came to mind that was both sad and comforting.
Through satan's efforts millions of babies are being killed yearly throughout the world. Though this is a tragic sin, one for which we will doubtlessly be judged and punished, it is yet another example of victory of God over satan. Why?
What happens to each of these aborted babies? They are instantly transported into their eternal celestial Home in the arms of their Savior. To pray and glorify God there. Each of them crying out the words of Revelation:
(Rev 6:10) They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?"
Each aborted child adds yet one more voice, pure and strong, praising the Father and hastening the return of His Son. Had satan allowed them to live who knows how many would have reached Heaven? But by cheating them of an earthly existence, satan has paradoxically contributed to the armies of Heaven.
Once more God snatches a lasting victory from an apparent temporal triumph.
Regardless of how victorious satan seems to be in worldwide events or in our own personal struggles we can be sure that despite appearances the Hand of God will emerge victorious.
All will be well.
(Psa 37:23) If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
131. The remembrance of God is suffering of heart endured in a spirit of
devotion. But he who forgets God becomes self-indulgent and insensitive.
March 25, 1999
Reminder: International Day of Prayer and Fasting Against Abortion- March 25, 1999
NATO forces attack Yugoslavia in effort to push for Kosovo peace
Wave after wave of NATO warplanes and missiles struck Yugoslavia on Wednesday, pummeling army barracks, power plants and air defense batteries in an effort to force the country's defiant leader to cease his onslaught against Kosovo Albanians.
Yeltsin slams airstrikes, recalls NATO envoy
Boris Yeltsin pulled Russia out of its partnership with NATO on Wednesday and warned of possible further steps to protest the airstrikes against Yugoslavia - attacks that he called deeply troubling.
If the conflict grows, Russia reserves the right to take ''adequate measures, including of a military character, to ensure its own and general European security,'' Yeltsin said after airstrikes began. His statement did not elaborate.
Related links:
Drudge Report on the Kosovo Crisis
War Preparations Continue in Russia ????
Message from Servant Son (Catholic visionary without specific ecclesiastic approval):
"My son today I ask you to write for Me concerning the actions that are about to take place. My son I love all people. Every one of you is My beautiful child I have made uniquely in form and in spirit. My children you begin an entanglement which does not foster peace. You begin violent actions whose end result will be the violent death and destruction of the lives of many. Children I cry for what I see. Your nations are governed by evil men who do not value life as I value all life. My children you gain neither peace nor advantage from this ill advised course of action.
I ask you now to begin a great wave of prayer to intercept and defeat the presentments of evil which now swim in the spirit and hearts of My children of the world. Children to cease this war you must pray. You have no power in the world to affect this course of action for you have lost your true voice of democracy long ago. Children return to the nation you were. Return to love and praise of Me in all you do. Remove from every office those that do not love Me for they can only cause to be hurled down upon your heads the actualities that flow from the presentments of evil which flow in the spirit and mind of the many who lead you. Children I give to you prayer to defend yourselves. I give you prayer to enter into the unseen places of spirit where all action is predetermined. Children use this gift to alter the outcome of evil the evil one wishes to foist upon you through his agents throughout the world.
Children each of you is either with Me or against Me. You who do not unify with Me and My Way despite your insistence upon your own innocence are against Me. Children you have no way of your own. Your choice is that of My Way or your choice is to be adduced and drawn into the ways of evil. Children I told you before a line is drawn in the spiritual sands of destiny. On the one side you have Me My Kingdom and Eternal Living Good. On the other side you have what you will begin to experience as this new conflict ignites into greater and greater conflagration. Children I end. I love each of you. I do not choose sides but only to tell each faction to cease the slaughter. Cease the callousness of heart that permits you to inflict grave destruction upon one another. Finally children when you cease all this which is the commotion of the evil one come together to Me to join Me across the line drawn for all eternity that separates My Way from that of the prince of the world. Children good day. I love you. Pray now. For events now begin. I am your Lord Jesus who has loved you even to the shedding of My Sacred Blood for you."
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
130. He who suffers wrong and does not demand any reparation from the man
who wronged him, trusts in Christ to make good the loss; and he is rewarded
a hundredfold in this world and inherits eternal life (cf. Mark 10:30).
March 24, 1999
Russian prime minister returns home, says Kosovo airstrikes won't help
Russia's prime minister, who returned home early today after calling off a trip to the United States, said NATO airstrikes against Yugoslavia would only raise international tensions.
''I do not think that the strikes will help stabilize the situation in Kosovo,'' Yevgeny Primakov said today upon his arrival. ''On the contrary, it will be destabilizing, and damage will be inflicted both on our relations with the United States and with stability in Europe.''
Is this the seed of a much greater conflict?
Relevant Catholic prophecies via [email protected]:
Pursuant to your request for a few quotes from my book, 'Trial, Tribulation and Triumph (TTT), vis-a-vis both Russian and Moslem invasions of Western Europe prophecies for our time, I give you a couple of examples from TTT:
"3. Sister Elena Eiello (20th Century)[Cause is currently pending for'Venerable'.] (Chpt. 6, p. 293)
Background: "Sister Aiello was foundress of the Calabrian nuns. She was also a stigmatic and endured much suffering to save the souls of others. She personally foretold to Benito Mussolini at least twice that if he did not change his course he would end in disaster. Sister Aiello died in 1961. She stated she received the following message(s) from Our Lady on or ... April 16th, 1954:
'Russia will march upon all the nations of Europe, particularly Italy, and will raise her flag over the dome os St. Peter's. Italy will be severely tried by a great revolution and Rome will be purified in blood for its many sins, especially those of impurity. The flock is about to be dispersed and the Pope will suffer greatly.'
11. Fr. Nectou (18th Century). Chapter 5, p.273
Background: "Fr. Nectou was the Jesuit Provincial in the Southwest of France for many years. The priest who knew him all regarded him as a Saint and prophet. He prophesied the suppression of the Jesuit order well before its occurence in 1773. After the suppression occurred as he predicted, he lived as a secular priest in Poitiers. His public reputation for holiness during this period induced a young grieving mother whose baby had just died to bring it in hope to Fr. Nectou. It was attested by several witnesses that he raised the baby from the dead and returned it to its mother.
Fr. Nectou also foretold the upcoming French Revolution, as his associate the Abbe Raux testified, 'in the most minute and circumstantial manner ... all the horrible events of the first French Revolution.' Fr. Nectou died in 1777 (roughly 20 years before the French Revolution)..
"...prophecy of Fr. Nectou. (p. 347)
'Some day war will break out again in alsace. I saw (in the vision) the French in Alsace with Strassburg at their rear, and I saw Italians fighting with them [as allies of the French]. Suddenly, great transports of trooops arrived from the French side. ... The French pursued the Prussians over the Rhine ... at Frankfurt, the Prussians lost again and retreated as far as Siegburg, where they joined with a Russian army. The Russians made common cause with the Prussians.
Fr. Nectou is herein quoted from a lengthy prophecy about the Russians and Prussians (basically Northeastern Germany - part of the former East Germany) taking on French, Austrian, and Italian Catholics in a last series of battles after the Russians have initially invaded Western Europe. It is too lengthy to quote here.
There are dozens of these prophecies which all say the same thing - and I quote many more of them in the book.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
129. A man exercising authority should tell his subordinate his duty; and,
if disobeyed, should warn him of the evil consequences.
March 23, 1999
International Day of Prayer and Fasting Against Abortion- March 25, 1999
An Abortion for Missing Fingers
A SOCIETY THAT ELIMINATES THE UNATTRACTIVE?
Musician Parents Abort Baby Missing Fingers
ROME, MAR 19 (ZENIT).- A sad case in Italy highlights the slippery slope presented by abortion to avoid genetic defects. The case involves a flautist and a pianist, whose unborn child was found to suffer a minor deformation: the fingers of his left hand were missing. The mother applied for protection under an Italian law allowing abortion if the birth would cause "grave trauma" in the mother. As a result, an abortion was performed at 180 days of gestation. Nonetheless, the fetus survived, and struggled for a month and a half before dying.
At present, progress in orthopedic surgery makes finger replacement child's play: whole joints can be substituted. We have seen the handicapped perform in Olympics and obtain results akin to those of the "normal." We have seen painters use other parts of their bodies if their hands are useless. We have seen a cerebral paralytic write a book on a computer using a device attached to his nose. But, for this flautist mother and pianist father, a child missing his fingers would have been abominable, abnormal and without remedy. One might ask to what extent this "grave trauma" clause might be taken -- any child that is "different" could theoretically fall victim to it.
One cannot help but recall the memory of the recently deceased French musician Michel Petrucciani. His severe handicap did not prevent his reaching the heights of his career. Today his son, who suffers from the same handicap, is following in his footsteps. "We realized that my son had the same illness even before he was born,but to reject him would have been tantamount to rejecting all I have stood for," Petrucciani said when his son Alexandre was born. Father and son suffered from incomplete osteogenesis. Michel always remembered his father who treated him just like his other brothers, in spite of his handicap, and made it possible for him to have so many joys in life, like the one last December, when Michel played for the Pope shortlybefore his death.
RR Note: How sad! What a world we are making! Surely, as our Lord said of the end times, "the love of many will grow cold". Whether the end times are near or far, we are living in a world which grows increasingly so very "cold", pitiless, increasingly narcissistic and selfish. No wonder judgements of God are poured forth on the earth. We must repent and turn back to God before even worse befalls us: the work of our own hands.
Source: EWTN News via "Joyce M Lang" <[email protected]>
(Mat 24:12-13) Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
The Devil's Bargain- Despair Versus Hope
"I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion"--Mother Teresa of Calcutta
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
128.He who enjoys bodily pleasures beyond the proper limit will pay for the
excess a hundredfold in sufferings.
March 22, 1999
Our Lady of Emmitsburg message-March 18, 1999
My dear little children, praise be Jesus!
God does not want you to cry, little children, or be sorrowful. God desires for you to be happy, little children of His light. This is a difficult time of unrest all over the world, yet God desires for your hearts to be happy that He dwells within you. There is much need of prayers and love for one another. Yet God wants your hearts to be filled with confidence. Your hearts must be firm in His love. Tears of fear and hopelessness only deepen the effects of confusion.
God is love and there is hope for tomorrow. You are His beloved children. What is needed is confidence, trust and works of mercy, not tears of fear, hopelessness, indifference or anger. It is necessary to be children of hope, 's light, children of mercy, so you can bring others hope, reflect God's light in times of darkness and be merciful in times of anger and despair.
Evil has struck the earth and spirits of darkness are everywhere leading people astray. Many are abandoning the faith. Even priests are breaking away from the True Word of God. God needs children of His light and children too of His Merciful love. Do not fall into Satan's trap.
Be happy children filled with the spirit of humility and childlikeness. Pay attention to My words given to Me from God Himself. Be true followers of Jesus, faithful disciples. Your light of Jesus must shine on others during these unhappy days. Love and mercy shall save the world. God will be glorified.
I take your petitions to heaven. Peace, "little" children. Be happy, for God is with you.
Thank you for responding to My call. AD DEUM.
(Phil 4:4) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
127. When you see someone suffering great dishonour, you may be sure that
he was carried away by thoughts of self-esteem and is now reaping, much to
his disgust, the harvest from the seeds which he sowed in his heart.
March 21, 1999
Church dispute shows fracture in Episcopal church
When the Episcopal diocese of Massachusetts decided to bless same-sex marriages and allow ordination of s, the parishioners at St. Paul's wanted no part of it.
The dispute lays bare a growing nationwide schism between conservatives and liberals in the Episcopal church that some conservative church leaders predict will end with a formal split between the two sides.
"There's an increasingly hostile climate for orthodox Christianity within the Episcopal church," said the Rev. Samuel Edwards, executive director of the Episcopal Synod of America, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas. "It's a very serious problem."
(Jude 1:18-19) They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
Kosovo under siege, NATO airstrikes appear likely
A fierce government offensive launched Saturday and continuing Sunday against Kosovo Albanian rebels drove thousands of people from their homes and resulted in at least eight deaths.
The military push came in defiance of international warnings and added to the likelihood that NATO would soon be forced to launch airstrikes.
A member of the Kosovo Liberation Army's general staff, Ram Buja, called the situation "catastrophic" and urged NATO to act promptly to "stop the Serbian war machine."
Newsflash!: NATO official: Milosevic has 'hours' to sign Kosovo deal
(2 Cor 10:3 -4) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
126. If the criminal will not keep his gains for ever and his victim will
not always suffer want, 'surely man passes like a shadow and troubles himself
in vain' (Ps. 39:6. LXX).
March 20, 1999
Monitors, diplomats leave Yugoslavia as NATO bombs loom
After Friday's collapse of Kosovo peace talks in Paris, international diplomats and cease-fire monitors packed up and prepared to pull out of Yugoslavia, as NATO leaders warned the "clock is ticking" toward military strikes.
Russia, a traditionally ally of Yugoslavia, reiterated its opposition to using force and said the talks could still be salvaged. A source in the Russian Foreign Ministry told the Interfax news agency on Friday that Russia may cut off all contacts with NATO if airstrikes are launched.
(Mat 24:6-7) You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
Italy: 30,000 Childeren Sold as Slaves
The tragic death of an eight-year old boy from Kosovo and the disappearance of two others has strongly shaken Italian public opinion. The first, Riza, of gypsy stock, was found dead, the victim of sexual violence. The other two, another gypsy and a young native of Kosovo, disappeared in Sicily, and the idea that they are victims of child traffickers has not been discarded. It is estimated that some 30,000 children in Italy end up as slaves each year, sold by their own parents for $15,000-25,000.
(2 Tim 3:1) But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
125. 'The sons of men are false, and cheat with their scales' (Ps. 62:9.
LXX), but God assigns to each what is just.
March 19, 1999
Pastor calls for prayer protest: Urges support for Grant coach
The day after school officials prohibited Grant High basketball coach Tony Lowden from praying with his players, a Del Paso Heights religious leader and Lowden himself called for the public to come pray with the team at Friday night's championship game.
The controversy erupted this week after the Washington, D.C.,-based Americans United for Separation of Church and State sent a letter to the Grant Joint Union High School District saying that Lowden's praying with his team was unconstitutional and created a legal liability for the district.
The district agreed, and Superintendent James N. Rutter told Lowden he would not coach the Division II state championship game at Arco Arena if he prayed with his players, as he has been doing since midseason last year. Lowden and players have said the prayers were voluntary, and were initiated and led by students.
U.S. State Department urges Americans traveling overseas to be vigilant
The U.S. State Department renewed its calls for Americans living and traveling abroad to remain vigilant of their personal safety.
The department said in a formal advisory that it continues to receive reports that provide cause for concern for the safety of U.S. government officials and private citizens abroad.
"We takes these threats seriously, and the U.S. has increased security at United States Government facilities worldwide," the advisory said.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
124. If a man is treated with contempt by someone and yet does not react
with anger in either word or thought, it shows he has acquired real knowledge
and firm faith in the Lord.
March 18, 1999
Wow!
This morning I heard something exciting about Steve Sawyer's recent departure into glory. Steve Sawyer was a brave young man who contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion, and later became an outspoken and powerful witness for Christ on college campuses all over the nation.
(Please see http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/feb99/jim223b.htm for Jim's original prayer request when Steve was terminally ill)
Just before he departed, I was told that he suddenly exclaimed, "WOW!" At that very moment, he took his last breath and was gone.
Steve obviously saw something wonderful -- Jesus, or an angel, or the glory of heaven. Such a phenomenon where the departing person has seen something at the last second has been reported many times before. Billy Graham reports that this happened with his mother-in-law, I believe. I know a lady who saw her previously departed husband.
Let us not grieve for Steve, who is experiencing fullness of joy in the presence of the Lord, but let us grieve for those who do not know Him, many of whom leave today for a Christless eternity.
Source: Jim Bramlett <[email protected]>
(Acts 7:55-56) But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
122. We cannot entertain a passion in our mind unless we have a love for its causes.
123. For what man, who cares nothing about being put to shame, entertains
thoughts of self-esteem? Or who welcomes contempt and yet is disturbed by
dishonour? And who has ' a broken and a contrite heart ' (Ps. 51:17) and
yet indulges in carnal pleasure? Or who puts his trust in Christ and yet
worries or quarrels about transitory things?
March 17, 1999
(Psa 90:13) Relent, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants.
Prosecutor orders probe into alleged sale of child organs
Egypt's top prosecutor ordered an investigation Tuesday into the alleged sale to hospitals of organs from at least 32 children, police officials said.
Prosecutor General Ragaa el-Arabi called for the probe after 10 legislators filed a complaint, alleging that a children's shelter had sold major Egyptian hospitals organs intended for wealthy transplant patients.
The legislators said the organs were bought for $9,000 to $30,000 each. The type of organs were not specified.
They also charged that at least 25 children at the Association for the Care of Homeless Children shelter had died over the past three months, the officials said, speaking on customary condition of anonymity. The legislators did not say how they had died.
(Mat 19:13-14) Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
(Mark 9:36 -37) He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."
(Mark 10:16) And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
International Day of Prayer Against Abortion- March 25, 1999
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
121. The roots of evil thoughts are the obvious vices, which we keep trying
to justify in our words and actions.
March 16, 1999
A book to be released in Canada this coming week suggests the Shroud of Turin contains the DNA of God, as well as microscopic splinters from the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
In his book The DNA of God?, Dr. Garza-Valdes, a microbiologist, amateur archeologist and physician, argues that scientists in Britain, the United States and Switzerland erred when they carried out carbon-dating tests on the shroud in 1988 and concluded the four-metre-long cloth actually dates from the 13th or 14th century instead of from 30 A.D.
He says along with the DNA, he also found traces of microscopic splinters of oak and what might have been the vinegar offered to Jesus on a sponge at the Cross.
Dr. Garza-Valdes says his tests show the image is that of a first-century Jew with type AB blood, a blood type relatively rare in the general population but common among Jews.
Pathologists and others have examined the image and report puncture wounds on the back of the head consistent with a crown of thorns, as well as scourge marks inflicted by two men using whips with pieces of metal or bone on the end of the thongs.
Other marks indicate the man was nailed to the cross by his wrists and feet and stabbed in the side after death.
(John 19:40) Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.
(John 20:6-7) Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.
Related Sites:
The Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem - The 13th Station
Council for Study of the Shroud of Turin
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
120. When evil thoughts become active within us, we should blame ourselves
and not ancestral sin.
March 15, 1999
Justice reports prison population has more than doubled in past 12 years
During the past 12 years the number of American adults imprisoned has more than doubled, reaching its highest level ever last year, the Justice Department said Sunday. The United States soon might surpass Russia as the country with the highest rate of incarceration.
(2 Tim 3:1) But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
(2 Tim 3:2 -4) People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
119. He who hates the passions gets rid of their causes. But he who is attracted
by their causes is attacked by the passions even though he does not wish
it.
March 14, 1999
Series of quakes rattle Japanese islands
A string of more than 100 earthquakes hit a pair of Pacific islands south of Tokyo early Sunday, rattling homes and knocking dishes off shelves. No injuries or serious damage were reported.
Kosovo violence grows before Paris talks
Warring continued in Kosovo, where seven people were reported dead and at least 50 injured after bombs and artillery ravaged several villages.
(Mat 24:7-8) Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
118. When you hear Scripture saying of the Holy Spirit that He 'rested upon
each' of the Apostles (Acts 2:3), or 'came upon' the Prophet (1 Sam. 11:6),
or 'energizes' (1 Cor. 12:11), or is 'grieved' (Eph. 4:30), or is 'quenched'
(1 Thess. 5:19), or is 'vexed' (Isa. 63:10), and again, that some 'have the
firstfruits' (Rom 8:23), and that others are 'filled with the Holy Spirit'
(Acts 2:4), do not suppose that the Spirit is subject to some kind of division,
variation or change; but be sure that, in the way we have described, He is
unvarying, unchanging and all-powerful. Therefore in all His energies
He remains what He is, and in a divine manner He gives to each person what
is needful. On those who have been baptized He pours Himself out in His fulness
like the sun. Each of us is illumined by Him to the extent to which
we hate the passions that darken us and get rid of them. But in so far as
we have a love for them and dwell on them, we remain in darkness.
March 13, 1999
Please click on the above link for a message about the intense spiritual warfare that is being waged against believers in these difficult days. The warfare described is REAL and the message is an important one for the times in which we live. The statement of faith for the web site can be found at http://www.angelfire.com/in/GodsWarning/Nicene.html.
(Rev 12:12) Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short."
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
117. To him who hungers after Christ grace is food; to him who is thirsty,
a reviving drink; to him who is cold, a garment; to him who is weary, rest;
to him who prays, assurance; to him who mourns, consolation.
March 12, 1999
Prophecies of Thomas S. Gibson
March 9, 1999 (Prophecy, #209); Preparation For Things To Come:
(Long piece in tongues)
Oh, says the Lord God of heaven and earth, listen to the word and listen to the power of the might of heaven.
Those who put their faith in the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords shall be rewarded! They shall be rewarded with peace, and life, and kind peace.
But if they take their eyes off the Lord, and put their eyes on the things of the earth, and the troubles of the things of the earth, they will seek not anymore.
Seek not the things of this earth, but seek the will of heaven. Seek not the things of this earth, but seek the will of heaven. Put your eyes not on the things of this earth, but put them on the things of the Lord.
For if you take your eyes off the things of heaven and put them on the things of the earth, you'll be distracted, and be distracted enough that satan can deceive.
Look not to this earth. You shall go through trials and tribulations. Look to the Lord, and He shall provide you strength to walk, peace in your heart, and direction in your feet. You shall know where to go and what to do.
He shall give you direction. Heed what He says now, in this time. For He is directing His people now to heed the Spirit of God, and to note and take preparation for things to come.
Look not to the things of the earth, and look not to wild observations of man, wisdom of man, or opinions of man, but listen to the Lord and let Him guide you. For He shall guide and prepare you for all the times to come. He shall prepare you in the spirit, and He shall prepare you in the flesh. He shall prepare you for the things to come.
And those who are prepared shall stand in the times to come. And, yes, there shall be weak times on this earth, and the earth shall fall and fail in many ways.
But the Lord shall rise up, and His people shall rise with Him. And those that have been prepared shall guide and lead the others who have not prepared themselves. They shall be the leaders.
They shall be humble in spirit. They shall be obedient in spirit. And they shall submit to the will of God in incredible, total ways.
For I am teaching My people to submit to the will of God. No, not when its convenient, and not when its obvious; but to submit to the things of God when they have no idea of how it will work out. When it doesn't look like its the right thing to do!
I am teaching My people to submit on that level. And I have prepared a way before them! Though they cannot see it, they will walk in it by faith!!
This is the will of the Lord, and this is the will of the Lord, that you will stand in these times. Waver not on the things that He has showed you, and told you, and prepared you for!
Fear not the times to come, but rather look forward. For those who follow My will, will be responsible and participating in the greatest revival, and soul gathering that has existed since the beginning of time.
So heed the will of God! Know the will of God! Participate in the will of God! Heed the Holy Spirit in all things, and you shall be at peace, and you shall be at war!
Yes, at war! For satan shall be your foe. And the world shall be your foe. And yet, you shall be at peace in the war! For I shall give you a peace in you that is not of this earth. You shall rise up and be a strong victor, leading many, many, many, many souls into the kingdom of God.
(Jer 7:25-27) From the time your forefathers left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their forefathers.'
"When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
116. When rain falls upon the earth, it gives life to the quality inherent
in each plant: sweetness in the sweet, astringency in the astringent; similarly,
when grace falls upon the hearts of the faithful, it gives to each the energies
appropriate to the different virtues without itself changing.
March 11, 1999
New fighting in Kosovo after Holbrooke talks fail
New fighting broke out in southern Kosovo today, a day after a top U.S. envoy failed to persuade Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic to accept a Western-backed settlement for the province.
Today's fighting follows violence Wednesday that left at least four villages in flames and sent hundreds of ethnic Albanians fleeing the border area near Macedonia.
Some 2,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands driven from their homes in a year of fighting in Kosovo.
Join us on March 13, 1999 in Conyers to UNITE and Pray the Rosary for Peace around the world - TOGETHER!
Join us in person or live on the Internet Webcast at 12 noon (EST) or via the satellite telecast at 1:00 pm (EST) to pray the Rosary for peace, live from the apparition room at the Farm in Conyers, GA. Prayer groups in many other countries, particularly Latin America, will be joining us in praying the Rosary for Peace.
If you can not come this month, please call your Cable Company for the local Telecast Channel or join us on the Internet at http://www.conyers.org from home so we may pray the Rosary for peace around the world... united together!
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
115. The grace of the Spirit is one and unchanging, but energizes in each
one of us as He wills (cf. 1 Cor. 12:11).
March 10, 1999
(John 16:33) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Pentagon officials warn of an electronic Pearl Harbor
A top Pentagon official warned Congress of an ''electronic'' Pearl Harbor by cyber-terrorists and said the target is more likely to be commercial than military.
''And this Pearl Harbor's going to be different,'' Hamre said. ''It's not going to be against Navy ships sitting in a Navy shipyard; it's going to be against commercial infrastructure, and we don't control that. And there's been little progress on that.''
Gen. Joseph Ralston, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the panel the Pentagon had decided against recommending a new U.S.-based military command to deal exclusively with the terrorism issue, particularly a possible biological or chemical attack.
Instead, he said, Defense Secretary William Cohen would soon recommend to President Clinton the creation of a joint task force, made up of different services and agencies, to deal with terrorism threats.
A related email received yesterday:
This morning I received this CHILLING, very prophecy-related prayer request.
BACKGROUND. A missionary friend called and asked for prayer for his friend, a professor of toxicology at a top university and a dedicated Christian, who is one of the top three experts in the world on the effects of nuclear fallout. Russia has used his consultation on Chernobyl, and the U.S. government uses him. He has recently been invited to speak before the United Nations.
He says the government is now telling him that it is not a matter of "if," but "when" the U.S. gets hit with terrorist weapons of mass destruction, AND THAT THEY EXPECT IT MAY HAPPEN WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR! (This explains the various reported evidences of soon martial law. The government is quitely getting ready and trying not to alarm the public. It is obviously not just because of Y2K or for Clinton to remain in power, although the latter may be a result.)
The professor friend says that there is now a biological agent available to terrorists that does not kill but attacks the brain with excrutiating pain for which there is no remedy. It drive the victim crazy with pain. He was with scientific and government personnel watching a film on exotic biological agents now available that are so bad that even he could not stand to watch as people were dying such horrible deaths.
He says the threat of chemical, biological and/or nuclear (CBR) attack from terrorists in the U.S. is imminent. Clinton reportedly has approved $70 million for anti-anthrax and anti-smallpox agents, but that is hardly enough for the military and government officials. The public is left with no protection. The professor said supplies of a certain type of military survival food is virtually depleted because of people in the know in Washington who have been rushing to store it.
In numbers of deaths, such an attack could be as bad a Hiroshima, or much worse if a coordinated attack against many cities is made. It will make the Oklahoma City bombing seem like a small fire cracker. Just one well-placed bomb, such as on Wall Street, could instantly bring down the U.S. economy and cause mass panic everywhere. Never in history has there been such a threat. (America and the West are facing the horror of horrors, yet everyone is dancing on the deck of the Titanic. The music plays on.)
PRAYER REQUEST. The professor is producing a television series to educate the public on this imminent danger, including and most importantly to urge them to get right with God, to prepare themselves spiritually for this. Much of the production work has already been done. He is sending a proposal to the Discovery Channel and he asks for God's favor. He also asks for favor when he addresses the United Nations on this subject.
He is planning for a fall, 1999 television airing. When I heard this, I immediately remembered the recent input from two different, independent and credible scholarly sources that this fall, September 11, 1999, will be the end of the 6,000th year since Adam's creation and the 2,000th year since the birth of Christ, a probable date of great historic and prophetic significance. This is a historic hour in which we live!
(Luke 12:4-5) "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
114. Ample room in the heart denotes hope in God; congestion denotes bodily
care.
March 9, 1999
Jubilee 2000: Bringing the World to Jesus
Once again I would like to encourage anyone who is so led by the Spirit to submit their Catholic testimony to the Jubilee 2000 web page. As some are put off by my main site, with its emphasis on prophetic content and signs of the times, I have prepared a totally separate site and URL for the testimonies page.
It can be reached by simply typing "hereiamlord " on your browser (full address is http://www.hereiamlord.com). As prophecied events transpire, I believe more and more people will turn to Christianity as a whole and Catholicism in particular. Having our Catholic testimonies online can serve as encouragement for those considering a personal relationship with Jesus through the Catholic Church.
(Mat 24:14) And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Recent comments related to the Jubilee 2000 web site:
"Perhaps sometime soon I can post a testimony but for now may I tell you that the Holy Spirit that blessed me in '70 and has led me faithfully ever since, just recently, 4 yrs. ago to be exact, introduced me to Our Loving Mother. The graces have been innumerable for me and my family, now that we pray the Rosary daily. One special gift has been the chance to put on a pro-life musical drama ,with the faithful retelling of the story of Guadalupe and our whole family - all 9 of us - is involved!"-- BB
"Jesus converted my husband to Catholism. He then cured him of alcoholism and mended our broken marriage. To God be all the Glory."-- JS
"I was very glad to visit your nice web-site.
Since the importance of the Holy Land for the Great Jubilee is known to all, we will be happy if you will establish a link to the OFFICIAL WEB-SITE of the Catholic Church of the HOLY LAND. Our web-site is: http://www.greatjubilee2000.org."
Sincerely yours,
Wadie Abunassar
Executive Director
General Secretariat of the G.J.-Year 2000
Assembly of Catholic Bishops of the Holy Land
P.O.Box 32301 Jerusalem 91322 ISRAEL
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
113. Materiality in the case of a house consists of furnishings and food.
Materiality in the case of the intellect is self-esteem and sensual
pleasure.
March 8, 1999
Special Prediction about the Church via Ralph Martin
I attended a "Lift Jesus Higher" rally yesterday, with speakers who included Ralph Martin.
The people there reported many things, of the manifestations of the charisms (gifts of the Holy Spirit) within the Catholic Church, all sorts of miracles from healings to provisions of special needs....all in answer to prayer. Indeed, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, together with the Holy Mother are bringing message after message of the need for salvation, and the special gifts of the Spirit that one receives when one seeks God in prayer with an attitude of repentance and humility. The emphasis is truely on evangelism of the Gospel to bring the truth to ALL THE WORLD and God is backing up His desire to have us washed clean of the "junk of the world" (our sins) through His personal intervention with gifts of the Spirit in each of our lives.
Ralph reported two main themes: (1) what the Pope is saying, and (2) what the Holy Mother has been saying:
The Pope is focusing on the renewal of the Spirit. He stated that the past few years have been a run up to the Great Jubilee, which is the "beginning of the new Springtime" (The Pope's vision). (Note: All the manifestations of the Holy Spirit that I have witnessed appear to be "gentle efforts" by God to bring His lost sheep back to Him). Ralph stated that there would be a special manifestation of Jesus so that everyone will know who Jesus is.....sounded similar to Marian type prophecy, but Ralph was not specific. He stated that the celebration of the Great Jubilee will begin in December, 1999.
At the time of the prophecy, I was led to Revelation 12:5 "Then she gave birth to a son who would ruleover all nations with an iron rod. But the child was snatched away and taken to God and His throne." (Good News Bible). The temporary nature of the manifestation could be this that which is talked of within Revelation. (Perhaps someone of the Spirit can confirm this).
Of the Holy Mother, the woman who wears the crown of 12 stars (Rev. 12:1), he only mentioned that she talked with tears and of chastisements that await the world.
I hope that this is of interest. Ralph Martin's talk is available on tape. For anyone who asks, I can email the particulars as to how you may purchase such and the other talks which are also important and interesting (they focus on the need for each of us to evangelise the Gospel, etc.)
Source: Jim Collins <[email protected]>
(Acts 2:17-18) "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
112. What a house is to the air, the spiritual intellect is to divine grace.
The more you get rid of materiality, the more the air and grace will come
in of their own accord; and the more you increase the materiality, the more
they will go away.
March 7, 1999
British parliamentarian sounds alarm over asteroids
A British member of parliament Wednesday launched a campaign for the global monitoring of massive asteroids that could kill billions of people if they crashed into the Earth.
"At present an asteroid could hit the Earth and we would have about 20 seconds' notice," Lembit Opik told a news conference. "It isn't long enough to say the Lord's Prayer."
Opik was due to initiate a debate in parliament later Wednesday in which he planned to urge the government to take a lead by setting up an asteroid-tracking telescope, based in either Namibia or Australia.
Scientists believe six such dedicated telescopes are needed around the globe to identify and track the 2,000 or so "near-earth" asteroids, minor planets measuring more than a kilometer (five-eighths of a mile) across.
They say this could enable them to predict a collision with the earth some 20-30 years before it occurred, giving enough time for humanity to launch a nuclear bomb or another device into space to intercept the asteroid and deflect its course.
Asteroid-related Websites
Asteroid and Comet Impact Hazard
(Rev 8:10 -11) The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water-- the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
111. Humility consists, not in condemning our conscience, but in recognizing
God's grace and compassion.
March 6, 1999
UN Commission Convenes to Advance International Abortion Rights
The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) convened its 43rd session at UN headquarters in New York this week. Forty-five nations formally sit on the commission, although well over 100 Member States are participating in what is considered a follow-up body to the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995).
The CSW will produce a document that will be passed along to the UN General Assembly. One of the most troubling aspects of the report is that it calls for governments to “ensure that women are not deprived of their right to health services on the basis of conscience clauses cited by health providers.” Pro-life doctors around the world use conscience clauses to avoid performing abortions in public facilities.
If you would like to receive a weekly Friday Fax report by FAX or email, click here:Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute.
Mother Teresa On Abortion in the United States:
"America needs no words from me to see how your decision in Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father's role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts -- a child -- as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience. It has nominally accorded mothers unfettered dominion over the independent lives of their physically dependent sons and daughters.
And, in granting this unconscionable power, it has exposed many women to unjust and selfish demands from their husbands or other partners. Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. The right to life does not depend, and must not be declared to be contingent, on the pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or a sovereign." (Mother Theresa -- "Notable and Quotable," Wall Street Journal, 2/25/94, p. A14)
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
110. One who is repentant cannot be haughty, just as one who sins deliberately
cannot be humble-minded.
March 5, 1999
Congress hears from experts assessing threat of biological warfare
The CIA sees the threat of biological warfare and terrorism as rising but says experts may be exaggerating the ease of developing effective weapons.
"The preparation and effective use of biological weapons by both potentially hostile states and by non-state actors, including terrorists, is harder than some popular literature seems to suggest," CIA counterproliferation official John Lauder told the House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.
"That said, potential adversaries are pursuing such programs, and the threat that the United States and our allies face is growing in breadth and sophistication."
(Luke 21:11) There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
News-behind-the-News Websites
McAlvany Intelligence Advisor Daily Updates: Current Intelligence Briefing
Worldnet Daily: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/
Stratfor's Globel Intelligence Update: http://www.stratfor.com/
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
109. One alone is righteous in works, words, and thoughts. But many are made
righteous in faith, grace and repentance.
March 4, 1999
"FORM DISCIPLES FOR THE THIRD MILLENNIUM", URGES ARCHBISHOP OF DENVER
"Either we form society, or society will form us",stated Archbishop Charles Chaput, of Denver, in his conference on occasion of the "Mile High Congress - 1999" that took place in this city. The Archbishop also pointed out in his talk that "we need to form disciples in the decades ahead who are prepared for a world drastically different from anything in American memory". For this, he added, "we need to be people rooted in the Church and faithful to her teachings".
"We can not be leaven in society if we remove ourselves from the recipe", the Archbishop affirmed, highlighting the importance of forming well the new generations. "It's our job to form them in the truth which will make them genuinely free". "The future depends on God. But God acts through us to touch the souls of our young people and the soul of the next century. That is what's at stake in our lifetimes".
Finally, recalling the Holy Father's Apostolic Exhortation "Ecclesia in America", he pointed out that "the vital core of the new evangelization must be the clear and unequivocal proclamation of the person of Jesus Christ". "Whatever lies ahead, the world doesn't need more anger, more fear and more enclaves. It needs seeds of renewal, and the leaven of Christian hope". "Forming disciples for the third millennium -he concluded- boils down, finally, to preaching, teaching and building the culture of life which flows from the cross of Jesus Christ".
For the complete text: Forming disciples for the third millennium
Another wonderful treatise by Archbishop Chaput: Of Human Life
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
108. Everything we say or do without prayer afterwards turns out to be unreliable
or harmful, and so shows us up without our realizing it.
March 3, 1999
The Whirlwind
Received via email:
All indications from remnant around the world through prophecies from the Father is that we are in a whirlwind of attack. The Father has repeatedly asked His people to re-read the book of Ezekiel and told us not to think lightly of attacks in the spiritual realm but to be sober-minded. Our brothers and sisters are suffering major blows and we must stay with them all by going to the Throne Room of grace and lifting them up. Let us also be ready for the Father if He asks more of us than prayer. Let us be ready with anything that is needed for the sake of the kingdom. He will tell us and lead us in this.
(Eph 6:11) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
(Eph 6:12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
(Eph 6:13) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
107. He who is gentle in God's sight is wiser than the wise; and he who is
humble in heart is stronger than the strong. For they bear the yoke of Christ
with spiritual knowledge.
March 2, 1999
U.S. planes bomb targets in northern Iraq
Ethiopians celebrate victory, as Eritrea reports new combat
Rwandan rebels attack Ugandan tourist camp
Yugoslav forces fire on area along Kosovo's southern border
Israel remains on alert after weekend clash with Hezbollah guerrillas
Colombia death squad kills eight in oil town
(Luke 21:10) Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
106. Escape from temptation through patience and prayer. If you oppose temptation
without these, it only attacks you more strongly.
March 1, 1999
Purim is the most festive of Jewish holidays, a time of prizes, noisemakers, costumes and treats. The Festival of Purim commemorates a major victory over oppression and is recounted in the Megillah, the scroll of the story of Esther.
Purim is preceded by the Fast of Esther, which begins at dawn on the 13th of Adar (March 1) and continues until nightfall.
"After these things, King Achashverosh promoted Haman..." (Esther 3:1)
Haman's power lasted for seventy days. That is, when you count from Nissan 13, when Haman delivered his first executive decree — i.e., the letters he sent out against the Jews (Esther 3:12) — until it was effectively nullified on the 23rd of Sivan (Esther 8:9), you find that exactly 70 days elapsed.
Alluding to this, there are exactly 70 verses from the above verse describing Haman’s promotion until the verse "they hanged Haman" (Esther 7:10).
(Rom 11:25-26) I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "No Righteousness By Works"
105. The first among all evils is ignorance; next comes lack of faith.
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