Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen †
Posted in Uncategorized
✝️
A Reed Shaken with the Wind?
By Pastor Kevin Sadler
“And when the messengers of John were departed, He began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet” (Luke 7:24-26).
In this passage, our Lord praised John the Baptist. The Lord asked those present that day, “When you went out in the wilderness to see John, did you expect him to be like a reed shaken with the wind?”
The region in the wilderness where John preached was flooded annually by the Jordan River and produced many reeds of a light, fragile nature that were easily blown around by the wind. The question the Lord asked was if they saw a man who was easily moved and vacillating, perhaps one who catered to the crowd and moved with every whim of popular opinion. Not John. John was a man of conviction and courage. He preached the message God gave him, the gospel of the kingdom, and stood firmly for that truth. He was not swayed, and no one could ever accuse John of being a reed shaken by the wind.
We need to be like John with the truth of God’s message of grace for today—not one who is “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14), but one who stands firm and is “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:1).
The Lord also asked the crowd, “When you went to see John, did you go to see a man who was dressed in fine clothes and soft fabrics, the kind worn in the palaces of kings?” Matthew 3:4 tells us that “John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins.” John wore poor, coarse clothing. He was dressed in camel’s hair, the coarse fabric of an outdoorsman rather than soft raiment and fashionable attire. He was a man who was not concerned with the things that people ordinarily wish for or care about. He was absorbed with God’s truth and spiritual realities. Being so, he made others see how poor they were and how rich they could be.
The Lord asked, “When you went out to the wilderness, did you go out to see a prophet?” The Lord said yes, it was a prophet they went out to see. In fulfilling his role as a prophet, John was a man who declared the Word of the living God, no matter what the cost to him might have been. John was a prophet “and much more than a prophet” (Luke 7:26), because he was also the prophesied messenger, the forerunner who would prepare the way for the Messiah’s ministry (Luke 3:2-4).
John is a good example for us, because today there are many distractions, many things trying to pull us away from Christ and our purpose as believers. Like John, we need to be focused on serving the cause of Christ, standing for God’s truth, and living for eternal realities so that we can follow Paul’s challenge, “Take heed to the ministry which thou hast [we have] received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it” (Col. 4:17).
https://www.bereanbiblesociety.org/a-reed-shaken-with-the-wind/
Luke 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts.
26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
2 Timothy 2:1 ¶ Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
Luke 3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Colossians 4:17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
.
.
.
Platero y yo is a 1914 Spanish poem written by Juan Ramon Jimenez. It tells a simple story of a travel with his beloved donkey, Platero. There are English translations available on the internet and i can assure you that his imagery is both touching and engaging—definitely worth a read. Spanish composer and guitarist Sanez de la Maza wrote some excellent guitar pieces intended to accompany Jimenez’s prose. Even without the words, they do a good job of conveying his meaning. Here are three examples . . . This is classical guitar playing at it’s very best. Enjoy.
This is Juan Ramon’s celebration of his beloved companion’s death . . .
Thank you. I love classical guitar. Had forgotten about Platero y Yo. Will save these to listen again.
As a Spanish major, I have read this years ago. I will reread.
Wow. Notably different from traditional Spanish classical compositions, these arrangements spend more time in major keys and with major 6ths and 7ths. More positive, upbeat, relaxed – with less tension and drama….. I have not yet found an English translation of the original Spanish prose, but will keep trying.
What a voice!
One of my all-time favorite singers. My parents played his music and I believe this man’s mellow tones could calm just about anyone.
On this day ~
June 2, 1861
✝️ “Nikolai” (Ivan Kasatkin) arrived in Japan from Russia with a secret plan. Eight quiet years passed, during which time he mastered oriental tongues. Christianity was a prohibited religion in Japan. Anything he did must be done cautiously. He would make the church indigenous, as free as possible of Russian influence. The church would be organized not around priests, but around lay workers. No missionary of any Christian denomination had ever had much success with the Japanese, who have long, proud traditions of their own.
Under Nikolai’s leadership a full mission staff from Russia came to Japan in 1872. By 1873, Japan had legalized Christianity. Hundreds of Japanese responded to the preaching of the gospel and were converted each year. Lay ministry was successful. The church was independent. If few believers could be won among the elite, humble commoners listened eagerly and came to Christ. By the time of Nikolai’s death, the Japanese Orthodox church numbered 33,000 believers.
Don’t miss this interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn_b4NRTB6k
It’s pretty clear that there has been an aggressive global effort to suppress effective treatment for this disease. It’s despicable and I’m disgusted with the medical community for not being up in arms about it.
EXCELLENT INTERVIEW. Just published yesterday – June 1, 2021
NATIONAL FIRST LADIES DAY
National First Ladies Day on June 2nd commemorates the very first First Lady of the United States and all those who followed in her footsteps. It’s a day to recognize the role the first ladies have played in molding our nation.
Since 1789, a first lady has accompanied every president. Starting with Martha Washington, who was born on June 2, 1731, first ladies have helped set a tone in the highest office of the land. Even the country’s only bachelor president, James Buchannan, required someone to act as hostess. Harriet Lane, the president’s niece, stepped into the role of the first lady. She presented a well-ordered White House with tact and grace. Lane isn’t the only relative to serve in the role of the first lady. Several other presidents held office as widowers requiring someone to step into the role as a de facto first lady, too.
NATIONAL ROTISSERIE CHICKEN DAY
On June 2nd each year, chicken lovers celebrate National Rotisserie Chicken Day. While there a numerous ways to cook a whole chicken, rotisserie chicken offers a slow cooking method that seals in flavor.
Now that’s a National Day I can sink my teeth into
YUMmm…. Stuffing with apricots and crasins; glazed (repeatedly) with apricot wine.
~Will have to get the rotisserie out of the basement
PRAYING ON THE ARMOR OF GOD
Father God, I now follow your command to put on the full armor of God, because my battle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the unseen world.
I first pray on the Belt of Truth that it may be buckled around my waist, may I be centered and encircled by your truth dear Lord. Hem me inside all that is true and right, and may I be protected and held up by the truth of your living word, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray on the Breastplate of righteousness, please protect my vital organs and my inner man, cover my integrity, my spirit, and my soul. Guard my heart for it is the wellspring of life, please strengthen and guard the most vulnerable places in my life with that which is right, good, and noble that I might not receive a fatal blow from the enemy, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray on the Gospel Shoes of Peace. I choose to stand in the shoes of your good news, and on the firm foundation of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the solid eternal rock. All other ground is sinking sand, I pray that I will not slip or fall, but that my feet would be firmly fitted on your lordship, my Lord Jesus. I choose to stand on you, so that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus, the eternal Rock of Ages. I receive your holy peace now my Lord, from the sole of my feet to the crown of my head, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray the Shield of Faith into my hand now. As I take up the shield of faith, I ask that you might extinguish every dart and arrow, that is launched from the enemy to take me down spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and every attempt of the enemy to destroy my joy. I ask that my faith in you would make it flame out. Extinguish every flaming arrow that would come against me, my life, my family, my home, or my ministry. May my faith always be out in front of me like a shield. Give me the courage to “faith my fears” by choosing to walk by faith and not by sight, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray on the Helmet of Salvation, that you might protect my mind from the thoughts that can lead me astray. I choose to take every thought captive, and arrest all intentioned ideas and motives that would harm others, or distract me from your holy will for me. I submit every captured thought to the Lordship of my Lord Jesus Christ, and ask that you would imprison those thoughts that are not of you my Lord. Transform my mind and renew my thinking that I may think God thoughts, and have a sober mind that is focused on your glory. Please protect me from being double minded that I may allow my mind, I reject to live an earthly life, because I choose to live a holy one, governed by you My Lord Jesus, the prince of peace, please have my mind to be saturated with the holy mind of Christ, in my Lord Jesus name.
Finally, I take up the Sword of the Spirit which is the holy word of God, I pray this powerful offensive weapon into my hand, and ask that your holy word would be fitting for every encounter I face. As the enemy gets close to me, please give me the insight, wisdom, and skill to wield the word of God to drive away the enemy, in my Lord Jesus name.
May the enemy and his team flee from me, upon hearing the word of God spoken by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit. Give me the sword of the spirit to cut through the wiles of the devil, so that I may discern the schemes of the enemy when he is near.
With all kinds of prayers, supplication, and intercession I pray to you my Lord God as the one who fights my battles. Now that I’m in your holy powerful armor, I walk away covered and ready to face my day as you go before me, and please protect me in the midst of the spiritual warfare in this unseen world, in my Lord Jesus name.
Thank you my Lord, for the spiritual weapons of armor and prayer that you have given me. It is written no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses me.
Thank you Father God, my Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit, that I am more than a conqueror in my Lord Jesus. I pray all of this in the mighty name of my Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, amen.
Verse of the Day for Wednesday, June 2, 2021
✟
“Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 1:13 (KJV)
Thank You, Jesus, for blessings received and prayers answered!!!
BE MY VOICE
Amen.
WHAT ARE YOU HAUNTED BY?
“What man is he that feareth the Lord?” Psalm xxv. 12
What are you haunted by? You will say – By nothing, but we are all haunted by something, generally by ourselves, or, if we are Christians, by our experience. The Psalmist says we are to be haunted by God. The abiding consciousness of the life is to be God, not thinking about Him. The whole of our life inside and out is to be absolutely haunted by the presence of God. A child’s consciousness is so mother-haunted that although the child is not consciously thinking of its mother, yet when calamity arises, the relationship that abides is that of the mother. So we are to live and move and have our being in God, to look at everything in relation to God, because the abiding consciousness of God pushes itself to the front all the time.
If we are haunted by God, nothing else can get in, no cares, no tribulation, no anxieties. We see now why Our Lord so emphasized the sin of worry. How can we dare be so utterly unbelieving when God is round about us? To be haunted by God is to have an effective barricade against all the onslaughts of the enemy.
“His soul shall dwell at ease.” In tribulation, misunderstanding, slander, in the midst of all these things, if our life is hid with Christ in God, He will keep us at ease. We rob ourselves of the marvelous revelation of this abiding companionship of God. “God is our Refuge” – nothing can come through that shelter.
Oswald Chamber
June 2nd Devotional
I love this! Thank you, Dora.
. . . but deliver us from the Evil One.
Amen ?
The Jesus Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.
The 50th Psalm Septuagint (Psalm 51 KJV).
Prayer of Saint Ioannikios the Great of Bithynia (+ 846)
My hope is the Father, my refuge the Son, my protection the Holy Spirit. O Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.
Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Pascha
Apodosis of Mid-Pentecost
May 20th on the traditional Calendar of the Orthodox Christian Church and June 2nd on the civil or commercial calendar.
Acts of the Holy Apostles 13: 13 – 24
Holy Gospel according to Saint John 6: 5 – 14
Holy Martyr Thallelaios the Unmercenary and Alexander and Asterios in Cilicia (+ 284)
Saint Lydia of Philippi, the seller of purple
Saint Thalassios the Myrrh-gusher of Libya (+ ca. 660)
Martyr Ethelbert, King of East Anglia (+ ca. 793)
and many other Saints and Holy Martyrs who are commemorated today.
The Paschal Troparion
Christ is risen from the dead, by death hath He trampled down death and on those in the graves hath He bestowed life.
(sung thrice)
Mornin’ infidels!
Florida’s screwy agricultural commish throws sand and declares she is running for governor. https://tallahasseereports.com/2021/06/01/fried-ready-to-run-for-governor/ https://floridianpress.com/2021/06/nikki-fried-officially-running-for-governor-against-ron-desantis/
Meet the ‘progressive’ cousin of the Hollywood Walk of Fame https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2106020016/
A powerful and important message about resistance to forced vaccinations:
“Just Say No”
Sweet! A Rap Song , “Just Say No” (to the vaccine)
Very well done. Even though I really despise rap, I made myself listen to the whole thing.
Looks Pretty Good.
.
I posted a bit of an update yesterday, but it was late and I think it may’ve gotten lost in the noise.
Baby and I are fine – it’s just end-of-pregnancy + Southern summer weather + the physical effects of getting ready to move in a couple weeks.
Many thanks to all the Treepers who prayed for us. I love you all – and during a time when I felt quite alone and anxious, y’all helped me feel so much better, surrounded and loved. Thank you.
Thank God! Keep us posted.
So glad to hear!! Will continue praying!
That’s Great! Hope the good health continues for you & Baby Climber!
MAGA
The Phrase Finder 😛
https://www.phrases.org.uk/index.html
Don’t Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Face Meaning
Definition: Don’t overreact and do something in anger that is more harmful to you than to others.
What’s the meaning of the phrase ‘Cut off your nose to spite your face’?
To ‘cut off your nose to spite your face’ is to disadvantage yourself in order to do harm to an adversary.
For example, a restauranteur might refuse to serve bankers because he disapproves of money-lending. He would harm the bankers slightly by this by inconveniencing them, but harm himself also by the loss of business.
The expression is often used as proverbial advice “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face”. That is “don’t do something to harm your enemies and end up harming yourself”.
Ezekiel 23:25KJV
I will set My jealousy against you, And they shall deal furiously with you; They shall remove your nose and your ears, And your remnant shall fall by the sword; They shall take your sons and your daughters, And your remnant shall be devoured by fire.
lilbirdee12’s prayer:
Our Heavenly Father, Your children come to you tonight to ask for healing and peace throughout our country so that we may return to being One Nation Under God. Guide us to be leaders in Your Kingdom, spreading Your Love and Salvation to all. Forgive us our sins and deliver us from evil.
Lord, we ask for a blanket of protection over all our troops and law enforcement who serve to defend and protect us. Bless our representatives with the strength and wisdom they need to achieve the path You have chosen for us.
Please place Your Guardian Angels of Protection around Donald Trump and his family as they seek to lead America back to You. Also, we pray for Angels to protect and support our Sundance as he works for justice and peace.
Grant us patience, Lord, as the evil ones try to anger us and cause us to fall.
Spread blessings over Israel and Netanyahu.
We humbly ask that You please comfort those who are grieving and in pain.
Thank you Father, for Your Love and the gift of Life.
In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for the reminder.
Amen
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
✝️ Lord, thank You for the day. Amen.