Saturday, September 16, 2006
Newsletter No. 38
In this Issue:
Writings of Pope St Kyrillos IV
Sayings of our blessed Fathers
What if?
The Martyrdom of Zacharias the Prophet
A Poem I liked
God blessed us with this history
Contemplation
Birthday Wishes
GABBY's site for youth
GABBY's site for children
In the valleys I grow
Sometimes life seams hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It’s then I have to remember
That it’s in the valleys I grow.
If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God’s love
And would be living in vain.
I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it’s in the valleys I grow.
I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing
My Lord will see me through.
My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan’s loss.
Forgive me Lord for complaining
When I’m feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it’s in the valleys I grow.
Continue to strengthen me Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.
Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it’s in the valleys I grow!
Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.
When the storms of life come upon us ... and all of us will experience them...we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God.
The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment into our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them. The Bible says, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles." Isaiah 40:31.
Contents
Contents
End of Issue No. 38
Writings of Pope St Kyrillos IV
Sayings of our blessed Fathers
What if?
The Martyrdom of Zacharias the Prophet
A Poem I liked
God blessed us with this history
Contemplation
Birthday Wishes
Visit this week’s sites, brought to you by the Corner’s little angel; GABBY
Click on the GABBY sites on the left panel or below
Click on the GABBY sites on the left panel or below
GABBY's site for youth
GABBY's site for children
Writings of Pope St Kyrillos IV
Against Favouritism
Against Favouritism
“Do not give an advantage to a high ranking person over a less important person. That is, do not keep a poor man waiting while you attend to a dignitary. This should not be so. If you get into such a situation, finish the poor man’s work before the dignitary. You can, of course, show respect by bringing him a chair to sit on and offering coffee while he waits. Do not cheat your conscience.”
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Contents
Sayings of our blessed Fathers
The death of martyrs is encouragement to the faithful, daring of the Church, confirmation of Christianity, destruction of death, proof of the Resurrection, mocking at demons, condemnation of the devil, teaching of true wisdom and a pious way of life, instillation of disdain for present material benefits and the path of striving for the good to come, comfort in the face of the misfortunes which befall us, an inducement to patience, instruction in courage, the root and fount and mother of all blessings........The blood of martyrs nourishes the Church much more than the moisture of dew brings gardens in bloom."
John Chrysostom
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John Chrysostom
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What if?
What if God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we could not take the time to thank Him yesterday...
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Contents
The Martyrdom of Zacharias the Prophet
St. Zacharias, the priest, was martyred on 8 Tute by the hand of Herod the King. When the angel Gabriel announced to him the birth of John his Son, he did not believe his word and the angel made him dumb, unable to speak until the child was born. (Luke 1: 18-22) When they named the child, he asked for a writing table and wrote that his name would be John. Then he spoke, and praised God. (Luke 1:63-79) The Holy Gospel gave testimony concerning him, that he and his wife were righteous, walking in the Law of God without blemish.
When our Lord Christ was born, and the wise men came to worship Him, Herod was troubled and feared for his kingdom. Therefore, he gave the order to slay all the children of Bethlehem, from two years old and under, so he would kill the Lord Christ among them. The angel of God appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, "Take the child and flee to Egypt." St. Joseph took the child Jesus and St. Mary, His mother, and went to Egypt as the angel of the Lord had told him.
But John's mother took him and fled to the mountain were she dwelt, bringing him up for six years. After her departure to heaven, the child remained in the desert till the day of his appearance to Israel. (Luke 1: 80)
It was said that during the slaughter of the children, Herod thought that John was the Christ. He requested John from his father, Zacharias, who said, "I do not know where the child is." They threatened to kill him, but he did not heed. Herod ordered his soldiers to slay him.
It was also said that when Herod sought John to slay him, Zacharias escaped with him to the temple and put him on the altar and when they caught up with him, he told the soldiers, "From here I accepted him from the Lord," and thereupon the angel of God snatched away the child, and took him to the desert Zifana. When they did not find the child, they slew Zacharias between the temple and the altar. (Matthew 23:35)
Zacharias the priest, son of Bar-a-chi-as, is not Zacharias the prophet, who was one of the twelve minor prophets. Zacharias the prophet was not martyred but died and his body was found without decay.
His prayers be with us. Amen.
Contents
When our Lord Christ was born, and the wise men came to worship Him, Herod was troubled and feared for his kingdom. Therefore, he gave the order to slay all the children of Bethlehem, from two years old and under, so he would kill the Lord Christ among them. The angel of God appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, "Take the child and flee to Egypt." St. Joseph took the child Jesus and St. Mary, His mother, and went to Egypt as the angel of the Lord had told him.
But John's mother took him and fled to the mountain were she dwelt, bringing him up for six years. After her departure to heaven, the child remained in the desert till the day of his appearance to Israel. (Luke 1: 80)
It was said that during the slaughter of the children, Herod thought that John was the Christ. He requested John from his father, Zacharias, who said, "I do not know where the child is." They threatened to kill him, but he did not heed. Herod ordered his soldiers to slay him.
It was also said that when Herod sought John to slay him, Zacharias escaped with him to the temple and put him on the altar and when they caught up with him, he told the soldiers, "From here I accepted him from the Lord," and thereupon the angel of God snatched away the child, and took him to the desert Zifana. When they did not find the child, they slew Zacharias between the temple and the altar. (Matthew 23:35)
Zacharias the priest, son of Bar-a-chi-as, is not Zacharias the prophet, who was one of the twelve minor prophets. Zacharias the prophet was not martyred but died and his body was found without decay.
His prayers be with us. Amen.
Contents
A Poem I liked
In the valleys I grow
Sometimes life seams hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It’s then I have to remember
That it’s in the valleys I grow.
If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God’s love
And would be living in vain.
I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it’s in the valleys I grow.
I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing
My Lord will see me through.
My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan’s loss.
Forgive me Lord for complaining
When I’m feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it’s in the valleys I grow.
Continue to strengthen me Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.
Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it’s in the valleys I grow!
Eagles in the Storm
Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.
When the storms of life come upon us ... and all of us will experience them...we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God.
The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment into our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them. The Bible says, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles." Isaiah 40:31.
Contents
God blessed us with this history
Copts throughout the ages (6)
Copts throughout the ages (6)
(Synopsis from: “The story of the Copts, by Iris Habib El-Masry)
The first few years after Abba Demetrius had taken the helm of the Church were peaceful years. Then the severe persecutions of Emperor Severus broke out, and many a staunch believer was martyred. Among them was St. Leonidas, father of one of the most famous figures of the early Christian Church, Origan. Abba Demetrius, was sent into exile Upon his return, and finding out that St. Clement the Dean of School of Alexandria, had gone to rest, and also hearing from many about this vibrant young man, his heroism and zeal towards Christianity. He appointed Origan, as the Dean of the school, despite being only eighteen years of age. He proved that his Christian ardour and his passionate interest in the School more than made up for his youth. Through his efforts it flourished again, and a period of constructive work followed. The Faithful increased in number continually. Origan set to writing books, not only to teaching; his prolific productivity is still an object of amazement. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamin, in Cyprus, says that Origan wrote six thousand books, while Jerome says that however fond a person may be of reading, he can never read all of Origan's books, because they are so numerous.
But for all his knowledge, Origan committed a grave error. In his zeal, he misinterpreted our Lord's saying concerning those who make themselves eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven – and carried it out literally on himself. For this error, he paid dearly later on in his life. The Pope ex-communicated him after 28 years of relentless service. Upon his ex-communication, Origan settled in Palestine, opened a school there, which became the means of spreading the Word of God and converting many more people to Christianity among whom were Gregory, the Wonder-Worker, and his brother Athenodorus. Origan, lived away from Alexandria for 23 years which were the most fruitful of his life.
Contents
The first few years after Abba Demetrius had taken the helm of the Church were peaceful years. Then the severe persecutions of Emperor Severus broke out, and many a staunch believer was martyred. Among them was St. Leonidas, father of one of the most famous figures of the early Christian Church, Origan. Abba Demetrius, was sent into exile Upon his return, and finding out that St. Clement the Dean of School of Alexandria, had gone to rest, and also hearing from many about this vibrant young man, his heroism and zeal towards Christianity. He appointed Origan, as the Dean of the school, despite being only eighteen years of age. He proved that his Christian ardour and his passionate interest in the School more than made up for his youth. Through his efforts it flourished again, and a period of constructive work followed. The Faithful increased in number continually. Origan set to writing books, not only to teaching; his prolific productivity is still an object of amazement. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamin, in Cyprus, says that Origan wrote six thousand books, while Jerome says that however fond a person may be of reading, he can never read all of Origan's books, because they are so numerous.
But for all his knowledge, Origan committed a grave error. In his zeal, he misinterpreted our Lord's saying concerning those who make themselves eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven – and carried it out literally on himself. For this error, he paid dearly later on in his life. The Pope ex-communicated him after 28 years of relentless service. Upon his ex-communication, Origan settled in Palestine, opened a school there, which became the means of spreading the Word of God and converting many more people to Christianity among whom were Gregory, the Wonder-Worker, and his brother Athenodorus. Origan, lived away from Alexandria for 23 years which were the most fruitful of his life.
Contents
Contemplation
Count it all joy, my brethren when you fall into various trials.” (v. 2)
St. James did not say, “my children,” like St. John, but “my brethren.” The reason for this is that he talks about temptations and sufferings, so he wants to stir in them the spirit of courage as brothers, and that they are no more little children. His saying “my brethren” reminds them of their fellowship together in spiritual brotherhood through the new birth as children of God, which makes them accept the sufferings without grumbling, but in complete submission and not only joyfully but in “all joy.”
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St. James did not say, “my children,” like St. John, but “my brethren.” The reason for this is that he talks about temptations and sufferings, so he wants to stir in them the spirit of courage as brothers, and that they are no more little children. His saying “my brethren” reminds them of their fellowship together in spiritual brotherhood through the new birth as children of God, which makes them accept the sufferings without grumbling, but in complete submission and not only joyfully but in “all joy.”
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The Corner Wishes
Agok, Mariam, Uncle Monier and Alice
A Very Happy Birthday
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End of Issue No. 38
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Newsletter No. 37
In this Issue:
Coptic New Year
Sayings of our blessed fathers
An article I liked
Epistle of St. James
Copts throughout the ages (6)
In one line
Happy Fathers' day
Birthday Wishes
Contents
Coptic New Year
Sayings of our blessed fathers
An article I liked
Epistle of St. James
Copts throughout the ages (6)
In one line
Happy Fathers' day
Birthday Wishes
Visit this week’s sites, brought to you by the Corner’s little angel; GABBY
Click on the GABBY sites on the left panel
Click on the GABBY sites on the left panel
Happy New Year
Sayings of our blessed fathers
Blessed is God!
In our time as well martyrs have come forth, and we have been made worthy to see people sacrificed for the Lord Christ, people who shed their holy blood to irrigate the entire Church. We have been made worthy to see people, advocates of piety, who are victorious; who are crowned......and we now have these crowned ones among us."
St John Chrysostom
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In our time as well martyrs have come forth, and we have been made worthy to see people sacrificed for the Lord Christ, people who shed their holy blood to irrigate the entire Church. We have been made worthy to see people, advocates of piety, who are victorious; who are crowned......and we now have these crowned ones among us."
St John Chrysostom
Contents
An article I liked
The first day of the blessed month of Tute marks the beginning of the Coptic New Year and is the day set aside to celebrate the Feast of El-Nayrouz. On this feast day we honor those who stood and confessed their faith in the Word of God with firmness and commitment and with the totality of their lives.
The risen Lord sent His chosen disciples throughout the world with this message, "You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)" The disciples were the Lord's WITNESSES. "MARTYRS" is the Greek word for "WITNESSES." The early church thought of death as the complete and final act of witnessing. Thus the term "martyr" has come to be defined as one who witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ by dying for His name.
During the first four centuries, the Coptic Orthodox Church produced an overwhelming number of martyrs whose steadfastness and perseverance was an inspiration to all Christian believers. Martyrdom was a fact of life for those who confessed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Egypt, known as "the land of the martyrs," counted more martyrs in its midst than any other country in the world. Our early saints became legendary examples on how to be a faithful member of the Church. As early as May 8, 68 AD, St. Mark was slain on Monday following the glorious feast of Resurrection after being dragged from his feet by Roman soldiers all over Alexandria's streets and passageways.
The Copts have been persecuted by almost every ruler of Egypt. Being abused, tortured and martyred under the Romans, Byzantines, and the Moslems has only instilled dedication and courage to believers to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Contents
The risen Lord sent His chosen disciples throughout the world with this message, "You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)" The disciples were the Lord's WITNESSES. "MARTYRS" is the Greek word for "WITNESSES." The early church thought of death as the complete and final act of witnessing. Thus the term "martyr" has come to be defined as one who witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ by dying for His name.
During the first four centuries, the Coptic Orthodox Church produced an overwhelming number of martyrs whose steadfastness and perseverance was an inspiration to all Christian believers. Martyrdom was a fact of life for those who confessed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Egypt, known as "the land of the martyrs," counted more martyrs in its midst than any other country in the world. Our early saints became legendary examples on how to be a faithful member of the Church. As early as May 8, 68 AD, St. Mark was slain on Monday following the glorious feast of Resurrection after being dragged from his feet by Roman soldiers all over Alexandria's streets and passageways.
The Copts have been persecuted by almost every ruler of Egypt. Being abused, tortured and martyred under the Romans, Byzantines, and the Moslems has only instilled dedication and courage to believers to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Contents
Epistle of St. James
“James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the dispersion: greeting.” (v. 1)
St. James did not mention that he was related to the Lord Jesus in flesh, but calls himself “a servant.” We know that a slave or a servant did not have any right or authority over his body, his will, wife or children, but his master has the right to manage all his affairs, according to the master’s wishes. Hence, St. James loves the Lord Jesus to the extent of considering himself a slave to Him. He rejoices to let the Beloved do whatever He likes with him, this is slavery but not against his will instead; in love and submission. These are the feelings of those who love the Holy Trinity. Seeing the Father opening His bosom for His children, the Son accepting them as His own bride, and the Holy Spirit becoming His temple. They sing in the bosom of the Holy Trinity in complete submission as servants. So everyone says with St. James, “a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” This saying reveals the greatness of St. James’ love for the Lord and worshiping Him in true humility. (Fr. Tadros Malaty)
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St. James did not mention that he was related to the Lord Jesus in flesh, but calls himself “a servant.” We know that a slave or a servant did not have any right or authority over his body, his will, wife or children, but his master has the right to manage all his affairs, according to the master’s wishes. Hence, St. James loves the Lord Jesus to the extent of considering himself a slave to Him. He rejoices to let the Beloved do whatever He likes with him, this is slavery but not against his will instead; in love and submission. These are the feelings of those who love the Holy Trinity. Seeing the Father opening His bosom for His children, the Son accepting them as His own bride, and the Holy Spirit becoming His temple. They sing in the bosom of the Holy Trinity in complete submission as servants. So everyone says with St. James, “a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” This saying reveals the greatness of St. James’ love for the Lord and worshiping Him in true humility. (Fr. Tadros Malaty)
Contents
God blessed us with this history
Copts throughout the ages (6)
Copts throughout the ages (6)
(Synopsis from: “The story of the Copts, by Iris Habib El-Masry)
In the year of Grace l99, the tide of Coptic history was taking a turn: the peace that had been enjoyed by the Church up till then was about to be broken. Abba Demetrius, heretofore a simple vinedresser, was chosen to sit on the Chair of St. Mark. The choice came about when his predecessor, Abba Yulianus, had seen a vision, wherein he was told by an Angel that his departure from this world was imminent, and that he was to choose as his successor the man who came to him on the following day with a bunch of grapes. On the morrow Demetrius, the vinedresser, appeared carrying a bunch of grapes, the first fruit of the season, as a gift to his Pope. Abba Yulianus immediately retained him and related his vision to those around him. On that very same day he died and was gathered unto his forebears. The people, true to the counsel of Yulianus, declared Demetrius as his successor. Thus he became the 12th successor of St. Mark the Apostle.
Demetrius had been a man of little learning. When he was chosen Pope, the first goal he set for himself was to seek learning assiduously and diligently, and to make himself worthy of serving his people. It is said of him that he used to sit at the feet of his teachers saying, “Let men seek knowledge with true humility and an ardent desire to learn, forgetful of rank or position”. As time went on, Demetrius became one of the most learned of prelates-a bright and shining star in the firmament of the Coptic Church which was destined to be ill with shining stars. One of the many significant original achievements of Abba Demetrius was the method he devised for calculating the date of Easter so that it would always follow the Jewish Passover, according to the historical biblical events. This method is known as the "Epact," and to this day it is followed by all Eastern Orthodox Churches in determining their Easter date many years in advance. The first few years after Abba Demetrius had taken the helm of the Church were peaceful years. Then the severe persecutions of Emperor Severus broke out, and many a staunch believer was martyred. Among them was St. Leonidas, father of one of the most famous figures of the early Christian Church, Origen. Abba Demetrius, seized and sent into exile, where he remained until the persecutions ceased.
(to be continued)
Contents
In the year of Grace l99, the tide of Coptic history was taking a turn: the peace that had been enjoyed by the Church up till then was about to be broken. Abba Demetrius, heretofore a simple vinedresser, was chosen to sit on the Chair of St. Mark. The choice came about when his predecessor, Abba Yulianus, had seen a vision, wherein he was told by an Angel that his departure from this world was imminent, and that he was to choose as his successor the man who came to him on the following day with a bunch of grapes. On the morrow Demetrius, the vinedresser, appeared carrying a bunch of grapes, the first fruit of the season, as a gift to his Pope. Abba Yulianus immediately retained him and related his vision to those around him. On that very same day he died and was gathered unto his forebears. The people, true to the counsel of Yulianus, declared Demetrius as his successor. Thus he became the 12th successor of St. Mark the Apostle.
Demetrius had been a man of little learning. When he was chosen Pope, the first goal he set for himself was to seek learning assiduously and diligently, and to make himself worthy of serving his people. It is said of him that he used to sit at the feet of his teachers saying, “Let men seek knowledge with true humility and an ardent desire to learn, forgetful of rank or position”. As time went on, Demetrius became one of the most learned of prelates-a bright and shining star in the firmament of the Coptic Church which was destined to be ill with shining stars. One of the many significant original achievements of Abba Demetrius was the method he devised for calculating the date of Easter so that it would always follow the Jewish Passover, according to the historical biblical events. This method is known as the "Epact," and to this day it is followed by all Eastern Orthodox Churches in determining their Easter date many years in advance. The first few years after Abba Demetrius had taken the helm of the Church were peaceful years. Then the severe persecutions of Emperor Severus broke out, and many a staunch believer was martyred. Among them was St. Leonidas, father of one of the most famous figures of the early Christian Church, Origen. Abba Demetrius, seized and sent into exile, where he remained until the persecutions ceased.
(to be continued)
Contents
In one line
The Corner cordially congratulates
Mr. Tarik
On winning this year’s father of the year title, in our church.
May our Gracious Lord bless all the fathers in this church and elsewhere.
May our Gracious Lord bless all the fathers in this church and elsewhere.
Contents
The Corner Wishes
Marian
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Newsletter No. 36
In this Issue:
A Prayer by Pope St Kyrollos VI
Sayings of our blessed fathers
Easy … Difficult
A Poem I liked
A Commentary I liked
Miracles happen all the time
Your Say in the Survey
Birthday Wishes
Contents
End of Issue No. 36
A Prayer by Pope St Kyrollos VI
Sayings of our blessed fathers
Easy … Difficult
A Poem I liked
A Commentary I liked
Miracles happen all the time
Your Say in the Survey
Birthday Wishes
A Prayer by Pope St Kyrollos VI
We are asked to pray continually and never lose heart. When we pray we are inclined to give up if God does not seem to answer us immediately. But that’s wrong. We should persevere knowing that Christ is always interceding for us to His Father for our protection and welfare. As long as we pray in faith then we can never be beaten by our enemies.
Another prayer also, by his holiness
“Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who searches and holds the reins, accord us love and plant it in our hearts. Let us feel and appreciate it, even if our hearts are separated in far away countries. Yes Lord, this is a great blessing that you give freely to people who, with one heart, always beg in their prayers and supplications saying; “O Lord plant in us the pure tree of love. We beg you to have it increase and bring forth fruit thirty-fold and a hundred-fold. O Messiah of Our Lord, who is rich in loving kindness, protect us with your strong arm from the enemy who can fill us with wrath, and can make us speak hurtful words to others, for which we later repent in our seclusion. You know Lord that we are powerless in front of this enemy. Give us victory over him. Shut his mouth so that he may not approach us. Set a watch O Lord, before our mouths. Keep the door closed on our lips. Let us take insults and use them to help us be modest. Let Your right hand hold and keep us under the shadow of Your wings. Guide our steps along the path to truth. Glory honour and worship are worthy of You, with Your Father and The Holy Spirit, now and forever, amen.
Contents
Another prayer also, by his holiness
“Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who searches and holds the reins, accord us love and plant it in our hearts. Let us feel and appreciate it, even if our hearts are separated in far away countries. Yes Lord, this is a great blessing that you give freely to people who, with one heart, always beg in their prayers and supplications saying; “O Lord plant in us the pure tree of love. We beg you to have it increase and bring forth fruit thirty-fold and a hundred-fold. O Messiah of Our Lord, who is rich in loving kindness, protect us with your strong arm from the enemy who can fill us with wrath, and can make us speak hurtful words to others, for which we later repent in our seclusion. You know Lord that we are powerless in front of this enemy. Give us victory over him. Shut his mouth so that he may not approach us. Set a watch O Lord, before our mouths. Keep the door closed on our lips. Let us take insults and use them to help us be modest. Let Your right hand hold and keep us under the shadow of Your wings. Guide our steps along the path to truth. Glory honour and worship are worthy of You, with Your Father and The Holy Spirit, now and forever, amen.
Contents
Sayings of our blessed fathers
Just as a lamp lights up a dark room, so the fear of God, when it penetrates the heart of a man illuminates him, teaching him all the virtues & commandants. + Abba James +
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Contents
Easy … Difficult
Easy is to get a place in someone's address book.
Difficult is to get a place in someone's heart.
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Difficult is to get a place in someone's heart.
Contents
A Poem I liked
I love you daddy
Say, do you love me Sonny?
The question was from me,
To my little son, a-swingin'
Boy-like on my knee.
Of course, I love you, daddy,"
He said with honest eye,
I pulled him closer to me
'Tell me, honey, 'why?'
"Well, it's NOT because you're daddy!"
(He seemed to think a bit)
He fumbled with my necktie ....
"No, that's not it!"
He seemed to think a moment,
Then sort've settled back ....
"You love ME so much, daddy,
I reckon I just like to love you back!".
I think that answer sort've helped me know
The reason why I love the Master so;
His love is grand, and strong, and knows no slack,
He loves me so much, I reckon I just like to love Him back!
Say, do you love me Sonny?
The question was from me,
To my little son, a-swingin'
Boy-like on my knee.
Of course, I love you, daddy,"
He said with honest eye,
I pulled him closer to me
'Tell me, honey, 'why?'
"Well, it's NOT because you're daddy!"
(He seemed to think a bit)
He fumbled with my necktie ....
"No, that's not it!"
He seemed to think a moment,
Then sort've settled back ....
"You love ME so much, daddy,
I reckon I just like to love you back!".
I think that answer sort've helped me know
The reason why I love the Master so;
His love is grand, and strong, and knows no slack,
He loves me so much, I reckon I just like to love Him back!
A Commentary I liked
Genesis 1:1-5
Beginnings. All beginnings must begin with God. Always put God first. The first stone in every building, our first thought every morning, the first ain and purpose of all activity ought to be for Him. Begin the book of the year with God, and you will end it with the glory of the new Jerusalem. At first, as in the physical creation, your heart and life may seem to be “without form and void.” Do not be discouraged. The Spirit of God is within you, brooming amid the darkness, and presently His Light will shine through. It is the blessed presence of the Lord Jesus that stirs in your heart and will presently rule your life (John 1:4). His presence divides between good and evil. You must distinguish between Christ and self. Follow the gleam and you shall not walk in darkness, but have light of life. God’s days begin in evenings, and always end in mornings.
F. B. MYER
Contents
Beginnings. All beginnings must begin with God. Always put God first. The first stone in every building, our first thought every morning, the first ain and purpose of all activity ought to be for Him. Begin the book of the year with God, and you will end it with the glory of the new Jerusalem. At first, as in the physical creation, your heart and life may seem to be “without form and void.” Do not be discouraged. The Spirit of God is within you, brooming amid the darkness, and presently His Light will shine through. It is the blessed presence of the Lord Jesus that stirs in your heart and will presently rule your life (John 1:4). His presence divides between good and evil. You must distinguish between Christ and self. Follow the gleam and you shall not walk in darkness, but have light of life. God’s days begin in evenings, and always end in mornings.
F. B. MYER
Contents
Miracles happen all the time
Your Say in the Survey
A hi-5 to all those who participated in the questionnaire last Sunday. Thanx to your feedback which was positive all the way, it is really very encouraging. Please feel free to give your opinion at anytime.
41 people participated in this questionnaire ; out of which 36 do read the newsletter.
8 in grades 3&4 including servants.
8 In grades 5&6 including servants.
5 In grades 7&8 including servants.
11 In grades 9&10 including servants.
9 In grades 11 & 12. including servants.
19 always read the newsletter.
17 sometimes read it.
5 never read it.
Main results:
25 regard Miracles as very important.
22 regard Church News as very important
19 regard Sayings of the Fathers as very important
18 regard Birthdays as very important
16 regard Story I liked as very important
16 regard History of our church as very important
Also, all your ideas shall be catered for, God willing, as it is a privilege to do serve and please yous.
Accordingly, the new topics shall be added, and hopefully together with the existing ones that you regard as important, shall rotate on a regular basis.
Some of the new topics to be added to our regular topics are:
songs and poems
Gabby the angel’s recommendations for books, tapes, CDs, …
Gabby’s trips to our churches around the world.
Bible commentaries.
Interesting websites ...... And more.
Contents
41 people participated in this questionnaire ; out of which 36 do read the newsletter.
8 in grades 3&4 including servants.
8 In grades 5&6 including servants.
5 In grades 7&8 including servants.
11 In grades 9&10 including servants.
9 In grades 11 & 12. including servants.
19 always read the newsletter.
17 sometimes read it.
5 never read it.
Main results:
25 regard Miracles as very important.
22 regard Church News as very important
19 regard Sayings of the Fathers as very important
18 regard Birthdays as very important
16 regard Story I liked as very important
16 regard History of our church as very important
Also, all your ideas shall be catered for, God willing, as it is a privilege to do serve and please yous.
Accordingly, the new topics shall be added, and hopefully together with the existing ones that you regard as important, shall rotate on a regular basis.
Some of the new topics to be added to our regular topics are:
songs and poems
Gabby the angel’s recommendations for books, tapes, CDs, …
Gabby’s trips to our churches around the world.
Bible commentaries.
Interesting websites ...... And more.
Contents
The Corner Wishes
Mirett
A Very Happy Birthday
Contents
End of Issue No. 36
