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1
Personal Issues / Re: This is how I feel
« on: April 13, 2012, 09:00:43 PM »
Christ is the life. (John 14:6)
A true life, a complete life, is lived in Christ.
Yet, Christ says, 'In this world you will have tribulation'. Within tribulation, can we truly be happy? I think it's quite inconceivable (personal opinion). Yet, I would very strongly argue, you can be joyful. For 'be of good cheer, I have overcome the world', He says. No matter what we are facing, without Christ, I cannot feel or live in Joy. For without Christ, we cannot overcome the world and it's tribulation. With Christ however, I remain unshaken through tribulation. Yet, knowledge and life with Christ is without ends, without boundary. There is so much to learn, that day by day, if I live with Him, pray to Him, enjoy Him, I find out that there is more and more joy to be found.
I pray that we keep our eyes focus on Christ, enjoy this Joyful period of Resurrection. I pray that we may rise together and grow more and more in Christ and that we all pray for each other to partake of the Resurrection and the fullness of joy which is only found in Christ.
A true life, a complete life, is lived in Christ.
Yet, Christ says, 'In this world you will have tribulation'. Within tribulation, can we truly be happy? I think it's quite inconceivable (personal opinion). Yet, I would very strongly argue, you can be joyful. For 'be of good cheer, I have overcome the world', He says. No matter what we are facing, without Christ, I cannot feel or live in Joy. For without Christ, we cannot overcome the world and it's tribulation. With Christ however, I remain unshaken through tribulation. Yet, knowledge and life with Christ is without ends, without boundary. There is so much to learn, that day by day, if I live with Him, pray to Him, enjoy Him, I find out that there is more and more joy to be found.
I pray that we keep our eyes focus on Christ, enjoy this Joyful period of Resurrection. I pray that we may rise together and grow more and more in Christ and that we all pray for each other to partake of the Resurrection and the fullness of joy which is only found in Christ.
2
Coptic Orthodox Church / Re: Why do we have funerals Prayers?
« on: April 08, 2012, 01:24:26 PM »
I asked for God's mercy last night in my prayers, should I no longer ask for his mercy AGAIN?
We want nothing but to be sure that God accepts our prayers. We will constantly insist that He repose us in heaven.
I do not know the actual rites themselves, but wouldn't that make sense? Why would we ever stop? If we had the ability, I wish the church can pray on my soul and every other soul that God may have mercy on us so that we make it to heaven... What else then is the point of prayer?
We want nothing but to be sure that God accepts our prayers. We will constantly insist that He repose us in heaven.
I do not know the actual rites themselves, but wouldn't that make sense? Why would we ever stop? If we had the ability, I wish the church can pray on my soul and every other soul that God may have mercy on us so that we make it to heaven... What else then is the point of prayer?
3
Personal Issues / Re: This is how I feel
« on: April 02, 2012, 04:44:53 PM »
There are people who have all sorts of problems yet are happy.
Others have nearly no problems yet are not happy.
Would you believe that to be possible?
Others have nearly no problems yet are not happy.
Would you believe that to be possible?
4
Faith Issues / Re: Forsaking all to follow Jesus
« on: March 01, 2012, 09:40:47 PM »without their prayers in the monasteries for us I think the world would be a much different place.
A much better place perhaps?
What do you mean by this?
Just a lame sarcastic comment! (A)
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Faith Issues / Re: Forsaking all to follow Jesus
« on: March 01, 2012, 05:29:28 PM »without their prayers in the monasteries for us I think the world would be a much different place.
A much better place perhaps?
6
Personal Issues / Re: Lost important thing to me (literally)
« on: January 29, 2012, 04:48:02 PM »
I sure hope you find your wallet with the help of Anba Wannas!
I would like to share a part of our sermon today that I find may relate a bit to this thread...
Today's reading involved about being born again/baptism. The main focus of the sermon revolved around the verse where Saint John the Baptist said: "He must increase, but I must decrease" John 3:30. And the sermon then became a small meditation. Where am I in this? I could fall in 4 categories. I live for..
1 - Myself alone,
2 - Myself and God,
3 - God and myself and lastly,
4 - God alone.
Clearly, our goals is to gradually find ourselves saying that we live for God and God alone, nothing else matters at that point. We sacrifice all that is ours, and live for Christ.
The sermon touched me and thought it was a relevant thread to share it on.
I do hope you find your wallet, its not easy to let go/lose things unwillingly. However, don't be too mad if you don't find it!
GB
I would like to share a part of our sermon today that I find may relate a bit to this thread...
Today's reading involved about being born again/baptism. The main focus of the sermon revolved around the verse where Saint John the Baptist said: "He must increase, but I must decrease" John 3:30. And the sermon then became a small meditation. Where am I in this? I could fall in 4 categories. I live for..
1 - Myself alone,
2 - Myself and God,
3 - God and myself and lastly,
4 - God alone.
Clearly, our goals is to gradually find ourselves saying that we live for God and God alone, nothing else matters at that point. We sacrifice all that is ours, and live for Christ.
The sermon touched me and thought it was a relevant thread to share it on.
I do hope you find your wallet, its not easy to let go/lose things unwillingly. However, don't be too mad if you don't find it!
GB
7
Coptic Orthodox Church / Re: Orthodox eBooks
« on: July 09, 2011, 10:36:56 PM »
Any idea what happened to the site?
8
Faith Issues / Re: Rejoice Always
« on: June 15, 2011, 04:27:15 PM »
I believe the more things you find to thank God for, the more apt you are for joy.
9
Personal Issues / Re: Why is God destroying my life
« on: June 13, 2011, 04:54:14 PM »
You may have heard this short story before, but if not, it may be of some inspiration.
One night I had a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets
of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to me
and one to my Lord.
When the last scene of my life shot before me
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
There was only one set of footprints.
I realized that this was at the lowest
and saddest times of my life.
This always bothered me
and I questioned the Lord
about my dilemma.
“Lord, you told me when I decided to follow You,
You would walk and talk with me all the way.
But I'm aware that during the most troublesome
times of my life there is only one set of footprints.
I just don't understand why, when I needed You most,
You leave me.”
He whispered, “My precious child,
I love you and will never leave you
never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints
it was then that I carried you.
One night I had a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets
of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to me
and one to my Lord.
When the last scene of my life shot before me
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
There was only one set of footprints.
I realized that this was at the lowest
and saddest times of my life.
This always bothered me
and I questioned the Lord
about my dilemma.
“Lord, you told me when I decided to follow You,
You would walk and talk with me all the way.
But I'm aware that during the most troublesome
times of my life there is only one set of footprints.
I just don't understand why, when I needed You most,
You leave me.”
He whispered, “My precious child,
I love you and will never leave you
never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints
it was then that I carried you.
10
Faith Issues / Re: Losing Trust in God
« on: March 18, 2011, 11:19:54 PM »
I once sat with HG Bishop Youssef on this matter. This is what I remember:
Essentially, the second you lose trust in God, you always put yourself in a position where you simply can ruin God's plan for you. He mentioned examples where promises were made, and because of lack of trust in God, certain people took matter into their own hands which isn't what God wanted. One example is Abraham and Sarah. Because God promised Abraham a son and Sarah couldn't conceive, Sarah decided to let Hagar the servant bear a son to Abraham. Obviously, that wasn't God's plan, Hagar bore Ishmael. When Sarah then bore Isaac, Sarah started getting jealous, and sent Hagar and Ishmael to the wilderness! Another example I liked was Jacob and Esau. Rebecca, the mother, was told the prophecy of how the older brother will serve the younger. Because of that prophecy Rebecca also took matters into her own hands and made Jacob trick Isaac into giving him Esau's birthright. That in turn made Jacob and Esau become enemies. These are the results of our lack of trust in God! So yes, it happens, but I believe putting this into perspective helps us realize why we should trust God at all times.
GB
Essentially, the second you lose trust in God, you always put yourself in a position where you simply can ruin God's plan for you. He mentioned examples where promises were made, and because of lack of trust in God, certain people took matter into their own hands which isn't what God wanted. One example is Abraham and Sarah. Because God promised Abraham a son and Sarah couldn't conceive, Sarah decided to let Hagar the servant bear a son to Abraham. Obviously, that wasn't God's plan, Hagar bore Ishmael. When Sarah then bore Isaac, Sarah started getting jealous, and sent Hagar and Ishmael to the wilderness! Another example I liked was Jacob and Esau. Rebecca, the mother, was told the prophecy of how the older brother will serve the younger. Because of that prophecy Rebecca also took matters into her own hands and made Jacob trick Isaac into giving him Esau's birthright. That in turn made Jacob and Esau become enemies. These are the results of our lack of trust in God! So yes, it happens, but I believe putting this into perspective helps us realize why we should trust God at all times.
GB
11
Random Issues / Re: A Weapon Against Porn
« on: March 03, 2011, 03:16:41 PM »I think its a huge help for anyone.
Sometimes, I do searches for icons (PNG) files for presentations, and I type in something in google images, and a few hits appear, but there's always a chance that a porn image appears with it inadvertently.
Does this application handle such cases??
Google itself can do that for you. You simply have to change your 'safesearch' settings to strict and save.
12
Coptic Orthodox Church / Re: iPhone app for Confessions
« on: February 12, 2011, 01:50:03 AM »
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/judging
'To form an opinion or an evaluation [of someone].'
Also, condemning would be part of a judges role. Condeming is a part of judging. Judging is huge. Not all types of judgement is a sin. But in general, judgment/making yourself a judge is a sin. I have been taught this by my church and priests since childhood.
'To form an opinion or an evaluation [of someone].'
Also, condemning would be part of a judges role. Condeming is a part of judging. Judging is huge. Not all types of judgement is a sin. But in general, judgment/making yourself a judge is a sin. I have been taught this by my church and priests since childhood.
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Coptic Orthodox Church / Re: iPhone app for Confessions
« on: February 11, 2011, 04:02:54 PM »no sure how to elaborate.Do you want to go next, Minagir?i judge tooo much. also i kind of have that ability to "know people." many would think it's a good thing, but it's really not. brings on more sins that i just don't like to have. and what makes it worst is that most of the time, i am right on what i say about people. and is that bad?! it encourages....
...can you elaborate? I think I am just like you in this.
judging is not a sin.....that is clear enough. but you judge people, and based on that take every action....that sometimes brings sins.
Judging others is a sin. When judging others you make yourself equal with God. By judging, a person would assume the worse about someone when he isn't aware of their circumstances. Only God can judge, as He is the only one aware of all our circumstances.
14
Faith Issues / Re: why the prayer meeting?
« on: February 11, 2011, 12:25:34 AM »
Dear Rubina Maana,
Due to my ignorance, I cannot comment on much, but Id like to share my reasoning as to why I love the agpeya so much and see it as essential if not nearly mandatory to my own spiritual life.
Prayer is essential to my relationship with God. So indeed, every word I utter to Christ must be my own since it is my time of communication with God. However, with prayer being so important to my relationship, I want to make sure I offer him the best prayer possible. I want to offer God a prayer from my heart, while it the best I can offer Him.
So the first point I keep in mind, is that when Christ told us to pray: "Our Father..." he teaches us to pray with a rule. The same words, day after day. Thus, "Our Father.." can be just as monotone as the agpeya. So, praying with a rule, although it can become monotone, does not mean the words cannot become my own, or it isn't a prayer from the heart, but when praying with a rule, I must teach myself to pray the words in meditation.
The second point, is that if I love Christ so much, I want to give Him a prayer according to his heart!
"I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will." Samuel 13:13-14.
The is no one who's offered a prayer from the heart like David did. The words he uttered are complete. In thanksgiving, David prayed. In repentance, David prayed. In praise, David prayed. In distress, David prayed. In hardships and afflictions, David prayed. David prayed according to God's heart. Why can I not learn from him? Set his prayer as my rule, and learn to make his words my words. As these are the words of the heart that is closest to that of God. In all my life, young as it may be, I have never been in a situation where I wanted and could not find satisfaction with the psalms of David
And lastly, this being my personal opinion, the agpeya keeps us praying in unity. I may be home, praying, and I am uttering the same words as Fr. Peter. And praying in unity is also crucial.
There is a story of a monk who desired to go to desert. He asked his father of confession for his advice. The father of confession who wasn’t sure told him that they should both pray and see what God wanted. One night, the monk got a dream. On one side he saw small flames, beautiful and fiery, yet on the other, he saw pillars of fire. When he asked his father of confession what it meant, he said that the small flame represented the prayer of one monk alone, but the pillars of fire were the prayers of all the monks combined together.
Although, I may have taken it a bit out of context, I personally believe the agpeya unifies us and strengthens my prayers.
Wouldn't you then maybe agree that the psalms of David should precede my own personal prayer?
Due to my ignorance, I cannot comment on much, but Id like to share my reasoning as to why I love the agpeya so much and see it as essential if not nearly mandatory to my own spiritual life.
Prayer is essential to my relationship with God. So indeed, every word I utter to Christ must be my own since it is my time of communication with God. However, with prayer being so important to my relationship, I want to make sure I offer him the best prayer possible. I want to offer God a prayer from my heart, while it the best I can offer Him.
So the first point I keep in mind, is that when Christ told us to pray: "Our Father..." he teaches us to pray with a rule. The same words, day after day. Thus, "Our Father.." can be just as monotone as the agpeya. So, praying with a rule, although it can become monotone, does not mean the words cannot become my own, or it isn't a prayer from the heart, but when praying with a rule, I must teach myself to pray the words in meditation.
The second point, is that if I love Christ so much, I want to give Him a prayer according to his heart!
"I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will." Samuel 13:13-14.
The is no one who's offered a prayer from the heart like David did. The words he uttered are complete. In thanksgiving, David prayed. In repentance, David prayed. In praise, David prayed. In distress, David prayed. In hardships and afflictions, David prayed. David prayed according to God's heart. Why can I not learn from him? Set his prayer as my rule, and learn to make his words my words. As these are the words of the heart that is closest to that of God. In all my life, young as it may be, I have never been in a situation where I wanted and could not find satisfaction with the psalms of David
And lastly, this being my personal opinion, the agpeya keeps us praying in unity. I may be home, praying, and I am uttering the same words as Fr. Peter. And praying in unity is also crucial.
There is a story of a monk who desired to go to desert. He asked his father of confession for his advice. The father of confession who wasn’t sure told him that they should both pray and see what God wanted. One night, the monk got a dream. On one side he saw small flames, beautiful and fiery, yet on the other, he saw pillars of fire. When he asked his father of confession what it meant, he said that the small flame represented the prayer of one monk alone, but the pillars of fire were the prayers of all the monks combined together.
Although, I may have taken it a bit out of context, I personally believe the agpeya unifies us and strengthens my prayers.
Wouldn't you then maybe agree that the psalms of David should precede my own personal prayer?
15
Faith Issues / Re: Sober Celebration
« on: January 31, 2011, 11:45:44 AM »
Great post!
However, would you consider the jumping up and down, clapping jubilantly and so on, an act of foolishness or couldn't you still consider it an act of celebration? Because, I agree that it isn't necessary, but I wouldn't agree that it can't be used to praise God as you see them do in Africa...
However, would you consider the jumping up and down, clapping jubilantly and so on, an act of foolishness or couldn't you still consider it an act of celebration? Because, I agree that it isn't necessary, but I wouldn't agree that it can't be used to praise God as you see them do in Africa...
