The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration of Christ appeared to some of the disciples to show them that He is neither Elijah nor John the Baptist as people say, but He is Christ the Son of the living God.

To show them the glory of his Divinity before his suffering, so they would not be suspicious of Him at his crucifixion.

The disciples who were with Him on the mountain, representing the Church of the Battlers’. Moses and Elijah the prophet representing the Church of the Victorious. This proofs our Church's connection with angels and the Heavenly Fathers.


Mark 9: 2-13

2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them.

3 His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.

4 And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.

5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—

6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.

7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”

8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.

9 Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

10 So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.

11 And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

12 Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt?

13 But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”

Psalm 23

Chapter 23
A Psalm of David

1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 23

St Cosman and Demian

Saints Cosman and Demian, their siblings and their mother.

They were the children of a pious mother who worshipped God and loved serving strangers.
So she taught them the fear of God.

Cosman and Demian had learned medicine and treated their patients without any charges.

When Diocletian found out that they preach in the name of Christ, he tortured them with fire and beaten. He then ordered to squeeze the five of them in a special squeezing machine, but they were not harmed by it. When he found their mother was offering them comfort and support, he beheaded her.

Then next day he ordered to cut off the heads of Saints Cosman and Demian and their siblings, So they were crowned the life of eternity.

Transformation

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3: 18 NKJV

Transformation By Fr. Mauritius Anba Bishoy

Miracles

God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? Hebrews 2: 4 NKJV

Miracles By Fr. Mauritius Anba Bishoy

Jest Talk And Jokes

Some people got accustomed to exchanging swear words and insults that hurt others as a joke; But this is not the fun that suits the children of God.

Sirach says: "The man that is accustomed to opprobrious words, will never be corrected all the days of his life." Sirach 23: 20

Jesus says; "But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." Matthew 5: 22

Paul the Apostle says; "Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6: 10


The greatness in service and those who has prepared for them to inherit the kingdom of God.

Mark 10: 35-45

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.

36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?

37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.

41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.

42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

The Good Character

The wise vinedresser reaps the mature fruits only and leaves the rest, so be the same also. Do not consider in others but the good characters and condone Goofs

If you heard a bad word about your relative do not mention it. Watch out for the harsh words because the rough talk raise animosity and hatred

Do not say a word that would annoy your brother

Do not try to affect the dignity of anyone in his presence, nor in his absence.

"Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit." Psalm 34: 13

Meaning of life

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. John 1: 12 NKJV

Meaning of life By Fr. Mauritius Anba Bishoy

FEAR NOT!

Everyone feels afraid many times during life. However, when the Bible instructs us to "fear not," it doesn't mean not to feel afraid; rather, it means to decide to press on even in the face of fear.

Several times, the Israelites were instructed to "be strong and courageous." For example, in Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses commanded Israel: " Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Even in the face of fear, we too must "be strong and of good courage."

Indeed, we are encouraged in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to be brave and strong: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” So, next time you feel afraid, overcome your feelings through prayer so that you can "be strong and of good courage."

Learning

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3: 16 KJV

Learning By Fr. Mauritius Anba Bishoy

I will sing for mary

The Soil And The Sower

The Path Soil is the heart that’s mostly scattered and has lack of attention to the word of God

The Rocky Soil is the hearts that are filled with the spirit of pride, which has no mercy toward others; and the word of God does not combine to work in those hearts.

The Thorny Soil is the hearts that submerged with life’s worries, the heart’s bitterness, the world’s pleasures and the world’s deceits.

The Fruitful Soil is the pure heart, which the word of God deepens in it.

Parable of the sower

Matthew 13:1-9
1. On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea.
2. And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
3. Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow.
4. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.
5. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.
6. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.
7. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
8. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
9. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Loneliness

Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28: 20

Loneliness By Fr. Mauritius Anba Bishoy

Are you BUSY?

SATAN'S MEETING: (Read even if you're busy)

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.

In his opening address he said,

"We can't keep Christians from going to church."

"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth."

"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior."

"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."

"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners,

BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ."

"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:

"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.

"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes

to occupy their minds," he answered.

"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."

"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles."

"Keep them from spending time with their children."

"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!"

"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice."

"Entice them to play on their radio or cassette player worldly songs whenever they drive."

"To keep the TV, VCR, CD and their PCs going constantly in their home broadcasting non-biblical songs and films."

"To see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly."

This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."

"Give them Santa Clause to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas."

"Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death."

"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive."

"Have them return from their recreation exhausted."

"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation."

"Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead."

"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"

It will work!" "It will work!"

It was quite a plan!

The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.

Having little time for their God or their families.

Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.

I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?

You be the judge!!!!!

Does "BUSY" mean:

B-eing

U-nder

S-atan's

Y-oke?

Please do not be BUSY for God. May God Bless you all.

The Little Boy

I was walking around in a Target store, when I saw the lady in the cashier hand this little boy some money back.

The boy couldn't have been more than 8 or 9 years old.

The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll.'

Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him: ''Nanny,
are you sure I don't have enough money?''

The old lady replied: ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.''

Then she asked him to stay there for just 5 minutes while she went to look around for a cheaper one. She left quickly.

The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand.

Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to.

'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas.

She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.'

I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry.

But he replied to me sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now.. I have to give the doll to my mummy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.'

His eyes were so sad while saying this. 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mummy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister .''

My heart nearly stopped.

The little boy looked up at me and said: 'I told daddy to tell mummy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the shops.'

Then he showed me a very nice photo of himself. He was laughing. He then told me 'I want mummy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me.'

'I love my mummy and I wish she didn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.'

Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly.

I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll!''

'OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.

The little boy said: 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!'

Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mummy could give it to my sister . He heard me!''

'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mummy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much.. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose.''

'My mummy loves white roses.'

As I saw the old lady returning, I left with my basket as to not cause a scene.

I finished my shopping in a totally different state of mind from when I started.

I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind.
Then I remembered a local news paper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young
woman and a little girl.
The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical
state. The family had to decide whether to remove the life-sustaining machine, because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma.

Was this the family of the little boy?

Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the news paper that the young woman had passed away.

I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was for people to see and make last wishes before her burial.

She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest.

I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed for ever.. The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine.

And in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.

God is watching over us.....

The value of a man or woman resides in what he or she gives.

Character of the New Man

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3: 12 - 17

Making Difference By Fr. Mauritius Anba Bishoy

The Carpenter

Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side-by-side, sharing machinery and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference and finally, it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.


One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days' work," he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?"

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor. In fact, it's my younger brother! Last week there was a meadow between us. He recently took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence an 8-foot fence -- so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day -- measuring, sawing and nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all.



It was a bridge .. a bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all! And the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched..

"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder.

"No, wait! Stay a few days. I have a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.
"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but I have many more bridges to build."

Remember This...
God won't ask what kind of car you drove, but He'll ask how many people you helped get where they needed to go.

God won't ask the square footage of your house, but He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

God won't ask how many friends you had, but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, but He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

God won't ask about the color of your skin, but He'll ask about the content of your character.

God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation, but He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in Heaven, and not to the gates of hell.

Fasting

From the words of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III on fasting

Fasting is not merely abstinence from food but there is a spiritual element to control over the will. The same will which has controlled the food can also control the speech of each word to abstain from improper as well as control of thought and feelings

Mar Isaac said: Fasting tongue is better than a fast mouth.. And fast the heart desires is better than fast both tongue and mouth.

H.H. Pope Shenouda III Sermon - Virgin Mary

H.H. Pope Shenouda III Sermon - Virgin Mary
10 August 2011

The Weekly Sermon of H.H. Pope Shenouda III about the virgin mary 10-8-2011

amy Grant breath of heaven

amy Grant breath of heaven - hymns

H.H. Pope Shenouda III Sermon - Spiritual Age

H.H. Pope Shenouda III Sermon - Spiritual Age
3 August 2011