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October 31, 1998

Week-end For Souls

I am off to my Mom's province for a couple of days.

One of the great Filipino traditions - everyone leaves the city to go to their respective provinces. Once settled down, they go to Mass and after this, we all head to the Cemetery where our dearly beloved departed relatives are buried and spend time in prayer with them.

It is a big thing here in the Philippines. It is one of many traditions I am most happy to take part in. Every grave has maybe an average of 4 families gathered together with their candles lit. It is a vigil lasting from this Saturday to Monday of next week.

Relatives who knew our dead well, would tell us plenty stories of the souls we pray for. Grandpa, brothers and sisters. And, of course, there is the conversations of the good old days they had. Then you listen to the stories of World War II and the proud Spanish heritage and blood that runs through our veins. If my dad is around he will definitely mention his German mother.

Then the laughter comes in amidst the most solemn ceremonial gathering - the laughter that so many bloods can mix together that it becomes hard which blood is most dominant:) Unanimously they come to an agreement, it must be the Spanish and the German. Spanish because of the proudness and German because of the arrogance. :)

Everyone has a good cheer and we pray some more. We know it will happen to us too and we hope that those whom we love dear will visit us, converse with us, love us and pray for us.

10 million people in Manila. Hard to believe that 40 percent have left for the week end to go to their provinces to visit their loved ones who have left us.

Source: "Glenn Talaue" <[email protected]>

(Rev 20:4-5) I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.

(Rev 20:6) Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

185.  He who does not persevere in examining his conscience will not endure bodily suffering for God's sake.

October 30, 1998

Are there encoded secrets within the Bible?

Few things have ignited people's imagination like the recent discovery of encoded information in the Bible that could only be discovered with the use of modern computers.

See the most amazing story since Moses parted the Red Sea unfold before your eyes!

Friday, October 30th, 9 pm Eastern/Pacific 8 pm Central/Mountain on your Pax affilitate.

TO FIND YOUR LOCAL PAX TV CHANNEL click here.

(Dan 12:4) But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

184.  God assesses our action according to our intention; for it is said that the Lord will 'reward you according to your heart' (Ps. 20:4).

October 29, 1998

2 dead in Gaza terror attack; Hamas claims responsibility

A Palestinian motorist drove a car into an Israeli convoy of army jeeps and a school bus Thursday and detonated explosives, killing himself and an Israeli man.

Witnesses said casualties occurred among soldiers in a convoy escorting the school bus carrying the children. None of the children were hurt.

Israel said the attack would not hold up implementation of the land-for-security agreement signed last week in Washington, but demanded that the Palestinian Authority do more to fight terrorism.

(John 14:27) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

183.  One kind of evil dwells in the heart through long-continued prepossession; another kind attacks our thoughts through the medium of everyday things.

October 28, 1998

Israel delays Cabinet approval of Mideast accord

Related commentary:

REACTION TO WYE AGREEMENT:

- 'THE GOD OF ISRAEL IS YET TO BE HEARD FROM'

It's All Over, Except For The Shouting!

Or Is it? One of the factors that was completely ignored at Wye, by William Clinton and Benjamin Netanyahu, was the God of Israel. It was as if there was no Old Testament, and no Exodus of the Jews from Egypt to the Promised Land. Instead there was an attempt to ignore the nature of this Holy Land, a re-writing of history. Fortunately, the God of Israel is yet to be heard from.

Why WYE Won't Work! It can't. President Clinton may be willing to deal with the murderer Arafat, and paint him white, but the blood of our children from Maalot and our People elsewhere, shows through. All that Jewish morality about punishing murderers, was waived by Clinton, and Netanyahu and [Ariel] Sharon bowed in acquiescence. Giving land to this murderer will only bring further murders down the line. No peace is possible with the man with whom Sharon will not shake hands. Inexplicably and sadly, Sharon participated in the Wye sham.

Netanyahu has ignored the Jewish mandate he was given in the election. He has learned nothing from his tragic mistake of Hebron, and now apparently he has made further concessions which virtually exposes the Jews of Judea and Samaria, the Gaza Strip, Beer Sheva, and even Tel Aviv, to a similar fate which the Hebron Jews face daily. When will we stop pretending that Hamas, Fatah, Arafat, the PLO, are not one and the same? Arafat will never make any genuine concessions for peace. He continues to refuse to turn over murderers of Jews, yes, even American Jews, and Clinton will not press. On such a hollow morality, no world can stand. Instead, more words, empty promises, and Agreements which only Jews take seriously.

Source: WOMEN FOR ISRAEL'S TOMMOROW via ICEJ News <[email protected]>

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

182.  Images already established in our intellect are more pernicious and stubborn than those which arise while we are thinking.  The latter precede the former and are their cause.

October 27, 1998

Yeltsin sick, cancels trip to Austria

Exhausted Yeltsin checks into sanatorium

A related email:

ABC television news tonight reported a shocking development.  They gave evidence that Russia's leader, Boris Yeltsin, is not only extremely feeble, but he actually LOSING HIS MIND! I am not making this up! They also pointed out that Yeltsin is still the man with his hand on the button of the second largest nuclear force in the world.

There have been reported revelations of a very near-term nuclear holocaust, which seems unlikely with today's geopolitical climate. An attack on America right now would seem irrational. However, what if Yeltsin really FLIPS and gives the attack command??? It is not out of the question for a demented mind, out of touch with reality, especially if soaked in alcohol, as is his habit. I know from being an Air Force ICBM missile launch crew commander that when the launch command is given and authenticated, you don't ask questions. You just do as you are trained.

The world right now is dangerous to the extreme. Come, Lord Jesus!

Source: [email protected] (Jim Bramlett)

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

181.  If we no longer fulfil the desires of the flesh, then with the Lord's help the evils within us will easily be eliminated.

October 26, 1998

Satanic Attacks on the Family Increase

Man charged with molestation of granddaughter

Man kills estranged wife and her boyfriend before committing suicide

Man obsessed with Shirley Temple charged with attempted child molestation

(Jude 1:17 -18) But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires."

For a Bible-based study on how to combat these attacks please see: "Family-ocide"

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

180.  No cloud is formed without a breath of wind; and no passion is born without a thought.

October 25, 1998

OUR LORD'S MESSAGE through Fr Jack Spaulding

St Thomas the Apostle Church, Phoenix, Arizona

OCTOBER 19, 1998

My dear ones, I come to you this night to remind you that I am truly rich in mercy. I invite you this night to come closer to Me, to bring what is in your heart to Me. Allow Me to truly strengthen your heart, so that you can know, I am truly there. I am with you during these days. I say to you again, do not be afraid. Throw yourself upon My mercy. In your daily lives, bring to My mercy those things which need to be healed. I am your Lord. Allow Me to say it again, I LISTEN. My dear ones, please listen to Me and not to the world. Cling to Me and not to the world. Allow Me to possess your heart.

I bless you this night with joy, with the strength you need, with the freedom you need, with power and courage and know that My mercy rests upon you. Be at peace, My dear ones. I love you.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

179.  When you find that some thought is disturbing you deeply in yourself and is breaking the stillness of your intellect with passion, you may be sure that it was your intellect which, taking the initiative, first activated this thought and placed it in your heart.

October 24, 1998

Mideast pact signed at White House

'New chapter in pursuit of permanent peace'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat signed the interim peace accord in the East Room of the White House late Friday afternoon, as U.S. President Bill Clinton and Jordan's King Hussein looked on.

"This agreement is designed to rebuild trust and renew hope for peace between the parties. Now both sides must build on that hope (and) carry out their commitments," Clinton said. "Both reaffirmed their commitment to the path of peace, and for that, the world can be grateful."

1 Th 5:3) While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

178.  Just as some snakes live in glens and other in houses, so there are some passions which take shape in our thoughts while others express themselves in action.  It is possible, however, for them to change from one type to the other.

October 23, 1998

80 dead as Typhoon Babs ravages northern Philippines

Eighty people were confirmed dead Friday as Typhoon Babs pummeled the northern Philippines with heavy winds and rain, submerging parts of Manila and forcing many businesses to close for a second day.

Texas floods' toll rises

Now 28 people are confirmed dead in the wake of heavy rain that moved westward after swamping the central and southern portions of the state.

The flooding submerged parts of 60 Texas counties after weekend storms dumped record rain into rivers and streams. Hundreds of people have been forced to flee their homes by boat, on foot and sometimes by helicopter.

(Lev 18:28) And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you.

(Lev 20:22) Keep all my decrees and laws and follow them, so that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

177.  Until you have eradicated evil, do not obey your heart; for it will seek more of what it already contains within itself.

October 22, 1998

Underground seas might exist inside Jupiter's moons, scientists claim

Scientists have detected new evidence of underground oceans on two of Jupiter's moons, bolstering hopes of finding life there and other seemingly inhospitable places in the solar system. Heat and water in liquid form, as opposed to ice, are considered fundamental requirements for life.

"One could expect life in such oceans," said Krishan Khurana, a geophysicist at the University of California at Los Angeles and lead author of the research.

A Biblical research project by another author--Are "Alien Visitors" prophecied in the Bible?

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

176.  Some call men intelligent because they have the power of discernment on the sensible plane.  But the really intelligent people are those who control their own desires.

October 21, 1998

Religions must use moral force to protect planet from disaster

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - For three years, more than 1,000 scholars and activists have considered what 10 of the world's major religions can do to help save the world from environmental destruction.

Their conclusion came Tuesday: Religions must use their moral force to end mankind's unrestrained exploitation of nature's resources and instill a collective responsibility toward environmental preservation.

``We are in a moment of crisis - recognizing the environment is in danger and we as humans may even be endangered,'' said Mary Evelyn Tucker, a professor of religion at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Penn., who helped conceive the project.

The project, a wide-ranging series of conferences that started in 1996, explored the relationship between the environment and 10 major religious traditions - Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, indigenous traditions, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Shinto and Taoism.

(Rom 1:25) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

175.  At a time of affliction, expect a provocation to sensual pleasure; for because it relieves the affliction it is readily welcomed.

October 20, 1998

Woman denied abortion in Louisiana heads to Texas

A heart transplant candidate who was refused an abortion in Louisiana was scheduled to undergo the procedure Tuesday in Texas paid for with donations from around the country.

Volunteers try to save beached whales in Australia

Volunteers on Sunday used flatbed trucks and harnesses in an effort to save dozens of whales that beached themselves in shallow waters off the southern island of Tasmania.

Dozens of volunteers with buckets and wet blankets were working in shifts to keep the remaining pilot whales alive at Marion Bay, east of Hobart.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

174. Do not think that every affliction is a consequence of sin.  For there are some who do God's will and yet are tested.  Thus it is written that the ungodly and wicked shall be persecuted (cf. Ps.37:28), but also that those who 'seek to live a holy life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution' (2 Tim. 3:12).

October 19, 1998

Two explosions at Israeli bus station; dozens injured

A Palestinian man threw two hand grenades at passengers in a crowded bus station in Israel today, injuring at least 51 people, including many soldiers, during morning rush hour.

Men of peace arrive as attacks continue in war-torn Kosovo

A Serb military convoy reportedly moved out of its barracks in Pristina on Sunday and headed toward the main highway through central Kosovo - a sign that Serb forces may be redeploying despite the continuing threat of NATO airstrikes.

(1 Th 5:3) While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

173.  Do not desire to hear about the misfortune of your enemies.  For those who like listening to such things will themselves suffer what they wish for others.

October 18, 1998

Witches take issue with Massachusetts governor

A firestorm is brewing in this community renowned for its rich history of witch trials.  Modern-day practitioners of the pagan religion Wicca say Republican Gov. Paul Cellucci is promoting degrading stereotypes in a new campaign advertisement that pokes fun at his gubernatorial opponent.

"I was so infuriated by the time they got to the statement about the attorney general I didn't even hear the next few seconds of the ad," said Cheryl Sulyma-Masson, a 38-year-old mother who heads the Witches' League for Public Awareness in Rehoboth.

"I was just portrayed, along with every other witch across the country, as some fantasy creature, and that's appalling to me.

(Rev 2:20-23) Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

172.  Wickedness is an intricate net; and if someone is careless when partially entanged, he gets completely enmeshed.

October 17, 1998

20 years after election, Pope asks Poles for prayers to keep going

Marking his 20th anniversary as pope, John Paul II on Friday reminisced sentimentally with fellow Poles and asked for prayers so he can keep doing God's work ``right to the end.''

``I thank God for having given me the grace to announce the good news of salvation to many peoples and many nations on all the continents, and among them also my compatriots on Polish soil,'' John Paul said, speaking slowly but steadily from an armchair placed under a canopy on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica.

``I ask you again to pray so that I can carry out right to the end the work that God entrusted to me, for his glory in the service of the church and of the world,'' said John Paul, who after the Mass came out to greet the crowd.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

171.  Everything that happens has a small beginning, and grows the more it is nourished.

October 16, 1998

Scientists more optimistic about life beyond Earth

New theories and new understanding about how life can evolve and flourish have led to new optimism among scientists that there may be microbes and, perhaps, even intelligent beings living on other planets or moons.

"There have been key discoveries that suggest life is simple, straightforward and easy if you have the right conditions," Bruce M. Jakosky, a University of Colorado planetary scientist, said at a meeting this week of the American Astronomical Society. "There is a remarkable change among scientists from just 20 years ago."

"There has been a revival in the serious search for life," Stanford University scientist Chris Chyba said. "There is a substantial higher optimism for the existence of life beyond the Earth."

(2 Th 2:11) For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

A Biblical research project by another author--Are "Alien Visitors" prophecied in the Bible?

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

170.  When you first become involved in something evil, don't say: 'It will not overpower me.'  For to the extent that you are involved you have already been overpowered by it.

October 15, 1998

Pope defends church's central truths

Pope John Paul II called on Roman Catholics today to battle challenges to their most fundamental religious beliefs, cautioning them not to lose their way ``in the shifting sands of widespread skepticism.''

Summing up one of the central themes of his papacy over the past 20 years, John Paul issued an encyclical that warned against the temptations posed by some modern schools of philosophy and theology.

(2 Tim 1:13-14) Hold tightly to the pattern of truth I taught you, especially concerning the faith and love Christ Jesus offers you. Guard well the splendid, God-given ability you received as a gift from the Holy Spirit who lives within you.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

169.  It can happen that someone may in appearance be fulfilling a commandment but is in reality serving a passion, and through evil thoughts he destroys the goodness of the action.

October 14, 1998

Nobel Prize Awarded to Blasphemer

Controversial 'gay Christ' play opens in New York

(2 Tim 3:1 -5) But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

168.  A man who is carried away by his thoughts is blinded by them; and while he can see the actual working of sin, he cannot see its causes.

October 13, 1998

`Virgin Mary' Message Draws Crowd

More than 100,000 people descended on Nancy Fowler's farm Tuesday to hear the last of the annual messages the homemaker said she relays from the Virgin Mary.

Mrs. Fowler claimed that Mary had visited her earlier in the day inside her small farmhouse about 30 miles east of Atlanta.

``The future holds no concern to those who truly seek God and truly love him and remain in his favor,'' Mrs. Fowler, reading from handwritten notes, told the crowd.

From October 1990 to May 1994, Mrs. Fowler delivered the messages on the 13th of each month. Then she announced that the Virgin Mary would appear with a public message only once a year on Oct. 13.

The crowd has steadily increased over the years. Mrs. Fowler announced last October that this year's public message would be the last.

Mrs. Fowler, whose visions have not been endorsed by the local Catholic hierarchy, told the crowd that Mary told her she would not be permitted to visit with her again in the way she has since 1990.

The crowd responded to the message Tuesday with occasional gasps and scattered applause. But for the most part, they were quiet and attentive while Mrs. Fowler read for 30 minutes.

People fell to their knees, gasped and clapped when Mrs. Fowler said that a multitude of souls accompanied Mary in her vision. She said the souls were in purgatory but were being released into heaven in honor of Mary.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

167.  The more the intellect withdraws form bodily cares, the more clearly it sees the craftiness of the enemy.

October 12, 1998

DYING 90-YEAR-OLD WOMAN "WILL NOT SEE THE GRAVE"

The following story was told by Dennis Tallakson on September 25, 1998 and posted on the Five Doves Web site (http://web.singnet.com.sg/~spirit5/):

"I want to relate a personal experience that for me shows how close the rapture may be. I have an aunt, her name is Agnes, who was a missionary in Liberia, Africa. After she retired, I think maybe 25 years ago, she was attending a church service in her home church. The man speaking that night was a guest evangelist. Sometime during the service he had a word from the Lord. He pointed right at my aunt and said, 'you, the woman wearing the red sweater, the Lord is saying that your body will not see the grave, you will be taken up in the air alive when the Lord returns.' I have thought about this story many times thru the years. Today I was talking to my brother and he said that my mother had just talked (with and) found out that her sister, Agnes, has just been diagnosed with stomach cancer and has only 6 months to live. She turned 90 years old recently. To me personally, this is a wakeup call that the Lord is coming really soon."

(Note: Several decades ago, Dr. Richard Eby was told the same thing by the Lord in a near-death experience, and he is now in his late 80s. In 1992, during a life-or-death health crisis, friend Tony MacCormack in England was also told by the Lord, "You will not see the grave." His health then began to dramatically improve and the Lord began to impress upon him the extreme nearness of His return.)

Source: [email protected] (Jim Bramlett)

(1 Cor 15:51-52) Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-- in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

166.  He who says he knows all the devil's tricks falls unknowingly into his trap.

October 11, 1998

Thousands evacuated from Haifa hills as fire ravages homes

A fire destroyed 20 houses and large tracts of forest Sunday, forcing thousands of Israelis from their homes in the northern city of Haifa.

The fire, fed by strong winds and hot, dry weather conditions, tore through the exclusive Deniya neighborhood atop the Carmel mountain range above the Mediterranean Sea. Israel radio reported that 1,250 acres of surrounding forest was lost.

(Acts 2:17-21) "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.

(Luke 12:49) "I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

165.  Reject all thoughts of greed, and you will be able to see the devil's tricks.

October 10, 1998

Researchers report transferring genes from egg to egg

Researchers have used a gene transfer technique similar to the one used to clone Dolly the Sheep in hopes of impregnating infertile women. The technique, if successful, could produce a baby with two genetic mothers.

Some medical ethicists described the research as risky and "profoundly disturbing," but typical of the fast-paced and loosely regulated field of reproductive medicine.

For more on cloning please see: http://www.catholicprophecy.info/abomin.html

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

164.  Pray that temptation may not come to you; but when it comes, accept it as your due and not undeserved.

October 9, 1998

ANALYSIS-Yen rise disaster for Japan,perhaps world

Now, some say, disaster looms because the yen's dramatic rise threatens to deal a body blow to Japan's economy with nasty fallout for the rest of Asia and to exacerbate a global credit crunch which will damage growth in the United States and other until-now robust major economies.

``It's a disaster for the world if this continues, because it is going to see a contraction in the U.S. economy with a credit crunch on the way,'' Andrew Ballingal, chief strategist at Schroders Asia in Hong Kong.

(Rev 6:5) When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.  Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!"

For more on the impending worldwide economic crisis: Hoofbeats of the Black Horseman

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

163.  Guard your mind, and you will not be harassed by temptations.  But if you fail to guard it, accept patiently whatever trial comes.

October 8, 1998

Possible Early Evening Meteor Shower Tonight

Unlike most meteor showers, the Giacobinids are at their best in the evening rather than after midnight. Their radiant (apparent point of origin due to perspective) is near the head of the constellation Draco. This point is highest right after dark at midnorthern latitudes; it moves lower throughout the night and is near the horizon by dawn.

Begin watching the sky overhead as soon as it gets dark.  The Moon will be waning gibbous. It will rise around 9 p.m. local daylight saving time, depending on your location. Fortunately, this leaves roughly 60 to 90 minutes of darkness between the end of twilight and moonrise at midnorthern latitudes.

Additional information from "The Witness of the Stars" by E. W. Bullinger:

Constellation Draco (The Dragon)- Giacobinid radiant (apparent point of origin due to perspective) refers to "the old serpent, or the Devil, cast down from Heaven".

"This is exactly what is foreshadowed by this constellation of Draco.  Its name is from the Greek, and means trodden on , as in Psalm 91:13: The dragon shalt thou trample under feet".

The brightest star is named Thuban (Heb.) for "the subtle". The next star is called by the hebrew name Rastaban, and means the "head of the subtle (serpent)". The next star is called Ethanin, "the long serpent or dragon".

(Gen 1:14) And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

162.  From a pleasure-loving heart arise unhealthy thoughts and words; and from the smoke of a fire we recognize the fuel.

October 7, 1998

The "Decisive Moment" Is Approaching

NATO strike prospect raised as Milosevic refuses to back down

Warning that the "decisive moment" was approaching, a senior U.S. envoy has scheduled more talks on Wednesday with Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic in a bid to persuade him to withdraw from Kosovo and avoid NATO airstrikes.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

162.  From a pleasure-loving heart arise unhealthy thoughts and words; and from the smoke of a fire we recognize the fuel.

October 6, 1998

Albright sees Netanyahu, Arafat; says time is running out

With the admonition that ``time is running out,'' Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is holding back-to-back meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

``There is a sense of urgency,'' Albright said on her way here Monday from Washington for two days of talks.

For an analysis of the Arab-Israeli situation please see: STRATFOR Systems, Inc.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

161.  The sensible derives from the intelligle, by God's decree providing what is needed.

October 5, 1998

Stewardship of Time and Talents

This morning after Holy Communion I was praying and I could feel my heart beating, so I said to God, "Thank you for making my heart; please let me realize that "my" heart and everything I am is supposed to be ALL yours."

Then everything seemed very spacious. There is a lovely traditional icon of the Virgin Mary in which her heart area is depicted as a large circle that contains only Jesus. It is entitled "She Who is More Spacious than the Heavens." It is interesting that Mary who shows us this picture of our true life was the one who said to the wine steward:"Do whatever He tells you." Our true stewardship consists of our discovery that He knows exactly what is needed at every moment and that if we allow Him to lead, He has the power to make each moment a miracle; in truth He is both the Wine and the Wine Steward. When I came home and opened your essay I was amazed at the work of the Holy Spirit!

Source: [email protected] (ia forrester)

The essay can be found at: Eyedoctor's Site: Stewardship of Time and Talent

(Acts 2:17 -18) "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

160.  It is the uneven quality of our thoughts that produces changes in our condition.  For God assigns to our voluntary thoughts consequences which are appropriate but not necessarily of our choice.

October 4, 1998

"Will the Dragon flame in 1998?"

On the evening of October 8th, debris from Periodic Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner may provide a stunning sky show.  With the comet's return this year, there are reasonably good chances for a decent display. Unlike most meteor showers, the Giacobinids are at their best in the evening rather than after midnight. Their radiant (apparent point of origin due to perspective) is near the head of the constellation Draco.

Because of the radiant's location, the shower is sometimes called the Draconids. Notes British meteor astronomer Alastair McBeath: "Poets among us might like to think of these as the 'Dragon's Tears' or as its fiery breath."

Asks McBeath, "Will the Dragon flame in 1998?"

(Luke 21:25) "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

159.  Accept with equanimity the intermingling of good and evil, and then God will resolve all inequity.

October 3, 1998

Britain sends more warplanes to Italy ahead of threatened NATO attack

Britain said Friday it will send four more fighter-bombers to a NATO base in southern Italy as part of the buildup before threatened airstrikes against Yugoslav forces in the province of Kosovo.

Syria says Turkish threats are part of Israeli plot against Syria

Syria responded to reports of Turkish troops massing along the Syrian border by accusing Turkey of plotting with Israel to undermine Syria.

(Mat 24:7) Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

158.  All good things come from God providentially, and those who bring them are the servants of what is good.

October 2, 1998

Storm kills dozens in S. Korea, floods crops

Tropical Storm Yanni moved out of South Korea Thursday, leaving at least 27 people dead and 28 others missing, government officials said.

Haitian town washed away by Hurricane flooding

Electricity had not arrived in this isolated Haitian town, so when a surge of water, mud and debris crashed through the streets last week, it did so in total darkness.

Vietnam flooding claims three lives

Floods have killed three people and caused about $174,000 in damage in one of Vietnam's poorest provinces, the government said Thursday.

Flooding in Liberia drives 5,000 from their homes

Heavy rains triggered flooding in northwestern Liberia, forcing more than 5,000 people to flee their homes in recent weeks to escape rising waters.

(Lev 18:28) And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you.

(Lev 20:22) Keep all my decrees and laws and follow them, so that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out.

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

157.  When someone supplies your bodily needs and you praise him as good in his own right apart from God, he will later seem to you to be evil.

October 1, 1998

International Monetary Fund wary of looming global recession

Worldwide economic turmoil has cost millions of jobs and more than $600 billion in output -- the equivalent of a country the size of Canada shutting down for a year, according to the IMF.

Nikkei seeks new lows

Tokyo shares fell to fresh 12-year lows and flirted with the psychologically significant 13,000-point level on Thursday after a key economic report underscored the gravity of Japan's economic malaise.

For more on the impending worldwide economic crisis: Hoofbeats of the Black Horseman

The Philokalia excerpt: St. Mark the Ascetic "On the Spiritual Law: Two Hundred Texts"

156.  Accept present afflictions for the sake of future blessings; then you will never weaken in your struggle.

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