Are You Finished Yet?

When you are finished reading all the saints and the early church fathers and dissecting who said what and when and how it all relates to the church and the jurisdictions and who is right and wrong and who is Christian or truly orthodox and who is in pretest or deception a heretic, apostate, deceived, or who only has partial salvation, what priest did this and what Bishop is authentic and who is not and, well, when you are finished with all of that, try reading the words of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You just might remember something, like the pureness of the faith and your first love. Remember Jesus? Lord, restore unto us the JOY of thy salvation!

Matthew 5

King James Version (KJV)

5 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

22 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.

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Rocky Top Pictures LLC

For several several months, we have been laying the foundation for an Independent Film Production Company through which we will produce feature films and documentaries. As of January 1, 2013, Rocky Top Pictures LLC is up and running. Pray that we may be instruments of His peace and will fulfill the vision to produce projects that include the lives of the saints and other projects relevant to the human condition and the redemption of man. Click on the logo to see the RTP website. If you are one who feels an inclination to invest in the projects, go to the CONTACT page and let us know of your interest. We will give you access to view the RTP Prospectus and our initial projects. Most of all...Pray for us!

My New Year Resolution

No matter what calender you follow, it is a good time of the year to reassess your heart to see how you might better pursue holiness in the year to come. For me, the Epistle of Galatians contains the gauge of my heart, hope, and indeed my repentance in that regard:

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Only when this fruit becomes consistently evident in your life, only when you have a friendship with the Holy Spirit, only when your relationship with your living Lord is more important than any dogma, doctrine, or debate, can you know that you are truly orthodox.

Frankly, I was not very fruity in 2012. Perhaps 2013 will be peachy.

Saint Joseph- Fact and Fiction

How old was Joseph, the Husband of Mary?

 FACT: He was an elderly widower and the caretaker of a Temple Virgin.

FICTION: He was the young star-crossed husband of an average girl and had to wait for her to birth the Son of God before he could get on with having sex with her.

See the historical account: HERE

Orthodox Christian Film Makers- UPDATE: 9/1/14

As a film producer and an Orthodox Christian, I am pleased to recommend a Facebook page designed to create a community for Orthodox Christians who are involved in the film industry. The FB page, called Orthodox Christian Film Makers, states:

"This group is for all Orthodox Christians who are professional or amateur film makers. Writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, actors, etc., join and share your work."

[UPDATE: 9/1/14: Although I still see value in this FB Group, I have left it because it did not adhere to the above statement. The administrator decided to allow non-orthodox members. It became difficult to discuss the orthodox mind and how it applies to film making while having to view an Evangelicals's rapture movie shot on a camcorder. I also found myself having to discern who was Orthodox and who was not. I have many non-orthodox relationships in the film industry and I value them all, but,  it was the exclusivity of this Group that made it appealing. It lost that appeal.]

You can find the FB page HERE. As of this post, the page membership consists of 9 merry men and one fair maiden. Come and join us! There is plenty of room!

Early in my Journey to Orthodoxy I was subjected, on an "orthodox internet forum", to some arrogant and negative confrontations by a few filmmakers, who, apparently, deemed the presence of another filmmaker as competition. I was also challenged by my uninformed priest who told me to get out of the film industry lest my soul suffer destruction. Needless to say, I am no longer part of that internet forum nor part of that priest's parish. UPDATE: 3/5/15 ...that priest is also no longer a priest.

I hope and pray that this simple FB page will be an encouragement to all filmmakers who understand that Christ's commission to "Go into all the world" includes the film industry. Could there be a more "worldly" place? I also hope and pray that those who are not in the film industry will pray fervently for all of us who are.

Spiritual Guruism

(Excerpt from: Jelena Calija's article, When The Spiritual Father Makes Himself The Criterion, posted on Again and Again, the blog of Fr. Milovan Katanic, via his translation. Originally appeared in Politika, Serbia’s premier paper.)

"The faithful, in their battles with temptations, turn to their spiritual fathers, the clergy and monastics, but they too can fall under temptation in abusing their call and from a spiritual father they become totalitarian spiritual leaders who seek unquestioning obedience. When such a priest or monk places themselves – instead of God – as the measure or criterion; when they bring the faithful in constant dependence on themselves, when they begin to involve themselves in every detail of their lives and tell them when to sleep, eat, live, then they cease being spiritual fathers and become gurus, says Bishop Porfirije, Vicar Bishop of Jerag. “Instead of this he should spiritually lead and teach the faithful to be father, friend and brother to them, someone who, above all, has love towards the faithful and spiritual children, attempts to support the freedom of the faithful so that, in going to Christ they become that which they are. A spiritual father should lead the faithful to God, and not attempt to lead the faithful to himself leading them to a completely slavish, subordinate tie to his own person, blocking the image of Christ. Such spiritual fathers have a guru mentality and abuse the authentic, healthy and sincere need of every person’s yearning towards God, for the mystical, the metaphysical,” says Bishop Porfirije..." (Read Full Article HERE.)

My family and I have experienced this type of controlling personality, as past protestants, and even, tragically, as Orthodox believers. What the article does not cover is the fact that, often, such a personality is not necessarily malevolent in their intent. The perpetrator may actually think they are fulfilling their spiritual role. In the case of an experienced spiritual father, clergy, or monastic, the personality and willingness of the recipient also comes into play, paving the way for a pattern of control. This type of codependency may evolve slowly, making it much more difficult to fully recognize what is occurring or the ramifications in one's life. A pattern may evolve where a person may make the spiritual father, clergy or monastic, the surrogate for the Holy Spirit in his life. This is an unnatural and unbalanced authority. A spiritual authority leads by counsel and example not by coercion and enslavement.

This control may also be exhibited by inexperienced, young clergy who are placed in an instant role of authority over parishioners. In their desire to please their bishop, they may show a heightened sense of urgency toward their parishoner's personal lives and conduct. Where pastoral patience may be the better way to lead an individual to righteousness, the young clergy resorts to coercing or making demands or warnings. The letter of the law becomes the standard and grace is sparse. If the parishioner acquiesces to such control, they become dependent. If the parishioner resists such methods, the young clergy may feel a sense of losing control and fear of losing face with his bishop. In his insecurities, the clergy may press in even harder on the parishioner creating an unacceptable environment. To add further pain to the situation, the parishioner who, as a last resort, decides to break free from such a controlling clergy, may be accused of "rebellion" or church hopping. In fact, the parishoner has not left the faith, rather, he has separated himself from an errant spiritual authority who is outside of his scriptural or traditional mandate.

My wife and I experienced this kind of guruism in a protestant church as we watched one pastor, over a two year period, take more and more control over the personal lives of his individual parishioners Strict requirements to participate in a minimum of 20 hours-a-week of services and activities, the forbidding of being away on weekends, even to vacation or visit relatives, were accompanied by guilt tactics such as being singled out publicly in sermons, for "lack of commitment". Such unchecked gurusim leads to deception. This particular pastor began claiming he had new revelation, never before heard, inferring that he was a unique messenger of God and that we were uniquely chosen to follow him into God's revelation. There was also the inference that only he knew how to interpret the scriptures. Would one say we were "in rebellion" to remove ourselves from there? Would one suggest that we should get the pastor's "blessing" to leave? 

The same questions could be asked in the orthodox setting. Early in our Journey To Orthodoxy we discovered that we had entered a World Orthodox jurisdiction that did not think it necessary for a convert to be baptized. Neither the priests nor many of the parishioners had been baptized and we also were not required to be. Once we realized the heresy of this practice, did we have a responsibility to ask permission or get the priest's "blessing" to leave? To have submitted to the mercy or permission of the errant pastor or priest would have been guruism. I also once had a brief encounter with a priest in which we discussed how God speaks to us. At one point I quoted the words of our Lord, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me." The priest actually replied, "Well I wouldn't trust that. You might be deceived." This same priest would advocate that I follow his spiritual authority and trust him as spiritual father, but not trust that our Lord Jesus, the Christ, can be trusted in the same manner. This is spiritual guruism. 

What of a priest who, if you display any understanding of doctrine, repeatedly reminds you that he is the priest, that only he fully understands the faith, and that you, being a convert or a mere layman, will never know as much as he? What if he tells you that one cannot have a "friendship with the Holy Spirit", that you are not spiritual enough to hear or understand God's will and that the priest, as your spiritual father, is the voice of God in your life? What of a young priest, newly ordained, who, in his fervency, rather than lead and teach in humility, places demands and requirements, not only on you but on your family? What of a priest who usurps the husbands authority over your wife and children? What of a priest who gives you a written list of demands to which you must comply, such as where to or not to work, how to speak, what your wife and daughters can and cannot wear in your home, what kind of music you can sing and what you can and cannot blog. What if, in these circumstances, you want to send a letter of appeal to the Bishop, but the priest demands that he approve the letter first, or he tries to dissuade you from sending it by telling you that the bishop is busy or doesn't respond personally to parishioners? Would one say we were "in rebellion" to remove ourselves from this priest? Would one still suggest that we have to get the priest's "blessing" to leave? If an individual or family has faced this tragic circumstance more than once, and has been forced to find another jurisdiction or priest who does not demand a guru-like submission, would we call him a "church hopper"?

Spiritual guruism is spiritually destructive. Christ is the head of the church. Christ is the ONLY head of the church. Yes, His bishops and priests have been given rule over us and we do walk in submission to them, however, if such leaders fall into the heresy of guruism, and you have exhausted the search for remedy, flee to a place of peace, lest you also fall. 

How The Jezebel Spirit Makes Eunuchs

Sometimes the Protestants get it right, as is the case of this man, who talks about how an individual, controlled by the Spirit of Jezebel, creates and manipulates people into becoming her servants, her eunuchs.  Take a look below and also look at the previous JTO posts on this subject.

Search other JTO articles on the subject HERE.

Go to Hell Hamas

Thanksgiving 2012

Judging Others

For Those Who Judge

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 

By their fruit you will recognize them. 

Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

For Those Who Are Judged

Confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.

Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it.

Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.

If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him.

But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God.

Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the grave, for evil finds lodging among them.

But I call to God, and the Lord saves me.

Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.

He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

God, who is enthroned forever, will hear them and afflict them— Selah -men who never change their ways and have no fear of God.

My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.

His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

But you, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption; bloodthirsty and deceitful men will not live out half their days.

But as for me, I trust in you.

Do You Have Enough Enemies?

A Prayer for One's Enemies - by St Nicolai of Zica

Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them.

Enemies have driven me into Thy embrace more than friends have.

Friends have bound me to earth, enemies have loosed me from earth and have demolished all my aspirations in the world.

Enemies have made me a stranger in worldly realms and an extraneous inhabitant of the world.

Just as a hunted animal finds safer shelter than an unhunted animal does, so have I, persecuted by enemies, found the safest sanctuary, having ensconced myself beneath Thy tabernacle, where neither friends nor enemies can slay my soul.

Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them.

They, rather than I, have confessed my sins before the world.

They have punished me, whenever I have hesitated to punish myself.

They have tormented me, whenever I have tried to flee torments.

They have scolded me, whenever I have flattered myself.

They have spat upon me, whenever I have filled myself with arrogance.

Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them.

Whenever I have made myself wise, they have called me foolish.

Whenever I have made myself mighty, they have mocked me as though I were a dwarf.

Whenever I have wanted to lead people, they have shoved me into the background.

Whenever I have rushed to enrich myself, they have prevented me with an iron hand.

Whenever I thought that I would sleep peacefully, they have wakened me from sleep.

Whenever I have tried to build a home for a long and tranquil life, they have demolished it and driven me out.

Truly, enemies have cut me loose from the world and have stretched out my hands to the hem of Thy garment.

Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them.

Bless them and multiply them; multiply them and make them even more bitterly against me: so that my fleeing to Thee may have no return; so that all hope in men may be scattered like cobwebs; so that absolute serenity may begin to reign in my soul; so that my heart may become the grave of my two evil twins: arrogance and anger; so that I might amass all my treasure in heaven; ah, so that I may for once be freed from self deception, which has entangled me in the dreadful web of illusory life.

Enemies have taught me to know what hardly anyone knows, that a person has no enemies in the world except himself.

One hates his enemies only when he fails to realize that they are not enemies, but cruel friends.

It is truly difficult for me to say who has done me more good and who has done me more evil in the world: friends or enemies.

Therefore bless, O Lord, both my friends and my enemies.

A slave curses enemies, for he does not understand. But a son blesses them, for he understands. For a son knows that his enemies cannot touch his life. Therefore he freely steps among them and prays to God for them. Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them.

Amen

The Firey Tongue

James 3
King James Version (KJV)


1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.


2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.


3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.


4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.


5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!


6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.


7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:


8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.


9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.


10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.


11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?


12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.


13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.


14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.


15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.


16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.


17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.


18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.


For more scriptures on Gossip and Lies:
http://www.openbible.info/topics/gossip_and_lies

Who Is Jezebel?

How To Recognize A Jezabel Spirit

[author unknown-JTO edits]

In the Bible, Jezebel was a powerful, wicked queen, and wife of a passive king called Ahab. She was a false prophetess who worshiped the false god, Baal. Baal was the god of prosperity, god of the harvests, god of fertility and sex. She was an enemy of God's prophets, denouncing them, yet had her own group of false prophets. Child sacrifices were common. She was killed by several eunuchs at the order of commander Jehu. Jezebel was a witch, and her spirit of witchcraft is still in operation today in the church, and in the world. It will take both a Jehu and the cooperation of the injured victims (spiritual eunuchs) to kill her again.

 Behaviors you might see:

1. They gain power by destroying others. It is like an adrenalin rush when they “win” over someone. They manage to get in positions of authority, and are difficult to displace, once there.

2. They are controlling, manipulative, bossy.

3. They can either be war-like in their personalities, so that they are intimidating, or so “sweet,” “perfect,” deceitful, “timid” and sneaky, they are able to fool and recruit others to join them. Sometimes they can be very charming and charismatic.

4. Critical of others, vicious to the point of bloodthristy.

5. In their mind, they are never wrong.

6. They recruit others in their charges against their victims. They act to persuade recruits, and do not give up this activity until the recruits are won over. If the potential recruits do not cooperate and buy into things, this angers them.

7. They are narcissic. While they can tend to be oversensitive themselves, they have no concern for the feelings of others. They are not sympathetic to their victims, and tend to play the role of victim themselves, in order to gain sympathy. This way the real victim is left stranded, and opposed by others if they ask for help. Being the center of attention really pleases them.

8. They lie, and they believe their own lie. Avoiding the truth, or intentionally acting to withhold truth is part of this. False picture is presented to others.

9. Impulsive, failure to plan ahead. chaotic at times.

10. Lack of remorse after hurting someone. they justify the harm.

11. Consistent irresponsibility.

12. Irritability, aggressiveness (open , or subtle), can be quick tempered.

13. Failure to conform to social norms. person is an “outlier” or non-conformist. has their own ways.

14. Psychological counseling will not help, since they deny what they are.

15. Claims to religious sentiments, but may be very superficial in devotion. 

16. Usually women, but can be men. The women tend to control their men with sex or flattery. And they pick passive men (Ahabs) so they can dominate them.

17. They falsely accuse you, and they do not forgive you.
18. They spread so many lies that after a while their lies begin to contradict one another.
19. They are influenced by the spirit/demon of Jezebel and in need of deliverance.
20. They hate being exposed and will accuse the exposer of all of the above.

More later...

The Didiache On Prophets

Chapter 11. Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there's a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.

JTO Note: Notice that there is nothing in the content of the Didiache that suggests there are NO PROPHETS. There is nothing in the scripture that suggests that either. Keep in mind that neither scriptural or Tradition suggests one should initially suspect a prophet of being a deceiver. All are strongly warned to do the opposite and accept the prophet whom God has gifted, while looking for the signs of confirmation. To do otherwise is to be in danger of grieving the Holy Spirit. Beware of anyone who, cart blanche, denounces and attacks God's prophets today. They have the spirit of Jezabel.

Thanks To All JTO Readers!

JTO has never advertised or made any effort to increase readership through search engines or any other technological means. Even with that, JTO still gets almost 4000 readers a month, and has 54 regular subscribers from almost every country on the planet. Most who read JTO come here on purpose. We have many friends on other blogs and websites. Some of our articles have been copied, translated and shared in other forums in other countries. From Bishops to laymen, I am always amazed that anyone would want to hear what I have to say. Thank you for linking us. I am always pleased to see traffic coming via your blogs. I am  honored. I also enjoy when we are able to share e-mails and in other ways shrink the size of the cyberworld in which we blog. Meeting some of you by Skype has been a treat. Somehow, the world seems smaller when that happens.Whether you are a regular JTO Reader or just happened to stop by, you are always welcome!

If you are a commenter, thank you for your continued kind and encouraging words and participation as I share my Journey To Orthodoxy. Some, I must thank for your correction and instruction, done with civility and love. I hope my education has been your education. If you are one of those who has preferred to attack, criticize, malign and basically consider JTO and me an enemy of the people, God Bless You! I pray now for you and your journey and offer this piece of advise. If JTO causes you pain-get out of the fire! Go away and don't look back. We are not out to change the world here, just to share our journey. Go work on yours and be blessed. Are you still here? I said, "GO!" :)  

THANKS Again! Keep praying for me as I will for you. Lest this sounds like a goodbye, let me be clear. As we say in the mountains of Tennessee, "I ain't going nowhere."

Remember: You can always reach me by e-mail (journeytoorthodoxy@gmail.com) unless you are one of the three abusers who have gotten the boot. Only three in six years! Sounds like I have been given the grace of patience. But we still love you "booties" and hope you still read JTO on the sly. It will do you some good!

God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.

Christ is in our midst.

Nathan Lee Lewis

JTO Editor

The Jezabel Spirit

The following is a warning for all orthodox Christians of the need to be aware of the workings of the Jezabel spirit among us. The Jezebel Spirit seeks to infiltrate and destroy individuals and churches.  The biblical woman, Jezabel, was a controller, a man hater, and an enemy of God's prophets. The same spirit that infiltrated the first Jezebel, is still at work today. Usually a woman, today's Jezebel will claim false authority and gather easy-to-manipulate men around her to do her bidding. Her goal is to control individuals and churches. If she cannot, she sets out to destroy them. The following will shed some light on her tactics and demonic subterfuge.

[Source: An edited on-line article via several authors]

There are basically six characteristics of controlling people and organizations whose source is a Jezebel spirit. While these characteristics of the Jezebel spirit remain constant, as noted in the Bible, the symptoms and manifestations of the Jezebel spirit are constantly changing.

The purpose of this article is to identify the Jezebel spirit as it continues to attempt different ways to get control of and abuse the people of God.

First, the Jezebel spirit has a huge ego and wants to meet its desire and need for power. The Jezebel spirit does this by assuming false authority by any means possible. With this false authority the Jezebel spirit not only fulfills its need for power, but also gets tremendous ego satisfaction as it continually maneuvers for a high position on any hierarchical totem pole — either real or imaginary.

Second, the Jezebel spirit will continue and continue and continue to proclaim their authority. The Jezebel spirit has to do this because it has no real authority. So they have to continue to remind others that they have Godly authority. Usually their group claims they have been granted a mandate [read: commission] by God Himself in some specialized area and that because of this others must obey their commands. Look for this insistence upon having authority granted by God with the claim that because of this others must become their followers. To make things easier for themselves, these Jezebel spirits will usually mark off some area of “specialized ministry” so they can focus on it. This way, they don’t have to have a broad understanding of the Bible, God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. After all, they are “specialists” who hear from where you don’t hear, so they are in charge of that area of “speciality.” This is really simply a variation of the Jezebel spirit claiming false authority. 

Third, the Jezebel spirit is quick to attribute any “problems” others point out to them as being caused by the person who brought it up. Remember, the Jezebel spirit “leader” claims to hear from God in their area of self-proclaimed “speciality” of God and you don’t. So, regardless of what the Bible says about something, they have “special revelations” from God and so they are the ones who will decide what’s a problem and what’s not a problem, and what’s right and what’s wrong. Again, a variation of the “false authority” theme.

Fourth, if you attempt to remain loyal to Christ and His teachings, instead of the Jezebel spirit leaders teachings, you will be made the object of their wrath. You will be openly scorned, ridiculed and embarrassed. If you then say that you will leave their organization, or do so, there will be follow up by the Jezebel spirit leader and followers with overtones of impending doom for you because you are unteachable. And so, the false authority theme continues to develop.

Fifth, you will soon realize that the Jezebel spirit and/or their organization operates in an atmosphere of secrecy. Since they have an exclusive hotline to God, usually in their “specialized area of ministry,” they have exclusive knowledge that you don’t. You are to simply follow their leading and must not question their exclusive “truths.” The Jezebel spirit will constantly be springing surprises upon their followers in any and all areas you can think of. Because of their secrecy and their “surprise techniques” you and the other followers will be kept in a constant state of suspense, always aware that things can change at any moment in time, without any indication of such. The Jezebel spirit cannot afford to be honest, because that would jeopardize their false claim to authority. They cannot openly declare their policies, because the Jezebel spirit has only one policy — control through power over others. If they should somehow become transparent in their manipulations and intimidating tactics, then they will claim you have created a “problem” and will treat you as described in the third characteristic discussed in a paragraph above. The Jezebel spirit will conceal those things from public view and knowledge which they feel would prevent them from exercising their hard won false authority. That is to say that the Jezebel spirit will continue to display those things which others know is wrong and will continue to conceal those things which others know is right — by biblical standards.

Sixth, the Jezebel spirit will purposefully exclude the total counsel of God as stated throughout the Bible. The technique of taking scriptural verses out of context and stringing them together to create false doctrine is a speciality of the Jezebel spirit. In this way the Jezebel spirit can continue to claim they have an exclusive hotline to God on their particularly selected and segmented “area of speciality.” The subject of the prophetic ministry, prophets and prophecy is one of their favorites. If the people who follow the Jezebel spirit can be persuaded that they are hearing the words of a prophet, they will be much more inclined to accept the controlling tactics of Jezebel.

Controlling tactics and techniques 

 A. Approval, appreciation, acceptance and recognition are a basic desire of every human being. Controlling spirits of Jezebel are more than willing to accommodate that desire and will verbally praise you publicly and privately. The Jezebel spirit will appear to be a loving and gracious person, oozing and dripping with flattery on those occasions when it best serves their purposes. They will woo and win you over to their “cause” by their insincere flattery — if you let them.

B. The Jezebel spirit is skilled at prophesying great things about you which you attribute to the Holy Spirit endorsing your (sometimes repressed or hidden) personal desires to be an authoritarian leader. Having toyed with the idea of perhaps eventually becoming a great leader and servant for God this type of false prophecy is very heady, exhilarating, influential and motivating. This is really an extension of all that false verbal praise and flattery.

C. You will be contacted again and again to meet with them or their organization in a variety of settings. Unwarranted statements of God having given them responsibility to train and develop you into a great leader will be conveyed to you in different ways. This “God given responsibility” will quickly translate into “God given authority” over you. Without continuing to add members to their little personal cult the Jezebel spirit would soon lose its sphere of influence.

D. Your own personal illusion of your free will is maintained as they lead you into jumping through hoops and over hurdles of their own making. This is best accomplished in a group setting, but is also effective in private meetings. Their praise and flattery will lead you to respond to remarks and questions about their authority in a positive way. You will be seen by others as a fervent promoter of their authority because you really believe it to be so. The controlling Jezebel spirits derive false authority from those who don’t see through this manipulative ploy. Having planted the idea in your head that you will become another Moses (or equivalent) for God, the Jezebel spirit will continue to attempt to assert their false authority over you in what they consider to be clever, non-intrusive, subtle techniques. With some degree of discerning of spirits on your part, that subtlety becomes as loud as a jackhammer in action.

E. Eventually they will use the verbal praise and flattery they built you up with as a reference point to measure your expected performance. You will now be found to be lacking in some or all areas of such performance. This is another aspect of the praise and flattery, the purpose of which is to manipulate and intimidate you by expressing the disappointment that the Jezebel spirit now feels in you having disappointed God by your failure to conduct yourself as an up and coming powerful religious leader. The purpose of this semantical nonsense is to motivate you to do only what they tell you to do. The controlling spirits of Jezebel are experts in giving and withholding flattery to continue to exercise their false authority over you.

F. You will begin to notice that there are “unspoken rules” which are constantly changing. Knowing that you will be labeled as “the problem” if you ask any questions you subconsciously adjust your thinking to keep in step with that of your “leader.” After all, you have to learn to think, say and do things just like they do because they are recipients of a Godly “hotline” of “specialized information” from God. The Jezebel spirit knows the power of human ego and continues to feed your ego the food it needs to become self-centered in focusing on having the “spiritual authority” you think you need to be the great leader that you think that God wants you to be. This is analogous to building castles in the sand.

G. Their walk won’t match their talk. Contradictory statements will be made that sound like they violently oppose what they are, in fact, doing. They try extremely hard to paint a beautiful verbal picture of their ugly behavior so that you will keep on thinking how much you are in control of your own destiny, not them. Controlling spirits of Jezebel are very clever in continuing to make you think that you are a free thinking, independent person who is in control of their own lives. In fact, you are under the worst kind of bondage of one human to another. This is another way the Jezebel spirit converts you into thinking that you, too, have spiritual authority, which, of course, is really false authority.

H. Your own desire to maintain the illusion of your approval, appreciation, acceptance and recognition created by the Jezebel spirit will motivate you to continue your affiliation with the Jezebel spirit. It’s difficult to accept the fact that you have been lied to, and manipulated and intimidated by a controlling person or organization. Even though you know deep down inside that you’ve been used and abused, you are still confused and afraid of having to leave that exclusive and special group of persons who at one time lavished so much praise upon you, with flattering words. You just don’t want to leave and be alone and insignificant again. The controlling Jezebel spirit knows that your desire to preserve your own illusions of fulfillment of your hopes and desires will override your logical analysis of their controlling Jezebel spirit tactics. Logic is a motivator, but the Jezebel spirit knows that emotions are much more powerful and will override logic. They also know that enthusiasm on their part reinforces your emotions beyond anything else they can do. Enthusiastic, emotional pleas and statements, with some logic interwoven here and there will convince you beyond the shadow of a doubt that you must stay with their group...

MORE ON THIS SUBJECT LATER...

"Kiss My Grits!"

Nemesis was the Greek Goddess of retribution.

"In Greek mythology, Nemesis... was the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris (arrogance before the gods). The Greeks personified vengeful fate as a remorseless goddess: the goddess of revenge. The name Nemesis is related to the Greek word νέμειν [némein], meaning "to give what is due". Although a respected goddess, Nemesis had brought many sorrow to mortals... She believed that no one should ever have too much good, and she had always cursed those who were blessed with countless gifts. The word Nemesis originally meant the distributor of fortune, neither good nor bad, simply in due proportion to each according to what was deserved; then, nemesis came to suggest the resentment caused by any disturbance of this right proportion, the sense of justice which could not allow it to pass unpunished."

My father was a noted Southern Baptist Pastor. He was a very gifted orator, a gifted singer, a kind and loving pastor, faithful to his wife, and lived a life of sobriety and service to the Lord. In recognition, he was once elected as Executive President of the Arkansas Baptist Convention. My father once told me of an incident involving a fellow pastor who had become his nemesis. My father had just finished preaching a dynamic sermon at the Arkansas Pastor's Conference. He had "raised the roof", as he used to say. It was inspirational and well received by all...except one-his nemesis. Immediately following the sermon, his nemesis confronted him with insults and slanders. My father, well seasoned in the nature of man, knew that reasoning would avail nothing, so he simply responded with a smile, "Joe, kiss my grits."

A nemesis may arise at anytime in your life. They will attack you, malign you, talk about you behind your back, and at every turn attempt to thwart your happiness. There is usually no discernible reason for their actions and nothing you can do to cure them. They just don't like you or are jealous of the gifts they see in you. Most do not sign up to be a nemesis, rather, they are led into it by their own inadequacies, arrogance, and fleshly appetites. The most frustrating kind of nemesis is one who comes under the banner of righteousness. They have determined that you don't match up to their standard of righteousness and have, as their mission, to let you and others know it. They may cloak their attacks in false compassion for you. You see, they are just "concerned for your soul", however, they eventually show their true colors if you do not respond as they see fit. Their compassion turns quickly to condemnation.

The nemesis will always be around. When one seems to fade, another will arise. Christ knew this. He had not a few of them.

"It is impossible but that offences will come:but woe unto him, through whom they come."

But here is the hope:

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

If you have a nemesis, you are blessed! "Kiss my grits", may at first glance, seem like a less-than-humble retort, but it actually is a healthy tool in combating the repeated efforts of your nemesis to distract you or engage you. It is certainly preferable to attacking back and stooping to their level. Of course, the best tool is no retort, but sometimes only a "Kiss my grits" will do. The nemesis in your life, even though they intend evil, will bring good. We must not allow ourselves to be tossed to and fro by their antics. 

The scripture teaches "As much as is possible, be at peace with all men." This infers that it is not always possible, especially with the nemesis.To all the past, present and future nemesis in my life: Kiss My Grits!

Intergnats and Interflies

MY INTERNET STANDARDS

I do not engage in the shameful practice of personally and publicly, on the internet, attacking someone whom I do not like or with whom I disagree. I prefer to have private conversations and fulfill my obligation as a Christian to "As much as is possible be at peace with all men."  If given an opportunity, I always invite those who negatively engage me to e-mail me and discuss their concerns. Should anyone say, "This is not true! I have read your articles where you attack people!", I would tell you, there is a difference between doctrinal debate, where heretical teachings and the teachers of heresies are pointed out, and vilifying one's honesty, integrity, with personal, slanderous or libelous remarks. In posting publicly, I also NEVER use the name and information of those involved in my personal accounts of my Journey To Orthodoxy. I attempt to be as cryptic as possible concerning identities, however, some will always deduce information and presume what I have not spoken. Where I have given too much information (and it has happened once of which I know) that allowed internet trolls to fish out the individuals involved, I personally contacted the individual who was fished, apologized, and edited the article. Also, when I am confronted in the JTO comment section by an abusive person, I always attempt to answer kindly and diplomatically. This is my standard. This is what I try to maintain in my internet discourse.

INTERGNATS

The term "intergnat" is urban-speak for an annoying person who hovers around you at an internet cafe, while they await their turn on the computer you are using. I think the term is also appropriate for annoying people on the internet who hover around your blog and the other blogs where they know you might go, in order to find reason to swoop down on you. I do not have conversations with intergnats. Why should I? They are intergnats. I have discovered that some intergnats thrive off of the hovering and swatting process. The more you swat, the more they move in. I might initially try to swipe them away with a gentle brush of an olive branch, but if they are persistent, I just move on. Intergnats are difficult to squash. It can be done, but, after all, they are just intergnats, so why try? I must be about my Father's business. 

INTERFLIES

Years ago when I was earning my Bachelor of Arts in Religion/Pastoral Ministries, I would get out of the dorm and walk along the river that bordered the campus. Every time I would get to a certain point along the path, there would be a horsefly waiting for me. He would sit on the branch of a tree, and the moment I would walk by, he would swoop down trying to land and bite me. Now, horseflies are not just annoying, like gnats. The bite of a horsefly hurts. They are as large as a bumblebee, can do you harm, leave a sore, and cause an allergic reaction. The attack of a horsefly is also enough to get you to alter your path. They buzz loudly and circle around your head and do not kindly respond to the swipe of a hand. In fact, they get more aggressive. Such an encounter might even cause you to run away, swinging, wildly. My first encounter with the horsefly seemed an anomaly. My second encounter seemed a coincidence  On my third encounter, I realized I had a problem. The horsefly was out to do me harm. I could either alter my path or convince him to give up his harmful intent toward me. On my fourth visit, I came armed with a can of fly spray. He swooped. I sprayed. I never heard his buzz again. Interflies are those on the internet who have, as their mission, to do you harm. They wait until they see you on the interent comment section, or any other profile on the internet, and swoop down. They attempt to bite you by posting libelous statements about you in a forum that your friends, associates and others will see. This has happened to me even recently. I have not swatted at the interflies for the previously stated reasons, however, some horseflies in particular, have been persistent to the point, that I have had to arm myself with a can of internet fly spray.  I refuse to alter my path. I shouldn't have to, especially just for a bug with a bad disposition.

LIABLE AND A GOOD CAN OF SPRAY

The internet gives a person a false sense of anonymity and license. This seems particularly true in the realm of Orthodox debate concerning heresies, jurisdictions, and the like. I have a blog. I have two blogs.  I am accustom to the intergnats hovering around me. I also expect some will follow me around to other blogs in which I might comment. These are the intergnats. However, recently, some interflies have swooped. They have put into writing, libelous statements intent to do me personal and financial harm. I have exhausted the appeal process, so now I am holding up my can of fly spray. My finger is on the button. Here are the ingredients:

libel 1) n. to publish in print (including pictures), writing or broadcast through radio, television or film, an untruth about another which will do harm to that person or his/her reputation, by tending to bring the target into ridicule, hatred, scorn or contempt of others. Libel is the written or broadcast form of defamation, distinguished from slander which is oral defamation. It is a tort (civil wrong) making the person or entity (like a newspaper, magazine or political organization) open to a lawsuit for damages by the person who can prove the statement about him/her was a lie. Publication need only be to one person, but it must be a statement which claims to be fact, and is not clearly identified as an opinion. While it is sometimes said that the person making the libelous statement must have been intentional and malicious, actually it need only be obvious that the statement would do harm and is untrue. Proof of malice, however, does allow a party defamed to sue for "general damages" for damage to reputation, while an inadvertent libel limits the damages to actual harm (such as loss of business) called "special damages." "Libel per se" involves statements so vicious that malice is assumed and does not require a proof of intent to get an award of general damages. Libel against the reputation of a person who has died will allow surviving members of the family to bring an action for damages. Most states provide for a party defamed by a periodical to demand a published retraction. If the correction is made, then there is no right to file a lawsuit. Governmental bodies are supposedly immune for actions for libel on the basis that there could be no intent by a non-personal entity, and further, public records are exempt from claims of libel. However, there is at least one known case in which there was a financial settlement as well as a published correction when a state government newsletter incorrectly stated that a dentist had been disciplined for illegal conduct. The rules covering libel against a "public figure" (particularly a political or governmental person) are special, based on U. S. Supreme Court decisions. The key is that to uphold the right to express opinions or fair comment on public figures, the libel must be malicious to constitute grounds for a lawsuit for damages. Minor errors in reporting are not libel, such as saying Mrs. Jones was 55 when she was only 48, or getting an address or title incorrect. 2) v. to broadcast or publish a written defamatory statement.

With the advancement of Cyberspace, Criminal Liable has an easy-access outlet, but, many law firms, devoted to internet liable cases, have also risen and are also easy to access. There is now legal recourse for victims. This is the fly spray. This post is just the shaking of the can, but unless these horseflies quit circling, I will push the button. You see, what the horsefly on the tree limb did not know was that I had done my research. The horsefly no longer had anonymity and I was no longer willing to endure his attacks. With this, his license to attack me, was revoked. I knew where his branch was. I knew where and when to point the can. When the button was pushed, the spray hit the target. I wish it was just as simple as saying, "Go away horsefly. Go live your life. Leave me, my family, and my business ventures unimpeded to journey on the path of our choosing. You might do better to love and pray for even your enemies, as Christ taught us to do."  However, I have never known a horsefly with poor self esteem. In fact they are proud of what they are and what they do and act out their character with all vigilance. They seem born to bite. Interflies are the same way. Their sense of esteem is only maintained if they are attacking and biting. It seems only a good spray in the face will do.

Moses The Black-The Motion Picture-UPDATE 11/12

JTO Readers! Make sure you take a look at our updated website, www.MosesTheBlack.com. Go to the Partner Participation page and see how you might be involved in the successful production of this important feature film.

Do You Agree?

"One thing the cross of Christ did was give a meeting ground between purest light and ultimate darkness. At the crucifixion, light met darkness and darkness was vanquished. That should be the focus and work of the Church: Meeting the darkness (of this world) with the light of Christ. Giving the hungry bread, the naked clothes, and the brokenhearted hope that things do get better because despite of whatever they have been through, they are loved... This theme is also what makes great stories. Think of "It's a Wonderful Life". George Bailey's darkness of mind is penetrated with the light of the love of his family and friends and he is brought back from the edge of despair into the arms of love."

If you agree, and you are Orthodox, know that this quote is from a Church of Christ boy. It is truth. It is the Faith.

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

The Heart Of The American Soldier

This Apache Helicopter pilot illustrates the true motive and heart of the American Serviceman. Pray for our troops as they vow to protect and serve.

No, It Is Not Real...It Is A Lie.

Watch this old parlor trick. Every man will give account for using the name of Jesus in vain.

Look To The Hills!

If you are in an orthodox Christian Church (or protestant for that matter) and the life is being sucked out of you, LOOK TO THE HILLS FROM WHENCE COMETH YOUR HELP! In other words, get out of there and go to where the life of Christ can be found and experienced. Such a place does exist. I promise you. Let them call you a "church hopper". Let them accuse you of not "submitting to your priest". Who cares!? Choose to live the abundant life!

"I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly."

And what is that life?

A Word To Rioting Muslims

With the recent stoning of Christian street preachers in Michigan by Islamists, and the spreading Islamic violence on our college campuses, it is time for this kind of speech. Sorry if you think it is unChristian...you are wrong. Truth is always righteous. Islam is anti-Christ and evil.

A Prophetic Word To Orthodox Bloggers...From Father Seraphim Rose?!

Do not trust your mind too much; thinking must be refined by suffering, or it will not stand the test of these cruel times.

Of course, one can always act wrong even on a clear conscience! But even that is not a fatal mistake as long as ones mind and heart remain open and one keeps first things first.

How much our American Orthodoxy needs more heart and not so much mind! I dont know any answer for it, except more prayer and basic education in Orthodox sources.

Orthodox Christians, surrounded by and already swimming in a sea of humanist-worldly philosophy and practice, must do everything possible to create their own islands, in that sea, of other-worldly, God-oriented thought and practice.

Above all, may we all grow in spiritual understanding, not rational understanding—which I fear is the constant plague of all us poor converts!

The two sides quote canons back and forth, when what is needed is love and understanding—and that statement, I realize, could have come straight from the lips of some ecumenist, which only shows how difficult the path of true Orthodoxy has become in our days.

Good heavens! What is happening to people? How easily one gets dragged off the path of serving God into all kinds of factions and jealousies and attempts at revenge.

How much hope there is for those who do not trust in themselves too much and are not overly-critical of others! And how little hope for those whose orientation is the opposite!

Letters from Father Seraphim, Nikodemos Orthodox Publication Society, Richfield Springs, NY, 2001.