Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Rev 12: 17 – 18 A Novena is a nine-day prayer. The idea behind a nine-day prayer... Read more
 This video may seem rather dry. But it gives the background leading up to the resistance which led to the Crusades themselves. Charles Martel was a game-changing personage in Christian history. I am aware that there are Islamic teachings which lead to a more peaceful application of that faith. I think that the interpretation referenced here is an accurate depiction of of the application of Islamic teachings in 633-638 AD. It also seems that it is still relevant to... Read more
Representative Sally Kern got her bill banning bans on gay conversion therapy out of committee. HB 1598 passed without debate on a unanimous vote after a committee substitute was accepted, also on a unanimous vote. It now goes to the full House, where it may or may not come to a vote. For an explanation of the process, go here. If it does come to a vote, we may get to see some entertaining debate. From The Daily Oklahoman: A... Read more
University Campuses have become hotbeds of anti-Israel propaganda. Anti-Semitism is rising along with this. From The Washington Free Beacon: Anti-Semitism on college campuses is growing, with more than half of Jewish students claiming they have witnessed or been subjected to some form of anti-Jewish harassment, according to a new report by a leading human rights organization. With college campuses across the country acting as a hotbed for anti-Israel activism, Jewish students say they are beginning to be targeted on the... Read more
Reports indicated that ISIS release a video today concerning the 150 Christians civilians they have kidnapped. Assyrian Human Rights Network says that the video will contain threats to kill the defenseless people. First reports put the number at 90 kidnapped Christians, but the number has now risen to 150. “They are facing death, people are unarmed, they are peaceful. And they need help, they are just left alone — no one’s protecting them,” said Osama Edward, founder of Assyrian Human... Read more
As they now stand amid the white-robed multitudes, and behold the Throne of the Almighty One, let us speak their names in prayer. As they shimmer within the great cloud of witnesses, let us — in the Communion of Saints — ask their intercession before the Lamb.+Holy Martyr Milad Makeen Zaky, pray for us, and for the whole world,+Holy Martyr Abanub Ayad Atiya, pray for your ISIS murderers,+Holy Martyr Maged Solaimain Shehata, pray for their salvation,+Holy Martyr Yusuf Shukry Yunan,... Read more
ISIS murderers have captured at least 90 Christians from villages in Syria. It is unknown whether they plan to slaughter these people, sell them as slaves or use them for barter in prisoner exchanges. Patriarch Ignace Joseph Younan, Syriac Patriarch of Antioch, asks for prayer for the captives, saying that ISIS terrorists are “full of hatred and venomous feelings” toward Syrian Christians and that they are “ready to do … horrible acts without any human feelings,” adding that it is... Read more
This video backtracks a bit to talk about the culture of Spain prior to the Islamic conquest. It’s a bit dry compared to the other videos, but I think it is important because it is often ignored in discussions of the era. It’s particularly interesting, learning about St Isidore. I had no idea that Visigothic Spain gave us the world’s first encyclopedia. This Spanish intellectual movement was destroyed by the Islamic conquest. I am aware that there are Islamic teachings which lead... Read more
I’ve kept mum about President Obama’s careful choice of words concerning ISIS and the tragedy in the Middle East because I could see legitimate reasons for it. Tarring all Muslims with the same extremist brush is bad policy for this country for the simple reason that, in the final analysis, if Muslim extremists are ultimately defeated, it will be by other Muslims. We only have two choices in this matter: We can help other Muslims defeat the savages who are... Read more
Corrie ten Boom called it dying grace. St Paul referred to it as “the peace that passes all understanding.” I have described it as a bell jar that was over me, protecting me. It is the grace of God, and it comes to us when we need it to do His will. There are many caveats about this grace, none of which I’ve read in books, but which I’ve learned by walking with Christ. First, you don’t get this grace... Read more
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