Imitating Christ - #75: On the Love of Solitude

If you will withdraw from unnecessary talk and useless running about and listening to the latest gossip, you will find the time to occupy yourself in devout meditation. The greatest Saints avoided the company of worldly men as much as possible, for they preferred to be alone with God.

Imitating Christ - #74: On the Love of Solitude

One man has said: "As often as I have been among men, I have returned less a man." We know this from experience when we talk too long. It is easier to remain silent than to say too much when we speak.

Imitating Christ - #73: On the Love of Solitude

It is also easier to stay home alone than to watch what you say when you go out so as not to offend. Therefore, he who intends to lead the interior life and to have the grace of devotion must, with our Lord, go away from the crowd. Unless you like solitude, it is not safe for you to appear in public.

Imitating Christ - #72: On the Love of Solitude

No man can be in the lead unless he is willing to remain in the background, and no man can govern with safety unless he knows how to obey. No man is truly happy unless he knows in his heart that his conscience is clean.

Imitating Christ - #71: Our Whole Life

He who will meditate devoutly on the life and passion of our Lord will find there all that is necessary for him and will not have to look further. If Jesus crucified were often in our hearts, how quickly we would learn all things we need to know.

Imitating Christ - #70: Our Whole Life

Keep in mind your commitment. Place yourself before the image of Christ crucified and see if you are not ashamed, when looking into His life, that yo have done so little to model your life on His.

Imitating Christ - #69: Our Whole Life

What an inspiration to see religious men devout and fervent in the Love of God, courteous and self-disciplined. On the other hand, how sad to see those whose lives are disorderly and who do not practice those things to which they are called.

How detrimental it is for us to neglect the purpose of our calling and to divert our minds to things that are not our concern.

Warfare Prayer

This prayer was written about 15 years ago at the inspiration of the Lord and remains powerful in its application:

Dear heavenly Father, I pray this prayer in the power of the Holy Spirit, by the authority of the written word of God, and the victory of Jesus the anointed one and his shed blood! Jesus destroyed the works of the devil and triumphed over him. In the name of Jesus, the Anointed one, and by His blood, and the Word in Matt 16:19, I bind, rebuke and bring to no effect: All division, discord, and disunity, all strife, anger, wrath, murder, and violence; all criticism, condemnation, and vainglory, envying, jealousy, and gossip; all slander, evil speaking, and filthy communication out of people’s mouths; all lying, hindering spirits, all retaliatory spirits, all deceiving and scorning spirits; all false teaching, false gifts, and false manifestations, and lying signs and wonders; all poverty, lack or fear of lack; all fear and fear related spirits; all murmuring complaining, all seducing, beguiling, and religious spirits, and spirits of the anti-Christ; all occult and witchcraft spirits, all Apollyon, Jezebel, and Delilah spirits. I bind all curses that have been spoken against me, and I bless those who curse me, and pray for those who despitefully use me. I bind all spoken judgements made against me, and judgements I have made against others. I will order my conversation according to the Word of God and allow only sweet water to flow from my mouth. I bind the power of negative words from others, and I bind and render useless all prayers not inspired by the Holy Spirit, whether psychic, soul force, witchcraft or counterfeit tongues that have been prayed against me. I am free from all demonic forces, for whom the Son sets free, is free indeed.

I am subject to God and I resist the devil, and he must leave, for no weapon, no evil, shall prosper against me, for I escape from the snare of the devil. I put on the whole armor of God: the helmet of salvation the breastplate of righteousness. I gird my loins with truth; the preparation of the gospel of peace on my feet, and I take the sword of the Spirit and the shield of Faith, with which I quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. I claim Psalm 89 for my life, especially verse 22 which says the enemy shall not bring harm upon me, or the son of wickedness afflict me.

I take authority over this day, in Jesus name. Lord, let it be prosperous for me, let me walk in your love, and show forth your glory in the earth. My steps are ordered by the Lord. The Holy Spirit leads me into all truth. I discern between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God, and those who do not. I take authority over Satan and all his demons and those people who are influenced by them, and I declare Satan is under my feet, and shall remain there this entire day and every day! I plead the blood of Jesus over every area of my life, for I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony.
I am the righteousness of God in the anointed one and His anointing, and I am saying so! I have the God kind of faith, ever increasing, limitless faith. I am God’s property, so Satan get out of my life, my family, my mind, my body, my home, my finances, and all that concerns me. I confess this day that I am healed and whole; and according to Psalm 92, I am anointed with fresh oil, the picture of stately grace. I quickly discern those who lie in wait for me. I flourish, and am long-lived, majestic, stable, durable, incorruptible, useful, fruitful, full of virtue, love, trust and contentment; full of peace and patience. I am the head and not the tail. Whatsoever I set my hand to shall prosper, for God supplies all my need according to His riches in glory by the anointed one and His anointing, I have authority over all devils, demons, beasts of the field, angels, the elements in the earth, and to cure all diseases. Jesus is in me, and I am in Him. I have favor with God and man. I have the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, meekness and self-control. I have perseverance, Godly character, an excellent spirit and hope. I am in the anointed one and His anointing, Jesus who gives me wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. I pray for the ministry, you Lord have called me to have, and I call for intercessors to, at all times, hold us up in prayer. I pray that all who are involved are perfectly united in our common understanding, opinions, and judgements. We stand firm in united spirit, and purpose, working side by side, centering in on the Gospel. We live in harmony and unity, sharing the same love. We do nothing through strife or vainglory. We follow after righteousness, in meekness and long suffering (endurance). We draw nigh to God and He draws nigh to us. We are called, anointed, and equipped to accomplish all God has called us to do. I dispatch ministering angels to assist us this day. I rebuke any negative expectations. I forgive all people, I receive from the Lord, for He is my provider. I call forth divine appointments, open doors of opportunity, divine strategies, God ordained supernatural encounters, ministry positions and ministry opportunities. May the Lord perfect that which concerns me. In Jesus name, AMEN.


Confession of Faith

I AM well, healed and whole; I am anointed with fresh oil, the picture of stately grace. I quickly discern those who lie in wait for me, I flourish and I am long lived, majestic, stable, durable, incorruptible, useful, fruitful, full of virtue, trust, love and contentment, full of peace and patience. I am the head and not the tail, the righteousness of God, whatever I set my hands to prospers, for God supplies all my need according to His riches in glory by the anointed one and His anointing, Jesus. I have authority to overcome all devils and to cure all diseases. I am an overcomer, I have authority over the elements, demons, beasts of the field, angels, and they obey me in Jesus name. Jesus is in me and I am in Him. I have favor with God and man. I have the fruit of the Spirit, which is Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I have perseverance, Godly character and hope. I am in the anointed one and His anointing, Jesus who gives me wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.

A CALL TO PRAYER

I had an unusual dream a few nights ago, actually it was a bit more than a dream. I was in another city in old europe and was in the middle of some monuments. One in particular had a raised eagle with outstretched wings at the top.

This morning the Lord spoke to me about the dream and said that darkness is again setting the stage to overtake this area of the world. That He (the Lord) is calling prayers to pray on behalf of this region of our world.

The Angel of the Lord that accompanied me told me the name of the city I was in, BELGRADE. I have never thought of this place before so I do believe that the Lord wants us to earnestly contend for light to be maintained and grow in this region.

Lord, your will be done.

Imitating Christ - #68: Our Whole Life

Use all occasions for your spiritual gain. If you observe good example, follow it; and if you see bad example, take care no to do the same; If you have already fallen into this fault, work to correct it quickly. As your eye observes others, be sure that you also are observed by them.

Imitating Christ - #67: Our Whole Life

Two things which a man needs to make real progress are: He must withdraw himself from those things to which he is prone by nature and to strive for the particular virtue he most needs. And, especially be on your guard against and correct those faults which most annoy you in other people.

Generational Curse or Blessing (God's Perspective)

Imitating Christ - #66: Good Christian Practice

If you cannot recollect yourself all the time, you should do so at intervals; for instance, in the morning you should make your resolution for the day; and then in the evening check up on yourself to see what your conduct has been during the day - how you have kept your resolution, what have been your thoughts, words and actions.  For in any of these ways you may have offended God and your neighbor more often than you think.

Arm yourself with humility and charity so as to ward off the attacks of the devil.  Refrain from gluttony and it will be easier for you to restain carnal desire.  Never be idle: read, write, meditate, pray, or work for the good of the community.  As for bodily mortification, practice these with discretion; for what is profitable for one may be harmful to another.  - Thomas a Kempis

Imitating Christ - #65: Good Christian Practice

If for the sake of charity a pious practice is omitted, it may be recovered later; but if omitted through laziness or our own negligene, it is not a small fault and will prove harmful.  Though we try our best, some failures will be unavoidable.

Nevertheless, we must have a resolve about something definite, particularly concerning those things which are our greatest hindrances.  We should carefully search and put in order both our interior and exterior life, for both are necessary to our spiritual progress.  - Thomas a Kempis

Imitating Christ - #64: Good Christian Practice

As our intention is, so will our progress be, and we have need of great diligence if we want to advance.  For if he whose purpose is to do good often falls short of it, what shall the man do who seldom, if ever, makes such a resolution?

Let us then make up our minds to do the best we can; even so our good intention may be hindered in various ways, such as the omission of a good exercise for a slight reason.   It is seldom that such willful omission can be recovered without spiritual loss.

The resolution of a devout man depends more on the grace of God than on his own wisdom.  For man purposes, but God disposes, nor is the course of his life as he would have it.  - Thomas a Kempis

Imitating Christ - #63: The Example of the Holy Fathers

The life of a good religoius should be distinguished by virtue, being inwardly as he appears outwardly, for He Who sees the heart is God, Whom we should always reverence.  We should walk in His Presence as pure as the Angels.

Every day renew your dedication to God, arousing fervent devotions in your heart as if it were the first day of your turning back to God. Pray to Him, saying: "Help me, Lord Jesus, to persevere in my good resolutions and in your holy service till death.   Help me to begin this day well, for up to now I have done nothing." - Thomas a Kempis

Imitating Christ - #62: The Example of the Holy Fathers

How sad it is that through our own negligence and wasting of time we have fallen  so quickly from our first fervor, and are even tired of life itself! God grant that the desire to advance in virtue be not dormant in you, who so often have had the examples of the Saints before you! - Thomas a Kempis

Imitating Christ - #61: The Example of the Holy Fathers

How fervent were the religious when their institutions were founded! What devotions in prayer, what zeal for virtue and what strict discipline was maintained! Reverence and obedience under the rule of the Superior prospered!

The history of their deeds bears witness to their holiness and perfection by which they were able to subdue the world and trample it beneath their feet.  Nowadays, he that can keep the rule and maintain patience in what he has undertaken is the thought the world of.  - Thomas a Kempis

Imitating Christ - #60: The Example of the Holy Fathers

They were strangers to the world, but to God they were dear and intimate friends.  In the world's eyes and in their own they were despised as nothing; but in the eyes of God and His Saints they were beloved and precious indeed.  True humility,  simple obedience, charity, patience - in fact all the virtues shone forth in them.

This is why they grew spiritually every day, gaining great grace from God.  They were given as an example to all who desire to be holy; how much more, therefore, should they inspire us to advance spirituall than the number of the lukewarm influence us to grow lax. -  Thomas a Kempis

Imitating Christ - #59: The Example of the Holy Fathers

These men and women worked by day and they prayed by night.  Their time was always profitably spent, for even in their physical labors they turned their minds to God and considered the time in His service all too short.  Often they forgot the need for food, so consoling were their contemplations.

They abandoned riches, honors, friends and families; they would have nothing of this world, scarcely even taking what was necessary for the body.  Outwardly they were in need, but inwardly they were filled with grace and spiritual consolation.

Imitating Christ - #58: The Example of the Holy Fathers

Consider the many and grievous trials endured by the Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, and indeed all the Saints who folllowed in the footsteps  of our Lord!  In order to possess everlasting life they rejected honors and all the pleasures of this life. 

How strict and mortified was the life our Fathers led in the wilderness!  How many grievous temptations they endured and violent assaults of the devil!  How fervently they prayed daily to God, imposing rigid fasts on themselves! What ardent zeal to advance in the spiritual life!  What relentless war they waged against all sin and with what pure and wholehearted intention did they aspire toward God!

Mountain Moving Faith Part 1 - LOVE TV's Mid Day Meditation

Imitating Christ - #57: The Example of the Holy Fathers

Look at the shining examples of our ancient Fathers and the Saints, in whom true perfection and religion flourished and then you will see how little we do by comparison.  How can we even compare our life with theirs!

These friends of Christ served Him amid all sorts of tribulations: hunger and thirst, heat and cold, labor and weariness, in vigils and fasts, holy meditations and prayers and in persecutions and insults.

Imitating Christ - #56: On The Religious Life

It is good, therefore, often to remember that you entered religious life to serve and not to be served, and that you are called to suffer and to work, no to waste your time in idleness and gossip.  In religous life you are meant to be tried as gold in a furnace and you will not last long unless with all your heart you are ready to humble yourself for the love of God.  - Thomas a Kempis

Imitating Christ - #55: On The Religious Life

Receiving the habit(1) and the tonsure(2) is but little help; it is the reforming of your life and the dying to self-love that makes the true religous. If you seek anything in religious life other than God and the good of your soul, you will find nothing but trouble and grief and you will not persevere there in peace unless you strive to be the least and be subject to all.

(1) Habit: a : a costume characteristic of a calling, rank, or function

(2) Tonsure: : the Roman Catholic or Eastern rite of admission to the clerical state by the clipping or shaving of a portion of the head; or, 2: the shaven crown or patch worn by monks and other clerics

Imitating Christ - #54: On The Religious Life

If you want to get along with others, it is necessary to curb your own will in many things.  It is not easy to live in a monastery or a congregation, to remain there without complant or reproof and to persevere in your vocation.

If you wish to remain steadfast in grace and to grow in virtue, consider yourself an exile and a pilgrim in this world.  You must rejoice to be considered a fool and a contemptuous person for the love of God.