LOVE
Dominant Life Principle (DLP)
Happy New Coptic Year to you all...
New beginnings always remind us with basic principles we used to live with and give us opportunity to re-evaluate our goals, the way of living and the path we are walking in...
It’s time to think what is the number 1 goal in my life? What do I want to achieve this year and what is my dominant life principle!!!
For someone, it could be fun, money, comfort, fame, success, love..... Let’s analyse it then. If it is fun, I would do whatever it takes to maximize the fun time. If it’s money, I would save pennies and enjoy free stuff. If it’s comfort, I would watch TV and never go out of my comfort zone. If it’s fame, I would like to be the centre of attention – self centred – and never care of anyone but me. If it’s success, I would sell anything or anyone for that feeling, would step on anyone’s toes jumping on the shoulders of all to be successful. If it’s love, I would open my heart and evaluate all my deeds and thoughts to make sure that they are done with love. “Let all that you do, be done with love” 1 Cor. 16:14
The question is what is compelling me?! The driver of all actions: studying, working, travelling, getting married, making friends, socializing, going through tribulations, buying or selling, dealing with others especially difficult people!!! I believe that we are here on earth to learn that lesson of Love fulfilling the greatest commandments to love God and to love one another.
I truly wish that we all choose Love as a dominant life principle... Have a wonderful New Love Life.
Fr. Daniel Bessada
A message from Fr. Daniel: Joy
The New Coptic Year starts with joyful tunes till the feast of the Cross which made me wonder why?! What is the definition of Joy?! Who can have it? How to keep it?!
Sometimes life gets a little rough, and we all need joy in our lives. We often seek joy through various things; a new home/car, shopping, salary raise, vacation, friends and other external events that don’t last while true joy comes from inside and within ourselves. We usually talk about warnings that come from the Bible, how to live or not live our lives. However, sometimes we forget that the Bible tells us to enjoy life. God did not mean for us to be sad or serious all the time. Our Lord Jesus Christ promised saying in the Gospel of St. John 16:22 - "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."
Joy by definition is the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying. What could be more joyful than having The God of all creation on our side, talking with Him anytime on a daily basis, reading His Bible love letters, living the Kingdom of Heaven from now through His Great Salvation, Walking with a clean heart / conscience through repentance and confession, abiding in Him through Communion and trusting His love and care?!
Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them
Here are some "happy" Bible verses to add some sunshine to what may be called a gloomy day:
Psalm 27:6 - "Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD."
Psalm 97:11-12 - "Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."
Proverbs 15:13 - "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."
Proverbs 15:23 - "A man finds joy in giving an appropriate reply - and how good is a timely word!"
Proverbs 17:22 - "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
Nehemiah 8:10 - "Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'"
Finally, I wish we all may have a positive attitude towards life, enjoy daily little surprises prepared by our loving God, seek joy and never allow anyone/anything take away your joy!
Fr. Daniel Bessada
A message from Fr. Daniel: SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE
* A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on experiences
* An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment
* A loss of interest in judging other people
* A loss of interest in judging self
* A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others
* A loss of interest in conflict
* A loss of ability to worry (this is a very serious symptom)
* Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation
* Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature
* Frequent attacks of smiling
* An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen
* An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it
Do you have those symptoms? Do you wish to have them? Please continue reading!
Peace is that beautiful word everyone seeks. When life gets so stressful, we tend to find a quite place and do nothing or go for a vacation to enjoy a peaceful time with family, friends or oneself. The world is not going to slow down; the day is not enough for the number of required tasks. The question is can I live in peace in such hectic world even during tribulations and rough times!
Our Lord Jesus Christ gives us the promise of peace differentiating between the outer peace – which comes from daily events and secured funds - and the inner peace that shines on dark days when we see His Mighty Hands stretched out to help and carry us during nerve-racking times.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.—John 14:27
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33
Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue It.—Psalm 34:14
Great peace has those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.—Psalm 119:165
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.—Colossians 3:15
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.—Isaiah 26:3
Inner peace (or peace of mind) refers to a state of being mentally and spiritually at peace, with enough knowledge and understanding to keep oneself strong in the face of discord or stress. Being "at peace" is considered by many to be healthy (homeostasis) and the opposite of being stressed or anxious. Peace of mind is generally associated with bliss and happiness.
I wish you all a peaceful life that no incidents could affect it. Always remember, we are in Safe Hands!
Fr. Daniel Bessada
Theme of the Month: "Longsuffering" طول الأناة
A message from Fr. Daniel: The Most Needed Virtue!
In discussing "the fruit of the Spirit", the nine graces listed in Galatians 5:22-23 are often divided into three groups:
a. The first group contains those graces that turns one's thought toward God...
1) Love (for love is of God)
2) Joy (for we rejoice in the Lord)
3) Peace (for from God comes the peace that surpasses understanding)
b. The second group contains those graces that direct our attention to our fellow man...
4) Longsuffering
5) Kindness
6) Goodness
c. The third group of graces refers more directly to oneself...
7) Faithfulness
8) Gentleness (meekness)
9) Self-control
Longsuffering, or patience, the fourth fruit of the Spirit, is a much-needed virtue in a fast-paced, impatient world. Long-suffering by definition is patiently enduring wrongs or difficulties.
The grace is "longsuffering"; The Greek word is makrothumia: Literally, it means being "long-tempered" (the opposite of Short-tempered)
Longsuffering is love on trial. It enables you to forbear and forgive others (Colossians 3:13). As with the other manifestations of spiritual fruit, you can't produce it in yourself. The ability to be longsuffering comes from the Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:11) and by loving God's law. (Psalm 119:165)
Longsuffering is also being referred to as patience. Patience is being mild, gentle, and constant in all circumstances. The real test of patience is not in waiting, but in how one acts while he or she is waiting. A person who has developed patience will be able to put up with things without losing his or her temper. Scripture tells us in James 1:4 "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting (lacking) nothing." Reaching this point is definitely a process that takes a lot of practice. However, we can learn to enjoy life where we are while we are waiting for what we desire.
"I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love." Ephesians 4:1-2
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." II Timothy 4:2
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." II Peter 3:9
If God is longsuffering, we should not be surprised that those who "walk in the Spirit" are also longsuffering!
Fr. Daniel Bessada
SEP' 2010
OCT' 2010
NOV' 2010
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Theme of the Month: "Endurance" الاحتمال
FEB' 2011
A Paradox (By Fr. Daniel Bessada):
Question: "Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations?"
Answer: One of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a disciple of Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. Why would a good and loving God allow us to go through such things as the death of a child, disease and injury to ourselves and our loved ones, financial hardships, worry and fear? Surely, if He loved us, He would take all these things away from us. After all, doesn’t loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable! Well, no, it doesn’t. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those who are His children and He “works all things together for good” for us (Romans 8:28). Therefore, that must mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our lives are part of the working together of all things for good. Therefore, for the believer, all trials and tribulations must have a divine purpose.
As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). This is the goal of the Christian, and everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that goal. It is part of the process of sanctification; that is, being set apart for God’s purposes and fitted to live for His glory. The way the trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." The true believer’s faith will be made sure by the trials we experience so that we can rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever.
Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:3-5). Jesus Christ set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). These verses point out aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ's trials and tribulations and ours. Persevering proves our faith. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
At the same time, we must be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and tribulations" if they are a result of our own wrongdoing. "By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler" (1 Peter 4:15). God will forgive our sins because the eternal punishment for them has been paid by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. However, we still have to suffer the natural consequences in this life for our sins and bad choices. However, God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good.
Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4,12).
Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." These verses encourage us to see that although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything. He has also assured us that no trial will test us beyond our ability to bear it, and “he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
For my sake... (By Fr. Daniel Bessada - April' 2011):
The dictionary definition of redemption is “the act of purchasing back something previously sold”. The Christian definition of redemption is more specific and is focused on Christ, salvation and the destructive effects of sin. The Christian definition of redemption is “the act of delivering from sin or saving from evil“.
I have never felt more precious or valuable until I was introduced to the Gregorian Liturgy when said “Neither an angel nor an archangel, neither a patriarch nor a prophet have you entrusted with our salvation.” As Your child, I thank you deeply for not giving this mission of redeeming me to anyone, but for my sake, You ministered Salvation to me when I disobeyed Your Law.
In fact, it is a wonderful experience being greatly loved when reading: “You have given Your Back to the scourge, Your cheeks You have left open to those who smite. To continue reading, please click HERE
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One Accord… One Christ (By Fr. Daniel Bessada - June' 2011):
Our Lord Jesus Christ has something in mind to gather all humankind in one when He says: “So that they may be one as We are one” (John 17:11). Here Our Lord Jesus Christ asks that the disciples be granted unity. However, he is not just asking for simple agreement; he is asking for the ultimate kind of unity: the unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Hence, we read in the book of Acts 1:14 – just after the Ascension - “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication”.
Upon the dissension of the Holy Spirit, they continued with one accord-knit by a bond stronger than death. With one accord unanimously, without exception, by common consent, of one's own free will they did it of their own accord, without being forced to.
The Bible says those who believe in Our Lord Jesus receive new life from Christ that with one mind, and with one mouth, you may glorify God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
With one accord - Greek: ὁμοθυμαδόν homothumadon - "with one mind." The word denotes the entire harmony of their views and feelings. There were no schisms, no divided interests, and no discordant purposes. This is a beautiful picture of devotion, and a specimen of what social worship ought now to be, and a beautiful illustration of Psalm 133:1-3. The apostles felt that they had one great object; and their deep grief at the loss of their master, and their doubts and perplexities, led them, as all afflictions ought to lead us, to the throne of grace.
These all continued, with one accord, in prayer and supplication, for the promise of the Spirit Christ had given them reason to expect. Moreover, that they might be preserved from their enemies, and kept faithful to their Lord; and be abundantly qualified for the preaching of the Gospel, and succeeded in it. In addition, that their hearts might be comforted, and knit together in love: and they were unanimous in their requests, and so were under the promise of being heard.
It is to good purpose that this agreement is mentioned: for those prayers are most acceptable to God, which are made with agreeing minds and wills.
They had now a great work to do, and before they entered upon it, they were earnest in prayer to God for his presence; they were waiting for the descent of the Spirit and abounded in prayer. Those are in the best frame to receive spiritual blessings, who are in a praying frame. Christ had promised shortly to send the Holy Spirit; that promise was not to do away prayer, but to quicken and encourage it. A little company united in love, exemplary in their conduct, fervent in prayer, and wisely zealous to promote the cause of Christ, are likely to increase rapidly.
In conclusion, I believe we have no options - if we are true Christians - but to live with One Accord as we have One Christ
Our Church... A Mother or a Judge (By Fr. Daniel Bessada - July' 2011)
Sometimes churches can sound like scolding parents—“Do this, do that, don’t do this, don’t do that!”—while more lenient churches might sound like libertarians—“We don’t want to be about a bunch of rules to follow.” While churches or pastors cannot tell you how to live your life, they are given the authority to exhort you about how God wants you to live your life. A church cannot claim to love people without explaining to them the biblical directives for living a godly life. The commandments given in Scripture are not a means to control us or keep us from having fun. Quite the opposite! They show us how to enjoy life without partaking in sin. God’s commandments are a structure that protects us and frees us from the grasp of sin.
St. Theophan the Recluse + "The goal of human freedom is not in freedom itself, nor it is in man, but in God. By giving man freedom, God has yielded to man a piece of His Divine authority, but with the intention that man himself would voluntarily bring it as a sacrifice to God, a most perfect offering. "
Gentleness - a Form of Love (By Fr. Daniel Bessada - August' 2011)
Fragile: Handle with Care – How often have these words been put on a shipment to protect the contents of a package. In an ideal perfect world such boxes would be gently moved from place to place and nothing would ever be damaged.
I wonder if God were to have placed a “Handle with Care” label on people if it would likewise be ignored? How often is the heart of an individual crushed or the spirit of a child broken? Words and actions damage and wound every day. Healing and restoration to the human heart can be a slow
difficult process; sometimes only God can make the wounded new again.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 “And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will”.
To read more, click HERE
Sacrifice is it a Must? (By Fr. Daniel Bessada - September' 2011)
To sacrifice time, money or energy....is a must when it comes to someone or something we truly love. Otherwise, it won’t be necessary...It will fall under nice words like the following kind of statements “If I have time I would ...”; “If I got a chance, I would have done...”; “I will try...will do my best...”...
This may remind us of how many things we wanted to do in our lives, but haven’t got a chance to do because of the limited time or being busy doing other stuff –we thought it was more important – focusing on other achievements or pleasures...
When it comes to school, work, family, friends or vacation time; most of us invest time and efforts in things when we feel we MUST do even if we don’t feel like doing them. Such as, studying hard for an exam, working out to lose weight, practising for a game, holding pleasant or unpleasant social gathering...Normally, we put efforts on such activities feeling it was worth the sacrifice!
But, when it comes to God, Church or our spiritual growth, we may feel it is not a MUST. OR if it is, we may say the time will come later, but definitely not right now as we are truly busy!!! Do we really don’t have time for God in our lives unless we need an essential request from Him...
To read the full article, click HERE
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Psalm 136:1-3 (Contemplation by Fr. Daniel Bessada) - October' 2011
1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endures forever.
3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endures forever.
Psalm 136:1
"O give thanks unto the Lord." The exhortation is intensely earnest: the Psalmist pleads with the Lord's people with an "O," three times repeated. Thanks are the least that we can offer, and these we ought freely to give. The inspired psalmist calls us to praise God for all His goodness to us, and all the greatness of His power in blessing His chosen. We thank our parents, let us praise our heavenly Father; we are grateful to our benefactors, let us give thanks unto the Giver of all good. "For He is good." Essentially he is goodness itself, and practically all that He does is good. Let us thank Him that we have seen, proved, and tasted that He is good. He is good beyond all others; indeed, He alone is good in the highest sense; He is the Source of good, the Good of all good, the Sustainer of good, the Perfecter of good, and the Rewarder of good. For this He deserves the constant gratitude of His people. "For His mercy endures forever." We shall have this repeated in every verse of this song,
but not once too often. It is the sweetest stanza that a man can sing. What joy that there is mercy, mercy with God, enduring mercy, mercy enduring forever. We are ever needing it, trying it, praying for it, receiving it: therefore let us forever sing of it.
"When all else is changing within and around, In God and His mercy no change can be found."
Psalm 136:2
"O give thanks unto the God of gods," God is our God, to be worshipped and adored, and He is worthy of our reverence to the highest degree. What a wonderful statement to recognize that God is mine and ours at the same time. In other words, I have a personal relationship with God the Almighty...
To read the remaining of this contemplation, please click HERE
I fully trust in You (Contemplation by Fr. Daniel Bessada - November' 2011)
Isaiah 55:8
“ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
It is easy to trust in God when all is smooth, successful and fruitful...But, during tough times and when things go wrong in an opposite direction, that when our faith got tested. Do I really trust in God the Pantocrator? Have I truly believed in the stories of the Bible (Old and New Testament)? Or they just remain stories for kids, sermons and spiritual meetings!
Our reaction towards incidents and events should determine our faith. I wish when our faith got tested, we can say “We fully trust in You, Oh Lord”; for the same Hand that saved Your people in the old days, can save us all today. We believe in Your Perfect Plan for the whole world. You love all man- kind and we know You are inviting everyone to Eternity. You are stretching out Your Arm to lead us all into Your Kingdom. We accept Your ways, for Your wisdom is unsearchable and Your thoughts are deeper than our understanding.
Isaiah 55:9
“ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Grow by Giving (By Fr. Daniel Bessada - December' 2011)
Perhaps the single most powerful way to succeed in life is to have more concern for our fellow human beings. Normally, we are overwhelmingly concerned about ourselves, driven by our own personal motives and ambitions. However, the happiest people literally lose themselves in the feelings, thoughts, and aspirations of others.
Are you ready to "forget yourself" and be genuinely interested in the welfare of others? Are you willing to be tolerant and kind to others, listen attentively and silently to their words, and be non-judgmental and open to their
opinions and points of view? If you are, you are an excellent candidate for great success in life, not to mention ever-increasing personal happiness and joy.
Try a little experiment. When you meet with another person, try putting yourself in their shoes. Think only of what they are interested in and concerned with. Listen carefully to their thoughts and feelings, and show genuine concern and empathy as necessary. Take this approach for the entire meeting...
To read the remaining of this article, please click HERE
Beginnings can make or break your life. I’d prefer they make yours, so I’ve come up with five ways to start your day / year on a good note:
1 Exercise
Starting your day with a smile can set your entire day. When you get your heart beating and you’re feeling energized so early in the morning by saying “Good morning Lord”, you can start to feel more ready to face the day ahead.
2 Eat Breakfast
Your mom probably drummed this into your head as a child, and it’s still true. When you eat breakfast in the morning you boost your energy and metabolism, and you give your body the fuel it needs to run the rest of the day. Your soul would need to eat as well; reading the bible (God’s love letters to you) may boost your soul and give your spirit the strength it needs to face any obstacles and challenges.
To read the other three ways to start your day / year on a good note, click HERE
Start on a Good Note (By Fr. Daniel Bessada- January' 2012):
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