The Two Hatted Christians

The Word of God is very specific in what God truly despises, and it is not the sinner that Jesus abandons but those who speak of God's love yet live lives of hidden duplicity.

Throughout Scripture we find that Jesus does not reprimand the sinner, but instead displays compassion and mercy to those who have chosen the wrong path. And it is this display of God's Love and infinite mercy where many who had fallen into sin are reborn into new lives in Christ our Lord.

With the woman who was caught in adultery did Jesus condemn her though she did do wrong? Or did He with infinite compassion forgive her and instruct her to sin no more? With the woman at the well who had lived with several men, did Jesus harangue her with a list of her sins, or did he gently remind and correct her in how to live a life which was pleasing to God? And upon instructing her to sin no more, also promised her that only in Him would she find the living water that leads to eternal life.

We can see in these two examples that Jesus does not destroy the repentant sinner who listens and obeys Him. For Jesus knows that men are weak and human nature is always susceptible to our spiritual foe, which is Satan.

What Jesus does despise are those who profess themselves greater than any other, yet they hide their evil deeds in the dark, as they take on airs of a feigned 'holiness', which is used to hide their deceit.

These who feign 'holiness', are the one's who are very quick to point out the faults and failings of others with great relish and glee, yet with loud voices proclaim themselves the Greatest Christians. And with much finger pointing they continually bring forth the transgressions of those they have accused. Yet who is the great accuser? Why Satan of course!

Yet these very people, who are so willing to find fault in others, fail to recognise their own. These same people also live outside lives of false piety as they attend Church each Sunday and yet on the remaining days of the week they plot and plan the demise of those they have judged unworthy of Gods forgiveness. This leads to the question, when did God abdicate His Sovereign Power in favour of the 'accusers'?

For as Christ warned those who think themselves greater and able to accuse another, yet their own lives are masked in concupiscence and inner corruptness. Jesus warns such as these, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead man's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

Those, who though they attend Mass in a spirit of ritualism, and from duty rather than love, fail in one respect when they judge another as unworthy and continue to be the great accusers. If the person they have accused of wrong doing has confessed their sin in the Sacrament of Penance, then who are the great accusers? For if God has not only forgiven the sin done, but, also forgotten it, then why do the great accusers continue to finger point? Have they not made themselves greater than God?

For if God our Heavenly Father has forgiven the sin what right has anyone else to remember it as if they were sinless themselves? For our Lord also reminds those with the words of Isaiah, "These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men."

This should remind all, that unless we love our Lord with a true spirit of obedience to His Word, and the Traditions of our Church, many may fall into the devils wiles, who waits for the proud heart of those who profess with their tongues, whilst their hearts embrace darkness.

For those who wear the two hats of light and darkness deceive themselves, but, they do not deceive the Almighty, for God knows the secrets of the inner depths of each man's heart, nothing remains hidden from God.

As Jesus instructs us to the Kingdom of Heaven, "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted".

And a warning to those who continually accuse the repentant man who has gained Absolution through the Sacraments, there are these timely Words from our Saviour, "Woe to you, teachers of the law...you hypocrites! You continue to shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to."

We must be wary of those who practice this finger pointing and daily reminders of another's fault, for if God has forgiven the sin, then what gives them the right to remember and retain it?

For it is Satan himself who is the great accuser and who uses 'his children' as the finger pointers, who sit in judgement of all they deem unworthy, but find no errors in themselves!

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

The Master of Dirty Tricks

Whenever a group of people are doing God's work there too you will find Satan trying his hardest to disrupt it. This also applies to those families who are loving, devout and strong in their Faith.

This is why we need to be aware of how the enemy attacks, for remember Satan has no principles and despises those who are truly devoted to God, our Church and also our Blessed Mother, it is these very devout souls he will target most.

Satan is also a master at the dirty tricks campaign, and will often target our friends and loved ones, in order for us to lose our temper and act out of anger. Satan laughs gleefully when a child of God, due to personal attacks upon their loved ones and friends, tries to protect them by becoming enraged at the attacker!

This is why Scripture reminds us to discern the Principality involved, and to make sure we fight the true enemy Satan, who will use people for his own schemes and machinations. Sadly there are many who run with the Principality of evil, and become willing partners with their 'father' Satan in an attempt to disrupt those who live their Faith.

For Satan knows man's weakness and will use even a good persons indignation to try and tempt them to retaliate with evil for evil, this is why The Word of God expressly tells us NOT to fight this way. As Scripture says, "For you were once darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)....Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them..."

As children of God we need to understand the difference and discern that which is of Satan, malice, discord, rumour mongering, spite, hatreds, envy etc. But also in subtle ways, Satan will try and appeal to the righteous, by using others to compliment their obvious holiness, in an attempt to make them grow in pride and take as their own right the gifts they have received from God.

This is why prayer is our only recourse in fighting the enemy for God understands Satan completely and will illuminate the hearts of the righteous in overcoming Satan's wiles'. For Satan flee's from a heart and soul totally immersed and in love with the Triune Spirit.

But Satan does not give up in that he has nothing to lose and very many souls to gain, hence he will attack the very people we love and admire, including our friends and families for he is the master of dirty tricks. And as children of God we need to understand this crucial aspect of spiritual warfare, for when has Satan ever fought fairly?

This is why God strengthens those who live in the light for the evil days which confront us at every turn, through various media resources, the TV, music and the internet. For none of these instruments are evil in and of itself but all can be used for evil purposes. Which is why as our families are confronted everyday with lewd and crude images, they need the reassuring knowledge that God and their Guardian Angels will protect them. And parents also need to be more aware of the various temptations which are attracting our youth away from that which is Godly.

As Scripture reminds us we have not been left orphans, let us then call upon God, our Blessed Mother, the Saints and also our Guardian Angels to ward of any evil influences, as we continue to embrace and walk on the path of obedience to God's Word and the Traditions of our Church.

For our strength lay in God and the Church to fight the good fight through means of prayer, the Sacraments and a recollection of God's Presence at all times.

For through Christ our Lord we are overcomers of evil and NOT overcomed by evil.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

Wholesome Fruits

Just as we need to be aware of the enemies’ tactics we also need to accredit to God what is from God, with full knowledge that nothing happens to us that God has not allowed. As the Word of God says to paraphrase, the rain will fall on the good and the bad in equal portions!

We know not the mind of God, but our Heavenly Father knows our minds and the inner workings of our heart, therefore He knows what needs strengthening within our weak natures. So none should become disheartened if troubles visit our door or if friends turn out to be feckless, was not Judas also a 'friend' to Jesus, did Jesus deny his friendship to Judas?

This is why prayer plays such an important role in our ability to conquer our foe which is Satan himself with the fierce determination and confidence that our Lord has already won the Victory so then let us go forth as armed soldiers in this battle of good and evil. For through a strong prayer life we have all the weapons we need to confront and conquer evil.

But we must always keep our eyes on our Lord lest we use the devils tools by mistake, which are, lies, distortions, anger, infidelity and betrayal. For we are to use Holy weapons by speaking the Truth, standing firm on our Faith without faltering, having all confidence and trust in God, and self knowledge.

And as we battle the evil forces which surround us let us not be timid souls, but to join our Lord and the Saints with our continuing prayers, which will solidify and strengthen our own hearts and spirits. For in all things we must turn to our Lord and seek Him for the Gifts we need and also the humility to understand that we are but tools in His Divine Hand.

So in order to maintain our strength to fight our evil Foe, Satan and his hordes of demons, let us turn to prayer and study of the Scriptures within the Traditions of our Church. This is our hope this is the Way shown by our Lord and Savior.

And as we read and study the Scriptures, and our Traditions, we will live the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. We gain these fruits by constant prayer and vigilance within our own souls to make sure the devil will find NO home in our hearts.

But when a soul is immersed in prayer, then Satan flee's the soul and his demons with him for the one thing that truly terrifies this evil vulture is the heart that is on fire with a love for our Lord and our Lady! Satan cannot exist in a soul that is wholly consumed with love for God and our Blessed Mother, but he will send out his demons to try and destroy such a strong and mighty soul, made strong through Christ our Lord.

So in all things turn to God and with filial trust and confidence with a deep awareness of one's own faults and failings. Also to keep the Sacraments of the Church, most especially the Sacrament of Penance, for it is the Eucharist that gives us the fortitude and perseverance to fight the good fight.

So let us step forward as conquering soldiers who fear no evil for our Lord has gained for us the Victory, and armed with prayer we too are united to the Divine by adoption. For there is no evil that can conquer a soul that is faithful to the Church's Teachings and the Word of God.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

Good Fruits and Bad Fruits of The Spirit

Our actions reflect the spirit within; therefore if we exhibit love, patience, kindness and many other fruits, this allows those around us to see the indwelling Spirit at work within the soul. But it is also the case that if some exhibit such emotions as jealousy, anger, selfishness envy this simply reflects the spirit existing in their soul.

It is our actions that will enable others to identify what spirit is guiding the persons heart, for a soul that loves God reflects the good fruits to all they meet, through their loving compassion and understanding. Whereas those who become jealous, envious, malicious and foster hatred also enable others to see what spirit has been invited into their soul.

This is not to say we must never make mistakes or that any are perfect for the Word reminds us that we all fall short of the glory of God, but that is also not an excuse to purposely and wilfully do wrong. Instead the Word encourages and exhorts us to fight the good fight and to run the good race, for Faith is not for the faint hearted as Satan attempts daily to lead the children of God astray.

Unfortunately so many of God's children allow themselves to be willingly led astray, by fostering hatred and jealousy of another’s Gifts rather than admiring the Good work God has done within that soul. They instead embark on a course of trying to disrupt and bring dissension into a group of loving Christians, for wherever good works are being done there too one will find Satan trying his best to deceive those who are weak in Faith.

But we are also not blind and know the difference between right and wrong, for Scripture reveals to us who God is and our Traditions teach us to practice the Sacraments in order to live a holy and wholesome life. It is when many refuse to neither read Scripture nor follow the Teachings of the Church, that the soul is easily tempted to invite Satan into their hearts.

The fruits are obvious for all to see, for those who follow the prince of darkness will exhibit those very fruits, the dark fruits of malice, envy, jealousy, dissension, pride, rage, ego. These followers of Satan will also attack those who walk in the Light of Gods Love, and like Satan they too will become the great accusers and finger pointers, using the weapons of criticism, slander and calumny. These poor souls are all to willing to point out the failings of another yet refuse to acknowledge their own weaknesses.

The soul that has embraced Satan as their 'father' also embrace his way, this is the case when even prayer is attacked. These poor souls will even hate all forms of prayer and those who participate in prayer and will launch personal attacks upon those who exhibit the good fruits. They will make their attacks personal for that is one of Satan’s greatest weapons, for he is the Great Accuser, and his children follow suit.

This is why the children of God, need to pray much for the souls that have been so led astray but also for the strength and the humility to love those who persecute them. For Satan shows his greatest hatreds towards those who live their Faith, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide their thoughts and actions. It is these souls who have a reverent love for God and the Church, who will bring out the worst in those who live in the darkness and allow the spirit of spite to rule them.

So even though there is much to overcome within ourselves, still we must retain our hope, in that Christ came to save sinners and we are all sinners. And through the Sacraments of the Church, even though we at times will fall, still with a repentant and contrite heart God will forgive the sinner with the admonition to sin no more!

We have not been left orphans, nor are we at the mercy of the evil one or his horde of demons. In that Christ has won the Victory so let all who walk in the Light be a beacon for those who have strayed from the path of righteousness.

For if those who walk in the Light and love God do not pray for those who walk in the dark and love evil, what hope then is there for these tormented people who have lost that spark of the Divine and who's conscience has been dimmed by wilful sin?

"God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."

Therefore turn always to God through prayer for all good things have its source in the heart that Loves God, for God is the source of all Goodness.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

Fruits of What Spirit

There is no such thing as an empty soul, we either invite the indwelling Spirit of Truth to live in our souls, which then incorporates our very being into the Divine as adopted sons and daughters of the Most High. Or we invite the opposing spirit of Satan and his hordes of demons, who then invade our spirits with its all pervasive evil.

A person that has the indwelling Spirit within exhibits this by the fruits it shows and also by their loving natures and obedience to God through Scripture and the Church. These souls are like Angels in our midst, which spread love and compassion to all those they meet and who always place themselves secondary as they focus on uplifting and encouraging all they come in contact with.

The opposing soul which has invited Satan and his demonic horde into their hearts will show the opposite with the bad fruits on display. They will attempt to become the main focus of attention, or will try and bring disunity to those who walk in the Light. These unhappy people will then mock and scorn any who they perceive as children of God, by referring to them as sanctimonious, fake piety, cafeteria Catholics and the name calling goes on. This simply confirms which spirit is guiding these unfortunate souls, for it is Satan who is the great accuser and the great finger pointer.

A God fearing soul, lives in fear of disappointing their Heavenly Father and so with all their heart and despite their failings, they continue to keep the peace which only Christ can give, by availing themselves of the Sacraments. For 'at times we all fall short of the glory of God' and it is through the Sacrament of Penance that once again we can stand in God's Presence because of Gods Merciful Love for His children. These children of God through a contrite spirit and heart then go forth in confidence of Gods unfailing Love for them and try their best to sin no more, as they continue to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit.

Whereas the opposing soul who is contemptuous of God's Word and the Church, continue on their destructive path by parodying the Sacrament of Penance, by trying to 'use' it with no real or sincere remorse, and with no intention of halting their sinful ways. These souls are the most unhappy as they exhibit the bad fruits of malice, slander, envy, discord, calumny and profanities, regardless of what they have been taught they disregard all things Holy whilst they embrace all things evil!

Satan is most gleeful if he can enter the hearts of 'Christians' and seduce them away from Gods Truth, as these unhappy people run with their emotions of hate and malice, and forget all they have learnt. Soon their conscience is also deadened as they continue to mock the Faith they once embraced, and ridicule those who earnestly try and live the Commandments of God. And as their minds and souls become dim to the love of God and open to the hatred of Satan, they become his playthings as they willingly choose to do all manner of evil.

But we are not at the mercy of the evil one nor of those who follow the kingdom of hell. For Christ has set us free from the sting of death by His Atonement for our sins and thereby our hope is always in Jesus whose infinite Mercy waits upon the souls who seek it. We also have been given the spiritual weapons needed to fight Satan and his hordes and which will enable us to stand our grand with the belt of truth, the breast plate of righteousness and our feet ready to travel and spread the Good news of God's peace. There is also the shield of Faith, the helmet of Salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is God's Word and upon our lips are words of prayer.

It is upon these weapons most especially prayer that Satan flees screaming from our presence as we place ourselves in the Presence of God and beseech our Lord to come to our aid which He does, and through Christ we have been given the Victory. So let us remember that we are not orphans at the mercy of the evil one, but that we are warriors of the Spirit and in God we place our Trust and Confidence.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.