Leviticus 19
English Standard Version
The Lord Is Holy
‘Holiness in Personal Conduct’
19 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. 3 Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God. 4 Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal: I am the Lord your God.
5 “When you offer a sacrifice of p... moreLeviticus 19
English Standard Version
The Lord Is Holy
‘Holiness in Personal Conduct’
19 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. 3 Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God. 4 Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal: I am the Lord your God.
5 “When you offer a sacrifice of peace offerings to the Lord, you shall offer it so that you may be accepted. 6 It shall be eaten the same day you offer it or on the day after, and anything left over until the third day shall be burned up with fire. 7 If it is eaten at all on the third day, it is tainted; it will not be accepted, 8 and everyone who eats it shall bear his iniquity, because he has profaned what is holy to the Lord, and that person shall be cut off from his people.
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
9 “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. 10 And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.
11 “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. 12 You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.
13 “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning. 14 You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
15 “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. 16 You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life[a] of your neighbor: I am the Lord.
17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. Amen!
As parents we understand discipline is wholesome and necessary to guide our children on the straight and narrow and to provide a moral compass. As a child I remember just thinking my parents were mean. Rules! Rules! Rules! I would sulk and pout. As teenagers we all experienced a bit of rebellious behavior, push back if you prefer. Today as a Grandparent and still a parent even though our children our all grown adults with families of their own it is wonderful to reflect upon Our Heavenly Father who disciplines us out of love and tenderness and caring concern for He only has plans to prosper and help. I’d like to think I’m wiser now as I age hopefully gracefully though my body tells a different story. We all know Jesus’ parables asking disciples who, then, is our neighbor? My understanding as a Templar means we are held to a higher standard of conduct and believe me people in the secular/material/earthly realm are closely watching. They love to watch a believer trip or stumble for what they believe is their righteous and glorious ‘AHA!’ moment. So even though it’s hard to always love our neighbor, especially those I call the sandpaper people, the gritty ones that rub and irritate, nevertheless Our Lord calls us to do so. I am also grateful for children who are quick to call me out when I slip into complaining or not showing such generous love for a neighbor and I am then reminded of our virtues and our calling. I am grateful for a community of believers that demand accountability and a brethren that stand together on the solid rock of Christ! I need the brotherhood/sisterhood! I need YOU! Together we can impact the world for Jesus Christ but we also need to remember discipline applies to us and we do right to study the Word and prayerfully meditate upon being DOERS and not simply hearers, amen! Deus Vult beloved. Deus Vult.
CAA Michael A. Loos Sr.
Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Fides Et Veritas
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2)
We just finished a Stephen Ministry study of the book ‘The Gift of Empathy’ -Helping Others Feel Valued, Cared For, and Understood. Joel Bretscher and Kenneth Haugk for our Prayer/Care Team Ministry at our Church and there were so many powerful stories, takeaways and teachings to help us better minister to those in need. I learned sometimes the most important gift we can bring is our presence. Silen... more“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2)
We just finished a Stephen Ministry study of the book ‘The Gift of Empathy’ -Helping Others Feel Valued, Cared For, and Understood. Joel Bretscher and Kenneth Haugk for our Prayer/Care Team Ministry at our Church and there were so many powerful stories, takeaways and teachings to help us better minister to those in need. I learned sometimes the most important gift we can bring is our presence. Silent presence. No need to say something deep or profound. Just listen. We all need to be heard. As a man I sometimes immediately think I need to fix someone’s situation. We’re fixers. More often than not it is best to simply show compassion, listen and let them know they are heard. And we care, and then we pray. We are simply His Messengers here on earth. The Work belongs to Him. Let’s stay in our lane. Amen. Deus Vult! Together in strong community ever forward for Christ!
CAA Michael Loos Sr.
Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Fifes Et Veritas
ESV
1 Samuel 16:14-23
David in Saul’s Service
14Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him. 15And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you. 16Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.” 17So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man ... moreESV
1 Samuel 16:14-23
David in Saul’s Service
14Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him. 15And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you. 16Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.” 17So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.” 18One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.” 19Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.” 20And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul. 21And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. 22And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.” 23And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.
Music plays such a vital part in our Church history over the ages and many of us have a favorite hymn or enjoy praise filled music and worship which seemingly frees the soul and brings intense emotions. One of our brothers in our Priory recently shared an excellent presentation on Gregorian Chants and the rich and deeply spiritual history behind them and the Templars daily use of chanting as they went about their normal rituals bringing a sense of worship, awe and reverence to the Creator in all they did. Last Sunday in our church, with our Baptist origins, we witnessed four young adults give their lives to Christ through Baptism. They shared their personal testimonies and how Christ led them from darkness into the light followed by an extremely moving rendition of ‘I speak Jesus’ performed by our very talented worship and music team. It brought us all to tears. The power of music! I am sure He is most pleased when we worship Him and lift songs of praise as they ascend upwards and fill the heavenly realm with joy! Rejoice brethren, and be glad for this is the day that the Lord Hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Deus Vult! Amen.
CAA Michael Loos Sr.
Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Fides Et Veritas
Matthew 7:24-29
The Wise and Foolish Builders
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the stream... moreMatthew 7:24-29
The Wise and Foolish Builders
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
It is important to build ‘our house’ on a firm foundation. I think of the popular Christian song, ‘Christ is my firm foundation-The Rock on which I stand…’ we all know what happens to a ‘house’ constructed quickly without much thought built on ‘Shifting sands’. Storms come and there goes the house! Part of building our house on solid ground ensures we constantly add to it and support it. Last nights’ Roundtable reminded me we build and strengthen together. In community, in shared loss and shared victory. My earthly father never lived up to my expectations. He decided to distance himself and keep my family out of his life. My wife and children and myself were never good enough for him. Rejection hurts and our inability to reconcile due to his stubborn nature and the demons he fought against scarred deeply. So I turned to my Heavenly Father, who went out of His way to leave the 99 and find me and bring me back into the fold. Jesus told me to put on His yoke, for it was light and easy, and He would never abandon me. And consequently my house grew strong, and generational disease was cleansed by the grace and mercy of my new loving ABBA FATHER. Eventually through Christ I was able to come to terms with and forgive my father and remember the good times and not obsess on the bad. But it has always been in community I see His glorious ever shining face, in like minded and humble brethren seeking the Savior. And the House continues to grow strong. We grow strong in daily prayer and by not only reading The Living Word but by becoming DOERS of the Word and becoming men and women of action. Becoming prepared daily to face the challenges of the day with our loving gracious and abundant Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Be bold! Build strong! We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us! Together in Christ! Amen! Deus Vult! My house is stronger because of this Order AMEN!
CAA Michael Loos Sr.
Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Fides Et Veritas
Matthew 7:24-29
The Wise and Foolish Builders
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the stream... moreMatthew 7:24-29
The Wise and Foolish Builders
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
It is important to build ‘our house’ on a firm foundation. I think of the popular Christian song, ‘Christ is my firm foundation-The Rock on which I stand…’ we all know what happens to a ‘house’ constructed quickly without much thought built on ‘Shifting sands’. Storms come and there goes the house! Part of building our house on solid ground ensures we constantly add to it and support it. Last nights’ Roundtable reminded me we build and strengthen together. In community, in shared loss and shared victory. My earthly father never lived up to my expectations. He decided to distance himself and keep my family out of his life. My wife and children and myself were never good enough for him. Rejection hurts and our inability to reconcile due to his stubborn nature and the demons he fought against scarred deeply. So I turned to my Heavenly Father, who went out of His way to leave the 99 and find me and bring me back into the fold. Jesus told me to put on His yoke, for it was light and easy, and He would never abandon me. And consequently my house grew strong, and generational disease was cleansed by the grace and mercy of my new loving ABBA FATHER. Eventually through Christ I was able to come to terms with and forgive my father and remember the good times and not obsess on the bad. But it has always been in community I see His glorious ever shining face, in like minded and humble brethren seeking the Savior. And the House continues to grow strong. We grow strong in daily prayer and by not only reading The Living Word but by becoming DOERS of the Word and becoming men and women of action. Becoming prepared daily to face the challenges of the day with our loving gracious and abundant Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Be bold! Build strong! We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us! Together in Christ! Amen! Deus Vult! My house is stronger because of this Order AMEN!
CAA Michael Loos Sr.
Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Fides Et Veritas
Intercession
May we always thank You, O God, for other believers and pray that their faith would grow more and more, and that their love for each other would increase. (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
Take a few moments to intercede on behalf of other believers, such as your personal friends, those in ministry and those who are oppressed and in need.
(Face to Face vol.1 Praying the Scriptures for Intimate Worship by Kenneth Boa)
Praying this morning it strikes me we are a worldwide community of Christ... moreIntercession
May we always thank You, O God, for other believers and pray that their faith would grow more and more, and that their love for each other would increase. (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
Take a few moments to intercede on behalf of other believers, such as your personal friends, those in ministry and those who are oppressed and in need.
(Face to Face vol.1 Praying the Scriptures for Intimate Worship by Kenneth Boa)
Praying this morning it strikes me we are a worldwide community of Christians lifting our collective voices in prayer to praise and worship our Glorious Savior and ask for His companionship and assistance through this world and its’ trials and travails. I take solace knowing this Order lifts each other up, sometimes multiple times throughout the day, as the empowered, saved, Body of Christ working for the ultimate success of The Great Commission and standing on the watchtower shoulder to shoulder with our brethren. I pray we all fortify ourselves for the task ahead and lead our families and friends towards the light. Jesus Christ. The Way. The Truth. The Life. Be prepared! Stay in the Word! Pray without ceasing! Armor Up and be prepared! Amen. Deus Vult!
CAA Michael Loos Sr.
Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Fides Et Veritas
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life,[a] and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe thr... moreThe Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life,[a] and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own,[b] and his own people[c] did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son[d] from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.[e] 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who[f] is at the Father's side,[g] he has made him known.
Amen!
I find the opening paragraphs in the Gospel of John to be some of the most beautiful and powerfully moving words in the Bible. For they describe the Living Word, who was, who is and will be yet to come. We are told grace and truth come through Jesus Christ. Hence we open and study and digest the Living Word Daily and by admitting our sinfulness and accepting Christ as our Savior and asking Him to come into our bodies, minds and hearts and indwell within us in deep and intimate relationship we share in the Good News message of Gospel Hope and Salvation, powered by the infinite power of His Holy Spirit. That’s strength for my day before heading out and true preparation as we line up in rank and file to go forth boldly as brethren together for His Service and all for His glory! Amen! Together, in Christ, we go forth boldly! Deus Vult!
CAA Michael Loos Sr.
Priory of St Michael the Archangel
Fides Et Veritas
I’mCAA Micheal Royal
May I ask is they you in the knights photo?
If so wher did you have it done