My God, in you I trust and you have not failed me

"To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul,
my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be disgraced;
do not let my enemies gloat over me.
No one is disgraced who waits for you,
but only those who are treacherous without cause."  (Psalm 25: 1 - 3)

I trust in you my God.  I shall not be put to shame.  I trust in you to pardon my sins and blot out my guilt.  I trust in you to provide me the peace and power that I need to live a victorious life day by day.  I rely on you to protect me every moment and every step of my life.  I rely on you to provide  all my needs.  One thing I ask for from you, O Lord.  This one thing I trust  you for:  to enjoy your constant presence all the days of my life.  You created me with a purpose.  I trust in you to lead and guide me to this purpose.

I believe in your word.  I have trusted you in the past and you have  vindicated me.  I will wait for you joyfully till the time of fulfillment comes.  Thank you Lord.

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching

"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work."  (2 Timothy 3: 16 - 17)

On Inspiration, Knapp writes:  "An extraordinary divine agency upon teachers while giving instruction, whether oral or written, by which they were taught how and what they should speak or write."

This is my experience.

The Holy Spirit is the source of all inspiration and power.

Faith comes from hearing

"Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ."  (Romans 10: 17)

Although faith is a pure gift of God, God has nevertheless provided that the only way we obtain this treasure is through the preached or written word of God.  This is the way we received our faith.  This is the manner we can share in the mission of Christ to spread the faith.

"I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last."  (John 15: 16, 19)
"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia!)  (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)

How do I participate today in the Great Commission?
Lector, Teaching, Blog, Twitter, Email, Texting, and Conversation, Promised Cards.  When I become aware that these are the ordinary providence to sow the seed of faith, I am motivated to do it better.

Blessed are those who have been invited to the Wedding of the Lamb

"Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These words are true; they come from God.”  (Revelation 19: 9)

The Wedding Feast of the Lamb is the Eucharistic Feast, the Mass. Those who are invited to attend are to consider themselves very happy, honored and indeed to be envied.  To "eat bread in the kingdom" is one of the greatest blessings in life.

How come it that so many miss this point?  In Isaiah 55: 1 -2, God issues invitation to grace  to all in these words:

"All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
You who have no money,
come, buy grain and eat;
Come, buy grain without money,
wine and milk without cost!
Why spend your money for what is not bread;
your wages for what does not satisfy?
Only listen to me, and you shall eat well,
you shall delight in rich fare."  (Isaiah 55: 1 - 2)

The Wedding Feast of the Lamb is the Eucharist where we eat Bread in the Kingdom.  The gift, which is free is  most precious and the Giver of the best Gift offers Himself as the Gift.  In the Eucharist, We sit in table with Christ our High Priest who gives Himself to us.

Firmly resolve on this in your mind

"Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
 for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute."  (Luke 21: 14 -15)

When you wake up in the morning and stand before God in prayer, there  are a number of truths that you must affirm strongly in your mind. Here are my favorites:

This is the day the Lord has made, I shall be glad and rejoice in it.
I shall serve the Lord today.
The Lord is my Good Shepherd, I shall lack nothing today.
No fears, worries or doubts today.

Resolve in your mind from the first moment of your day and let it be a rule never to be departed to trust in God's Providence every step and every moment of this day.

I found an interesting commentary on Luke 21: 14 - 15 in Matthew Henry Online Commentary:

" "God will stand by you, and own you, and assist you, in your trials; you are his advocates, and you shall be well furnished with instructions, v. 14, v. 15. Instead of setting your hearts on work to contrive an answer to informations, indictments, articles, accusations, and interrogatories, that will be exhibited against you in the ecclesiastical and civil courts, on the contrary, settle it in your hearts, impress it upon them, take pains with them to persuade them not to meditate before what you shall answer; do not depend upon your own wit and ingenuity, your own prudence and policy, and do not distrust or despair of the immediate and extraordinary aids of the divine grace. Think not to bring yourselves off in the cause of Christ as you would in a cause of your own, by your own parts and application, with the common assistance of divine Providence, but promise yourselves, for I promise you, the special assistance of divine grace: I will give you a mouth and wisdom.’’ This proves Christ to be God; for it is God’s prerogative to give wisdom, and he it is that made man’s mouth. Note, First, A mouth and wisdom together completely fit a man both for services and sufferings; wisdom to know what to say, and a mouth wherewith to say it as it should be said. It is a great happiness to have both matter and words wherewith to honour God and do good; to have in the mind a storehouse well furnished with things new and old, and a door of utterance by which to bring them forth. Secondly, Those that plead Christ’s cause may depend upon him to give them a mouth and wisdom, which way soever they are called to plead it, especially when they are brought before magistrates for his name’s sake. It is not said that he will send an angel from heaven to answer for them, though he could do this, but that he will give them a mouth and wisdom to enable them to answer for themselves, which puts a greater honour upon them, which requires them to use the gifts and graces Christ furnishes them with, and redounds the more to the glory of God, who stills the enemy and the avenger out of the mouths of babes and sucklings. Thirdly, When Christ gives to his witnesses a mouth and wisdom, they are enabled to say that both for him and themselves which all their adversaries are not able to gainsay or resist, so that they are silenced, and put to confusion. This was remarkably fulfilled presently after the pouring out of the Spirit, by whom Christ gave his disciples this mouth and wisdom, when the apostles were brought before the priest sand rulers, and answered them so as to make them ashamed, Acts. 4, , 5, and 6.[3.]"

You will face an ordeal for 10 days

"Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. Indeed, the devil will throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."  (Revelation 2: 10)

The test will be for a short duration but the reward will be eternal.

 "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing* of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  (James 1: 2 - 4)

Be joyful in trial and persevere till the last because you know that the expected end will be good.

You can never outdo God in generosity

"For those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”  (Luke 21: 4)

Was this widow acquainted with the story of the widow of Zarephath?  The widow of Zarephath gave to Prophet Elijah the last morsel of food in her home.  The Lord rewarded her for this and throughout the famine she and her son never lacked food.

Complete trust in God's providence is the key to joyous living.  As you trust Jesus, your generosity to Him grows.  You then learn from experience that you can never outdo God in generosity.

I came into the world, to testify to the truth

"For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”  (John 18: 27)

Jesus is the truth, the way and the life.  If He came to the world to testify to the truth, it means that He came to bear witness to Himself and His mission.  He is the Son of God, the King of Kings and the Savior of all mankind.

The disciple of Jesus must also bear witness to the same reality.

"I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last."  (John 15: 16, 19)
"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brother."  (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)

My Lord trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war

"Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands for battle,
my fingers for war."  (Psalm 144: 1)

My God is my teacher.  He trains in the art of spiritual warfare.   I must endeavor to be a very docile student.

But why does my Teacher teach me?

"You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons:
“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord
or lose heart when reproved by him;
for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;
he scourges every son he acknowledges.”
Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline?
If you are without discipline, in which all have shared, you are not sons but bastards.
Besides this, we have had our earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not [then] submit all the more to the Father of spirits and live?
They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his holiness.
At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.
So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees."  (Hebrews 12: 5 - 12)

"Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise. Be earnest, therefore, and repent."  (Revelation 3: 19)

By what method does my Teacher teach me?  Divine pedagogy is pervasive and could be stressful.  It is at the same time teaching and continuous testing.  The goal is for you to score 100% like Jesus Christ.

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  (James 1: 2 - 4)

The lessons are many and hard.  The core of the curriculum includes:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.h Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  Matthew 5: 3 - 10)

When does my Teacher?

Always and Everywhere.  Using all Circumstances.

"Grant O Lord, that I too may learn to turn all the circumstances and events of my life into occasions of loving you and serving the Church, the Pope and all souls with joy and simplicity; lighting up the pathways of this earth with faith and love."  [St Josemaria Escriva]

"My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10: 27)

"My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me."  (John 10: 27)

Yes Lord, I listen to your voice in the Bible.  I listen to it in the Eucharist.  I hear it in my heart.  Yes, I will follow you wherever you go.  Help me Jesus.

Now that you know what makes for peace

“If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes."  (Luke 19: 42)

Lord Jesus, what is it that makes for peace?
The Beatitudes!

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.h Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  Matthew 5: 3 - 10)

Lord, but this is a very tall order.  Who can do this?
Nobody.  But with my grace all becomes possible.  Saints are those who know that they cannot do anything on their own.  So they ask me.  Whenever anybody approaches my throne of grace with confidence and ask me, I answer.
Thank you Lord.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord

"“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty,
who was, and who is, and who is to come.”  (Revelation 4: 8)

God is supremely holy.  How do we glorify God's awesome holiness?

"Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy sanctuary;
give praise in the mighty dome of heaven.
Give praise for his mighty deeds,
praise him for his great majesty.
Give praise with blasts upon the horn,
praise him with harp and lyre.
Give praise with tambourines and dance,
praise him with strings and pipes.
Give praise with crashing cymbals,
praise him with sounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath
give praise to the LORD
Hallelujah!"  (Psalm 150: 1 - 6)

I am glad that the Lord chastises me

"Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise. Be earnest, therefore, and repent."  (Revelations 3: 19)

I am glad that the Lord  chastises me so that I may be wise.  But Lord, chastise me not in your anger for I am a weak man.

"You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons:
“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord
or lose heart when reproved by him;
for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;
he scourges every son he acknowledges.
Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline?
If you are without discipline, in which all have shared, you are not sons but bastards.
Besides this, we have had our earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not [then] submit all the more to the Father of spirits and live?
They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his holiness.
At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it."  (Hebrews 12: 5 - 11)

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me

"Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”  (Luke 18: 38)

The blind man was willing to take the chance as Jesus passed, while Jesus was still within earshot to make his plea, "Have pity on me."  This very day, I am expecting Jesus to pass close to me.  Will I recognize Him?  Will I seize the opportunity to plead for His mercy?

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.  I believe you are whom you say you are.  I believe you can help me.  Thank you Jesus.

My inheritance is fair indeed

"LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you have made my destiny secure.
*Pleasant places were measured out for me;
fair to me indeed is my inheritance."  (Psalm 16: 5 - 6)

Thank you gracious God for choosing my allotted portion and my cup for me.  Like a child, I do not know what is best for me.  You know everything.  I trust you to choose the very best for me.  Thank you for measuring out very pleasant places for me.  My inheritance is very fair indeed.  Thank you Father.

"One thing I ask of the LORD;
this I seek:
To dwell in the LORD’s house
all the days of my life,
To gaze on the LORD’s beauty,
to visit his temple."  (Psalm 27: 4)

I ask this one thing of the Lord.  The Lord has granted this desire of my heart.

"You set a table before me
in front of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me
all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of the LORD
for endless days."  (Psalm 23: 5 - 6)

O my friends, what can I say?  This is the Lord's doing.  I shall give thanks and praise Him.

Approach the throne of mercy with confidence

"Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them?"  (Luke 18: 7)

This is great assurance that persevering prayer will be answered.  If the answer is No, God will take the desire from the heart and replace it with something better.

"“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."  (Matthew 7: 7 - 8)

God is not man to lie.  He is always able and always willing to come to our help.  His promise to answer prayer was not made because God owes us anything.  God is perfect truth.  If He says it, it is the truth.  The word comes forth from the mouth of God.  It is for us to capture this word with a believing heart.

"So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help."  (Hebrews 4: 16)

The confident prayer at the throne of mercy will be answered.

Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it

"Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it."  (Luke 17: 33)

This is one of the great paradoxes of the Gospel.  To live you must die.   To be first, you must be last.  To grow more, you must first grow less.  To learn the secrets of the Kingdom, you must be childlike.

What does all this mean?  Things are not exactly the way you see it.  In the world, we walk by sight.  In the Kingdom, we walk by faith.  A childlike disposition opens us to the possibilities of sacred world around us full of mysteries.

Jesus teaches in the scripture above that to preserve your life, you must be prepared to lose it.  You must be ready to exchange what you have for something greater and higher.  Saints and martyrs have done this.  When St. Francis of Assisi abandoned his wealth and lifestyle, he found Jesus, the Pearl of great price.  St. Ignatius Loyola left behind his world and made the same discovery as St. Francis.  Every generation, thousands of people instead of preserving their lives are losing it to find new life in Jesus Christ.  Those who hold tenaciously to the old life will lose it anyway.  It is guaranteed. (Luke 17: 33)

If you abide in me, you abide in my word

"I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing."  (John 15: 5)

If you abide in me, you abide in my word.  If you abide in my word, you abide in me.
Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of me.
If you reject my word, you reject me.

"I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last."  (John 15: 16, 19)
"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers."  (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)

We do well always and everywhere to give you thanks

"In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."  (1 Thessalonians 5: 18)

The will of God for us is to give thanks in all adverse and good circumstances in everything that concerns our welfare:  health, family, finances, job, tools, food and future.

I like the AMP expansive translation on the above scripture:
"Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revelator and Mediator of that will].

The People of God learn habits of faith in the School of the Mass.  For example, the Mass Preface repeats constantly the lesson of Thanksgiving:
"Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks."

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4: 6 - 7)

When we mix thanksgiving in prayer, fear, worry and doubts disappear.

Everything happens for a good reason because God is always in charge:
" We know that all things work for good for those who love God,* who are called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8: 28)

"Give thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father"  (Ephesians 5: 20)

Praise and thanksgiving are powerful means of connecting to God and disposing ourselves to receive God's abundant mercies.

We are unprofitable servants

"So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”  (Luke 17: 10)

God chooses; God calls and God anoints.  God Himself empowers us for the job.  When all is from God, what can we claim?  What can we glorify in?
Now that you know, all that you need to activate the anointing is to ask at the moment of need.  Ask in faith because you know that the grace  you need is already available waiting to be activated.  After having asked, start acting as if you have received what you need.  Do not look back.

"For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good."  (Titus 2: 11 - 14)

When grace is fully activated through prayer, faith and appropriation, it transforms life.

"Trust in the LORD and do good
that you may dwell in the land and live secure.
Find your delight in the LORD
who will give you your heart’s desire."

"The valiant one whose steps are guided by the LORD,
who will delight in his way,
May stumble, but he will never fall,
for the LORD holds his hand."  (Psalm 37: 3-4, 23-24)

Let your full trust be in the Lord and then do all the good you can.  Delight yourself in the Lord, He will fulfill the desires of your heart. You may stumble but will never be allowed to fall and remain on the ground.

"In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones"  (Ephesians 6:  16 -18)

Lord, increase our faith

"And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to [this] mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you."  (Luke 17: 5 - 6)

Faith is that awesome gift of God by which we believe that God is who He says He is and that all that He teaches us is true and He does what He promises to do. Awesome gift!

"Fear is useless; what is needed is trust." (Luke 8:50, Mark 5: 36)
Faith vanquishes fear, worry and doubt.

With faith, we have access to God's promises of: pardon, peace, power, purpose, presence, protection and provision.
Without faith, we languish.

• Believe what you read.
• Teach what you believe.
• Practice what you teach.

The jar of flour shall not go empty

"For the LORD, the God of Israel, says: The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.”  (1 Kings 17: 14)

God's providence has met the Prophet Elijah in an unusual place and time.  The same divine providence has confounded the expectations of the Widow of Zarephath

Jesus invites us to trust God completely to provide all our needs.

"One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”  (Matthew 4: 4)

"Help us to become more aware of your loving design so that we may more willingly give our lives in service to all."  The Church prays on the 2nd Sunday of the Ordinary Time.

To abandon ourselves completely to God's providence in everything, we pray:

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  Amen!"

You cannot serve God and money

"No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”  (Luke 16: 13)

What is mammon?  It could be any of the following:  health, family, money, job, tools, food, future.  God is the source of all these.  For most people, mammon means one thing - money.  In the Gospels, there is a contrast between dishonest, tainted wealth and genuine riches.   The Gospel invites us to seek genuine riches which cannot rust or be stolen by thieves.

"I say to the LORD,
you are my Lord,
you are my only good.

They multiply their sorrows
who court other gods.
Blood libations to them I will not pour out,
nor will I take their names upon my lips."  (Psalm 16: 2, 4)

When we serve God alone and not mammon, we abandon ourselves completely to Divine Providence. We practice total detachment from anything that can ensnare our hearts to idols.

What are some of the blessings of financial peace?

1. We avoid pride that tainted wealth brings
2. We depend fully on God for all our provisions
3. We live one day at a time
4. We avoid temptations to gluttony and lust
5. We avoid wasting time window-shopping for what to buy
6. We avoid buying things we do not need

When we serve God and not money, we learn to recognize times and seasons as God's appointments.  We learn to adapt to times and seasons joyfully.

"I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.
I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me."  (Philippians 4: 12 - 13)

God is a proved Helper in trouble

"God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress."  (Psalm 46: 1)

Has God been for me a refuge and ever present help in distress?
To answer the question, I reviewed my life from the period I had the clearest memory (1970) to date (2012)  The answer is resoundingly YES.

God has always been my refuge and ever present help in all types of distress.  He is a well-proved help in trouble. Whether the distress involves family, health, finances, job, tools, food and future.  God is a very reliable Helper.  The amazing thing is that in over half of the period under review, God had always come to my help even when I was outside His law.  He love is not only constant but to very mysterious.

The Supreme Advantage of knowing Jesus

"[But] whatever gains I had, these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ.
More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ"  (Philippians 3: 7 - 8)

But whatever gains I had....:Family, Health, Education, Finance, Property, Job, Food, Friends, I gave up because of the supreme advantage of knowing Christ.  Those forgotten gains gave false confidence.  Knowledge of Christ gave the one thing that is necessary.  The one thing that is necessary is the one thing I need:  the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit reveals to me the person of Jesus, the Healer, the Feeder.  Jesus is all that we need.

There is a tide in the affairs of men.  All times and seasons are divine appointments.  Jesus is passing by today.

God is the source of all inspiration and power

"For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work."  (Philippians 2: 13)

Abba Father, you are the source of all inspiration and power.  You give everything its place in the world and nobody can make it otherwise.  Fill me today with your inspiration.  Let my every work glorify you.  Amen!

The wedding feast of the Lamb is the Eucharistic celebration

"“Blessed is the one who will dine in the kingdom of God.”  (Luke 14: 15)

The dinner is the Church gathered in the Eucharist.

The Amplified Bible has this translation for the above scripture:
"(Happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!"

The Eucharistic bread is available for us every single day.  Most of us can dine in the Kingdom of God every day.  Some do this.  But how many feel truly fortunate and to be envied for the privilege of dining in the Kingdom?

"Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb. And he said to me, “These words are true; they come from God.”  (Revelations 19: 9)

The wedding feast of the Lamb is the Eucharistic celebration.  To accept the gift to dine in the Kingdom, the Eucharist, is to accept the ultimate sign of God's favor.

"This I know: God is on my side.
I praise the word of God,
I praise the word of the LORD.
In God I trust, I do not fear.
What can man do to me?"  (Psalm 56: 10 - 12)

The Eucharist is the sign of God's abiding love for us.

Jesus is our peace

"In you O Lord, I have found my peace!" 

O Prince of Peace, you are my peace.  Let me be enveloped completely by your peace.  You promise us the peace which the world cannot understand.  Let your peace cover my family, health, finances, job, tools, food and future.

In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.

Jesus is able to save us always and everywhere

"Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them."  (Hebrews 7: 25)

Jesus is always able to save us.  His name is Jesus, Savior.  Jesus says what it is and it does what it says.

He is supremely able to save us always and everywhere  because He is alive and lives forever.  Unlike the frail high priest, king or president, Jesus does not contend with any weakness or death.  He is always fully alive and all-powerful.

When we approach the Father through His Son Jesus Christ, we are assured of hearing and salvation.

Jesus my Savior, I trust in you.

Embrace my yoke and you will find the peace you crave for

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves."  (Matthew 11: 29)

What is this yoke of Christ to which He invites us?

Below is the yoke of Christ.  It is also called the Beatitudes:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.h Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  (Matthew 5: 3 - 12)

The beatitudes reflect the character of Jesus Christ. This is who He is.  This is how He lived.

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11: 30)

What makes the yoke easy and the burden light is grace.  The grace of God makes easy what is most difficult and revolting to nature.  It makes light what is most burdensome.  This is the secret of the saints.  Saints suffer imprisonment, persecution and even death because they have the grace of God to help them.  Without this grace, it is impossible for human nature to embrace these crosses.

Jesus Christ has promised us His grace if we embrace Him and His teaching.  With His grace on our side, all things become possible.  With our daily bread of this grace given at the beginning of each day, we are equipped to live fully for Christ in these areas of human struggle:  health, family, finances, job, tools, food and future.  Lord, give me this day my daily bread of your grace.  Amen!

If the Lord is my Good Shepherd, then I have everything I need

"The LORD is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack."  (Psalm 23: 1)

If the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not lack food, clothing, shelter and rest.  In truth, I shall have everything I need.  What is my experience?  My good shepherd has provided all that I need beyond my wildest expectations.

My Good Shepherd says to me:  "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  (Luke 8:50)  He also says to me:  "But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides."  (Matthew 6: 33)  It grieves my heart that although not a single word of His promises has failed me, I still fear, worry and doubt.

"Why are you downcast, my soul;
why do you groan within me?
Wait for God, for I shall again praise him,
my savior and my God."  (Psalm 42: 6)

We are children of God here and now

"See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him."  (1 John 3: 1)

Thank you Father for this immense privilege.  
Our response to God's love is in direct proportion of our awareness of His love for us.  Since this is true Father, grant me the grace to be fully aware of your love for me.  Grant me also the courage to respond fully.

The Lord is trustworthy in all His promises

"The LORD is trustworthy in all his words,
and loving in all his works."  (Psalm 145: 13)

This one thing I know for certainty:  The Lord is trustworthy in all His promises.  Today, I celebrate 5857 days of the Lord's faithfulness in the Enterprise.  From 1/5857 day, the Lord manifested His faithfulness one day at a time. His performance has exceeded  expectations in every area.  The one big area which has not been resolved is a WAIT situation and not a NO situation.  Thank you Jesus!  I will trust you everyday.  I will surrender every new day to your loving providence my: health, family, finances, job, tools, food and future.

"Today, as you see, I am going the way of all the earth. So now acknowledge with your whole heart and soul that not one of all the promises the LORD, your God, made concerning you has failed. Every one has come true for you; not one has failed."  (Joshua 23: 14)

Most fortunate are all who fear the Lord

"Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
and who walk in his ways.
What your hands provide you will enjoy;
you will be blessed and prosper."  (Psalm 128: 1 - 2)

There are two ways to fear the Lord:
You fear offending the Lord because of punishment.  You may also fear offending Him because He may withhold His blessings.
You may fear the Lord because you are keenly aware of His love and kindness towards you.  We call this reverential fear.

Both types of fear correspond to the human analogy of stick and carrot.
Fear the Lord, the Bible screams from every page.  It is not just good to fear the Lord.  Great blessings are attached to fearing the Lord.  The word of God declares you happy and very fortunate if you fear the Lord.  The Bible also teaches that it is not difficult to obey the commandments.  They are not burdensome especially when we consider that they come from a loving Father.

Let us fear the Lord.

Be kind and compassionate to one another

"[And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ."  (Ephesians 4: 32)

Lord, you have been most kind, most compassionate to me.  You have not only forgiven all my sins but you have done much more:  You have wiped out the record of my sins and freed me from all guilt.  I acknowledge all this freely.  I do not consider myself an ungrateful man.  I want to do what you ask me to do as a show of my profound gratitude to you.  But if I fail, O Great God, it is not because of ingratitude.  It may be because of forgetfulness at the material time and my human weakness.  This is why I pray O Lord.  Grant me your grace at the time of need to remember what you have done for me and to act as you expect me to act.  Amen.

"But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift."  (Ephesians 4: 7)

Lord, let me see

"Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way."  (Mark 10: 51 52)

"What do you want me to do for you, Emmanuel?"
Lord, let me see my present circumstances as you see them.
Let me see my health, my family, my finances, my job, my tools, food and future as you see them.

"Grant me Lord the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  Amen."

"But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift." (Ephesians 4: 7)

"But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift."  (Ephesians 4: 7)

This grace which is given to us by the generosity and abundance of Christ is given to build up His Body, the Church.  What are these graces?  The principal one is the Holy Spirit, the One and Only thing we truly need.  But then we are given different ministries in the Church.  Some of these ministries are:  evangelization, teaching, outreach to the poor and needy in our parishes, lector, art and environment, Holy Communion ministers.  Each ministry provides a unique opportunity to serve Jesus and build up the Church.

In order to use our gifts and fulfill our mission, Jesus provides us with other gifts:  prayer, word of God, Eucharist, Penance, spiritual books.

Thank you Jesus for all these gifts.  Help me to make the best use of your gifts in building up your Church.

The Father chooses to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom to little children

"At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike."  (Matthew 11: 25)

The Father chooses to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom to the childlike in spirit.  The saints are saints because they know the mysteries of the kingdom.  They understand something of the inner workings of the kingdom which the rest of us don't know.  This truth is exemplified in the life of the Little Flower, St Therese of Lisieux.  Although she died at the age of twenty-four, her spiritual autobiography is a classic.  Her complete trust and abandonment to God has a lot to teach the world.  St. Therese was declared a doctor of the Church because of the profundity of her spiritual insight and the simplicity with which she taught this lesson to the world.

Lord, give me a childlike mind and heart and fill me with the mysteries of the kingdom.

God is able to accomplish far more than we ask or imagine

"Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."  (Ephesians 3: 20 - 21)

God is able to give us far more than we ask or could imagine possible.  When I reflect on the Enterprise, I find that God's blessings have exceeded expectations in almost every area:  Casa, SFJ, STM, EDU.

The two areas where things have not worked out according to plan, I now fully accept and embrace as God's will for me.  Because I accept and embrace God's will in these two areas, I see and I appreciate God's wisdom.  "Let it be done to me according to your word."

"O God, grant me the serenity to to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  Amen!"

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,  and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5 )

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  Amen!

My destiny is in your hands

"Riches and glory are from you,
and you have dominion over all.
In your hand are power and might;
it is yours to give greatness and strength to all."  (1 Chronicles 29: 12)

O My God! What a joyful truth.  All riches and glory come from you.  You are the source of all inspiration and power.  You give everything its place and nobody can make it otherwise.  In your hands are all power and might and you share it with whomsoever you please.  What you start you finish, come what may.  All things serve you.

Dearest Father, why do I allow my heart to get troubled after considering the above truth?  Grant me your peace always and everywhere in all things.  Thank you Father.

"Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."  (Colossians 3: 15, 16)

"Incline your ear to me;
make haste to rescue me!
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to save me.

For you are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.

My destiny is in your hands;
rescue me from my enemies,
from the hands of my pursuers."
(Psalm 31: 3-4, 16)

You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you

"But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’
Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God."  (Luke 12: 20 - 21)

Lord, grant me a heart for your genuine riches.  Fill me with faith, patience, wisdom, humility, courage, peace and contentment.

"But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides."  (Matthew 6: 33)

Lord, may you exercise absolute reign and authority in my life.  100%!   Help me to trust your providence completely and never doubt that you will always and everywhere provide all that I need.

"The LORD is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack."  (Psalm 23: 1)

Thank you Jesus for the roof over my head and the food on the table this day.

"Unless the LORD build the house,
they labor in vain who build.
Unless the LORD guard the city,
in vain does the guard keep watch."  (Psalm 127: 1)

I like this promise.  Build my house O Lord.  Watch over all my assets.

"LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you have made my destiny secure.
Pleasant places were measured out for me;
fair to me indeed is my inheritance."  (Psalm 16: 5 - 6)

O My God, how you have blessed me today with so many good promises.  Help me to remember all of these in the course of this day.

Approach the throne of grace with confidence

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.
So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help."  (Hebrews 4: 15 - 16)

My Lord and God, I approach your throne of grace with humility and confidence at this moment of need to ask for your peace and comfort.  Thank you Jesus.

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified."  (1 Corinthians 2:2)

This is an extraordinary single minded focus on Christ.  Is this just an ideal and only possible for a strong character and personality like St. Paul?  By no means!  Every single saint has exhibited the same singleness of purpose with regard to Jesus.  Jesus Himself said that it is impossible to serve God and mammon.  Read the Gospels between the lines and you find that in every page, Christ requests 100% commitment to Himself.

"But we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."  (1 Corinthians 1: 23 24)

A single minded focus on Christ engender a single minded commitment to the mission of Christ.  That mission is to proclaim season and out of season, whether opposed or not the Good News that is Jesus, in whom resides fully the power of God and the wisdom of God.

The means to accomplish this is through a thorough understanding of the mystery of the cross and embracing this truth always and everywhere

Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows

"Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows."  (Luke 12: 6 - 7)

Our Gracious Father gives us each day the awesome gift of the Eucharistic Food, the Body and Blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Now think for a moment:  If God Our Father, gives us this day the Eucharistic Food, how much more will He give us our daily bread, job, money, cars, homes, etc?

"For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."  (John 6: 33)

What the Father provides us without cost and without conditions is inestimably much more valuable and durable.

"But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."  (Matthew 6:  33 - 34)

Lord, grant this great grace to trust completely in your loving and all powerful providence.

I will bear a witness to you in the world

"How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the one bringing good news,
Announcing peace, bearing good news,
announcing salvation, saying to Zion,
“Your God is King!”  (Isaiah 52: 7)

Lord Jesus, help me to discern accurately my purpose in life.  Your grace makes all things possible.  Remember my desire for W & P.  As time go bye, I wonder if this is still possible.  I know that all things are possible for you.  Help me to trust you completely that if this is your purpose for me, it shall be accomplished.

"Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching."  (2 Timothy 4: 2)

"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia!"  (Psalm 17: 59; 21: 23)

I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me

"Yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me."  (Galatians 2: 20)

St. Paul has grown spiritually to the level where he can say, I have understood what Jesus is all about.  He likes what he hears.  To walk in the footsteps of Christ is humanly speaking impossible, Paul knows that he could do that with the empowerment that comes from Christ.  We call this grace.

In the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, we ask for the following graces:

1. First Mystery - The Agony in the Garden: We ask for the grace to overcome all fears of suffering and to imitate Jesus in using the power of prayer at the moment of crisis.
2. Second Mystery - The Scourging at the Pillar:  We ask for the grace to accept pains and sufferings.  
3. Third Mystery - The Crowning with Thorns:  Lord grant us the grace to accept humiliations, insults, contempt and rejections.
4. Fourth Mystery - Lord help us to discern today the cross you have personally designed for us.  Grant us  the courage to pick it up and follow you.
5. Fifth Mystery - Jesus dies on the Cross:  We ask for the grace to die completely to ourselves and to accept God's will in our life in every situation.

In every one of the five Sorrowful Mystery, we ask for grace to be like Christ.  What is grace?  Grace is God's free gift or favor.  Grace makes what is impossible, possible; what is difficult,  easy; what is unpleasant, pleasant.  God is the source of all inspiration and power.  God is the source of all grace.  He is always willing and able to give grace.  Now we know the secret of St. Paul in Galatians 2: 20.  St. Paul desired and asked for abundant grace to fulfill his mission and God gave to him lavishly.  May we desire this grace and ask for it in faith.

I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ

"But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you."  (Luke 11: 41)

" Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, [rise and] walk."  (Acts 3: 6)

Lord Jesus, what do you want me to give?  How do you want me to give?  I want to do what you say.  I want everything to be clean for me.  I know that all that I am and have are gifts from you.  I do not want to hold anything back from you.  But you must help me.  Please Lord, unfasten my tightly clasped hands and take all my time, talent and treasure.

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation.  Through your goodness I offer all that you have given me.  Let it become for me like the bread of life and a spiritual drink.

"And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."  (Matthew 25: 40)

Perfect love drives out fear

"For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery."  (Galatians 5: 1)

"Perfect love drives out fear" (1 John 4: 18).  Jesus Christ has set us free from the slavery of fear, worry and doubts.  We receive this freedom when we are baptized and become members of His Body.  We lose this freedom when we compromise with what we know that is the will of God.  The taste of this freedom is heaven on it.  It is all important to do everything in our power to preserve this freedom.  The first step is the firm resolution not to do anything that will compromise this privilege in any way.

I preferred her to gold and silver

"Therefore I prayed, and prudence was given me;
I pleaded and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.
I preferred her to scepter and throne,
And deemed riches nothing in comparison with her,
nor did I liken any priceless gem to her;
Because all gold, in view of her, is a bit of sand,
and before her, silver is to be accounted mire.
Beyond health and beauty I loved her,
And I chose to have her rather than the light,
because her radiance never ceases.
Yet all good things together came to me with her,
and countless riches at her hands;"  (Wisdom 7: 7 - 11)

O Great and Generous God and Father, grant me wisdom.  I ask for this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen!

God is sovereign Ruler of the world

"He the LORD, is our God
whose judgments reach through all the earth."  (Psalm 105 : 7)

"Father in heaven, the hand of your loving kindness powerfully yet gently guides all the moments of our day.  Go before us in our pilgrimage of life, anticipate our needs and prevent our falling.  (Opening Prayer, 28 Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Divine Providence gives us step by step direction and moment by moment protection.
God is sovereign Ruler of the world He created.  He gives everything its place.  Nobody can make it otherwise.

And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself

"And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself."  (John 12: 32)

When Christ was lifted up on the cross, He drew back first the disciples who had fled at the moment of His trial.  His passion and death were only the prelude to His Resurrection.  By the time of the Last Supper, His disciples had known that with more or less degree of certainty that He is the Messiah.  That conviction was shattered by the gruesome event of the crucifixion and death.

When Christ rose on the third day as He predicted, the faith of the disciples were born again.
"While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak."  (Acts 1: 4).
The coming of the Holy Spirit launched the mustard seed to become the giant tree that draw everyone to Christ.  Today, the Church is over 2 billion people strong.  The Church has not completed its mission until everyone is drawn to Christ.

Asking and keep asking and you shall receive

"And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."  (Luke 11: 9 - 10)

What a great promise from the mouth of God. Man does not live on bread alone.  There is life for man in every promise from the word of God.

Lord Jesus, I believe you.  I am a beggar.  Help me to persevere and to learn how to wait for your time.  I know you keep your promise come what may.

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me,
delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him and be radiant,
and your faces may not blush for shame."  (Psalm 34: 5 - 6)

Give us each day our daily bread

"Give us each day our daily bread."  (Luke 11: 3)

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 6 - 7)

"Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.”
Thus we may say with confidence:
“The Lord is my helper,
[and] I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?"  (Hebrews 13: 5 - 6)

Lord, help me to trust  you completely to provide for all my needs everyday as you promised.

"But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."  

There is need of only one thing

"The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

Like Martha, we are anxious and worried about many things:  health, family, money, job, tools/property, food and future.
But Jesus says:  Only one thing is necessary.
What is the one thing that is necessary?
"But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides."  (Matthew 6: 33)

The kingdom of God is the reign and authority of Jesus Christ.  Mary, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit understood that where Jesus is, there is the kingdom.

"LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you have made my destiny secure.
Pleasant places were measured out for me;
fair to me indeed is my inheritance."  (Psalm 16: 5 - 6)

Mary chose Jesus and His kingdom as her allotted portion and cup.

The Gospel came to me through a revelation of Jesus Christ

" Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin.
For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ."  (Galatians 1: 11 - 12)

The entire Gospel was revealed to Paul by Jesus Christ.  We learn the faith by catechesis starting from home, in school and especially in the Liturgy all our life long.  Not Paul.  Paul did not make any effort to learn the Gospel.  Christ delivered the message to him as a gift.

Christ promises the revelation of the mysteries of the Kingdom to the childlike.  Although we learn the faith, there are many mysteries we cannot understand.  But if we become childlike, Jesus Christ will reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom to us.  St. Therese, the Little Flower is an example of this truth.  She died at the age of 24.  She never attended high school but she is one of the 35 doctors of the Church.  She was taught by Christ Himself.

He is not ashamed to call them "brothers"

"He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them “brothers,” (Hebrews 2: 11)

Thank you Jesus for not being ashamed to call me your brother.  Help me always to remember this.
"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers."  (Psalm 17: 50;22: 23)

No purpose of yours can be hindered

"I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be hindered."  (Job 42: 2)

Our God is almighty.  Whatever He wills, He does, come what may.  Nothing can resist Him.
Father, I delight in the truth that all things serve you.  (Psalm 119: 91)

"We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8: 28)
All things serve your plans O Great God and Father!

Whoever rejects you rejects me

"Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”  (Luke 10: 16)

Whoever rejects my ambassador rejects me.  The bishops and priests act in persona Christi.
Whoever rejects my cross rejects me.  I come to you in my words and my sacraments.  I come to you too in the crosses I send you.

St. Francis of Assisi - Gave away his wealth

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5: 3)

Today is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. His feast day is today.  He lived the above scripture.  The Entrance Antiphon of the Mass of his feast reads:

"Francis, a man of God, left his home and gave away his wealth to become poor and in need.  But the Lord cared for him."
And Jesus fulfilled for him this promise:
"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life."  (Matthew 19: 29)

The poor in spirit are promised the kingdom of God.  Christ also promises to those who seek first His kingdom and righteousness the fulfillment of all their needs.  (Matthew 6:33)  St. Francis of Assisi got the best of both worlds.

The Opening Prayer of the Mass of St. Francis reads:

"Father, you helped St. Francis to reflect the image of Christ through a life of poverty and humility.  May we follow your Son by walking in the footsteps of Francis of Assisi, and by imitating his joyful love..."

Francis left everything to follow Christ.  Therefore, he can say:

"LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you have made my destiny secure.
*Pleasant places were measured out for me;
fair to me indeed is my inheritance."  (Psalm 16: 5 - 6)

I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus

"More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ"  (Philippians 3: 8)

Jesus Christ is the Good News.  The Good News is Jesus Christ.  He is the top price, the pearly of extraordinary value.  The idols that compete with Christ Jesus - health, family, money, job, property/tools, food are all considered as dung compared with the genuine and priceless Pearl which is Christ Jesus.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it."  (Matthew 13: 44 - 46)

To know the heart of Jesus intimately, to love Him passionately and to follow Him everywhere is to have found and enjoy the pearl of greatest value.

"O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot.  For me, the measuring lines have fallen on pleasant sites, fair to me indeed is my inheritance."  (Psalm 16: 5 - 6)

Unless you become like children, you cannot experience life to the full

“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 18: 3)

What do you admire about little children?  They live the here and the now.  Most of the problem in life is not in the here and the now.  Many people would say that the here and the now is alright and adequate.  The problem for most people is living in the future.  Shall I have enough money for retirement?  Shall I be healthy enough when I retire?  Will my home and cars still be there when I retire?  Little children live one day at a time.  They play and have fun as if there is no tomorrow.

Little children experience the joy of surprises.  Ability to experience the joy of surprises opens one to the mysterious in life.  We are immersed in the the mysterious.  We live and move in God and He is touching our lives all the time.  Openness to surprises and the mysterious disposes us to seek and accept the miraculous in life.  The miraculous is simply the awareness of the touch of God.

"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."  (John 10: 10)  To live life to the full, you must become like children.  O Jesus, grant me the grace to become like a little child.  St. Therese the Little Flower, pray for me to receive this remarkable gift that you have in abundance.

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away

“Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb,
and naked shall I go back there.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
blessed be the name of the LORD!”  (Job 1: 21)

Job was tested by fire.  On the mountain top, surrounded by family, luxury and comfort , he praised God.  In the valley of the shadow of death, after he had lost everything,  he still praised God.  O Lord, that I may not be found wanting in praise in my time of trials.

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  (James 1: 2 - 4)

Your word, O Lord is truth, consecrate me in the truth

"Do not let this book of the law depart from your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may carefully observe all that is written in it; then you will attain your goal; then you will succeed."  (Joshua 1: 8)

My God, I will do as you command.  Help me with your grace.

"When I found your words, I devoured them;
your words were my joy, the happiness of my heart,
Because I bear your name,
LORD, God of hosts."  (Jeremiah 15: 16)

"Your word, O Lord is truth, consecrate me in the truth."  (John 17: 17)

They overcome him by the blood of the Lamb

"They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death."  (Revelation 12: 11)

The Lamb of God has been slain.  I overcome Satan by confessing myself a worshiper of the slain Lamb.  Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on me.  Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, grant me victory over the attacks of Satan.

What does it profit a man to win the whole world and lose his soul?  My life is nothing without the Lamb.  If I perish, I perish, if I live, I live.

There is an appointed time for everything

"There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every affair under the heavens.  ....
 God has made everything appropriate to its time"  (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 11)

Times and seasons are God's appointment.  Nobody can make it otherwise.

"O Lord God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  Amen!"

Prosper the work of my hands

"May the favor of the Lord our God be ours.
Prosper the work of our hands!
Prosper the work of our hands!"  (Psalm 90: 17)

Lord God, you are the source of all inspiration and power.  My destiny is in your hands. You have a good plan for my life.  Prosper the work of my hands.  Prosper the work of my hands.

St. Joseph Patron saint of workers, pray for me.

God is a shield to those who take refuge in Him

"Every word of God is tested;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." (Proverbs 30 : 5)

My God, I take refuge in you.  Be my shield today against all distress.  Protect me from all fears, worries and doubts.  As I wait for the fulfillment of your promise, deepen my faith and my peace.

"Lead me from the way of deceit;
favor me with your law.

The law of your mouth is more precious to me
than heaps of silver and gold."  (Psalm 119: 29, 72)

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

"He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”  (Luke 11: 28)

Your kingdom is here and now, O Lord.  Your kingdom comes in your word.  Help me to welcome your word today.  Help me to believe it.  Help me to practice and share it.

Let your light shine before others

"Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."  (Matthew 5:16)

Let your light shine before others.  What is this light?
Patience, love, generosity, cheerfulness, constancy, courage, wisdom, peacefulness.  When people see us day after day, always and everywhere, with these fruits of the Holy Spirit  they will know that the source is supernatural.

People who see our light shining always and everywhere will seek what we have.  This will glorify the Father of lights.  The glory of God is a man fully developed and living life to the full says St. Irenaeus.

Lord God and Father, help us to do everything for the greater glory of your name.

Whatever their troubles, I will answer their cry, and I will always be their Lord.

"I am the Savior of all people, says the Lord.  Whatever their troubles, I will answer their cry, and I will always be their Lord."  (Entrance Antiphon 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

What type of troubles can we cry to the Lord? Trouble with health, family, money, job,, property/tools, food or future.  Our :Lord and God promises to always hear and answer.  Thank you Father.

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  (James 1: 2 - 4) 

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you

"When I am afraid,
in you I place my trust.
I praise the word of God;
I trust in God, I do not fear.
What can mere flesh do to me?"  (Psalm 56: 4 - 5)

Trust in God when you are afraid is the silver bullet that kills fear.  Try it. How?  You bring your fear to God in prayer.  Then you see what happens.

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4: 6 - 7)

Trust and Prayer destroy fear, worry and doubts.  Thank you Jesus!

I desire mercy, not sacrifice

"Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."  (Matthew 9: 13)

Lord, you desire mercy and not sacrifice.  You show me so much mercy.  Give me a merciful heart.  Help me this day to show mercy to everybody I meet in thought, word and deed.  Thank you Jesus.

By the grace of God I am what I am

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective."  (I Corinthians 15: 10)

By the grace of God I am what I am.  I am my heritage, my inheritance, my gifts, my liabilities, my opportunities and my threats.  Thank you Lord.

By the grace of God I am where I am:  STM, Casa, SFJ.  Thank you Lord.

O Lord, help me to trust completely in your providence.  Open my eyes to see how your loving and powerful providence is turning everything for good for me.

It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer

"It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."  (John 6: 63)

The Holy Spirit is Lord and Giver of life.  All that you need is the Holy Spirit.  This is true because the Holy Spirit is the source of all inspiration and power.

O Lord, strengthen me in this Spirit, that I may never lose Him, never sadden Him, and never allow Him to become weaker in me.  Amen!

Be our strength every morning

"LORD, be gracious to us; for you we wait.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of trouble!"  (Isaiah 33: 2)

And the Lord's response:

"When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep."  (Luke 7: 13)

Lord you are full of mercy and compassion.  Help us today to be aware that you know where  we are and will help us.

Jesus Christ has absolute power to save us

"For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it."  (Luke 7:8)

The centurion indicates from the above scripture that he understands the principle of authority and power.  Just as the centurion has learned to obey his superiors, he expects those under him to obey him.  From this premise, he applies the principle from what he knows intuitively about the person of Jesus.  Jesus embodies in His person the ultimate authority and power over creation.  His name is Jesus.  It says what it is and it does what it says.

Jesus Christ has the absolute power to save us from any situation.
"Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them."  (Hebrews 7: 25)

Whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it

"He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said* to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it."  (Mark 8: 34 - 35)

Dear Jesus,  again I pray:  reveal to me the mystery of the cross and help me to embrace and live it.  I want to share this gift with your people if this is your wish.  Thank you Jesus for I know you will hear this pray.  Amen.

Rejoice in your crosses

"But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly."  (1 Peter 4: 13)

Lord help me to understand the mystery of the cross.
Help me to embrace the crosses you permit in my life.
Teach me how to rejoice in them.
Help me to share the knowledge of the cross with courage and power.

Rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ.

The people's patience was worn out by the journey

"From Mount Hor they set out by way of the Red Sea, to bypass the land of Edom, but the people’s patience was worn out by the journey;
so the people complained against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in the wilderness, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!" (Numbers 21: 4 - 5)

Scripture narratives are written to instruct us through the experiences of other people.  We learn what to imitate and what to avoid.  In Numbers 21: 4 - 5, we are reminded that the Christian life is a journey.  As the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, so are we on a journey to the Promised Land of Heaven.  The journey could be long, tortuous and often on dangerous terrain.  There  is never an excuse for criticism, complaint or condemnation.  On the contrary, the word of God says:

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to god.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4: 6 - 7)

We shall never forget that:

"These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come." (1 Corinthians 10: 11)

"For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15: 4)

Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up

"We realize that “all of us have knowledge”; knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up."  (1 Corinthians 1: 8)

I find the Amplified Bible's rendition of the above passage interesting:

"Of course we know that all of us possess knowledge [concerning these matters.  Yet mere] knowledge causes people to be puffed up (to bear themselves loftily and be proud), but love (affection and goodwill and benevolence) edifies and builds up and encourages one to grow [to his full stature].

Lord, grant me simplicity and humility in sharing what I know of you and your Church.

"“Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours." (Luke 6 : 20)

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for the kingdom of God is yours." (Luke 6 : 20)

The Bible is full of many pronouncements of blessedness.  For example: Blessed are those who trust in the Lord; Blessed are those who are invited to the supper of the Lamb.  Among those pronounced blessed in the Sermon on the Mount are those who are materially poor and depend solely on God for everything.  They are happy here and now and will be so forever because they possess God.

I see two choices here:  To be rich in the world or to be rich in faith.  I have tasted the former.   Lord, make me rich in faith.  I want to taste your kingdom here and now.  I want to possess it forever.

Blessed John Henry Newman has an interesting thing to say about wealth:

"All bow down before wealth. Wealth is that to which the multitude of men pay an instinctive homage. They measure happiness by wealth; and by wealth they measure respectability. . . . It is a homage resulting from a profound faith . . . that with wealth he may do all things. Wealth is one idol of the day and notoriety is a second. . . . Notoriety, or the making of a noise in the world - it may be called "newspaper fame" - has come to be considered a great good in itself, and a ground of veneration."

Why not let yourself be cheated?

"Now indeed [then] it is, in any case, a failure on your part that you have lawsuits against one another. Why not rather put up with injustice? Why not rather let yourselves be cheated?"  (1 Corinthians 6: 7)

Dear Jesus, this is a tough teaching.  I feel injustice keenly.  I am very resentful when I am cheated.  When I work for somebody and I am not paid, I feel angry.  But your word above is clear.  You ask me to be willing to suffer persecution for the sake of righteousness.  Well, you practiced what you teach, didn't you.  When you were insulted, spit upon and cursed, you did not answer back.

You ask us to learn from you because you are meek and humble of heart and that your yoke is easy.  I am willing to try.  Help me Lord.

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD and exult in my saving God." (Habakkuk 3: 17 - 18)

"For though the fig tree does not blossom,
and no fruit appears on the vine,
Though the yield of the olive fails
and the terraces produce no nourishment,
Though the flocks disappear from the fold
and there is no herd in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD
and exult in my saving God."  (Habakkuk 3: 17 - 18)

What are the creature comforts that you cannot absolutely do without?  Are they health, family, money, job, property, food?  What will you do it you are deprived of these idols?  Are you going to curse God and die?

The Prophet Habakkuk answers that even if he is deprived of all creature comforts, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord and exult in my saving God."

"Find your delight in the LORD who will give you your heart's desire. "  Psalm 37:4)

God chooses those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith

"Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?"  (James 2: 5)

We see here a clear and stark choice before us:
Poor in the world versus rich in faith.
I choose rich in faith.  To those that love God, He has another great promise:

"We know that all things work for good for those who love God,* who are called according to his purpose.
For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified."  Romans 8: 28 - 30)

Lord, grant me rich faith and help me to love you with all my heart.  Grant that all things will work for good for me.  Amen!

They shall call him Emmanuel

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us."  (Matthew 1: 23)

Jesus is Emmanuel.  Emmanuel means God is with us here and now.  God is always with us.  Lord, I want to be soaked completely in this truth.  Oh, if I can wake up with this idea!  If I can always remember this truth, I will be completely free from fear, worry or doubt.  If Jesus is with me, then all is well; all is accomplished.

Find your delight in the Lord

"Find your delight in the LORD
who will give you your heart’s desire"  Psalm 37: 4)

Yes my Lord and my God, I delight in you.  I delight in all your attributes.  I delight in your great mercy, kindness, longsuffering.  I delight so much in your faithfulness.

I delight in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  I find a great deal of consolation in the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Son.

I delight in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.  I delight in the Sacraments of the Church.  I delight especially in the Eucharist and Reconciliation.  I delight in all the teachings of the Church.

I delight in the beauty of nature.

Thank you Father for giving me a great delight in you and in what you love.  I thank you too for giving me my heart's desire.  I want nothing more.

We have toiled all night and caught nothing

"After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”
Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing."  (Luke 5: 4 - 6)

Every self- employed businessman should read the above scripture often in order to draw the lessons and consolations from the incident.  I was able to get the following from it this morning:
Jesus Christ understands our business.
He knows exactly where we are.
As Savior, He has the absolute power to save us from any situation.
Nothing is too difficult for Him.
His reward is superabundant.
Just as Jesus sat with Peter and Andrew in the boat during this fishing expedition, so He is willing to be with us in our business if we invite Him.

What should be our attitude when the Lord gives us a "bizarre command?"

"His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you."  (John 2: 5)
Just do it!

"For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building" (1 Corinthians 3: 9)

"For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building"  (1 Corinthians 3: 9)

Am I truly a co-worker with God?

"God created mankind in his image;
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
God blessed them and God said to them: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.  Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that crawl on the earth."  (Genesis 1: 27 - 28)

Yes, I am a co-worker with God not just to subdue the world and have dominion over the physical universe but empowered with the Holy Spirit to build up the Kingdom of God which will last forever.

O God, fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we can fulfill this mission.

We have received the Spirit of God

"We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God."  (1 Corinthians 2: 12)

The spirit of the world is marked by:
" Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness,
idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. " (Galatians 5: 19 - 21)

But these are the signs of the Spirit of God:
"In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."  (Galatians 5: 22 - 23)

Lord Jesus thank you for the precious gifts of your Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,"  (Luke 4: 18)

Lord Jesus, may your Holy Spirit lead me, guide me and use me.  Amen!

God is the source of every gift

"All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change."  (James 1: 17)

My God, I know that you are the source of every inspiration and power.  This is a comforting truth.  Grant me the grace to submit always and everywhere to your providential designs for my life.  Amen.

Deliver my soul from all distress

"Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear him,
upon those who count on his mercy,
To deliver their soul from death,
and to keep them alive through famine.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
he is our help and shield.j
For in him our hearts rejoice;
in his holy name we trust."  (Psalm 33: 18-21)

My God, I count on your mercy.  Deliver my soul from all distress and provide all my needs even in time of deep economic depression.  Everyday I wake up, I look forward to enjoying your favors.

Answer me when I cry to you

"Incline your ear, LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and oppressed.
Preserve my life, for I am devoted;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God;
be gracious to me, Lord;
to you I call all the day."  (Psalm 86: 1 - 3)

Answer me O God when I call to you.  You hear the cry of the poor.  Be merciful and answer my prayer.  I have nothing but you.  I have nobody but you.  O merciful and faithful God.  I know you will answer my prayer.  Thank you Father.

I will declare your greatness

"One generation praises your deeds to the next
and proclaims your mighty works.
They speak of the splendor of your majestic glory,
tell of your wonderful deeds.
They speak of the power of your awesome acts
and recount your great deeds.
They celebrate your abounding goodness
and joyfully sing of your justice."  (Psalm 145: 4 - 7)

I will declare your greatness.
"I will bear witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers."  (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)

Blessed are those who fear the Lord

"Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
and who walk in his ways.
What your hands provide you will enjoy;
you will be blessed and prosper"  (Psalm 128: 1 - 2)

The Church celebrates today the Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist.  Jesus praised John as the greatest of all born of woman.  John the Baptist, the privileged and only child of a priest was anointed in the womb.  John would rank high among those that are blessed.

The above brief biography makes me reflect on Psalm 128: 1 - 2 and ask myself, "What does it mean to be blessed?"  John lived an austere life in the desert.  He ended his life in death row and was beheaded.  Where is the blessing in the life of John?  Then I got the insight.  The blessed of God are not to be compared like the blessed of the world.  When the TV evangelist says that one is blessed, he probably means that one has lots of money, good family, good health and all creature comforts.

The blessed of God are those whom Jesus says possess genuine riches.  According to the Lord, there are two types of riches: riches that can rust or lost and riches that  cannot never rust and which no man can take from you.  John possesses the latter.  He is rich in faith, hope and love.  He is rich in patience, wisdom, humility, courage, peace and contentment.  He is rich in what matters most.  He is genuinely rich.

What type of riches do you prefer?

We are called to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ

"To this end he has [also] called you through our gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours."  (2 Thessalonians 2: 14 - 15)

The Choice, the Call and the Anointing.  We are called to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, we shall not fear, worry or doubt.  We believe in prayer; we believe in the word of God; we believe in miracle.  We trust God and leave the rest to Him.

It is the Spirit that gives life

"It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."  (John 6: 63)

Father, sealed with the Holy Spirit, may your love make me what you have chosen, called and destined me to be. Amen.

We will serve the Lord

"If it is displeasing to you to serve the LORD, choose today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24: 15)

As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.  So help me God.