“Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” (Revelation 21: 9 NIV)
Who is the Bride, the Wife of the Lamb? It is the Church which is becoming for all the nations the Sacrament of Salvation. As we proclaim the salvation of God day by day and tell people His great glory, we participate actively in ushering the Kingdom of God.
Don’t be left behind.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good." (2 Thessalonians 2: 16 - 17 GNT)
How do Jesus and Abba Father strengthen and encourage us?
First, we are given the word to live by every day. Secondly, we enjoy peace of heart and mind. Last but not the least, we have the solid knowledge that our destiny lies in His hands. Therefore nothing can ever shake us. See that you stand firm on these truths.
"We ought always to thank God for you,brothers and sisters,[b] and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing." (2 Thessalonians 1: 3 - 4 NIV)
Today is the feast of the Queenship of Mary. Why should God crown Mary as Queen and Mother? Because He is God and can do anything. Mary is the Queen Mother of the Son of God. If Solomon can crown his mother Bethsheba Queen Mother, why not God? (1 Kings 2: 19)
"Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline?" (Hebrews 12: 7 NABRE)
Scripture says that the Lord disciplines every son He loves and every son He acknowledges He scourges so that he will be strong and wise, know how to fight and win. Then discipline me Abba Father. Only have mercy on me.
"You have one Father in heaven;
you have but one master, the Christ." (Matthew 23: 9b RM)
We have one Father. I love to call Him Abba Father. Father, I believe that You are a Father to me at every moment of my life. I believe that I am Your child and that You love me with an infinite love. Teach me to surrender myself to You like a baby in its mother’s arms. Amen!
"Son of man, can these bones come back to life?" (Ezekiel 37: 3 NABRE)
Whatever your life situation, whatever your distress, God invites you to first count all your dried bones and then fire up your faith and prophesy over them one by one. With faith, no hope is ever lost.
Lord Jesus, grant us the faith that revives our dried bones into flesh and spirit.
"You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise." (Psalm 51: 16 - 17 NIV)
What are sacrifices? Fasting, almsgiving, self-denials, etc. What does God prefer we offer?
The ABC OF MERCY:
1. ASK JESUS FOR MERCY.
2. BE MERCIFUL.
3. COMPLETELY TRUST JESUS FOR MERCY.
Simple? Apparently.
Challenging? Definitely.
"‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’
“‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.
“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’" (Matthew 20: 6-7 NIV)
There is no unemployment in the Kingdom. There is so much to do and work for everyone. Everyone is qualified. Jesus Himself promises: "I will pay you what is just." (Matthew 20: 4)
Do you trust Jesus?
“How could one chase a thousand,
And two put ten thousand to flight,
Unless their Rock had sold them,
And the Lord had given them up?" (Deuteronomy 32: 30 AMP)
Do you recognize an extraordinary event, a miracle when you see one?
Is your attitude: "By my wisdom and my intelligence I have made riches for myself"? (Ezekiel 28: 4)
A fool says in his heart: There is no God. (Psalm 14: 1)
“How could one chase a thousand,
And two put ten thousand to flight,
Unless their Rock had sold them,
And the Lord had given them up?" (Deuteronomy 32: 30 AMP)
Do you recognize an extraordinary event, a miracle when you see one?
Is your attitude: "By my wisdom and my intelligence I have made riches for myself"? (Ezekiel 28: 4)
A fool says in his heart: There is no God. (Psalm 14: 1)
"Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1: 41- 43 NABRE)
Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, Mother of our Lord. Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit proclaimed Mary as blessed because she believed the word of God.
Do you struggle believing God's promises to you? What happened to Mary in her Assumption into Heaven is our destiny too.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12: 1 - 2 NABRE)
Our departed brethren, now saints, have lived the Christian life successfully. They enjoy their rewards in heaven. We too must run this race to win, fixing our eyes on Jesus who is holding our price beckoning us to the finish line.
"Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom." (Matthew 11: 25 RM)
Little children do not have exaggerated opinion of themselves. They are aware that they depend on their parents for everything.
The mysteries of the Kingdom are the beautiful truths of Divine Providence.
"Cast all your burden on Me and I will sustain you because I care for you." (Cf 1 Peter 5: 7)
Do you believe this?
"God is my savior; I will trust him and not be afraid.
The Lord gives me power and strength; he is my savior. As fresh water brings joy to the thirsty, so God's people rejoice when he saves them.” (Isaiah 12: 2-3 GNT)
What do you do when you are afraid of bad news from your doctor, finances and investments, job or children? If you have not prepared ahead of time what to do, you may cry yourself to despair.
Those who put their trust in the Lord fear no bad news. (Psalm 112: 7)
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18: 21 NIV)
Complete forgiveness from the heart is difficult for us. Excessive mercy is divine policy not human. To enjoy God's mercy, we must be merciful. Pray for one who offended you continuously till the poison drains from your heart.
"Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit." (John 12: 24 NABRE)
What is your grain of wheat or "first born" that must die? Health, Family, Finances, Job, Tools and Possessions? What do you fear most to sacrifice? Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac, his first born. Abba Father actually sacrificed Jesus His First Born. Abundant fruit and salvation comes from sacrifice.
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves." (Matthew 11: 29 NABRE)
Consider the meekness and humility of Jesus for a moment. Although He was full God and full Man, He assumed all the rigors of our humanity. He started life as an apprentice carpenter. Then He was a self-employed carpenter businessman for about 18 years. He experienced the up and downs of self-employment. He waited patiently for the Call of His Father to start His ministry.
Lord Jesus, say to me again: "Forget your foolish pride."
"God has called you through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Cf 2 Thessalonians 2: 14)
The Gospel means simply the good news. If you are reading this today, know for certain that God has called you to a ministry. To possess the glory of the Lord Jesus, you must first be possessed by Jesus, the Pearl of the greatest price. (Matthew 13: 45 - 46)
"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead." (Hebrews 11: 1 TLB)
If faith is so critical for our life in the Spirit, how do we grow in faith?
Start with faithfulness to prayer and daily feeding of the word of God.
"In a resplendent cloud the Holy Spirit appeared.
The Father’s voice was heard: This is my Beloved Son,
with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him." (Cf Matthew 17: 5 RM)
As we celebrate today the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, we rejoice in the truth that Jesus is the beloved Son of the Father. We believe in One God: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Father, help us to always listen to Your Son Jesus.
First Friday in August - Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
#9th Promise of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:
"I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honored."
This promise is so easy to fulfill and yet the benefits are enormous. You can purchase a framed image of the Sacred Heart or print one of the Internet. Place it in a good location in your bedroom or sitting room. Glance lovingly at this image from time to time. Now enjoy the graces that flows from so simple an act of faith.
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]." (Matthew 16: 24 AMP)
At the beginning of the day, pray for grace to discern the cross Jesus wants you to pick up and bear that day. Your cross may be in the area of health, family, money, job, tools and possessions, food or even worry about the future. Whatever it is, you can raise your mind and heart to Jesus in the prayer below:
Dear Jesus, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; grant me the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen!
"I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31: 34 NIV)
Boundless Mercy of the Heart of Jesus.
Take advantage of the extravagant Mercy of Jesus.
THE ABC OF MERCY:
1. Ask for Mercy
2. Be Merciful
3. Completely trust Jesus for Mercy
"Then I will teach your ways to other sinners, and they — guilty like me —will repent and return to you." (Psalm 51: 13 TLB)
“Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment." (Matthew 15: 28 NIV)
Jesus praised the faith of the Canaanite woman. Note the reasons: She did homage to Jesus. (Matthew 15: 25) What is your posture in prayer? The woman refused to take No for an answer. Does your prayer follow the prescription of Jesus? "Ask and keep asking and you will receive." (Matthew 7: 7)
"You will be my people,
and I will be your God.” (Jeremiah 30: 22 NLT)
A Covenant Statement:
We owe God Worship, Love and Obedience.
God owes us: Pardon, Peace, Power, Purpose, Presence, Provision and Protection.
Be faithful to your obligations and be confident that God will fulfill His part.
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish.” (Matthew 14: 17 NIV)
Bring what you have to Jesus and He will multiply it.
Take and receive O Lord Jesus, all my time, talent and treasure. Use them as it pleases You.
We can never outdo God in generosity.
“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher;
“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1: 2 NKJV)
What does Scripture mean when it teaches that everything is meaningless apart from God? I find a lot of comfort in the wisdom of St Teresa of Avila below:
" Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing: God alone suffices." (St Teresa of Avila)
Lord teach us how short life is so that we can become wise. (Psalm 90: 12)
“Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” (Matthew 14: 8 NIV)
When God appointed Jeremiah as prophet, He urged him to be bold and courageous and God promised him protection. (Jeremiah 1: 8) John the Baptist paid with his life for his prophetic ministry. (Matthew 14: 8) What is the difference? God’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. (Isaiah 55: 8 - 9)
How about your own ministry? Where is God leading you?
"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25 - 26 NIV)
Do you believe in the Resurrection of Jesus? How do you know if you do or not? Do you pray every day? Do you read the word of God every day? Do you honor Jesus on Sunday?
“Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel." (Jeremiah 14 : 6 NIV)
Of course, O Lord my God. You can do with me as You please. You are the Potter. I am the clay. Let it be done to me according to Your will. (Luke 1: 38)
"I am with you." (Jeremiah 15: 20)
The promise of Jesus to be with us at all times is in my opinion the greatest promise in the Bible. Whenever I remember this, it transforms my attitude. If Jesus is with me, then it is accomplished. I live more joyful, more carefree, more generous and more peaceful life. All because Jesus, God and Savior is with me. Thank You Jesus for Your Presence.
"Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?" (Jeremiah 14: 22 NIV)
Only God gives health, prosperity, peace and security.
Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. (Psalm 16: 4)
"When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!" (Psalm 126: 1 - 3 NLT)
When the time (Kairos moment) comes for God to answer your heart's desire, it will come fast and furious. You will think you are dreaming. The Joy of answered prayer is unbelievable.
"Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing."
Wait for the Lord with courage. Be stouthearted. Wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27 : 8)
“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." (Luke 11: 9 - 10 NLT)
Prayer Never Fails! God answers thus: Receive. Wait. I have something better for you.
Abba Father knows exactly what you need and when you need it.
"Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Reform your ways and your deeds so that I may dwell with you in this place." (Jeremiah 7: 3 NABRE)
Jesus teaches us to live in the habit of continuous repentance. (Matthew 4: 17) His Mercy is limitless.
"Do you think you can steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, sacrifice to Baal, follow other gods that you do not know. and then come and stand in my presence in this house, which bears my name?" Jeremiah 7: 9 NABRE)
"The Lord said to Mary Magdalene: 'Go to my brothers and tell them: 1 am going to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." (John 20: 17 RM)
"Whom shall I send?" Send me. (Isaiah 6: 8)
Will you go if Jesus sends you to announce the great joy of the Resurrection?
"To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them." (Matthew 13: 12 NLT)
How hungry are you for the word of God? Come to the table of the word of God starving and you will be filled.
The seed planted in rich soil will yield abundant harvest. (Matthew 13: 8)
“Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day,
I had holy plans for you:
A prophet to the nations —
that’s what I had in mind for you.” (Jeremiah 1: 5 MSG)
God has set you apart for a particular mission. What are your excuses? Too old? Too young? Too busy? No money? No education?
God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called. (Romans 8: 30)
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3: 20 NKJV)
Do not be afraid to open your door to Jesus.
"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." (Psalm 95: 8 RM)
"No, he has told you what he wants, and this is all it is: to be fair, just, merciful, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6: 8 TLB)
What does the Lord require of us today?
THE ABC OF MERCY:
1. Ask Jesus for Mercy
2. Be Merciful
3. Completely trust Jesus for Mercy
"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." (Psalm 95: 8 RM)
"Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance." (Cf Luke 8: 15 RM)
Fruitfulness in the kingdom comes through perseverance. How do we persevere in living the Christian life? One single day at a time. At the beginning of the day, ask for the grace to be faithful. Give thanks at the end of the day. Repeat the same the next day. Forget the past. Entrust the future into the loving hands of God.
"But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him to put him to death.
"When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place." (Matthew 12: 14 - 15 NABRE)
How do you deal with conflict? Even Jesus can walk away from conflict. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to handle conflict.
"I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.
I will heal you." (Isaiah 38: 5 RM)
"Those live whom the LORD protects; yours is the life of my spirit.
You have given me health and life." (Isaiah 38: 16 RM)
The Lord gives both life and health. Jesus still heals today. Ask for healing with expectant faith.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28-30 NKJV)
What is your yoke/burden today? Why does Jesus say that your yoke is easy and your burden light?
Because the yoke and burden He has designed for you are tailor-made to fit you precisely.
"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 NABRE)
How do you see yourself before God? Wise and learned or childlike?
St Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church is one of the childlike whom God revealed tons of wisdom. Example:
"Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing: God alone suffices." (St Teresa of Avila)
"You don’t believe me? If you want me to protect you, you must learn to believe what I say.” (Isaiah 7: 9 TLB)
If your faith is firm, no upheaval in your family, health, finances, job will shake you.
Faith is taking seriously the promises of God. Faith is a firm conviction that the promises of God will be fulfilled come what may.
Think of Abraham, Elijah, Mary, Peter and Paul.
"If you love your father and mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.
“If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will save it. (Matthew 10: 37 - 39 TLB)
Tough prescriptions from Jesus. Believe. Do not argue. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to live out these truths.
"But I pray to you, Lord,
in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
answer me with your sure salvation.
Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me." (Psalm 69: 13, 16 NIV
"The humble shall see their God at work for them. No wonder they will be so glad! All who seek for God shall live in joy. For Jehovah hears the cries of his needy ones and does not look the other way." (Psalm 69: 32-33 TLB)
Wait for the Lord with courage. Do not despair.
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6: 9 NIV)
I will bear witness to You in the world O Jesus. I will spread the knowledge of Your name among my brothers and sisters.
"When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking — it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matthew 10: 19-20 NLT)
The Holy Spirit is the Helper who is always present to aid us. Be aware of this. He is the Voice that speaks in court.
"Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me." (Psalm 51: 11)
"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11: 28 NLT)
Come to Jesus in prayer. He is waiting for you. Come to Him in His word. He is the word. He is in the word. Come to Him in the Eucharist, which is the source, center and summit of our life. Come to Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. His inexhaustible Mercy is waiting to embrace you. Murmur His sweet and powerful Name always. It is terror to demons.
"Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness." (Matthew 10: 1 NLT)
Lord we believe. Increase our faith that in Your Name, even in 2016 we can still drive out demons and cure every disease and illness.
"The people have appointed kings without my consent, and princes without my approval.
By making idols for themselves from their silver and gold, they have brought about their own destruction." (Hosea 8: 4 NLT)
In the year of election, Hosea is warning the nation about electing president without consulting the Lord. Hitler was elected.
"Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment." (Matthew 9: 22 NIV)
A woman suffering from hemorrhages for 12 years mixed courage with faith and got her healing. Be bold with expectant faith when you ask Jesus for anything.
