The Sacred and the Permanent
“You see these great buildings? Not a single stone here will be left in its place; everyone of them will be thrown down.” (Mark 13: 2)
I see here a message on how to view the material world. I need to see the difference between the eternal, the temporal and transient. Just as the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed at God’s pre-ordained time, so also will the material world vanish at the appointed time.
When I am in downtown Houston on Smith Street, like the apostles, I admire the “wonderful stones and buildings.” When I do it today, I will ask God to lift my mind to what is permanent and enduring.
What do I know today that is permanent and enduring? I can think of Jesus Christ, who was, who is and who shall ever be. He is the Alpha and Omega.
I thank you Jesus for this light. Grant me the grace to grow in the awareness of the sacred, the divine and the permanent. May I become more aware of your presence in my life today.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Friday, June 30, 2006
Spiritual Warfare and the Notion of Strategy
Spiritual Warfare and the Notion of Strategy
“Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.” (Ephesians 6: 10 -11)
A regular army has in its arsenal all types of weapons. This comprises light and heavy armor suited for every type of warfare. Spiritual warfare is one of the dominant themes of Sacred Scripture especially the New Testament.
In Chapter 6 of the letters to the Ephesians, St. Paul urges us to put on the full armor. This means that we must acquire every weapon in the spiritual arsenal and be prepared to use each or all as the situation demands.
The notion of strategy as applied to spiritual warfare asks the questions:
Do I have from my experience weapons that have stood the test of bloody struggles again and again? Do I have in my arsenal weapons that are guaranteed to bring rapid and immediate success no matter the ferocity of the struggle? Are there spiritual weapons that work better in some situations than others? Or are all the weapons uniformly effective in all situations?
When there is peace, prepare for war!
“Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.” (Ephesians 6: 10 -11)
A regular army has in its arsenal all types of weapons. This comprises light and heavy armor suited for every type of warfare. Spiritual warfare is one of the dominant themes of Sacred Scripture especially the New Testament.
In Chapter 6 of the letters to the Ephesians, St. Paul urges us to put on the full armor. This means that we must acquire every weapon in the spiritual arsenal and be prepared to use each or all as the situation demands.
The notion of strategy as applied to spiritual warfare asks the questions:
- What type of warfare are we facing?
- What is the most appropriate and proven weapon to use?
Do I have from my experience weapons that have stood the test of bloody struggles again and again? Do I have in my arsenal weapons that are guaranteed to bring rapid and immediate success no matter the ferocity of the struggle? Are there spiritual weapons that work better in some situations than others? Or are all the weapons uniformly effective in all situations?
When there is peace, prepare for war!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Our Mother of Perpetual Help
“Before, by yourself, you couldn’t. Now, you have turned to Our Lady, and with her, how easy it is.” Way 513
I wrote the following reflection in 1996.
“My experience with the Enterprise has proven the above saying of St. Josemaria d’Escriva very accurate. I can say definitely that with Our Lady, the Enterprise has become so far an easy experience. I have no doubt that it will continue to be so. Almost at the very inception of the Enterprise, I entrusted it to Mary, Queen of the Apostles. And not much later, I identified the spiritual weapons I needed in order to win the struggle with ease. These are: faith, patience, wisdom and humility. I flew to the Blessed Virgin Mary and asked her to obtain these graces for me.
Let me now witness to the fact that the faith and patience I exercise in this project amaze me. I realize that on the natural level, I am just not capable of it. Everyday I become more and more convinced that I am lead and guided by the Holy Spirit. And more and more I depend on God for even the minutest detail in each step of the Enterprise.
Our Blessed Mother is certainly helping me in the Enterprise.
“Before, by yourself, you couldn’t. Now, you have turned to Our Lady, and with her, how easy it is.” Way 513
I wrote the following reflection in 1996.
“My experience with the Enterprise has proven the above saying of St. Josemaria d’Escriva very accurate. I can say definitely that with Our Lady, the Enterprise has become so far an easy experience. I have no doubt that it will continue to be so. Almost at the very inception of the Enterprise, I entrusted it to Mary, Queen of the Apostles. And not much later, I identified the spiritual weapons I needed in order to win the struggle with ease. These are: faith, patience, wisdom and humility. I flew to the Blessed Virgin Mary and asked her to obtain these graces for me.
Let me now witness to the fact that the faith and patience I exercise in this project amaze me. I realize that on the natural level, I am just not capable of it. Everyday I become more and more convinced that I am lead and guided by the Holy Spirit. And more and more I depend on God for even the minutest detail in each step of the Enterprise.
Our Blessed Mother is certainly helping me in the Enterprise.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Giving All
Giving All
“I tell you that this poor widow put more in the offering box than all the others. For the others put in what they had to spare of their riches; but she, poor as she is, put in all she has – she gave all she had to live on.” (Mark 12: 43 – 44)
Jesus praised the poor widow. The poor widow gave everything she had. If she had more, she would have given that too. Jesus gave this lesson to his disciples and not to everybody. Those who are close to Christ should learn to give everything like the poor widow. Jesus wants a total and massive commitment.
God does not look at the size of the gift, he looks at the heart. The poor widow gave all because she loves much. I am reminded of the parable of the talents. Everybody receives a talent. Generous contribution is expected from everybody. The talents are God’s gifts to us. By giving back this gift with generosity, we exercise faith and love. Today, one of my great talents is abundant time. How am I using it? Lord, I know that I cannot rival you in generosity. Teach me to give all. Amen.
“I tell you that this poor widow put more in the offering box than all the others. For the others put in what they had to spare of their riches; but she, poor as she is, put in all she has – she gave all she had to live on.” (Mark 12: 43 – 44)
Jesus praised the poor widow. The poor widow gave everything she had. If she had more, she would have given that too. Jesus gave this lesson to his disciples and not to everybody. Those who are close to Christ should learn to give everything like the poor widow. Jesus wants a total and massive commitment.
God does not look at the size of the gift, he looks at the heart. The poor widow gave all because she loves much. I am reminded of the parable of the talents. Everybody receives a talent. Generous contribution is expected from everybody. The talents are God’s gifts to us. By giving back this gift with generosity, we exercise faith and love. Today, one of my great talents is abundant time. How am I using it? Lord, I know that I cannot rival you in generosity. Teach me to give all. Amen.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Inspired Word
Inspired Word
“How can the teachers of the law say that the Messiah will be the descendant of David? The Holy Spirit inspired David to say: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit here on my right until I put your enemies under your feed. ‘ David himself called him Lord; so how can the Messiah be David’s descendant?” (Mark 12: 35 – 37)
I am reminded that all scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit. All scripture is good for teaching, instructing and reprimanding. Scripture is the word of God.
Thank you Jesus for impressing this lesson once more upon me. I thank you for my growing love for your word. Open my eyes to the beauty of sacred scripture. I am also struck by these words: “Sit here on my right, until I put your enemies under your feet.” Isn’t this scripture similar to my rhema: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46: 10). It is an invitation to deep faith and patience. Deep faith, patience, wisdom and humility are my greatest needs today.
“How can the teachers of the law say that the Messiah will be the descendant of David? The Holy Spirit inspired David to say: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit here on my right until I put your enemies under your feed. ‘ David himself called him Lord; so how can the Messiah be David’s descendant?” (Mark 12: 35 – 37)
I am reminded that all scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit. All scripture is good for teaching, instructing and reprimanding. Scripture is the word of God.
Thank you Jesus for impressing this lesson once more upon me. I thank you for my growing love for your word. Open my eyes to the beauty of sacred scripture. I am also struck by these words: “Sit here on my right, until I put your enemies under your feet.” Isn’t this scripture similar to my rhema: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46: 10). It is an invitation to deep faith and patience. Deep faith, patience, wisdom and humility are my greatest needs today.
Monday, June 26, 2006
That I may see you in the scriptures
That I may see you in the scriptures
“Jesus answered then, ‘How wrong you are! And do you know why? It is because you don’t know the scriptures or God’s power. For when the dead rise to life, they will be like the angels in heaven, and will not marry…… ‘He is God of the living, not of the dead. You are completely wrong!”
(Mark 12: 24 – 27)
The scriptures reveal God’s plans and ways. The scriptures also reveal God’s power. Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of God’s ways and plans, therefore ignorance of God himself. Jerome said: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
Today, I yearn to know the heart of Jesus intimately. I have the light today that the number one means is the Eucharist, the Sacrament of his love. Number 2 is Sacred Scripture.
Thank you Jesus for your message today. I will remember it. Lord Jesus, grant that I may see! See you clearly in the scriptures. Dearest Jesus, I pray you open my eyes to the beauty and wonder of scriptures. Yesterday, you asked what I want from you. Lord, that I may see you clearly in the scriptures.
“Jesus answered then, ‘How wrong you are! And do you know why? It is because you don’t know the scriptures or God’s power. For when the dead rise to life, they will be like the angels in heaven, and will not marry…… ‘He is God of the living, not of the dead. You are completely wrong!”
(Mark 12: 24 – 27)
The scriptures reveal God’s plans and ways. The scriptures also reveal God’s power. Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of God’s ways and plans, therefore ignorance of God himself. Jerome said: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
Today, I yearn to know the heart of Jesus intimately. I have the light today that the number one means is the Eucharist, the Sacrament of his love. Number 2 is Sacred Scripture.
Thank you Jesus for your message today. I will remember it. Lord Jesus, grant that I may see! See you clearly in the scriptures. Dearest Jesus, I pray you open my eyes to the beauty and wonder of scriptures. Yesterday, you asked what I want from you. Lord, that I may see you clearly in the scriptures.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
God and Caesar
God and Caesar
“So Jesus said, “Well, then, pay the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay God what belongs to God.” (Mark 12: 17)
Christ lays down a principle of conduct for Christians in the world. He says in effect: give to Caesar what belongs to it and give to God what belongs to God. Today, Caesar is the government.
What belongs to the government are our intercession, obedience to just laws and taxes. Jesus lays down here the foundation of the teaching on government which St. Paul expanded in his writings. The worldly authority represented here by Caesar exists in accordance with God’s will.
We owe to our God:
The obligations to Caesar and to God are not mutually exclusive.
Lord, teach me to honor all my obligations to the state and to you.
“So Jesus said, “Well, then, pay the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay God what belongs to God.” (Mark 12: 17)
Christ lays down a principle of conduct for Christians in the world. He says in effect: give to Caesar what belongs to it and give to God what belongs to God. Today, Caesar is the government.
What belongs to the government are our intercession, obedience to just laws and taxes. Jesus lays down here the foundation of the teaching on government which St. Paul expanded in his writings. The worldly authority represented here by Caesar exists in accordance with God’s will.
We owe to our God:
- Obedience
- Worship
- Prayer
- Love
The obligations to Caesar and to God are not mutually exclusive.
Lord, teach me to honor all my obligations to the state and to you.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Gods Love and Power
God’s Love and Power
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not ; in all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5)
Today I seek the following blessings: to surrender completely to God’s wisdom and power with regard to the Enterprise; to submit like a little child to God’s loving providence. Today I understand better what God’s providence for me means. It means all my advantages , assets and liabilities. As I grow in this understanding, I rejoice in God’s gentle arrangements for my life.
Some healing truths with regard to God’s power and wisdom:
“I have been through my initiation and I am ready for anything anywhere.” (Philippians 4: 11-14). I feel that I am going through my initiation. At the end of it, hopefully like St. Paul , I will be ready for anything. Ready for poverty or plenty; health or illness, job or no job, because I know that with Christ I can master anything.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not ; in all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5)
Today I seek the following blessings: to surrender completely to God’s wisdom and power with regard to the Enterprise; to submit like a little child to God’s loving providence. Today I understand better what God’s providence for me means. It means all my advantages , assets and liabilities. As I grow in this understanding, I rejoice in God’s gentle arrangements for my life.
Some healing truths with regard to God’s power and wisdom:
- Romans 8: 28
- Romans 8: 31
- Ecclesiastes 3:1
- Hebrews 13: 5
- Deuteronomy 31: 3
- Philippians 4: 11
- Matthew 6: 33
- Psalm 145: 17
- Jeremiah 29: 11
“I have been through my initiation and I am ready for anything anywhere.” (Philippians 4: 11-14). I feel that I am going through my initiation. At the end of it, hopefully like St. Paul , I will be ready for anything. Ready for poverty or plenty; health or illness, job or no job, because I know that with Christ I can master anything.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Gods Loving Providence
God’s Loving Providence
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” (Matthew 6: 25 – 26)
What does God’s providence for me consist of? God’s loving providence for me today consists in all my advantages, assets and liabilities. They form God’s divine arrangements and the operating environment in which I live. Some of these are:
I am able to count about 13 distinct assets through which God’s saving justice is manifesting itself to me in the Enterprise. All these assets constitute the spiritual and material environment of the Enterprise. All these advantages influence my “conditioning” with regard to the Enterprise. They work like the marketing mix elements. For optimal performance, every element of the mix must be fully functional and enabled.
“God is merciful in all his acts and loving in all his deeds.” (Psalm 145: 17)
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” (Matthew 6: 25 – 26)
What does God’s providence for me consist of? God’s loving providence for me today consists in all my advantages, assets and liabilities. They form God’s divine arrangements and the operating environment in which I live. Some of these are:
- Faith
- Church
- Casa
- Family
- Ministry
- Books
- Job
I am able to count about 13 distinct assets through which God’s saving justice is manifesting itself to me in the Enterprise. All these assets constitute the spiritual and material environment of the Enterprise. All these advantages influence my “conditioning” with regard to the Enterprise. They work like the marketing mix elements. For optimal performance, every element of the mix must be fully functional and enabled.
“God is merciful in all his acts and loving in all his deeds.” (Psalm 145: 17)
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
All Things Serve You
All Things Serve You
“Once there was a man who planted a vineyard, put a fence round it, dug a hole for the winepress, and built a watch tower. Then he let out the vineyard to tenants and left home on a journey.”
(Mark 12:1)
“The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.” The vineyard of the Lord is the Church. The managers of the vineyard proved unworthy of their responsibility. To add insult to injury, they molested and killed some of the messengers.
“The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. This was done by the Lord; what a wonderful sight it is!”
Man’s wickedness and foolishness can never cancel God’s purpose. Even man’s anger, meanness, folly, disobedience serve God’s purpose. Yes, I am so happy we serve a great and powerful God. God is our stronghold and our fortress.
Lord, thank you for the message on the wisdom and power of God. Grant me a burning zeal for your kingdom.
“Once there was a man who planted a vineyard, put a fence round it, dug a hole for the winepress, and built a watch tower. Then he let out the vineyard to tenants and left home on a journey.”
(Mark 12:1)
“The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.” The vineyard of the Lord is the Church. The managers of the vineyard proved unworthy of their responsibility. To add insult to injury, they molested and killed some of the messengers.
“The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. This was done by the Lord; what a wonderful sight it is!”
Man’s wickedness and foolishness can never cancel God’s purpose. Even man’s anger, meanness, folly, disobedience serve God’s purpose. Yes, I am so happy we serve a great and powerful God. God is our stronghold and our fortress.
Lord, thank you for the message on the wisdom and power of God. Grant me a burning zeal for your kingdom.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Zeal for the Kingdom
Zeal for the Kingdom
“What right have you to do these things? Who gave you this right?” (Mark 11: 28)
The action that provoked this question was when Jesus drove out those who bought and sold in the temple. Why did Jesus take such a radical step? “It is written in the scriptures that God said, ‘My temple will be called a house of prayer for the people of all nations?’ but you have turned it into a hideout for thieves!” (Mark 11: 15 – 18)
I am reminded of the scripture: “Zeal for your house has consumed me.” Jesus acted out of zeal for the house of God.
Am I consumed with zeal for the kingdom of God? Am I prepared to act on behalf of the kingdom even if the action is risky? Do I yearn t o see the kingdom of God established in men’s affairs and everywhere? How much risk am I prepared to run today for the kingdom?
Lord Jesus, grant me a burning zeal for your kingdom.
“What right have you to do these things? Who gave you this right?” (Mark 11: 28)
The action that provoked this question was when Jesus drove out those who bought and sold in the temple. Why did Jesus take such a radical step? “It is written in the scriptures that God said, ‘My temple will be called a house of prayer for the people of all nations?’ but you have turned it into a hideout for thieves!” (Mark 11: 15 – 18)
I am reminded of the scripture: “Zeal for your house has consumed me.” Jesus acted out of zeal for the house of God.
Am I consumed with zeal for the kingdom of God? Am I prepared to act on behalf of the kingdom even if the action is risky? Do I yearn t o see the kingdom of God established in men’s affairs and everywhere? How much risk am I prepared to run today for the kingdom?
Lord Jesus, grant me a burning zeal for your kingdom.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Answer to Prayers
Answer to Prayers
“Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God. I assure you that whoever tells this hill to get up and throw itself in the sea and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. For this reason, I tell you: when you pray and ask for something, believe that you have received it, and you will be given whatever you ask for.” (Mark 11:23)
For me, this is Christ’s greatest teaching on prayer. Once again, we see the teaching re-affirmed that God answers prayer.
What is my personal experience on prayer? I depend on prayer for everything. I depend on God’s light and guidance for every step everyday. I pray for God’s peace, provision, protection, power, purpose and pardon. If I enjoyed these favors yesterday as I did, it is a result of answered prayer. If God does not answer prayer, why waste my time praying for these favors everyday for many years?
How about those times when a prayer has apparently not been answered? If a favor has not been granted at the time I wanted it, I keep asking for it. If this “something” is for me, God will maintain the desire. Every true desire is a prayer, says St. Augustine. But if the “something” is not for me, God will withdraw the desire. God does not always let me know that a prayer has been answered at the time he grants the favor. Sometimes a prayer is answered and it takes a while for me to realize that the favor has been granted. When I become aware, I give thanks.
God himself affirms in scripture that he is a God who answers prayer. It is true.
“Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God. I assure you that whoever tells this hill to get up and throw itself in the sea and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. For this reason, I tell you: when you pray and ask for something, believe that you have received it, and you will be given whatever you ask for.” (Mark 11:23)
For me, this is Christ’s greatest teaching on prayer. Once again, we see the teaching re-affirmed that God answers prayer.
What is my personal experience on prayer? I depend on prayer for everything. I depend on God’s light and guidance for every step everyday. I pray for God’s peace, provision, protection, power, purpose and pardon. If I enjoyed these favors yesterday as I did, it is a result of answered prayer. If God does not answer prayer, why waste my time praying for these favors everyday for many years?
How about those times when a prayer has apparently not been answered? If a favor has not been granted at the time I wanted it, I keep asking for it. If this “something” is for me, God will maintain the desire. Every true desire is a prayer, says St. Augustine. But if the “something” is not for me, God will withdraw the desire. God does not always let me know that a prayer has been answered at the time he grants the favor. Sometimes a prayer is answered and it takes a while for me to realize that the favor has been granted. When I become aware, I give thanks.
God himself affirms in scripture that he is a God who answers prayer. It is true.
Friday, June 16, 2006
The king on a donkey
The king on a donkey
“Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches in the fields and spread them on the road. The people who were in front and those who followed behind began to shout, “Praise God! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the coming kingdom of King David, our father! Praise God.” (Mark 11: 8 – 10)
The above scripture incites us to reflect on the kingship of Jesus Christ. What a humble king! A king entering his capital city not in a limousine but as it were in a cheap used car. He is followed not by a retinue of high government officials, ambassadors with the military providing marshal music but by common people.
Is this an isolated paradox in Christ’s earthly life? Not at all. We have seen this paradox in his birth in a manger. We see it during his scourging and humiliation in the court of Pilate. Finally, the King was crucified and died between two thieves.
Clearly, Christ did not come to establish an earthly and worldly kingdom with pumps and pageantry. His kingdom on earth is marked by simplicity and commonality. “The manner of living is ordinary.” This is the will of God. This is the kingdom of God which I am committed to serve.
“Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches in the fields and spread them on the road. The people who were in front and those who followed behind began to shout, “Praise God! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the coming kingdom of King David, our father! Praise God.” (Mark 11: 8 – 10)
The above scripture incites us to reflect on the kingship of Jesus Christ. What a humble king! A king entering his capital city not in a limousine but as it were in a cheap used car. He is followed not by a retinue of high government officials, ambassadors with the military providing marshal music but by common people.
Is this an isolated paradox in Christ’s earthly life? Not at all. We have seen this paradox in his birth in a manger. We see it during his scourging and humiliation in the court of Pilate. Finally, the King was crucified and died between two thieves.
Clearly, Christ did not come to establish an earthly and worldly kingdom with pumps and pageantry. His kingdom on earth is marked by simplicity and commonality. “The manner of living is ordinary.” This is the will of God. This is the kingdom of God which I am committed to serve.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
I want to see
I want to see
“What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. ‘Teacher,’ the blind man answered, ‘I want to see again.’ ‘Go,’ Jesus told him, ‘your faith has made you well.’ At once he was able to see and followed Jesus on the way.” (Mark 10: 51 – 52)
Lord Jesus, I am in desperate need of your help, of your resources in my life at this moment. I am conscious that I need deep faith, patience, wisdom and humility. I also need a very strong desire to see your will fully accomplished in my life. Lord, you ask me this morning, “What do you want me to do for you?” Lord I feel inspired by Bartimaeus to answer: “Lord I want to see.” I want to see your presence in my life. I want to see life through your eyes. I want to see the Church as you see her. I want to see my family as you see them. I want to see people as you see them. Lord I want to see. I want to see my situation today as you see it. Lord Jesus, make me see.
Bartimaeus believed that Jesus could make him see again. He was insistent in his demand, undeterred by opposition, delays and obstacles. I want to imitate Bartimaeus. Result: “Your faith has made you well.”
“What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. ‘Teacher,’ the blind man answered, ‘I want to see again.’ ‘Go,’ Jesus told him, ‘your faith has made you well.’ At once he was able to see and followed Jesus on the way.” (Mark 10: 51 – 52)
Lord Jesus, I am in desperate need of your help, of your resources in my life at this moment. I am conscious that I need deep faith, patience, wisdom and humility. I also need a very strong desire to see your will fully accomplished in my life. Lord, you ask me this morning, “What do you want me to do for you?” Lord I feel inspired by Bartimaeus to answer: “Lord I want to see.” I want to see your presence in my life. I want to see life through your eyes. I want to see the Church as you see her. I want to see my family as you see them. I want to see people as you see them. Lord I want to see. I want to see my situation today as you see it. Lord Jesus, make me see.
Bartimaeus believed that Jesus could make him see again. He was insistent in his demand, undeterred by opposition, delays and obstacles. I want to imitate Bartimaeus. Result: “Your faith has made you well.”
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Divine Arrangements
Divine Arrangements
“There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die.” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 – 2)
God’s loving, wise and powerful providence operates through the cosmic cycles, times and seasons or divine arrangements. Just as there are cycles of planting and harvesting, there are also cycles of poverty and riches and of health and sickness.
What is the purpose of the divine arrangements? The law of divine providence implies that the cosmic cycles work positively for man. God is saving man through every event, every circumstance whether positive or negative. The cosmic cycles exist to serve man. In the divine arrangement, no condition is permanent.
Today, the Enterprise is in a critical phase and I am cheered by the thought that God’s loving providence is directing it step by step and moment by moment. I suffer delays but how wonderful it is to realize that this does not escape God’s providence. “How great you are, O Lord my God! How wonderful are your ways! How good to remember that all things work together for good for those who love you.” Delays, obstacles and disappointments are working marvelously for me. This is God’s divine arrangements, his word and not the word of man. It is the truth. I accept it with faith.
“There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die.” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 – 2)
God’s loving, wise and powerful providence operates through the cosmic cycles, times and seasons or divine arrangements. Just as there are cycles of planting and harvesting, there are also cycles of poverty and riches and of health and sickness.
What is the purpose of the divine arrangements? The law of divine providence implies that the cosmic cycles work positively for man. God is saving man through every event, every circumstance whether positive or negative. The cosmic cycles exist to serve man. In the divine arrangement, no condition is permanent.
Today, the Enterprise is in a critical phase and I am cheered by the thought that God’s loving providence is directing it step by step and moment by moment. I suffer delays but how wonderful it is to realize that this does not escape God’s providence. “How great you are, O Lord my God! How wonderful are your ways! How good to remember that all things work together for good for those who love you.” Delays, obstacles and disappointments are working marvelously for me. This is God’s divine arrangements, his word and not the word of man. It is the truth. I accept it with faith.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
There is a time for everything
There is a time for everything
“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Another translation says “Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.” It is a most comforting scripture to know that our God is completely in control of all events in this world. He has set his time for everything. Waiting for the right time is exercising patience. How difficult this could be at times. Sometimes we are pressured to think that unless it happens now, it will be too late. But scripture says that God’s salvation could never be late.
Christ’s reaction to pressure and crisis is always calmness. To the anxious plea: ‘Come right now. My child is dying’, or ‘O come before it is too late.” His answer is always the same: ‘I will come when I will come.’ Jesus lives the truth: “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Another translation says “Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.” It is a most comforting scripture to know that our God is completely in control of all events in this world. He has set his time for everything. Waiting for the right time is exercising patience. How difficult this could be at times. Sometimes we are pressured to think that unless it happens now, it will be too late. But scripture says that God’s salvation could never be late.
Christ’s reaction to pressure and crisis is always calmness. To the anxious plea: ‘Come right now. My child is dying’, or ‘O come before it is too late.” His answer is always the same: ‘I will come when I will come.’ Jesus lives the truth: “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Monday, June 12, 2006
Kingdom Principles
Kingdom Principles
“You know that the men who are considered rulers of the heathen have power over them, and the leaders have complete authority. This, however, is not the way it is among you. If one of you wants to be great, he must be the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, he must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.” (Mark 10: 42 – 45)
The message is clear: Ambition in the kingdom is aspiration to be where God wants me to be. It is desire to serve as God wants us to serve. It is to be the last if necessary in the eyes of the world. To be the slave of everyone. To imitate Jesus who came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people. It is a standard that is different from that of the world. But this is the order of things in the kingdom.
The world esteems masters, bosses, teachers, firsts and despises servants, subjects, learners, lasts. But in the eyes of God, these are the esteemed.
Lord Jesus, I know what you want of me from today’s word. I am disposed to obey you in this. I ask for wisdom and humility so that I can live these principles.
“You know that the men who are considered rulers of the heathen have power over them, and the leaders have complete authority. This, however, is not the way it is among you. If one of you wants to be great, he must be the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, he must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.” (Mark 10: 42 – 45)
The message is clear: Ambition in the kingdom is aspiration to be where God wants me to be. It is desire to serve as God wants us to serve. It is to be the last if necessary in the eyes of the world. To be the slave of everyone. To imitate Jesus who came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people. It is a standard that is different from that of the world. But this is the order of things in the kingdom.
The world esteems masters, bosses, teachers, firsts and despises servants, subjects, learners, lasts. But in the eyes of God, these are the esteemed.
Lord Jesus, I know what you want of me from today’s word. I am disposed to obey you in this. I ask for wisdom and humility so that I can live these principles.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
What is my cross?
What is my cross?
“Listen, we are going up to Jerusalem where the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and then hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him, spit on him, whip him, and kill him.; but three days later he will rise to life.” (Mark 10: 33)
Yesterday I believed and enjoyed Christ’s promise of life in the kingdom: He who leaves all and follows Jesus “will receive much more in this present age.” Whatever was left behind “for Christ and for the gospel,” the person will receive a hundred times more. But with persecutions. Today Christ elaborated the aspect of this persecution as applied to him:
This is Christ’s cross through which he saved the world. What is my cross? If only I could carry one day’s cross at a time, I will surely win. I regard my cross today as small: slight health problem and waiting for the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to me. Jesus did not only foretell his passion and death, he also foretold his resurrection. Because I trust in Jesus, I can also foretell my victory with confidence.
“Listen, we are going up to Jerusalem where the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and then hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him, spit on him, whip him, and kill him.; but three days later he will rise to life.” (Mark 10: 33)
Yesterday I believed and enjoyed Christ’s promise of life in the kingdom: He who leaves all and follows Jesus “will receive much more in this present age.” Whatever was left behind “for Christ and for the gospel,” the person will receive a hundred times more. But with persecutions. Today Christ elaborated the aspect of this persecution as applied to him:
- Condemnation to death
- Handing over to the gentiles
- Mocking
- Flogging
- Crucifixion and death
This is Christ’s cross through which he saved the world. What is my cross? If only I could carry one day’s cross at a time, I will surely win. I regard my cross today as small: slight health problem and waiting for the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to me. Jesus did not only foretell his passion and death, he also foretold his resurrection. Because I trust in Jesus, I can also foretell my victory with confidence.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Massive Commitment
Massive Commitment
“Yes, and I tell you that anyone who leaves home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and for the gospel, will receive much more in this present age. He will receive a hundred times more houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – and persecutions as well; and in the age to come he will receive eternal life. “ (Mark 10: 29 – 31)
Lord, this is a fantastic promise. Why don’t many people believe it? Lord, you ask a massive commitment of those who follow you. You ask them to leave behind everything completely so that they can devote themselves exclusively to your service. Lord, this is a hard saying. Who can take it? You answer me: “This is impossible for man, but not for God; everything is possible for God.” (Mark 10: 27)
I believe you Jesus. Grant me then the grace to make this massive commitment.
“Yes, and I tell you that anyone who leaves home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and for the gospel, will receive much more in this present age. He will receive a hundred times more houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – and persecutions as well; and in the age to come he will receive eternal life. “ (Mark 10: 29 – 31)
Lord, this is a fantastic promise. Why don’t many people believe it? Lord, you ask a massive commitment of those who follow you. You ask them to leave behind everything completely so that they can devote themselves exclusively to your service. Lord, this is a hard saying. Who can take it? You answer me: “This is impossible for man, but not for God; everything is possible for God.” (Mark 10: 27)
I believe you Jesus. Grant me then the grace to make this massive commitment.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Children
Children
“Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.’ Then he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10: 14 – 16)
Thank you Lord for your word on little children. I yearn to know your heart and mind intimately and to act like you. You have shown me your mind on little children. I see that this is a subject very close to your heart. I confess that I do not always feel this way about little children. Sometimes I see them as a disturbance and a distraction.
Lord, make me see little children with your eyes. Put into my heart, love and tenderness for them. Make me to acquire the heart and the simplicity of a little child.
“Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.’ Then he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10: 14 – 16)
Thank you Lord for your word on little children. I yearn to know your heart and mind intimately and to act like you. You have shown me your mind on little children. I see that this is a subject very close to your heart. I confess that I do not always feel this way about little children. Sometimes I see them as a disturbance and a distraction.
Lord, make me see little children with your eyes. Put into my heart, love and tenderness for them. Make me to acquire the heart and the simplicity of a little child.
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