"For those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit." (Romans 8: 5)
In Galatians 5: 19 - 21, St Paul lists the work of the flesh thus:
"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. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5: 19 - 21)
"In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5: 22 - 23)
Saturday, October 26, 2013
How to cooperate with God's Providence
Accept all that has happened.
Accept everything that is happening. Cooperate with everything except with what is sinful.
Jean-Pierre de Caussade, SJ
Friday, October 25, 2013
My times and seasons are in your hands
"You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?" (Luke 12: 56)
Lord Jesus, there is nothing I yearn for more at this moment than to understand the times and seasons in my life. You are Lord. My destiny is in your hands. (Psalm 31: 15) It is said that my disappointments are your opportunity. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be. Remember your promise O Lord. "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"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)
"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)
Lord Jesus, there is nothing I yearn for more at this moment than to understand the times and seasons in my life. You are Lord. My destiny is in your hands. (Psalm 31: 15) It is said that my disappointments are your opportunity. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be. Remember your promise O Lord. "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"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)
"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)
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Surpassing knowledge of Jesus 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: 8)
St. Jerome said that "Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ." In other words, sacred scripture is the royal way to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ said to the Sadducees, “You are misled because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God." No wonder the Sadducees did not see the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in the person of Jesus.
When Jesus appeared to two of His disciples on the Road to Emmaus,
"He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.”
Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.
And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
You are witnesses of these things.
And [behold] I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24: 44 - 49)
While sacred scripture reveals the identity of Jesus, knowledge of Jesus is not limited to the scriptures. The living Tradition of the Church is a source of knowledge of Jesus Christ. Jesus instituted the Sacraments as a means of dispensing the fruits of salvation. When the Sacraments are celebrated in the Church, the Church teaches that the priest acts in Persona Christi, that is, in the Person of Christ. So we know Jesus Christ through His actions in the Sacraments. We know the Lord through prayer. In prayer, we thank Him, we praise Him, we bless Him. We lift up our needs to Him. We listen to His response and learn how He meets all our needs through His gracious providence.
St. Jerome said that "Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ." In other words, sacred scripture is the royal way to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ said to the Sadducees, “You are misled because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God." No wonder the Sadducees did not see the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in the person of Jesus.
When Jesus appeared to two of His disciples on the Road to Emmaus,
"He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.”
Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.
And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
You are witnesses of these things.
And [behold] I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24: 44 - 49)
While sacred scripture reveals the identity of Jesus, knowledge of Jesus is not limited to the scriptures. The living Tradition of the Church is a source of knowledge of Jesus Christ. Jesus instituted the Sacraments as a means of dispensing the fruits of salvation. When the Sacraments are celebrated in the Church, the Church teaches that the priest acts in Persona Christi, that is, in the Person of Christ. So we know Jesus Christ through His actions in the Sacraments. We know the Lord through prayer. In prayer, we thank Him, we praise Him, we bless Him. We lift up our needs to Him. We listen to His response and learn how He meets all our needs through His gracious providence.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Dominion belongs to Jesus Christ
"For sin is not to have any power over you, since you are not under the law but under grace." (Romans 6: 14)
Nothing should exercise any power over us except Jesus Christ. We must say a firm NO to those things that struggle to control our lives. Some of these are: parents, spouses, children, relatives, job, money, health, property,car, food, etc. Listen to what scripture says about these:
"They multiply their sorrowswho court other gods.Blood libations to them I will not pour out,nor will I take their names upon my lips." (Psalm 16: 4)
Scripture teaches that those who bow down to these tin gods multiply their sorrows. Does experience not teach us this lesson? Scripture goes on to command that they should not be honored in any way. No boasting about them. They should be taken for what they are: mere creatures.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Grace and mercy drowned sin
"The law entered in so that transgression might increase but, where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more." (Romans 5: 21)
Grace and mercy drowned sin. O happy fault that brought us an abundance of grace and mercy through Jesus Christ. How indebted and enslaved to the evil one we were and Jesus Christ set us free from all our debt and brought us into His kingdom of light.
Praise and glory to you Lord Jesus Christ. You are the Lamb of God and the Son of the Eternal Father.
Grace and mercy drowned sin. O happy fault that brought us an abundance of grace and mercy through Jesus Christ. How indebted and enslaved to the evil one we were and Jesus Christ set us free from all our debt and brought us into His kingdom of light.
Praise and glory to you Lord Jesus Christ. You are the Lamb of God and the Son of the Eternal Father.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Abraham glorified God through His faith
"He did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God
and was fully convinced that what he had promised he was also able to do" (Romans 4: 20 - 21)
Thank you Lord for teaching me a very important spiritual principle through Romans 4: 20 - 21. You teach me that the way to magnify you is through strong faith in your promise as Abraham did. You know Father that for a longtime I have prayed for strong faith. More lately, I have this profound desire to glorify you by my life. When I think of glorifying or magnifying your name, I usually thought of doing some extraordinary thing for you. But you teach me today that trusting completely in your word, your promises is the best and most effective way to honor you. I am excited by this. It sounds simple but I know it is not. This is why I turn to you to do what I do best: Have mercy on me and give me this gift. When you do, I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, Alleluia.
and was fully convinced that what he had promised he was also able to do" (Romans 4: 20 - 21)
Thank you Lord for teaching me a very important spiritual principle through Romans 4: 20 - 21. You teach me that the way to magnify you is through strong faith in your promise as Abraham did. You know Father that for a longtime I have prayed for strong faith. More lately, I have this profound desire to glorify you by my life. When I think of glorifying or magnifying your name, I usually thought of doing some extraordinary thing for you. But you teach me today that trusting completely in your word, your promises is the best and most effective way to honor you. I am excited by this. It sounds simple but I know it is not. This is why I turn to you to do what I do best: Have mercy on me and give me this gift. When you do, I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, Alleluia.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Jesus Christ is our Teacher
"But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it." (2 Timothy 3: 14)
Lord, you have been a wonderful Teacher. Grant me the grace to remain faithful to all that you have taught me.
I believe what I read.
I teach what I believe.
I practice what I teach.
Lord, you have been a wonderful Teacher. Grant me the grace to remain faithful to all that you have taught me.
I believe what I read.
I teach what I believe.
I practice what I teach.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
The Voice that speaks in court
"When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities,g do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say.
For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” (Luke 12: 11 - 12)
Who is the Voice that speaks in court? The Holy Spirit is the voice that speaks in court. Have you used this Attorney? He is highly recommended.
For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” (Luke 12: 11 - 12)
Who is the Voice that speaks in court? The Holy Spirit is the voice that speaks in court. Have you used this Attorney? He is highly recommended.
Friday, October 18, 2013
How beautiful upon the mountains
"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)
Today is the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. St. Luke wrote the Gospel according to St. Luke. It is amazing to realize that in hundreds of thousands of Masses all over the world today, this saint is remembered by millions of people. Jesus Christ promised:
"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)
Tell me any other historic figure that can lay to such a remembrance. The feast of St. Luke occurs every year on October 18. On this day every year, we witness the same outpouring of affection for this man who died about 2000 years ago. It encourages my faith to see the predictions of Jesus Christ come fulfilled.
Isaiah 52: 7 is one of the many scriptures that are read in the Mass of St. Luke.
"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)
St. Luke is the one with the beautiful feet who brings the good news. The promise of Isaiah 52: 7 is not closed. It is still open for you and for me to enjoy.
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)
Today is the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. St. Luke wrote the Gospel according to St. Luke. It is amazing to realize that in hundreds of thousands of Masses all over the world today, this saint is remembered by millions of people. Jesus Christ promised:
"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)
Tell me any other historic figure that can lay to such a remembrance. The feast of St. Luke occurs every year on October 18. On this day every year, we witness the same outpouring of affection for this man who died about 2000 years ago. It encourages my faith to see the predictions of Jesus Christ come fulfilled.
Isaiah 52: 7 is one of the many scriptures that are read in the Mass of St. Luke.
"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)
St. Luke is the one with the beautiful feet who brings the good news. The promise of Isaiah 52: 7 is not closed. It is still open for you and for me to enjoy.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
One with Christ is a majority
"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)
By faith I know that Christ lives in me. I no longer try to live and work as a natural man all by myself. Everything I do now, I factor in Jesus. One with Jesus is always a winner, a majority. When I think of the future without Jesus, I become frightened. But if I think of the future and think of Jesus who is always with me, I smile. I know that nothing can ever shake Jesus.
Christ in me the hope of glory. (Colossians 1: 27)
By faith I know that Christ lives in me. I no longer try to live and work as a natural man all by myself. Everything I do now, I factor in Jesus. One with Jesus is always a winner, a majority. When I think of the future without Jesus, I become frightened. But if I think of the future and think of Jesus who is always with me, I smile. I know that nothing can ever shake Jesus.
Christ in me the hope of glory. (Colossians 1: 27)
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
My soul waits in silence
"My soul rests in God alone,
from whom comes my salvation.
God alone is my rock and salvation,
my fortress; I shall never fall." (Psalm 62: 2 - 3)
My soul waits in God alone. I will wait for you O God till you answer. Make haste my God to help me. I trust in your mercy.
"“Come,” says my heart, “seek his face”;
your face, LORD, do I seek!" (Psalm 27: 8)
"Wait for the LORD, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!" (Psalm 27: 14)
"Surely, I wait for the LORD;
who bends down to me and hears my cry,
Draws me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the muddy clay,
Sets my feet upon rock,
steadies my steps,
And puts a new song in my mouth,
a hymn to our God.
Many shall look on in fear
and they shall trust in the LORD." (Psalm 40: 2 - 4)
from whom comes my salvation.
God alone is my rock and salvation,
my fortress; I shall never fall." (Psalm 62: 2 - 3)
My soul waits in God alone. I will wait for you O God till you answer. Make haste my God to help me. I trust in your mercy.
"“Come,” says my heart, “seek his face”;
your face, LORD, do I seek!" (Psalm 27: 8)
"Wait for the LORD, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!" (Psalm 27: 14)
"Surely, I wait for the LORD;
who bends down to me and hears my cry,
Draws me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the muddy clay,
Sets my feet upon rock,
steadies my steps,
And puts a new song in my mouth,
a hymn to our God.
Many shall look on in fear
and they shall trust in the LORD." (Psalm 40: 2 - 4)
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
I am not ashamed of the Gospel.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then Greek." (Romans 1: 16)
Lord Jesus, help me never to be ashamed of the Gospel. Help me never to reject the challenges you send to train me. May I grow everyday in the knowledge of what you want me to do and at the same time increase in the strength to do it. Amen!
Lord Jesus, help me never to be ashamed of the Gospel. Help me never to reject the challenges you send to train me. May I grow everyday in the knowledge of what you want me to do and at the same time increase in the strength to do it. Amen!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Chosen, called and anointed to lead people to the obedience of faith.
"Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles." (Romans 1: 5)
Through Christ Jesus we too have received this tremendous calling to be apostles so that we can lead people to the obedience of faith.
The Lord choose us, called us and anointed us for this task.
"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)
Through Christ Jesus we too have received this tremendous calling to be apostles so that we can lead people to the obedience of faith.
The Lord choose us, called us and anointed us for this task.
"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)
Sunday, October 13, 2013
"In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5: 18)
What disappointment do I need to give thanks to God here and now?
My heart is broken by the news I got this afternoon that a dear couple, both of whom I love dearly and admire very are separated. I call it separation because I don't believe in divorce. God does not make mistakes. God never fails. At the news, I cried out, "O what a sad news on a Sunday." For me, Sunday is the Day of the Lord; the Day of the Son. It is a Day of joy. Nothing should disturb the peace or joy on a Sunday. The Day of the Resurrection. As I grieved this news this afternoon, I asked Jesus to place His hand on my heart and help me to be calm and think rationally. Then I remembered the scripture verse of today:
"In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."
So I decided to give thanks for the separation of these two dear friends. I was at their wedding. It reminded me then of the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. I was also in London the Saturday the prince and princess wedded. Now I am consoled by this word of God below:
"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)
Dear friends, join me in praying for N & M.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
What disappointment do I need to give thanks to God here and now?
My heart is broken by the news I got this afternoon that a dear couple, both of whom I love dearly and admire very are separated. I call it separation because I don't believe in divorce. God does not make mistakes. God never fails. At the news, I cried out, "O what a sad news on a Sunday." For me, Sunday is the Day of the Lord; the Day of the Son. It is a Day of joy. Nothing should disturb the peace or joy on a Sunday. The Day of the Resurrection. As I grieved this news this afternoon, I asked Jesus to place His hand on my heart and help me to be calm and think rationally. Then I remembered the scripture verse of today:
"In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."
So I decided to give thanks for the separation of these two dear friends. I was at their wedding. It reminded me then of the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. I was also in London the Saturday the prince and princess wedded. Now I am consoled by this word of God below:
"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)
Dear friends, join me in praying for N & M.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Mary is our model of hearing the word of God and observing it
"He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Luke 11: 28)
In this scripture verse, Jesus points to His mother as the perfect model of hearing the word of God and observing it. Mary burst into the New Testament by her reply to the incredible message of the angel that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit and become the mother of Jesus. She replied, "“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
When we hear God's word in scripture and reply like Mary, "Behold I am your servant O Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Jesus pronounces us blessed, very happy and to be envied.
In this scripture verse, Jesus points to His mother as the perfect model of hearing the word of God and observing it. Mary burst into the New Testament by her reply to the incredible message of the angel that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit and become the mother of Jesus. She replied, "“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
When we hear God's word in scripture and reply like Mary, "Behold I am your servant O Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Jesus pronounces us blessed, very happy and to be envied.
Friday, October 11, 2013
For Jesus or Against Jesus
"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Luke 11: 23)
Dear Jesus, I am 100% for you. My desire is to gather with you. Help me by your grace never by thought, word or deed to scatter what you gather. I ask for this in your name Jesus. Amen!
Dear Jesus, I am 100% for you. My desire is to gather with you. Help me by your grace never by thought, word or deed to scatter what you gather. I ask for this in your name Jesus. Amen!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Ask, Seek and Knock
"“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Luke 11: 9)
- I believe in prayer
- I believe in the word of God
- I believe in miracle
- I leave the rest to God
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
Character of God - Gracious and Merciful
"He prayed to the LORD, “O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I fled at first toward Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, abounding in kindness, repenting of punishment." (Jonah 4: 2)
God our Father is gracious and merciful.
"Know that the LORD works wonders for his faithful one;
the LORD hears when I call out to him.
Tremble and sin no more;
weep bitterly within your hearts,
wail upon your beds,
Offer fitting sacrifices
and trust in the LORD." (Psalm 4: 4 - 7)
God our Father is gracious and merciful.
"Know that the LORD works wonders for his faithful one;
the LORD hears when I call out to him.
Tremble and sin no more;
weep bitterly within your hearts,
wail upon your beds,
Offer fitting sacrifices
and trust in the LORD." (Psalm 4: 4 - 7)
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
The Prioroty
"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.” (Luke 10: 41 - 42)
What are the many things we are anxious and worried about?
Health, family, money, job, homes, cars, computers, cell phones, food, future, etc. You can add to the list.
But Jesus says: "Only One Thing" is necessary! What is this One Thing? Clearly it cannot be from the above list. Or could it be fame? Or fortune? Or perhaps power? If it is fame, the Hollywood stars would have had it all. It is certainly not fortune because we know many millionaires who are miserable. Herod had all the power he wanted and was yet threatened by the announcement of the birth of Jesus the Christ.
So what is this One Thing? The One Thing is the Holy Spirit in us, our hope of glory.
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