"Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." (Romans 17: 17)
Our action flows from what we believe. Our belief comes from preaching and teaching the word of Christ.
"And by Your Word You will light every step. You are ever faithful Jesus. You are ever faithful.
You will not be shaken, God of our salvation. You are the Rock we stand on." (CCLI Song)
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
What are the signs of these times?
"In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." (Luke 21: 31 - 33)
Jesus implies that the signs of the times can be observed with certainty. We can interpret the signs in nature. How can we not interpret the signs concerning our destiny. The implication here too is that the spiritual signs or the signs concerning our destiny can be interpreted with certainty.
We can observe the chain of secondary causes in action. For example:
Martin needs financial assistance. Why does Martin need financial assistance?
Martin lost his job. Why did Martin lose his job?
There was exodus of customers from his company. Why?
A more cost-effective technology replaced the services the Martin's provided. Why?
Because of recent escalation in investment in technology.
We see how the chain of secondary causes can continue ad infinitum until they stop at the Primary Cause, God.
In religion, secondary causes also terminate with the Primary Cause, God. This is what is called Providence.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Divine Providence thus: "Divine providence consists of the dispositions by which God guides all his creatures with wisdom and love to their ultimate end." (CCC 321)
There could be either accident or providence. According to the above quoted Catechism, there are no accidents. Everything is providence.
"We know that all things work for good for those who love God,* who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8: 28)
Jesus implies that the signs of the times can be observed with certainty. We can interpret the signs in nature. How can we not interpret the signs concerning our destiny. The implication here too is that the spiritual signs or the signs concerning our destiny can be interpreted with certainty.
We can observe the chain of secondary causes in action. For example:
Martin needs financial assistance. Why does Martin need financial assistance?
Martin lost his job. Why did Martin lose his job?
There was exodus of customers from his company. Why?
A more cost-effective technology replaced the services the Martin's provided. Why?
Because of recent escalation in investment in technology.
We see how the chain of secondary causes can continue ad infinitum until they stop at the Primary Cause, God.
In religion, secondary causes also terminate with the Primary Cause, God. This is what is called Providence.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Divine Providence thus: "Divine providence consists of the dispositions by which God guides all his creatures with wisdom and love to their ultimate end." (CCC 321)
There could be either accident or providence. According to the above quoted Catechism, there are no accidents. Everything is providence.
"We know that all things work for good for those who love God,* who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8: 28)
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Thanksgiving 2013
Revelation 19:9
"And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
"God our Father, from your hand we have received generous gifts so that we might learn to share our blessings in gratitude. Draw us closer to all our brothers and sisters in the family of man."
Seekfirst.blogspot.com
Monday, November 25, 2013
Trust in Jesus with all your heart
"He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest;
for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood." (Luke 21: 3 - 4)
As you trust Jesus, your generosity to Him grows. You cannot undo Jesus in generosity. He is King of kings, the Alpha and Omega. All the gold, all the silver belong to Him. All the central banks,all the commercial banks belong to Him. He is free to give whatever He likes to anybody. But to His beloved, He gives the very best. He gives the Holy Spirit. He who has the Holy Spirit has everything.
for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood." (Luke 21: 3 - 4)
As you trust Jesus, your generosity to Him grows. You cannot undo Jesus in generosity. He is King of kings, the Alpha and Omega. All the gold, all the silver belong to Him. All the central banks,all the commercial banks belong to Him. He is free to give whatever He likes to anybody. But to His beloved, He gives the very best. He gives the Holy Spirit. He who has the Holy Spirit has everything.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
I will praise you with all my heart
"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;
I will declare all your wondrous deeds.
I will delight and rejoice in you;
I will sing hymns to your name, Most High." (Psalm 9: 2 - 3)
Thank you Jesus for renewing your favors day by day. Thank you for your promise of pardon, peace, power, purpose, protection, provision and presence. Thank you for that sacred space where your presence is tangible. I will declare your wondrous deeds and share the knowledge of your name among my brothers.
I will find my delight in you O Lord and you will give me my heart's desires. I will sing hymns to your Name for your Name is sweet and glorious.
I will declare all your wondrous deeds.
I will delight and rejoice in you;
I will sing hymns to your name, Most High." (Psalm 9: 2 - 3)
Thank you Jesus for renewing your favors day by day. Thank you for your promise of pardon, peace, power, purpose, protection, provision and presence. Thank you for that sacred space where your presence is tangible. I will declare your wondrous deeds and share the knowledge of your name among my brothers.
I will find my delight in you O Lord and you will give me my heart's desires. I will sing hymns to your Name for your Name is sweet and glorious.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Jesus Christ is our Teacher
"And every day Jesus was teaching in the temple area." (Luke 19: 47)
It is interesting to observe the work habit of Jesus in the Gospel. He is a relentless worker. Sometimes, He had no time to eat or rest. He worked so hard that when He got into a boat at the end of the workday, He slumped into a seat and fell soundly asleep. On one occasion, His relatives heard about how He worked for long hours without food or rest and became concerned about his mental health. But as hard as He worked, He was a most compassionate and selfless boss. He thought more of the welfare of His disciples than Himself.
"He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat." (Mark 6: 31)
It is interesting to observe the work habit of Jesus in the Gospel. He is a relentless worker. Sometimes, He had no time to eat or rest. He worked so hard that when He got into a boat at the end of the workday, He slumped into a seat and fell soundly asleep. On one occasion, His relatives heard about how He worked for long hours without food or rest and became concerned about his mental health. But as hard as He worked, He was a most compassionate and selfless boss. He thought more of the welfare of His disciples than Himself.
"He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat." (Mark 6: 31)
Thursday, November 21, 2013
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 Christ, Prince of Peace tell me what it is that makes for peace. Or better still, give me the understanding and the power to do all that make 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. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5: 3 - 12)
This is what makes for peace of soul, heart and body and peace among men of goodwill.
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13: 17)
Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.
Lord Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace tell me what it is that makes for peace. Or better still, give me the understanding and the power to do all that make 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. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5: 3 - 12)
This is what makes for peace of soul, heart and body and peace among men of goodwill.
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13: 17)
Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Ask the Father in My Name
"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you." (John 15: 16)
"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)
"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)
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Fear is useless; what is needed is trust.
"But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14: 30 - 31)
How can we escape fear, worry and doubt?
When Peter saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened. Fear entered through his eyes. Fear, worry and doubt enter into us through our physical senses. The first order of business in combating fear, worry and doubt is to control our senses. The best defense in this case is offense. Make a habit of feeding your mind with God's word. Learn to pray constantly. An army who waits until the enemy is at the city gate to start ordering the weapon needed to defend the city has already lost the war.
One lesson I loaned as a boy scout will serve me well if I remember it always is: Be Prepared.
How can we escape fear,worry or doubt? Bring the fear, worry or doubt to Jesus in prayer. Remember His promises in scripture. Remember instances in your life when Christ has saved you in crisis. Trust Him completely and cry out desperately to Him to save you. He will. After Jesus has saved you, write down the experience in your journal. If you don't, you may forget it.
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14: 30 - 31)
How can we escape fear, worry and doubt?
When Peter saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened. Fear entered through his eyes. Fear, worry and doubt enter into us through our physical senses. The first order of business in combating fear, worry and doubt is to control our senses. The best defense in this case is offense. Make a habit of feeding your mind with God's word. Learn to pray constantly. An army who waits until the enemy is at the city gate to start ordering the weapon needed to defend the city has already lost the war.
One lesson I loaned as a boy scout will serve me well if I remember it always is: Be Prepared.
How can we escape fear,worry or doubt? Bring the fear, worry or doubt to Jesus in prayer. Remember His promises in scripture. Remember instances in your life when Christ has saved you in crisis. Trust Him completely and cry out desperately to Him to save you. He will. After Jesus has saved you, write down the experience in your journal. If you don't, you may forget it.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
God's excellent plan for us
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
How to know the plan?
Prayer and Discernment
Seekfirst.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Ask and keep asking
"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)
God is the Guardian of my rights. Trust Him forever!
God is the Guardian of my rights. Trust Him forever!
Friday, November 15, 2013
Give us abundant life
"Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it." (Luke 17: 33)
We have here a great paradox. How can you lose your life by taking every sensible and possible measures to preserve and secure it? How can you keep your life by doing the opposite of what is common sense? Jesus reveals the answer to this paradox by His life and teaching. He, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. By choosing to move away from Jesus in our thoughts, words and lifestyle, we move away from the life that we yearn for and that He offers.
"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." (John 10: 10) To be alive in Christ is to enjoy the abundant life He promises.
We have here a great paradox. How can you lose your life by taking every sensible and possible measures to preserve and secure it? How can you keep your life by doing the opposite of what is common sense? Jesus reveals the answer to this paradox by His life and teaching. He, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. By choosing to move away from Jesus in our thoughts, words and lifestyle, we move away from the life that we yearn for and that He offers.
"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." (John 10: 10) To be alive in Christ is to enjoy the abundant life He promises.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Give me Wisdom
Wisdom 7: 22- 23
"For in her is a spirit
intelligent, holy, unique,
Manifold, subtle, agile,
clear, unstained, certain,
Never harmful, loving the good, keen,
unhampered, beneficent, kindly,
Firm, secure, tranquil,
all-powerful, all-seeing,
And pervading all spirits,
though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle." (Wisdom 7: 22 - 23)
I want Wisdom.
James 1:5
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Wisdom is the one gift we can be absolutely certain of obtaining from God. We know for sure that Wisdom is completely in His will for us. When Solomon asked for wisdom, God said to him: "Here and now, I give you what you ask for." How then do we pray for wisdom?
Ask for it and keep asking.
Seek for it and keep seeking.
Keep knocking on the doors of heaven till you get it. When you get it, you will say: "I can't believe the joy!"
Seekfirst.blogspot.com
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
It is good to give thanks to God
"In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5: 18)
If God is always and everywhere good, if His wisdom is infinite and His love unconditional, it follows that all His actions must be loving and good. The so-called negative and bad events in our life are not more than the disguises of God. When we walk by faith and not by sight, we look past events and look straight to the First Cause, God. Because we know God's attributes of love, goodness, wisdom, power, mercy, omnipresence, we know for certain that God is in control of the situation. If knowledge of His attributes is not enough to make us to "ceasing from striving," we look to His promises in His word.
It is good to give thanks to God always and everywhere for His mercies last forever.
If God is always and everywhere good, if His wisdom is infinite and His love unconditional, it follows that all His actions must be loving and good. The so-called negative and bad events in our life are not more than the disguises of God. When we walk by faith and not by sight, we look past events and look straight to the First Cause, God. Because we know God's attributes of love, goodness, wisdom, power, mercy, omnipresence, we know for certain that God is in control of the situation. If knowledge of His attributes is not enough to make us to "ceasing from striving," we look to His promises in His word.
It is good to give thanks to God always and everywhere for His mercies last forever.
- I believe in prayer.
- I believe in the word of God.
- I believe in miracle.
- I leave the rest to God.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
The Lord hears the cry of the poor
"The righteous cry out, the LORD hears
and he rescues them from all their afflictions.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted,
saves those whose spirit is crushed." (Psalm 34: 18 - 19)
The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Thank you Father.
"But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18: 13)
"My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn." (Psalm 51: 19)
"Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5: 4)
and he rescues them from all their afflictions.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted,
saves those whose spirit is crushed." (Psalm 34: 18 - 19)
The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Thank you Father.
"But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18: 13)
"My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn." (Psalm 51: 19)
"Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5: 4)
Sunday, November 10, 2013
God strengthens our hearts through His word and the Eucharist
"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace,
encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word." (2 Thessalonians 2: 16 - 17)
God loves us so much that He always and everywhere strengthens our hearts through His word and Sacraments. Without these graces, it will be impossible for you to encourage one another or even to perform the least good deed.
To God be all the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen!
encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word." (2 Thessalonians 2: 16 - 17)
God loves us so much that He always and everywhere strengthens our hearts through His word and Sacraments. Without these graces, it will be impossible for you to encourage one another or even to perform the least good deed.
To God be all the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen!
Saturday, November 09, 2013
The Holy Spirit is the River of life
"Wherever it flows, the river teems with every kind of living creature; fish will abound. Where these waters flow they refresh; everything lives where the river goes." (Ezekiel 47: 9)
Wherever the Holy Spirit flows, there is blessings and prosperity. The Holy Spirit is Lord and give of life. He is the River of life. The Holy Spirit has brought untold blessings in my life. The Voice that speaks in court has helped me in some very tight situations I found myself and needed the right word.
Come Holy Spirit Come!
Wherever the Holy Spirit flows, there is blessings and prosperity. The Holy Spirit is Lord and give of life. He is the River of life. The Holy Spirit has brought untold blessings in my life. The Voice that speaks in court has helped me in some very tight situations I found myself and needed the right word.
Come Holy Spirit Come!
Friday, November 08, 2013
I will not compete with Jesus
"For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to lead the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed." (Romans 15: 18)
I know from experience that there is nothing I cannot do with the help of Christ who empowers me. Jesus Christ has absolute power to do whatever He wants. This power is available to those who trust Jesus, who walk in His will and who asks for it.
Lord Jesus, I trust in you. I want to trust in you with all my heart, mind and soul, I believe I walk in your will. Help my weakness and strengthen my steps. Grant me the power I need so that I can accomplish your purpose in my life. I ask for this in your mighty Name Jesus. Amen!
I know from experience that there is nothing I cannot do with the help of Christ who empowers me. Jesus Christ has absolute power to do whatever He wants. This power is available to those who trust Jesus, who walk in His will and who asks for it.
Lord Jesus, I trust in you. I want to trust in you with all my heart, mind and soul, I believe I walk in your will. Help my weakness and strengthen my steps. Grant me the power I need so that I can accomplish your purpose in my life. I ask for this in your mighty Name Jesus. Amen!
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