Your Word is my Guide

Your Word is my Guide

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Does the word of God give me a deeper understanding of my life and destiny?  Does it give me a greater courage to face life’s problems?

Our lives revolve around 6 issues which I call the 6 war zones.  They are:

1. Family


2. Health


3. Money


4. Job


5. Tools


6. Food

How has God’s word helped me to gain a deeper understanding of these issues?  I learned from Jesus to pose the question:  “What does the scripture day on this?”  The word of God teaches us key concepts about God.  For example:  God is all powerful, all wise and all loving.  He cares for me every moment of my life.  No accident can happen in my life as God is in control and is saving me through every circumstance and event.

The scripture also teaches me God’s point of view on each of the 6 war zones.  When I ask the question:  “What does the scripture say about food?”  I receive this answer:  “Man does not live on bread alone.  There is life for him in every word that come from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4: 4).  This scripture gives me both the wisdom and the courage to deal with my situation.

Don't be Afraid

“Jesus spoke to them at once, ‘Courage!’ he said. ‘It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

(Mark 6: 50)

The disciples saw what they thought was a ghost and were terrified. What are the things that make me afraid in life? I am upset by sickness, injustice, poverty, suffering, delays and problems. Jesus has a message for me this morning. He says to m e: “It is I. Don’t be afraid.” I should not be afraid or upset by anything because Jesus is always with me. If only I can grasp this truth! If only I can hold on to it! I should never be afraid.

Lord Jesus, teach me to find you in all circumstances. Your word says that you are present in all situations and in every event. Impress this truth on my mind and soul.

The Hungry Were Fed

The Hungry Were Fed

“Then Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God.  He broke the loaves and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people.  He also divided the two fish among them all.  Everyone ate and had enough.”  (Mark 6: 41)

Christ fed the multitude with bread and fish.  They all ate and had enough.  But these men and women sought Jesus for the word of life for which they hungered.  How much do I hunger for this word?  Am I prepared to leave everything I am doing to go after this word?  The word has come to me today in the comfort of my home.  A friend once remarked to me that it does seem that Jesus has elected to teach certain people on one to one basis.  

Although the crowd came to Jesus seeking the word of life, he did not neglect their material well-being.  I am invited to an absolute trust in Jesus for the provision of all my needs, whether spiritual or material.

Learning from Jesus2

Learning from Jesus     

“When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.  So he began to teach them many things.”  (Mark 6: 34)

Jesus looked with compassion on the desperate crowd and their needs.  The people did not seem to realize how needy they were nor did they understand that the source of relief was so close to them.   I was once one of this crowd whom Jesus looked upon with pity.  By a singular grace, he drew me close to him and began to teach me “many things.”  Today, I no longer regard myself as one of the crowd, I rather see myself as a companion and friend of Jesus, one who is learning “many things” about the Lord.  

I thank you Jesus for this great favor.  Now that you are teaching me “many things”, what do you what me to do with what I am learning?  “Teach them many things” I learn from you?  I sure will.  Help me Lord.

Learning from Jesus

Learning from Jesus     

“When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.  So he began to teach them many things.”  (Mark 6: 34)

Jesus looked with compassion on the desperate crowd and their needs.  The people did not seem to realize how needy they were nor did they understand that the source of relief was so close to them.   I was once one of this crowd whom Jesus looked upon with pity.  By a singular grace, he drew me close to him and began to teach me “many things.”  Today, I no longer regard myself as one of the crowd, I rather see myself as a companion and friend of Jesus, one who is learning “many things” about the Lord.  

I thank you Jesus for this great favor.  Now that you are teaching me “many things”, what do you what me to do with what I am learning?  “Teach them many things” I learn from you?  I sure will.  Help me Lord.

Companionship

Companionship

“There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his disciples didn’t even have time to eat.  So he said to them, ‘Let us go off by ourselves to where we will be alone and you can have rest for a while.” (Mark 6:31)

In 1996 when I reflected on the above scripture, I made the entry below in my journal:

“I see in this scripture the meaning of companionship.  To be alone with Christ.  It is incredible but true that Christ wants us to spend time alone with him.  Some of us delight in feverish activities which exhaust us physically and we seem to derive some kicks from them.  But here in this scripture, I see Jesus first and foremost a companion and a friend and not a taskmaster.  I understand further what companionship means.  It means spending time with Christ alone.  Spending time with Jesus in prayer.  Spending time with him in his word.  Visiting him in the Blessed Sacrament and spending time with him alone.  

How do I measure vis-à-vis the obligations of companionship?  As soon as I can implement the idea, I will spend at least one hour every week with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.  Thank you Jesus for this inspiration.  Teach me to know you a little more everyday.”

Over the past ten years, the Lord provided ample opportunity to implement the inspiration.  I have come to enjoy spending time with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament several times a week.

The Head of John the Baptist

The Head of John the Baptist

“I want you to give me here and now the head of John the Baptist on a dish.”
(Mark 6: 25)

What price am I willing to pay in the service of Christ?  John the Baptist paid the supreme price with his life.  Peter and Paul did the same.  Some others paid with a life of heroic virtue, self-sacrifice and mortification.  It is said that the degree in which we accept the cross in our life is in direct proportion to our love for Jesus.  

Lord Jesus, help me to show my love for you today by accepting everything you send me.

Gods Faithfulness

God’s Faithfulness

“He called the 12 disciples together and sent them out 2 by 2.  he gave them authority over the evil spirits and ordered them, “Don’t take anything with you on your journey except a stick – no bread, no beggar’s bag, no money in your pockets….”
(Mark 6: 7 – 8)

When I reflected on the above scripture in 1996, I wrote the following:

“Jesus called the 12 who were to be his friends and companions and sent them out to work.  I too believe that I have been called by Jesus to a life of friendship and companionship.  Jesus gave his friends the power to cast out devils.  Do I enjoy this power?  Lord, I do not think so.  I yearn for it.  Lord Jesus, tell me what to do to get it.

Those whom Jesus has called and given a mission, he wants them to be totally free of material encumbrances.  He wants them to be totally committed to the work.  As I prepare for the Enterprise, I remember that I am embarking on this in the name of Jesus.  I believe that Jesus will take care of all my needs, material, spiritual and social.  Thank you Jesus, for this comforting thought.  Lord, strengthen my faith.”

It is now 10 years since I wrote the above.  How has Jesus performed in taking care of my material, spiritual and social needs in the past 10 years?  Jesus has surpassed my expectations.  Only a couple of days ago, I had the opportunity to share this testimony with a fellow Christian who is in the wilderness at this time.