The God who speaks

"In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets;  in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe."  (Hebrews 1: 1 - 2)

When God called Abraham to start His family with him, He spoke to Him. Then He spoke to Moses in the burning bush.  But He had communicated to man through forces of nature.  Hebrews 1: 1 - 2 describes God's manner of communication in the past as "in partial and various ways."

Today God speaks to us through one Word, Jesus.  This Word contains the entire promise of salvation.  Father, you have spoken to us through your Son Jesus.  He is the Word of life, the Way, the Truth and the Life.  Open our ears to hear His message.

Jesus Savior of all mankind

"The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world"  (John 1: 29)

How do we see Jesus, know Him and love Him today?  By Faith.  Remember the Sign of the babe in the manger, the Sign of the Bread of life, the Sign of the dying Man on the cross.  People were able to recognize Jesus disguised in these Signs.  Today, just as John the Baptist recognized the Lamb of God in His humble garb, people continue to recognize Jesus today in the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament and in the Poor and Needy.

Lord Jesus, help us not to fail to recognize you in your various disguises.

"In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him."  (1 John 4: 9)

Jesus Savior of all mankind

"The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world"  (John 1: 29)

How do we see Jesus, know Him and love Him today?  By Faith.  Remember the Sign of the babe in the manger, the Sign of the Bread of life, the Sign of the dying Man on the cross.  People were able to recognize Jesus disguised in these Signs.  Today, just as John the Baptist recognized the Lamb of God in His humble garb, people continue to recognize Jesus today in the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament and in the Poor and Needy.

Lord Jesus, help us not to fail to recognize you in your various disguises.

"In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him."  (1 John 4: 9)

What I heard in the beginning

"Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father."  (1 John 2: 24"

A voice I became familiar with later told me that all that I needed is the Holy Spirit.  The timing was at the height of my Desert Experience.  I was so deeply impressed by this message that I wondered how all that I needed could ever be the Holy Spirit.  I needed health, job, money, food, car, computer, telephone, etc.

After wondering about the appropriateness of this message, I started immediately to research Who the Holy Spirit is.  Providentially, I bought a big book on the Holy Spirit which I had not even opened.  I took the well-written book from my bookcase and poured over the pages voraciously.  It did not take many days before I discovered one curious fact.

For many years prior to this, I bought and read almost everything I could find on self-development.  America excels in this motivational genre.  I was familiar with all the major authors.  I read biographies and autobiographies of the principal political and business leaders.  I was seeking one formula:  how to quickly get to the top in my company.

What I discovered from the book on the Holy Spirit was at every promise of gifts of mind, body, wealth and fame were gifts of the Holy Spirit.  It was like traveling across the world to search for diamonds while there are acres of the precious metal in your very backyard.

"Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father."  (1 John 2: 24"

What did I hear from the beginning of my spiritual journey?  "All that you need is the Holy Spirit."  In Desert 2.0, the truth still remains.  Abide in the Holy Spirit and you will abide in Jesus.  When I am afraid in 2014, I will remember another truth.  I am the adopted son of God.  I will not forget the privileges and in any distress will cry out ABBA FATHER.

Abba Father!

"The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them."  (Numbers 6: 24 - 27)

When I become afraid in 2014, I will cry out ABBA FATHER!  O Father, when I cry out to you ABBA FATHER in my distress, hear and answer me speedily.  Amen!

Jesus gives us power to become the children of God

"And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us."  

"But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name."  (John 1: 14, 12)

Lord Jesus, I want to enjoy the privileges of the children of God.  I want to know the Father and do His will.  Grant me faith that overcomes the world.  Help me to accept you as you come to me everyday.  Help me never to reject the cross you have designed for me.

Do not love the things of the world

1 John 2:17

"And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

The enticements of the world:
Sensual lust
Enticement for the eyes
Pretentious life

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The family can be a path to holiness

"The shepherds hastened to Bethlehem, where they found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger."  (Luke 2:16)

Eternal Father, we want to live as Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, in peace with you and one another.

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