You need more than money to stay alive.
"Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”
"But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’" (Luke 4: 3-4 NLT)
"For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world." (1John 2: 16 NLT)
"Family life has been in disarray for many years. We like to think that the families of the last generation were better than the families of today. Even if this is true, "better" does not mean "good." Look at the alcoholism, abuse, and racism which has characterized so many families for many generations. Family life has been and continues to be in ruins."
(http://www.presentationministries.com/pope/latest.asp)
Marriage Equality or Gay Marriage cast in terms of civil rights is an affliction for stubborn and unrepentant racism. This happens in a nation that cast itself as the most Christian nation on earth. The Bible says that God can never be mocked.
Look at how America has mocked God with stubborn and unrepentant racism and naked anti-immigration hostilities in God's own country! God is enjoying the last laugh. But hope is not lost because God our Father is the Father of Mercies.
"However, the good news for this Lent is: "The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake, and the foundations from ages past you shall raise up; 'Repairer of the breach,' they shall call you, 'Restorer of ruined homesteads' " (Is 58:12). If we let Jesus be the Lord of Lent, if we imitate His forty-day fast, if we repent of our sins, if we accept the Lord's grace to forgive one another, and if we believe that nothing is impossible with God (Lk 1:37), then the ancient ruins of family life will be repaired and rebuilt.
God still desires to make holy families, who will lead the Church in the third millennium and prepare the world for His final coming. The devil has been trying to prevent the Lord from restoring these families and making them holy. Although Satan has been able to ruin some families and to delay the fulfillment of God's plan for family life, Satan cannot stop God. The Lord is making holy families, and this Lent He is making them even from broken and ruined families. Be a part of the family-miracle the Lord is doing at this moment.
Prayer: Father, through the intercession of Mary and Joseph, make our families holy. Promise: "Leaving everything behind, Levi stood up and became His follower." —Lk 5:28 Praise: After two generations, Clarence's great-grandchildren are returning to the Church. (For a related teaching on Family Prayer, listen to or download our CD 59-1 or DVD 59-CH-2 at presentationministries.com or order our tape on audio or video .)
“Come and be one of my disciples!” So Levi left everything, sprang up, and went with him."
"Soon Levi held a reception in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests were there."
"But the Pharisees and teachers of the Law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples about his eating with such notorious sinners."
"Jesus answered them, “It is the sick who need a doctor, not those in good health. My purpose is to invite sinners to turn from their sins, not to spend my time with those who think themselves already good enough.” (Luke 5: 27 - 32 TLB)
“We have fasted before you,” they say. “Why aren’t you impressed? Why don’t you see our sacrifices? Why don’t you hear our prayers? We have done much penance, and you don’t even notice it!” I’ll tell you why! Because you are living in evil pleasure even while you are fasting, and you keep right on oppressing your workers." (Isaiah 58: 3 TLB)
"Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help." (Isaiah 58: 7 NLT)
"Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: “Here I am!” (Isaiah 58: 9 NABRE)
Cast all your burden on Jesus and He will sustain you. (Cf Psalm 55: 23)
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you that today I have set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Oh, that you would choose life; that you and your children might live!"
"Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him and to cling to him, for he is your life and the length of your days. You will then be able to live safely in the land the Lord promised your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30: 19-20 TLB)
"Anyone who wants to follow me must put aside his own desires and conveniences and carry his cross with him every day and keep close to me!" (Luke 9: 23 TLB)
Welcome Lent 2016 - a time Abba Father showers us love, mercy and healing.
“In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.”
Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6: 2 NABRE)
“Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” (Joel 2: 12 NIV)
"Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. " (2 Corinthians 6: 1 NABRE)
Do you know how merciful the Heart of God is?
Ask Abraham, David and Mary to show you.
“LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below; you keep your covenant of mercy with your servants who are faithful to you with their whole heart." (1 Kings 8: 23 RM)
"Regard kindly the prayer and petition of your servant, Lord, my God, and listen to the cry of supplication which I, your servant, utter before you this day." (1 Kings 8: 28 NABRE)
"Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people." (Cf 4: 23 RM)
"Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed." (Mark 6: 56 NLT)
Today Jesus is with us. Always. How do we touch Him?
