"Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance." (Cf Luke 8: 15 RM)
Fruitfulness in the kingdom comes through perseverance. How do we persevere in living the Christian life? One single day at a time. At the beginning of the day, ask for the grace to be faithful. Give thanks at the end of the day. Repeat the same the next day. Forget the past. Entrust the future into the loving hands of God.
"But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him to put him to death.
"When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place." (Matthew 12: 14 - 15 NABRE)
How do you deal with conflict? Even Jesus can walk away from conflict. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to handle conflict.
"I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.
I will heal you." (Isaiah 38: 5 RM)
"Those live whom the LORD protects; yours is the life of my spirit.
You have given me health and life." (Isaiah 38: 16 RM)
The Lord gives both life and health. Jesus still heals today. Ask for healing with expectant faith.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28-30 NKJV)
What is your yoke/burden today? Why does Jesus say that your yoke is easy and your burden light?
Because the yoke and burden He has designed for you are tailor-made to fit you precisely.
"At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike." (Matthew 11:25 NABRE)
How do you see yourself before God? Wise and learned or childlike?
St Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church is one of the childlike whom God revealed tons of wisdom. Example:
"Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing: God alone suffices." (St Teresa of Avila)
"You don’t believe me? If you want me to protect you, you must learn to believe what I say.” (Isaiah 7: 9 TLB)
If your faith is firm, no upheaval in your family, health, finances, job will shake you.
Faith is taking seriously the promises of God. Faith is a firm conviction that the promises of God will be fulfilled come what may.
Think of Abraham, Elijah, Mary, Peter and Paul.
"If you love your father and mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.
“If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will save it. (Matthew 10: 37 - 39 TLB)
Tough prescriptions from Jesus. Believe. Do not argue. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to live out these truths.
