"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead." (Hebrews 11: 1 TLB)
If faith is so critical for our life in the Spirit, how do we grow in faith?
Start with faithfulness to prayer and daily feeding of the word of God.
"In a resplendent cloud the Holy Spirit appeared.
The Father’s voice was heard: This is my Beloved Son,
with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him." (Cf Matthew 17: 5 RM)
As we celebrate today the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, we rejoice in the truth that Jesus is the beloved Son of the Father. We believe in One God: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Father, help us to always listen to Your Son Jesus.
First Friday in August - Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
#9th Promise of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:
"I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honored."
This promise is so easy to fulfill and yet the benefits are enormous. You can purchase a framed image of the Sacred Heart or print one of the Internet. Place it in a good location in your bedroom or sitting room. Glance lovingly at this image from time to time. Now enjoy the graces that flows from so simple an act of faith.
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]." (Matthew 16: 24 AMP)
At the beginning of the day, pray for grace to discern the cross Jesus wants you to pick up and bear that day. Your cross may be in the area of health, family, money, job, tools and possessions, food or even worry about the future. Whatever it is, you can raise your mind and heart to Jesus in the prayer below:
Dear Jesus, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; grant me the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen!
"I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31: 34 NIV)
Boundless Mercy of the Heart of Jesus.
Take advantage of the extravagant Mercy of Jesus.
THE ABC OF MERCY:
1. Ask for Mercy
2. Be Merciful
3. Completely trust Jesus for Mercy
"Then I will teach your ways to other sinners, and they — guilty like me —will repent and return to you." (Psalm 51: 13 TLB)
“Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment." (Matthew 15: 28 NIV)
Jesus praised the faith of the Canaanite woman. Note the reasons: She did homage to Jesus. (Matthew 15: 25) What is your posture in prayer? The woman refused to take No for an answer. Does your prayer follow the prescription of Jesus? "Ask and keep asking and you will receive." (Matthew 7: 7)
"You will be my people,
and I will be your God.” (Jeremiah 30: 22 NLT)
A Covenant Statement:
We owe God Worship, Love and Obedience.
God owes us: Pardon, Peace, Power, Purpose, Presence, Provision and Protection.
Be faithful to your obligations and be confident that God will fulfill His part.
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish.” (Matthew 14: 17 NIV)
Bring what you have to Jesus and He will multiply it.
Take and receive O Lord Jesus, all my time, talent and treasure. Use them as it pleases You.
We can never outdo God in generosity.
