"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;
I will declare all your wondrous deeds.
I will delight and rejoice in you;
I will sing hymns to your name, Most High." (Psalm 9: 2 - 3)
Thank you Jesus for renewing your favors day by day. Thank you for your promise of pardon, peace, power, purpose, protection, provision and presence. Thank you for that sacred space where your presence is tangible. I will declare your wondrous deeds and share the knowledge of your name among my brothers.
I will find my delight in you O Lord and you will give me my heart's desires. I will sing hymns to your Name for your Name is sweet and glorious.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
Jesus Christ is our Teacher
"And every day Jesus was teaching in the temple area." (Luke 19: 47)
It is interesting to observe the work habit of Jesus in the Gospel. He is a relentless worker. Sometimes, He had no time to eat or rest. He worked so hard that when He got into a boat at the end of the workday, He slumped into a seat and fell soundly asleep. On one occasion, His relatives heard about how He worked for long hours without food or rest and became concerned about his mental health. But as hard as He worked, He was a most compassionate and selfless boss. He thought more of the welfare of His disciples than Himself.
"He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat." (Mark 6: 31)
It is interesting to observe the work habit of Jesus in the Gospel. He is a relentless worker. Sometimes, He had no time to eat or rest. He worked so hard that when He got into a boat at the end of the workday, He slumped into a seat and fell soundly asleep. On one occasion, His relatives heard about how He worked for long hours without food or rest and became concerned about his mental health. But as hard as He worked, He was a most compassionate and selfless boss. He thought more of the welfare of His disciples than Himself.
"He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat." (Mark 6: 31)
Thursday, November 21, 2013
You know what makes for peace
"If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes." (Luke 19: 42)
Lord Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace tell me what it is that makes for peace. Or better still, give me the understanding and the power to do all that make for peace.
THE BEATITUDES
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5: 3 - 12)
This is what makes for peace of soul, heart and body and peace among men of goodwill.
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13: 17)
Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.
Lord Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace tell me what it is that makes for peace. Or better still, give me the understanding and the power to do all that make for peace.
THE BEATITUDES
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5: 3 - 12)
This is what makes for peace of soul, heart and body and peace among men of goodwill.
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13: 17)
Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Ask the Father in My Name
"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you." (John 15: 16)
"I will bear a witness to you in the world,O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia.!" (Psalm 17: 50;21: 23)
"I will bear a witness to you in the world,O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia.!" (Psalm 17: 50;21: 23)
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Fear is useless; what is needed is trust.
"But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14: 30 - 31)
How can we escape fear, worry and doubt?
When Peter saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened. Fear entered through his eyes. Fear, worry and doubt enter into us through our physical senses. The first order of business in combating fear, worry and doubt is to control our senses. The best defense in this case is offense. Make a habit of feeding your mind with God's word. Learn to pray constantly. An army who waits until the enemy is at the city gate to start ordering the weapon needed to defend the city has already lost the war.
One lesson I loaned as a boy scout will serve me well if I remember it always is: Be Prepared.
How can we escape fear,worry or doubt? Bring the fear, worry or doubt to Jesus in prayer. Remember His promises in scripture. Remember instances in your life when Christ has saved you in crisis. Trust Him completely and cry out desperately to Him to save you. He will. After Jesus has saved you, write down the experience in your journal. If you don't, you may forget it.
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14: 30 - 31)
How can we escape fear, worry and doubt?
When Peter saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened. Fear entered through his eyes. Fear, worry and doubt enter into us through our physical senses. The first order of business in combating fear, worry and doubt is to control our senses. The best defense in this case is offense. Make a habit of feeding your mind with God's word. Learn to pray constantly. An army who waits until the enemy is at the city gate to start ordering the weapon needed to defend the city has already lost the war.
One lesson I loaned as a boy scout will serve me well if I remember it always is: Be Prepared.
How can we escape fear,worry or doubt? Bring the fear, worry or doubt to Jesus in prayer. Remember His promises in scripture. Remember instances in your life when Christ has saved you in crisis. Trust Him completely and cry out desperately to Him to save you. He will. After Jesus has saved you, write down the experience in your journal. If you don't, you may forget it.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
God's excellent plan for us
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
How to know the plan?
Prayer and Discernment
Seekfirst.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Ask and keep asking
"Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them?" (Luke 18: 7)
God is the Guardian of my rights. Trust Him forever!
God is the Guardian of my rights. Trust Him forever!
Friday, November 15, 2013
Give us abundant life
"Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it." (Luke 17: 33)
We have here a great paradox. How can you lose your life by taking every sensible and possible measures to preserve and secure it? How can you keep your life by doing the opposite of what is common sense? Jesus reveals the answer to this paradox by His life and teaching. He, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. By choosing to move away from Jesus in our thoughts, words and lifestyle, we move away from the life that we yearn for and that He offers.
"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." (John 10: 10) To be alive in Christ is to enjoy the abundant life He promises.
We have here a great paradox. How can you lose your life by taking every sensible and possible measures to preserve and secure it? How can you keep your life by doing the opposite of what is common sense? Jesus reveals the answer to this paradox by His life and teaching. He, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. By choosing to move away from Jesus in our thoughts, words and lifestyle, we move away from the life that we yearn for and that He offers.
"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." (John 10: 10) To be alive in Christ is to enjoy the abundant life He promises.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Give me Wisdom
Wisdom 7: 22- 23
"For in her is a spirit
intelligent, holy, unique,
Manifold, subtle, agile,
clear, unstained, certain,
Never harmful, loving the good, keen,
unhampered, beneficent, kindly,
Firm, secure, tranquil,
all-powerful, all-seeing,
And pervading all spirits,
though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle." (Wisdom 7: 22 - 23)
I want Wisdom.
James 1:5
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Wisdom is the one gift we can be absolutely certain of obtaining from God. We know for sure that Wisdom is completely in His will for us. When Solomon asked for wisdom, God said to him: "Here and now, I give you what you ask for." How then do we pray for wisdom?
Ask for it and keep asking.
Seek for it and keep seeking.
Keep knocking on the doors of heaven till you get it. When you get it, you will say: "I can't believe the joy!"
Seekfirst.blogspot.com
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
It is good to give thanks to God
"In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5: 18)
If God is always and everywhere good, if His wisdom is infinite and His love unconditional, it follows that all His actions must be loving and good. The so-called negative and bad events in our life are not more than the disguises of God. When we walk by faith and not by sight, we look past events and look straight to the First Cause, God. Because we know God's attributes of love, goodness, wisdom, power, mercy, omnipresence, we know for certain that God is in control of the situation. If knowledge of His attributes is not enough to make us to "ceasing from striving," we look to His promises in His word.
It is good to give thanks to God always and everywhere for His mercies last forever.
If God is always and everywhere good, if His wisdom is infinite and His love unconditional, it follows that all His actions must be loving and good. The so-called negative and bad events in our life are not more than the disguises of God. When we walk by faith and not by sight, we look past events and look straight to the First Cause, God. Because we know God's attributes of love, goodness, wisdom, power, mercy, omnipresence, we know for certain that God is in control of the situation. If knowledge of His attributes is not enough to make us to "ceasing from striving," we look to His promises in His word.
It is good to give thanks to God always and everywhere for His mercies last forever.
- I believe in prayer.
- I believe in the word of God.
- I believe in miracle.
- I leave the rest to God.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
The Lord hears the cry of the poor
"The righteous cry out, the LORD hears
and he rescues them from all their afflictions.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted,
saves those whose spirit is crushed." (Psalm 34: 18 - 19)
The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Thank you Father.
"But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18: 13)
"My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn." (Psalm 51: 19)
"Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5: 4)
and he rescues them from all their afflictions.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted,
saves those whose spirit is crushed." (Psalm 34: 18 - 19)
The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Thank you Father.
"But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18: 13)
"My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn." (Psalm 51: 19)
"Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5: 4)
Sunday, November 10, 2013
God strengthens our hearts through His word and the Eucharist
"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace,
encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word." (2 Thessalonians 2: 16 - 17)
God loves us so much that He always and everywhere strengthens our hearts through His word and Sacraments. Without these graces, it will be impossible for you to encourage one another or even to perform the least good deed.
To God be all the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen!
encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word." (2 Thessalonians 2: 16 - 17)
God loves us so much that He always and everywhere strengthens our hearts through His word and Sacraments. Without these graces, it will be impossible for you to encourage one another or even to perform the least good deed.
To God be all the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen!
Saturday, November 09, 2013
The Holy Spirit is the River of life
"Wherever it flows, the river teems with every kind of living creature; fish will abound. Where these waters flow they refresh; everything lives where the river goes." (Ezekiel 47: 9)
Wherever the Holy Spirit flows, there is blessings and prosperity. The Holy Spirit is Lord and give of life. He is the River of life. The Holy Spirit has brought untold blessings in my life. The Voice that speaks in court has helped me in some very tight situations I found myself and needed the right word.
Come Holy Spirit Come!
Wherever the Holy Spirit flows, there is blessings and prosperity. The Holy Spirit is Lord and give of life. He is the River of life. The Holy Spirit has brought untold blessings in my life. The Voice that speaks in court has helped me in some very tight situations I found myself and needed the right word.
Come Holy Spirit Come!
Friday, November 08, 2013
I will not compete with Jesus
"For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to lead the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed." (Romans 15: 18)
I know from experience that there is nothing I cannot do with the help of Christ who empowers me. Jesus Christ has absolute power to do whatever He wants. This power is available to those who trust Jesus, who walk in His will and who asks for it.
Lord Jesus, I trust in you. I want to trust in you with all my heart, mind and soul, I believe I walk in your will. Help my weakness and strengthen my steps. Grant me the power I need so that I can accomplish your purpose in my life. I ask for this in your mighty Name Jesus. Amen!
I know from experience that there is nothing I cannot do with the help of Christ who empowers me. Jesus Christ has absolute power to do whatever He wants. This power is available to those who trust Jesus, who walk in His will and who asks for it.
Lord Jesus, I trust in you. I want to trust in you with all my heart, mind and soul, I believe I walk in your will. Help my weakness and strengthen my steps. Grant me the power I need so that I can accomplish your purpose in my life. I ask for this in your mighty Name Jesus. Amen!
I will not compete with Jesus
"For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to lead the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed." (Romans 15: 18)
I know from experience that there is nothing I cannot do with the help of Christ who empowers me. Jesus Christ has absolute power to do whatever He wants. This power is available to those who trust Jesus, who walk in His will and who asks for it.
Lord Jesus, I trust in you. I want to trust in you with all my heart, mind and soul, I believe I walk in your will, Help my weakness and strengthen my steps. Grant me the power I need so that I can accomplish your purpose in my life. I ask for this in your mighty Name Jesus. Amen!
I know from experience that there is nothing I cannot do with the help of Christ who empowers me. Jesus Christ has absolute power to do whatever He wants. This power is available to those who trust Jesus, who walk in His will and who asks for it.
Lord Jesus, I trust in you. I want to trust in you with all my heart, mind and soul, I believe I walk in your will, Help my weakness and strengthen my steps. Grant me the power I need so that I can accomplish your purpose in my life. I ask for this in your mighty Name Jesus. Amen!
Thursday, November 07, 2013
The One thing necessary
"One thing I ask of the LORD;
this I seek:
To dwell in the LORD’s house
all the days of my life,
To gaze on the LORD’s beauty,
to visit his temple." (Psalm 27: 4)
Be joyful in hope.
"I believe I shall see the LORD’s goodness
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!" (Psalm 27: 13 -14)
this I seek:
To dwell in the LORD’s house
all the days of my life,
To gaze on the LORD’s beauty,
to visit his temple." (Psalm 27: 4)
Be joyful in hope.
"I believe I shall see the LORD’s goodness
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!" (Psalm 27: 13 -14)
Wednesday, November 06, 2013
The Lord will build and guard my house
"‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’" (Luke 14: 30)
O Lord, forbid that I should come to such a fate again. Your word promises, "I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1: 6)
I agree and rejoice with your word in Psalm 127: 1:
"Unless the LORD build the house,
they labor in vain who build.
Unless the LORD guard the city,
in vain does the guard keep watch."
Once upon a time, I started to build but was unable to finish. I became a laughing stock in the community. This time, I have learned my lesson. I want you to build my house O Lord. I want you to watch over the house O Lord. With you building and guarding the house I feel secure.
O Lord, forbid that I should come to such a fate again. Your word promises, "I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1: 6)
I agree and rejoice with your word in Psalm 127: 1:
"Unless the LORD build the house,
they labor in vain who build.
Unless the LORD guard the city,
in vain does the guard keep watch."
Once upon a time, I started to build but was unable to finish. I became a laughing stock in the community. This time, I have learned my lesson. I want you to build my house O Lord. I want you to watch over the house O Lord. With you building and guarding the house I feel secure.
Tuesday, November 05, 2013
Pray without ceasing
"Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer." (Romans 12: 12)
Prayer is the key that unlocks hope and patience. Prayer is so important and so powerful that our gracious and awesome Father made it a universal gift for all His children. It is the one gift that can be exercised always and everywhere. Life is full of tribulations. Trials come to all and sundry. If prayer is free and the ordained means of getting so much needed help in crisis, what reason could there be for not using it. Ignorance and pride. I rule out ignorance because prayer is a built-in instinct for all living things. Even the animals cry out to God for food. See the scriptures below:
"Who provides nourishment for the raven
when its young cry out to God,
wandering about without food?" (Job 38: 41)
God hears the young raven when they pray for their food.
"The eyes of all look hopefully to you;
you give them their food in due season.
You open wide your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing." (Psalm 145: 15 - 16)
The eyes of all living things look hopefully to God for their sustenance. We who know that God is a gracious and merciful Father rejoice in hope and endure our affliction as discipline and we are constant in prayer.
Prayer is the key that unlocks hope and patience. Prayer is so important and so powerful that our gracious and awesome Father made it a universal gift for all His children. It is the one gift that can be exercised always and everywhere. Life is full of tribulations. Trials come to all and sundry. If prayer is free and the ordained means of getting so much needed help in crisis, what reason could there be for not using it. Ignorance and pride. I rule out ignorance because prayer is a built-in instinct for all living things. Even the animals cry out to God for food. See the scriptures below:
"Who provides nourishment for the raven
when its young cry out to God,
wandering about without food?" (Job 38: 41)
God hears the young raven when they pray for their food.
"The eyes of all look hopefully to you;
you give them their food in due season.
You open wide your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing." (Psalm 145: 15 - 16)
The eyes of all living things look hopefully to God for their sustenance. We who know that God is a gracious and merciful Father rejoice in hope and endure our affliction as discipline and we are constant in prayer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)