"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.
“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher;
“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1: 2 NKJV)
What does Scripture mean when it teaches that everything is meaningless apart from God? I find a lot of comfort in the wisdom of St Teresa of Avila below:
" 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)
Lord teach us how short life is so that we can become wise. (Psalm 90: 12)
“Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” (Matthew 14: 8 NIV)
When God appointed Jeremiah as prophet, He urged him to be bold and courageous and God promised him protection. (Jeremiah 1: 8) John the Baptist paid with his life for his prophetic ministry. (Matthew 14: 8) What is the difference? God’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. (Isaiah 55: 8 - 9)
How about your own ministry? Where is God leading you?
"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25 - 26 NIV)
Do you believe in the Resurrection of Jesus? How do you know if you do or not? Do you pray every day? Do you read the word of God every day? Do you honor Jesus on Sunday?
“Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel." (Jeremiah 14 : 6 NIV)
Of course, O Lord my God. You can do with me as You please. You are the Potter. I am the clay. Let it be done to me according to Your will. (Luke 1: 38)
"I am with you." (Jeremiah 15: 20)
The promise of Jesus to be with us at all times is in my opinion the greatest promise in the Bible. Whenever I remember this, it transforms my attitude. If Jesus is with me, then it is accomplished. I live more joyful, more carefree, more generous and more peaceful life. All because Jesus, God and Savior is with me. Thank You Jesus for Your Presence.
"Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?" (Jeremiah 14: 22 NIV)
Only God gives health, prosperity, peace and security.
Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. (Psalm 16: 4)
"When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!" (Psalm 126: 1 - 3 NLT)
When the time (Kairos moment) comes for God to answer your heart's desire, it will come fast and furious. You will think you are dreaming. The Joy of answered prayer is unbelievable.
"Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing."
Wait for the Lord with courage. Be stouthearted. Wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27 : 8)
“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." (Luke 11: 9 - 10 NLT)
Prayer Never Fails! God answers thus: Receive. Wait. I have something better for you.
Abba Father knows exactly what you need and when you need it.
"Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Reform your ways and your deeds so that I may dwell with you in this place." (Jeremiah 7: 3 NABRE)
Jesus teaches us to live in the habit of continuous repentance. (Matthew 4: 17) His Mercy is limitless.
"Do you think you can steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, sacrifice to Baal, follow other gods that you do not know. and then come and stand in my presence in this house, which bears my name?" Jeremiah 7: 9 NABRE)
"The Lord said to Mary Magdalene: 'Go to my brothers and tell them: 1 am going to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." (John 20: 17 RM)
"Whom shall I send?" Send me. (Isaiah 6: 8)
Will you go if Jesus sends you to announce the great joy of the Resurrection?
"To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them." (Matthew 13: 12 NLT)
How hungry are you for the word of God? Come to the table of the word of God starving and you will be filled.
The seed planted in rich soil will yield abundant harvest. (Matthew 13: 8)
“Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day,
I had holy plans for you:
A prophet to the nations —
that’s what I had in mind for you.” (Jeremiah 1: 5 MSG)
God has set you apart for a particular mission. What are your excuses? Too old? Too young? Too busy? No money? No education?
God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called. (Romans 8: 30)
