A Grain of Wheat

"Unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest" (John 12:24).

Just as a wheat grain must die on the ground before it yields a rich harvest, so must we die to old selves before we can yield a rich harvest of good works. Dying to our old selves means abandoning totally our old world ideas on key areas of life: family, health, money, job, tools and food. When these old ideas are flushed out, we replace them with Christ's ideas. The Christ-centered new ideas will influence a new way of seeing things and a new way of behaving.

But the process of dying, any dying is very painful. Christ compared the dying process to a woman in child-birth. She groans and cries because her time of trial has come. But then, the test is for a short time and she experiences the joy of suckling a new baby. Anyone who loves his life so much to want to keep his old self intact will lose it. Hating one's life means hating one's Christ-less ideas. Christ's ideas renew us and make new persons of us.

Lord Jesus, show us how to die to ourselves everyday.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

Precious Ointment

"You have the poor with you always, you will not always have me" (John 12:8.)

Jesus accepted an act of kindness from Mary. She did not count the cost of the ointment. It was very expensive. Mary thought that her Love and Master deserved it. Jesus showed His appreciation by praising her act.

We are called to a life of friendship and companionship with Jesus. How do we show our generosity to Jesus? The first thing in friendship is to provide enough time to nourish the relationship. Mary followed Jesus everywhere. In offering her twenty-four hours to Jesus, she offered her soul, heart, will and everything.

Our love for Jesus must be all-encompassing like Mary's. Often we allow our love for God to remain on the level of intentions. Good intentions on themselves are a good start but for the intentions to become reality, we need the grace of God. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and gives us a generous heart to fulfill our good intentions. Christ is passing by us everyday. What we cannot do for him here and now may be a lost opportunity.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

"Let him go free"

"Unbind him, let him go free" (John 11:44)

The raising to life of Lazarus presents us with a number of lessons:

1. "This sickness will not end in death but in God's glory and through it the Son of God will be glorified" (John 11:4). Our adversities are opportunities for the glory of God. If we are patient to the end, our tests will become testimonies.

2. "I am the resurrection. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies, he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:26). Christ in raising Lazarus from the dead, proves that He has the power over life and death. This miracle also teaches that Jesus can raise any person to spiritual life no matter the degree of our deadness to sin.

3. "Have I not told you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40) Believe unleashes miracles. Jesus also promises that if we believe we can do greater things than He did.

"Unbind him, let him go free" (John 11:44). Ignorance, disease and death all represent forms of loss of freedom. The Truth that is Jesus unbinds us from spiritual death.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

Abundant Life

"I have come that they may have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10)

We all desire to live abundantly, to achieve our potentials in life. The aim of education is to develop our talents to live to the full. Christ promises that He came that we may have abundant life. Experience shows us that this present life does not satisfy all our needs and does not last forever. Jesus must mean some other form of life in his promise of abundant life. He is talking of spiritual life, eternal life. A life that begins here and continues forever. Jesus achieved this life for us through His teaching, death and resurrection.

In another passage, Jesus says: "And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent" [John 17:3.4]. What then is eternal life? Why do we need it? Who gives eternal life and how is it obtained? When and where is eternal life given?

Man, created in the image and likeness of God has a spiritual nature. Eternal life is the life of the spirit that enables man to live as a son of God. Jesus Christ gives the life through His word and the Eucharist, that is, the gift of His Body and Blood. To obtain this life, we ask for it in faith and Jesus gives us through His Holy Spirit. If man lives to the full when he lives spiritually, it means that people without God cannot live to the full. To live to the full we need Jesus.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

Belief

"Do you believe in the Son of man?" (John 9:36)

When Jesus asked this question to the man who had been born blind, the blind man responded in the affirmative because he understood the question. If Jesus asks you: What does belief in the Son of man mean to you? Would your answers include: Jesus is my Lord and God, my Savior and Redeemer, my King and Boss, my Friend and Companion?

Jesus' intervention in the life of the blind man gave him back his sight and gave him faith as well. In a literal sense, he experienced Jesus as his savior and redeemer. Has Jesus made any interventions in your life that touched your faith?

Some years ago, while working in Paris, I had a work-related problem that needed a miracle. I prayed and prayed and was given this scripture: "Do not be afraid! Stand firm, and you will see what Yahweh will do to rescue you today: The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Yahweh will do the fighting for you; all you need to do is to keep calm" (Exodus 14: 13-14). I clung to this scripture as a drowning man clings to any object. God turned around my situation and produced a miracle that made many people praise Him. This event uplifted my faith enormously. Jesus rescued me from a certain career disaster. He was indeed my Savior and Redeemer.

The blind man's adversity has brought him something greater than physical vision. He now had a Lord and God who is his personal Savior and Redeemer. God intervenes in our life to save us from sin and evil in order to strengthen our faith.

"Do you believe in the Son of man?" (John 9:36) Yes, Lord. Strengthen my faith

See: Navarre Bible: St John

Sin and Slavery

"I tell you most solemnly, everyone who commits sin is a slave....So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:34, 36)

Sin is slavery to passion: food, drink, sex, money, etc. The law of compulsion is at work whenever sin is committed. Compulsion or impulsiveness is the opposite of freedom. If the sin is alcohol, it acts like this: 'Look, I am here. Come and drink your fill.' Or if it id money,: 'I am here. Use me now to fulfill yourself.’ The person concerned cannot say no because of lack of freedom.

Jesus came to set us free from this compulsion and impulsion to act sinfully. When sin as alcohol says to us: 'Come and drink me.' We can respond: 'Christ said: ‘Man does not live by drink alone. There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God." For every temptation, Jesus has given us a script for it. As good actors, we should be aware of these scripts and use them appropriately. Jesus gives us genuine freedom through His word. His word exposes the lies and errors of temptations such as alcohol, food, sex or money. When we are tempted to turn "these stones into bread”, we know how to respond.

Lord Jesus, make us truly free.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

The Word makes Disciples

"If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free" (John 8:31)

One of the most popular sayings in the Bible is: "The truth shall make you free." I knew of this quotation before I came to read the Bible. We all love freedom. Today more than ever, there are so many things that enslave us: Money, sex, television, alcohol, drugs, food, tobacco, pornography, cars, gadgets and so on. A number of businesses has grown promising to liberate us from our dependencies and addictions.

Jesus promises that knowing His word will lead to knowledge of the truth. Truth comes as light to chase away the error or darkness that causes sin, ignorance and death. Truth frees us from fear: Fears of ill-health, lack of money, opinion of people; fears of no job and its consequences. These subtle fears drive us to addictions.

How many people are genuinely free today? "Those who rush to other gods bring many troubles on themselves" (Psalm 16:4). These tin gods: money, alcohol, sex, food, etc exploit our weaknesses, enslave us and bring so much unhappiness to our lives. How can we be free? Feeding the mind with the words of Jesus Christ will make us free. "If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free" (John 8:31)

See: Navarre Bible: St John

There is time for everything

"The right time for me has not come yet, but any time is the right time for you." (John 7:6)

When the brothers of Jesus urged Him to manifest Himself openly in Judaea, Jesus told them that the time is not right for such a show. Have you ever been under pressure to act? Subtle pressures to act 'now'; 'to show myself to the world' have troubled me in the past.

When you need to make a critical move in your life, success depends on timing. How do we recognize the right time? The Master is teaching us in John 7:6 that there is time for everything. To succeed, we must align ourselves to God's will and time-table. But how do we find out God's time on any issue?

Christ never took any major step in His life without prayer. He spent the night in prayer before He chose His the twelve apostles. Seeking God's will implies readiness to wait for it. "Faith that is firm is also patient." (Isaiah 28:16). When we wait for God's light and guidance after prayer, He never fails to manifest it. He does this through various means. Once we receive this guidance, then, "Do whatever he tells you." We can then act in confidence, certain that this is God's right time for us.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

The Spirit gives Life

"It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer" (John 6:63)

To experience joy, peace, happiness and contentment is to be alive in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit who is in us makes this condition possible. After we have received the Holy Spirit through baptism, the Spirit maintains His life in us through His word and through the sacraments especially the Eucharist. These are two most important means for building up the body of Christ.

The Holy Spirit transforms the ordinary bread and wine we bring to the altar during the Eucharist into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ for the life of the soul. The word of God gives spiritual life to man. So does the Bread of life. To have real life, the life that endures, man must partake of the Word of God and the Bread of life.

"It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer" To connect to the Spirit, make your home in the word of God and eat and drink the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ often.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

Bread of Life

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst" (John 6:35).

There are few sources of pleasure in life that could rival food. One saying has it that love enters through the stomach. Food was a major cause of conflict between God and His people during their forty years of journey through the desert to the Promised Land. We are familiar with food riots in homes, schools, prisons and even in societies. Happiness, fulfillment, eternal life have been presented frequently through the images of food, drink and banquet in the Bible. When Jesus said: "I am the bread of life", He chose a very powerful symbol in which to reach man. Jesus indeed is the bread of life. Under the appearance of bread and wine, He gives us Himself in the Eucharist. How do we know that this is true? This is the very word of Jesus. This is an explicit promise. The original people who heard this knew that Jesus was not being metaphorical. Their reaction showed what their understanding. Secondly, the Church had believed this from the very beginning. The Church believes it today. The Church will believe this till the end of time.

When we come to Jesus in Holy Communion, what do we seek? Christ promises us two things explicitly in the Eucharist. If we come to Him, we will never be hungry and we will never know thirst. "Man does not live by bread alone, there is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God." The natural man has great hunger and thirst for material things. The genuine bread, 'the bread of life' will gradually free man from excessive appetite for material food and drink.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

Do not be afraid

"They had rowed three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming towards the boat. This frightened them, but he said, 'It is I. Do not be afraid" (John 6: 19-20)

Jesus is in every event in our life. In these verses, He is saying to us: 'Do not be afraid. I am present.' How can we make this truth serve us? In the midst of the stormy events of life, how do we call to mind the sure presence of Jesus? One way is to cultivate the presence of Jesus through the Jesus prayer. Form the habit of using the name of Jesus as affirmation. Whenever you mention that name, sense His presence.

Jesus is present in us through the Holy Spirit. How can we be sure of this? Because of the peace and tranquility we enjoy. When trial comes to us and we forget the presence of Jesus with us, we become afraid. We feel that we are in control of events and we feel so inadequate. Jesus wants us to know: "I am here. Do not be afraid."

How can we be constantly aware of the presence of Jesus? The words of Jesus bring peace and comfort in troubles. When we immerse ourselves in these words during calm weather, we could recall them easily during storms. Using the name of Jesus, which is Jesus prayer is the simplest but the most powerful type of prayer. It brings calm.

Jesus! "Yes, I am here. Do not be afraid."

See: Navarre Bible: St John

"My food is the will of God"

"My food is to do the will of the one who sent me, and to complete his work" (John 4:34).

The Father sent Jesus to redeem the world from sin. Christ understood His mission perfectly. Fulfilling this mission gives His life sustenance as food does to the body. "Man does not live on bread alone. There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Word of God and Will of God are the same thing.

Food apart from sustaining us, gives pleasure. Doing God's will give Christ the maximum pleasure. How about us?

The loving Father is always communicating with His children. He is eager to let us know His will in every situation. Psalm 40:8 tells us: "Your instructions for me are in the book of the Law" (GNB). If we follow these instructions, we find as Christ did that doing God's will can be food and drink to our life. Jesus left us this teaching and example. Our fullfilment, joy, peace and prosperity lie in following this instruction and example.

O Holy Spirit, lead and guide us to discern God's will for us in every situaion.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

True Worship of God

"But the hour will come – in fact it is here already - when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: This is the kind of worship the Father wants." (John 4:23)

Genuine worship of the Father will be in spirit and truth. The Holy Spirit in us will lead us to the true worship of God. The Holy Spirit inspires and teaches authentic Christian doctrine and worship.

"God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). To worship God properly, we must recognize our spiritual nature and close the doors to the evidence of our senses. Our senses which represent materiality can be obstacle to genuine worship. For example, closing the eyes facilitates prayers for many.

Father, grant us the Holy Spirit so that we can worship you properly.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

God's Love

"Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Jesus is the expression of God's love for the world. When we are asked: How do you know that God loves the world? We point to Jesus. The presence of Jesus in our lives is the concrete evidence of God's love for us.

Jesus is present in everyone who believes in Him. Belief in Jesus means we accept Jesus as the light of our life, the center of our being, the meaning of our life. Faith in Jesus implies that we agree freely to walk by His light. This light is provided by the Gospels. We allow every detail of our life to be touched by this light. Acceptance of Jesus signifies knowing Jesus intimately, loving Him passionately us and committing ourselves to follow Him everywhere.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

"I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born through water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5).

The kingdom of God here and now is something we cannot experience without the Holy Spirit. An old Chinese proverb says: ‘When the student is ready, the teacher appears.’ The Holy Spirit is the Teacher and Friend who is standing by waiting for us to be ready and invite Him into our lives. Jesus says that we must be born through water and the Holy Spirit. Full acceptance of Jesus Christ ushers the Holy Spirit into our lives. This experience marks our entrance into the kingdom of God which starts here and now. We experience the kingdom of God when we practice justice, truth, love and self-control.

Jesus says that we need the Holy Spirit to succeed as Christians. We respond to this message of our Lord and Savior by seeking everyday, a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit to help us to overcome sin and give us the power to proclaim Jesus Christ with boldness.

Thank you Jesus for your promise to give the Holy Spirit to whoever asks for it. Give us the Holy Spirit, Lord.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

Lamb of God

"Look, there is the Lamb of God." (John 1:36)

The Lamb is one of John's favorite images for Jesus. It is one that is full of meekness, gentleness and tenderness. Jesus is not the lion of God or the horse of God but rather the Lamb of God. Everything in the scripture is written to teach us some truth. Jesus is the image of God the Father. One of the purposes of His incarnation is to reveal to us the nature of the Father. Jesus is the God who is meek, gentle and tender. A God that is very lovable.

Jesus as the Lamb of God is a concept we can all relate to: young and old, poor and rich, strong and weak. The New Testament has so many names for Jesus: Emmanuel, Prince of peace, High Priest, Son of David, etc. The Lamb is one of the tenderest descriptions of Jesus. It is an image of the power that created the universe presented as powerless.

Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. The Lamb defeated the ferocious enemy, the ruler of the powers and principalities. The Lamb was slaughtered but now is alive forever more. Is it not amazing that the image of a lamb is used to portray the power that defeated Satan? God displays His mighty power through meekness, gentleness and tenderness, rather than through brutal force.

Lord Jesus, make us meek, gentle and tender lambs.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

TheLight of the world

"The Word was the light that enlightens all men." (John 1:9)

The Word is Jesus Christ. Jesus provides meaning for the life of man. This meaning is the light that guides us in dark places of the world. Without this light, we move in darkness and error. The Word gives meaning to the spiritual nature of man. He explains everything about man in relation to God.

There are two lights in the world: the light of the Word and the light of Satan, which is in reality darkness. This light is error; it distorts the image of man by trying to portray man as purely a material being. But Christ is the true light of the world. Where is this light? Where is Christ? Where Christ is, there is the light. Christ is alive in the Church; He is in His word; He is also in the sacraments of the Church. Christ is also anywhere two or three people are gathered in His name. It is obvious that we cannot perceive Jesus today with our physical eyes. We need faith to do so.

How do we apply this scripture today? The word of God is the true light that enlightens me on: health, family, food, tools, job and money. Any other light will lead me into error. When we ask prayerfully this question: What does the word of God say on health, family, job, food, money or tools, the answer we get will guide me to right action in relation to all these basic necessities of life.

See: Navarre Bible: St John

My Top 10 Names for Jesus

"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means, 'God is with us" (Matthew 1:23).

Jesus Christ is called by many names and titles in the Bible. . All the names are significant. The ten names below are my favorite names for Jesus.

1. Emmanuel : "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means, 'God is with us" (Matthew 1:23).

2. Alpha and Omega : "I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).

3. Lamb of God : "Look, there is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world."(John 1:29).

4. Kings of kings : "He is the blessed and only Sovereign, King of kings and Lord of lords." (1 Timothy 6:15).

5. Prince of Peace: "And this is the name he has been given, 'Wonder-Counselor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace" (Isaiah 9:5).

6. Teacher : "Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher" (John 3:2).

7. Living One : "I am the Living One" (Revelation 1:17).

8. Bread of life : "I am the bread of life" (John 6:48).

9. Faithful Witness : "Grace and peace to you from him who is, who was, and who is to come, ...and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness" (Revelation 1:5).

10. Light of the world : "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).

RACE IN A SOUTHERN RURAL TOWN

In regards to the Civil Rights Act and its effects in the South (in Atlanta in particular), I have comments about race relations in the southern small town, in this case, the town of Bennettsville, South Carolina.
It appears to me that there is still a “duality” as are as society works in the area around Bennettsville. As for location, the nearest “city” of note is Florence, which is at the eastern terminus of I-20—it is almost 40 miles away. Bennettsville is about 100 miles NE of Columbia, 95 miles SE of Charlotte, NC and 120 miles SW of Raleigh, NC.
The racial make-up of Bennettsville is almost an even split between black and white, with a small percentage of “others” (most of them being of Native American heritage, as the center of the Lumbee Indian group, centered in Pembroke, NC—about 30 miles to the east). Though the different peoples of the area do work together; the young people go to school together, “after hours”, it is a “segregated” society. It seems to me that the society there has been slower to accept social integration than in the larger cities. I’m sure that education (or lack thereof) and the local heritage and economy have a lot to do with it.
Not many people in that region (that is, the area in SC where the border turns from “east” to SE on the way to the coast) are well educated. This is still a largely agricultural area; many of the “older” people worked on the farm; many now work in the factories and small businesses in the area (most of which does not require education beyond high school). Like many areas, the white population is more educated than the black In this area, that may be a legacy of the past; that is, the pre-civil rights era. Like most areas of the South, schools were segregated until the mid to late 1960s, and as has been brought to our attention since, “separate but equal” was “not equal”. Since then, the schools were consolidated—first by placing all students of age groups within the same school that lived in the same city or district; later, “comprehensive” high schools were created to put virtually all (“public”) school students within a school system (often a county) in the same school.

This has helped some of the younger generation to integrate (though the “high society” portion still “segregates” itself by placing their children into private schools, such as “Marlboro Academy”, located about 6 miles NE of Bennettsville). The elders, however, still have the old mindset of “superiority” that stems from the pre-Civil Rights days. In the evening, each seems to have their “own place”; the same is true on Sunday morning [though I am not sure about Catholic or Episcopalian churches, it is definitely true of Baptist and “holiness” churches]. There are some of the Native American population that can “mix in”. One other thing that may influence the “social distance” between races in this area (and possibly much of the South Atlantic Coast region)—the descendants of former slaves in this area were a little more isolated from mainstream American culture than those in other parts of the country. As a result, these people appear to look more “African” shall we say—then black Americans in most other parts of the country. In fact, in this area—especially those on the coast—from around Georgetown, SC (below Myrtle Beach) and Amelia Island, FL (just above Jacksonville) are the “Sea Islands”, which includes the “Gullah” culture—which consists of a group of Black Americans who were the most isolated, and who have retained more of their “original” culture than any other Black Americans in the US. Quite possibly, some of the population of Bennettsville and other communities that are inland from the coast may have some of the Gullah heritage.

A few final notes: As my family (paternal side) is from this area, I have had a chance to observe the communities. Having been brought up in the Atlanta area, I have seen various things as far as interaction between ethnic groups, and in the part of town where I live (College Park, near Hartsfield-Jackson Int’l Airport)—I have seen a lot of “migration” (white people leave; others enter). I have remained in the community, and have adjusted quite well to the demographic changes. If in the event I move from that area, I would not consider the racial make-up to be the primary factor of where I would want to move [e.g. the SW Atlanta area—a nice middle class area—with 90+% black population]. In Bennettsville however, if I were to move there, it is more difficult, as integration in housing is “new” in the area (and never mind the social integration there—I would not be used to things there). In the neighborhood where my father lives, there have been a few people of color who have moved into housing on the same block of my father’s house. Just across Main St—just a block from my father’s house, the demographics are reversed. Such are the housing patterns in Bennettsville, which is probably the case in many Southern rural towns. Finally, as for how do they refer to each other? While in most of America, we use the terms “black” or the more recent “African-Americans”, in the small town, they may use “black”, or some still say “colored” [which has been removed from mainstream America since the 1970s]. Yes, these places are a bit “behind the times” of much of the rest of America (or, it is just more “out in the open” there, and more “discrete” mainstream America….).

Allen M

Are you confident?

"God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior." (Isaiah 12:2)

What makes the word of God so potent in transforming our weakness into strength? One good reason to me is the person behind that word or promise. We know that God cannot fail. The Holy Spirit writes in Isaiah 12:2 "God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior." When we receive words like these with an open and trusting heart, incredible strength and courage is born within us. And we feel that we can almost do anything because of Him who gives us strength.

The Bible urges us to have courage and not to be afraid. We need courage as sons to claim our inheritance. Every father realizes this truth. Our Father in heaven knows that we cannot claim our rights as His children without courage. If we believe that God is indeed our Savior and ever present help, then we should be confident and not be afraid. The life of love, praise and worship of our creator which is the very essence of the Christian life demands courage.

See: Some Books on Courage

St. Vincent de Paul Society

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. ….. Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” (Matthew 6: 25 – 26)

On the 23rd of March, 1997, I confided the following to my journal.

“Yesterday, Ruth and Mary Ann of SVDP came to SAM to take me to help move a Hispanic family from one apartment to another.

Family: Husband died last year. Woman has 6 kids. Eldest, 15 year old girl. Five of the kids are girls. It seemed to me that 5 of them are below 10 years. Woman is pregnant with her 7th child. Woman is illiterate. No English. Family totally dependent on SVDP and welfare. On the face of it, the situation seems hopeless. Woman cannot work even if she finds one. She needs to look after the young ones. The eldest girl, 15 will need another 5 years or so before she can start making a contribution. Some of the kids were barefooted.

Something struck me about the family. They seemed happy. Oblivious of their dire situation. When I entered their house with Ruth, Mary Ann and the Cuban volunteer, the mother of six stepped out, greeted us cheerfully and shook hands. All the kids seemed alive with joie de vivre. Yet from human point of view, their situation seems pitiable.
This is surely a family that lives on hope. Hope that God will continue to provide for them day by day. It reminds me of Christ’s teaching in Matthew 6: 25 – 34. God provides for the birds. He surely will provide for us. I ask myself how many such families exist here in Houston? From my SAM experience, I know that there will be thousands. Again I think of the paradox that is the US. The richest country in the world. The most advanced technologically. Yet with incredible human sufferings of poverty, ignorance, disease, insanity, crimes, etc. I cannot forget the plenty of goodness that exists here: the many volunteer organizations, Christian Radio, TV, especially TBN. What is the destiny of this country? What does the equal mixture of goodness and evil in this society mean?

I thank God for my exposure to SAM and SVDP. Both organizations are giving me invaluable training.”

Remember

“Remember how for forty years now the Lord, your God, has directed all your journeying in the desert, so as to test you by affliction and find out whether or not it was your intention to keep his commandments. He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger, and then fed you with manna, a food unknown to you and your fathers, in order to show you that not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the Lord. The clothing did not fall from you in tatters, nor did your feet swell these forty years. So you must realize that the Lord, your God, disciplines you even as a man disciplines his son.” (Deuteronomy 8: 2 – 5)

Deuteronomy 8:2
God led you for 48 years in the desert /wilderness
• To humble you
• To test you by affliction

Deuteronomy 8: 3
He humbled you and made you experience hunger.

Deuteronomy 8: 5
Know this: God is training you as a Father trains his con.
Divine filiation

Choose life

“I summon heaven and earth to witness against you this day: I offer you the choice of life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life and you and your descendants will live; love the Lord your God, obey him, and hold fast to him: that is life for you and length of days on the soil which the Lord swore to give to your forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30: 19 – 20)

Life and blessing for me in the Enterprise consist in this:
• Love the Lord your God
• Obey him
• Hold fast to him

Rewards:
Life, success, health, prosperity, security
Divine filiation

Observe all the commandments

Observe all the commandments


“Be careful to observe ll the commandments I enjoin on you today, that you may live and increase, and may enter in and possess the land which the Lord promised on oath to your fathers.” (Deuteronomy 8: 1)
• Diligently observe the commandments
• Be careful to observe all the commandments
• Carefully observe every command
• You must keep and put into practice all the commandments

WHY?

• So that you may live and increase and occupy the land
• So that you may ….. and possess the land
• So that you may survive and increase and enter the Promised Land and make it your own

KEY POINT:

Observe all the commandments; not just some.

REWARD:

You enter and possess the land.

Building on Rock

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.” (Matthew 7: 24 – 25)

The Rewards of Wisdom

“Wisdom instructs her children and admonishes those who seek her.
He who loves her loves life; those who seek her out win her favor.
He who holds her fast inherits glory; wherever he dwells, the Lord bestows blessings.
Those who serve her serve the Holy One; those who love her the Lord loves.
He who obeys her judges nations; he who hearkens to her dwells in her innermost chambers.
If one trusts her, he will possess her; his descendants too will inherit her.
She walks with him as a stranger, and at first she puts him to the test;
Fear and dread she brings upon him and tries him with her discipline;
With her precepts she puts him to the proof, until his heart is fully with her.
Then she comes back to bring him happiness and reveals her secrets to him.
But if he fails her, she will abandon him and deliver him into the hands of despoilers.”
(Sirach 4: 11 – 19)

He appointed me ......

“I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has made me equal to the task; I thank him for judging me worthy of trust and appointing me to his service – although in the past I had met him with abuse and persecution and outrage. But because I acted in ignorance of unbelief I was dealt with mercifully; the grace of our Lord was lavished upon me, along with faith and love which are ours in Christ Jesus. Here is a saying you may trust, one that merits fully acceptance:

‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; and among them I stand first. But I was mercifully dealt with for this very purpose, that Christ Jesus might find in me the first occasion for displaying his inexhaustible patience, and that I might be typical of all who were in future to have faith in him and gain eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1: 12 – 16)

Continual Guidance

Continual Guidance


“Yahweh will always guide you, will satisfy your needs in the scorched land; he will give strength to your bones and you will be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring whose waters never run dry.” (Isaiah 58: 11)

Continual guidance: (Joshua 1: 9; Proverbs 3:5)
Total support: (Hebrews 13: 5; Matthew 6: 34)
Healing (Matthew 18: 17; Psalm 103: 2)
Fresh and renewed (Psalm 103: 5; Psalm 23: 2)

Continual guidance is promised. God will provide total support even if resources become generally greatly reduced. Good health, renewal of mind and body are also promised.

St. John the Baptist - June 24

St. John the Baptist – June 24


St. John the Baptist is the patron saint of my alma mater, St. John’s College, Alor. He is the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Born into a priestly family, he had an educated upbringing and was privileged.

St. John the Baptist understood very well God’s purpose for life, that is, to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. Without compromise, he fulfilled this mission which was foretold long before his birth by the Prophet Isaiah. Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest of the prophets.
What are his virtues? Courage, wisdom and the spirit of prophecy must be mentioned among many. His greatest attainment was the crown of martyrdom. In the Eucharistic prayer on his feast day, the Church says that God favored John with a martyr’s death. John died like Christ for the kingdom of God. In dying for Christ, we are most like Christ. This is why the Church honors martyrs very highly.
Apart from physical death, there are other ways of dying for Christ.
We die for Christ, when we accept:

• Delays, disappointments and obstacles
• Insults, contempt, humiliations and rejections
• Physical pain and injuries

We do not invite these situations; they come to us in the course of life.
“It is the spirit that gives life. The flesh has nothing to offer.”
When we apply the words of Jesus in our situation, the Holy Spirit breathes life into our spirituality. When we hear the words and do not apply them, we become like flesh that has nothing to offer.

The Enterprise

"Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change he faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, they heavenly friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end"

Anonymous

Have peace! Be calm! Relax!

For God is with you and for you in this project.

Wait patiently for God's time.

Let your hope make you joyful and patient.

Trust in God's disposal of events.

God is faithful.

He will not abandon you nor forsake you.

He is guiding you every step in this project.

And his guidance is peace.

Time of favor

"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)

It appears from the above scripture which the Church uses at the beginning of Lent every year and several times during Lent that there is a time when God makes a special promise to listen to our prayers. That time is variously described as the "acceptable time,"
"in the hour of my favor," and "at the time of my favor." Lent is indeed the acceptable time par excellence. Why? Because Lent provides us the opportunity to exercise faith and obedience to God's word.

If we seek God during Lent through prayer, fasting and alms-giving, we can be sure that our prayers will be answered. The Church believes that Lent is the acceptable time of 2 Corinthians 6: 2. It an excellent time to pray for increased faith, patience, wisdom and humility.

The Power of Preparation 3

"For look, today I have made you into a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of bronze to stand against the whole country: the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests and the people of the country." (Jeremiah 1: 18)

What means is God using to make me into a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of bronze?

• The Holy Spirit
  
• Eucharist
  
• Sacrament of Reconciliation
  
• Blessed Virgin Mary
  
• Rosary
  
• Examination of Conscience
  
• Word of God
  
• Spiritual Direction
  
• Communion of Saints
  
• Sacramentals
  

 

Constant and diligent use of all the above satisfies the injunction to "put on the full armor of God." And little by little, they will transform one into a fortified city, a pillar of iron and a wall of bronze.

The Power of Preparation 2

"As for you, prepare yourself for action." (Jeremiah 1: 17)

What is entailed in preparation?

• Gird your loins like a man (Job 38:3; 40: 7)
  
• Gird up your loins (2 Kings 4: 29; 9: 1)
  
• Gird up your loins and speak to them (Jeremiah 1: 17)
  
• Gird up your minds (1 Peter 1: 13)
  
• Feet shod with preparation for the Gospel (Ephesians 6: 15)
  

Message of Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19:

• Stand firm
  
• You will have enemies among the people, including the powerful among them
  
• The Lord is more powerful than all of them
  
• The Lord will protect you
  
• You must be faithful especially in two things:
  
  • Speak only my words
    
  • Speak it fearlessly
    

What does the call to service of Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19 include?

1. High energy – Prepare yourself for action
   
2. Obedience – Speak only what God commands you
   
3. Thoroughness – Speak "all" that God commands you
   
4. Fearlessness – Cowardice is sin
   

Note the assurance of Divine protection in Jeremiah 1: 18:

"For it is I this day

who have made you a fortified city,

A pillar of iron, a wall of brass,

against the whole land:

Against Judah's kings and princes,

against its priests and people."

 

The assurance of Divine protection is given in a succession of strong images so that no one can miss its importance and certainty.

The Power of Preparation

"As for you, prepare yourself for action." (Jeremiah 1: 17)

That the man of God may be equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3: 17)

The equipping of the saints for service (Ephesians 4: 12)

Be dressed in readiness with your lamps burning (Luke 12: 35)

Be ready in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4: 2)

Be ready, for he is coming when you least expect (Matthew 24: 44)

Be ready (Luke 12: 40)

I am ready to go to prison and death (Luke 22: 33)

I am ready to die for the Lord Jesus (Acts 21: 13)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

After many years …

Allen:
I remembered you this morning when I listened to the Public Radio news. A man talked of Atlanta as the heart of the deep South, hotbed for segregation and discrimination in the past. Did you see some of it while growing up?
Obi,
Let me see what I can say about the question....
A little background here--Atlanta, along with Memphis, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma Alabama, and Greensboro, NC--were where major demonstrations took place during the Civil RIghts movement. ML King was involved in most of these, and Atlanta was his home town, and therefore, the center of the movement. Because of that, the power structure of the time--in an effort to try to keep control of their power, was against anything that King and the other Civil Rights leaders did.

As for me, I was in Kindergarten at the time of the King assassination, and therefore, was quite young during the after effects of the movement.

Things changed slowly--for example, I did not see any black students in my school until I was in the 4th grade, which was around 1972. [Just to give an idea of how things have changed, I am not sure that there are any white students in that school now]. From what I can remember, I was largely "sheltered" from see the effects of discrimination (and if things did happen, I didn't notice). Just to give you an idea of my early experiences with different ethnic groups--both at school and in the neighborhood--an uncle married a lady from Vietnam back in 1971.

Not sure how some in the family accepted her, but most of them that met here got along with here. Though now the uncle is long gone, some of us still keep up with my "auntie"--I see her about every other month. At school, had the first Asian student in my class in 5th grade, and also the first Latino student about the same time. Did not have a black student in a classroom with me until 8th grade. Had central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean ones around 11 grade. As for my neighborhood (as I still live in the same place I did during my school days)--first black residents around 1973. Did not see much "white flight" in our area then (it was growing "out of fashion" by then, but had seen it in areas closer to downtown years before)--but when the SE Asians moved into our area in the mid 1980s--then a lot of people moved.

Now, my neighborhood is nearly half Asian, almost half as many black (a few of them Caribbean or African), and a few scattered Latino and Anglo (I'm the last one on my block...). As many in the Atlanta area keep moving farther and farther away (not unusual for people who work in Downtown to live some 50 miles away...)--I myself--if I leave where I am--I wouldn't want to go far--I will stay wherever the neighbors will have me!

Allen

Be prepared for action

"As for you, prepare yourself for action. Stand up and tell them all that I command you. Have no fear of them and in their presence I will make you fearless. For look, today I have made you into a fortified city, a pillar of iron, and a wall of bronze to stand against the whole country: the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests and the people of the country. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you, Yahweh declares, to rescue you." (Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19)

What will be my reaction if I know for certain that the above words are meant for me personally?

First of all, I will seek to understand it more. Then I will thank God for it. I will relish the words and be deeply happy that God has chosen me for his work. I will say to God, "fiat."

Message of Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19:

• Be prepared (Jude 20)
  
• Remain in my word (John 8: 31)
  
• Have no fear; be strong; be courageous (Joshua 1:9)
  
• I will make you very strong.
  
• Expect them to fight against you.
  
• They will not overcome you.
  
• I am always with you.

The Lord is my Shepherd

The Lord is my Shepherd


Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
with your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall
On the 17th of March 1997, my birthday, I gave God thanks for his so many blessings. I confided to my journal the following reflection:
“Deo gratias especially for:

• The Holy Spirit
• The call to serve Christ
• Blessed Virgin Mary
• Daily Eucharist
• Patience
• Wisdom
• The Enterprise
• Internet
• Etc
Special gift today: Psalm 23. God has promised to be:
• My support
• My security
• My guide and leader
• My home where I dwell in security”
Ten years later, 2007, all the blessings are holding firm. Thank you again, dear faithful God.

Losing Jesus

Luke 2:41-51



"Each year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover,

and when he was twelve years old,

they went up according to festival custom.

After they had completed its days, as they were returning,

the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem,

but his parents did not know it.

Thinking that he was in the caravan,

they journeyed for a day

and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances,

but not finding him,

they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.

After three days they found him in the temple,

sitting in the midst of the teachers,

listening to them and asking them questions,

and all who heard him were astounded

at his understanding and his answers.

When his parents saw him,

they were astonished,

and his mother said to him,

"Son, why have you done this to us?

Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety."

And he said to them,

"Why were you looking for me?

Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"

But they did not understand what he said to them.

He went down with them and came to Nazareth,

and was obedient to them;

and his mother kept all these things in her heart."

This is a story of Mary and Joseph losing Jesus. For the first time since he was born, he was out of their sight for perhaps over 24 hours. But they thought he was nearby in the "caravan." How many times we lose Jesus in our lives and do not even know it. We have the illusion that he is in us or nearby.

Although I try to start my life everyday in the presence of Jesus, I am frequently surprised that for extended periods of time, I lose Jesus without even knowing. I am astonished at this phenomenon because my spirituality is not just interior but incarnate. I surround myself with symbols and icons of our faith at home, in my car an even in my person. There are crosses, rosaries, holy pictures, bible quotations hanging everywhere in my home and some of these in my car. I wear the miraculous medal on my neck and always carry a rosary in my pocket. These icons of our faith are meant to remind of Jesus at all times. In fairness to my experience, sometimes they do remind me of the Lord. Sometimes glancing at one of them could trigger a prayer or a dialogue with Jesus. But the amazing thing is the number of times I go for hours without thinking of Jesus. Mary and Joseph's experience in today's Gospel teaches us two lessons:

• It is possible even for a good Christian to lose Jesus for some time.
  
• Know where to look for Jesus when you lose him; know where is your "Jerusalem."
  

For me, my "Jerusalem" is always the Church, the Blessed Sacrament, prayer and the word of God.

Scale of Justice

Deacon Ed:

 Thank you for your fine contribution on the murals on the inside wall of our church.  You said that the scale of justice tilts towards the cross.  I have never heard that before and it seems to me to an ideal pregnant with meaning.  What does it mean? 

Hi Obi

I would like to have the words of St. Thomas More himself on this, but I don't. As I understand it, it represents Thomas More's vision of justice tempered with God's mercy. He was a lawyer, but he emphatically regarded his service to his country within the context of his service to God and the Catholic Church. This, of course, cost him his head but gained him sainthood.

It is truly pregnant with the ideal of life-giving justice. This is the whole area of "social justice" in church teaching. We can peel the onion many, many times as we reflect on the implications of mercy and justice as taught by the Church. It is extremely practical and, for some, very challenging. I should probably say, for ALL, very challenging. The gospel challenges us all. Some persons and/or religious groups are more challenged than others. The whole issue of immigration in this country is awash with questions to which Thomas More's spirituality could speak volumes, if only we, as a nation, would read them.

Pax, Ed

 

 

Systems failure

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the field, and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exalt in the Lord, I will rejoice in God of my salvation. The Lord is my strength, he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me walk on my high places." (Habakkuk 3: 17 – 19)

If all support systems fail, I will still trust in the Lord.

What are the support systems?

• Family
  
• Health
  
• Job
  
• Money
  
• Food
  
• Tools
  

What are my support systems today?

• Prayer
  
• Word of God
  
• Eucharist
  

 

 

Spiritual Warfare2

"But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]. This is the righteousness or vindication which they obtain from Me – this is that which I impart to them as their justification – says the Lord." (Isaiah 54: 17) Living Bible

Those whose lives proved the above scripture:

• Jesus
  
• Paul
  
• Stephen
  
• Ignatius
  

Shining light

"Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5: 16)

My light was very dim for about twenty years till 1995. What happened in 1995? What are the key experiences that made me what I am today? I confided the answer below to my diary ten years ago.

• UAC 1194
  
• Health 0495
  
• HS 0695
  
• Money 95
  
• Food 95
  
• Tools 95
  
• Job 95
  
• Family 96
  
• Enterprise 96
  

I describe 1995 as the year of my Desert Experience. If it is true that we are the sum total of our experiences, then 1995 was the year where profound experiences in key areas of my life came together in a critical mass to shape once and for all my views of reality. All the above experiences represent experiences of dying to old forms, old ideas of reality and rising to the new life, new forms and new ideas.

From the death of UAC in 1994 arose Enterprise 1996. From health crisis in 0495 came health management system96. From the death of Money95 rose Joy of Simplicity96. The key experience of my life was however HS0695. Without this one experience, I could not comprehend the other experiences nor could I have been able to transmute them into positive assets.

Every day and every hour, I am becoming more and more ready to shine for Christ.

Obedience of faith

"It was by faith that Abraham obeyed the call to set out for a country that was the inheritance given to him and his descendants, and that he set out without knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8)

Abraham obeyed God (Genesis 22: 18; 26: 5; Hebrews 11:8)

Noah did all that God commanded (Genesis 6: 22; 7:5)

Through one man's obedience many are made righteous (Romans 5: 19)

Christ was obedient to death (Philippians 2:8)

Though a son, he learned obedience by what he suffered (Hebrews 5: 8)

 

The obedience of faith (Romans 1:5; 16: 26)

Obedience to your confession of the gospel (2 Corinthians 9: 13)

Taking every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10: 5)

Obedience to Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1: 2)

The source of salvation to all who obey him (Hebrews 5: 9)

You were obedient to the teaching (Romans 6: 17)

The obedience of the gentiles (Romans 15: 18)

Even wind and wave obey him (Matthew 8: 27; Luke 8: 25)

Evil spirits obey Jesus (Mark 1: 27)

May God incline our hearts to keep the commandments (1 Kings 8: 58)

 

I have carried out the Lord's commands (1 Samuel 15: 13)

I have kept the ways of the Lord (2 Samuel 22: 22 – 3; Psalm 18: 21 – 22)

I have not departed from his commands (Jobs 23: 12)

I observe your testimonies (Psalm 119: 22)

David kept my commands (1 Kings 11: 34; 14: 8; 15: 5)

Hezekiah kept the commands (2 Kings 18: 6)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE GOSPEL)

God is my helper

"My help comes only from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121: 2)

God helping:

God helps you (Genesis 49: 25; 1 Chronicles 12: 18)

Eliezer, God was my help (Exodus 18: 4)

God is my helper (Psalm 54: 4)

The Lord is my helper (Hebrews 13: 6)

The Lord is your shield of help (Deuteronomy 33: 29)

 

He is their help and shield (Psalm 33: 20; 115:9, 10, 11)

A very present help in trouble (Psalm 46: 1)

Our help is in the name of the Lord (Psalm124: 8)

Ebenezer, this far has the Lord helped us ( 1 Samuel 7: 12)

The Lord helped David wherever he went (2 Samuel 8: 6; 1 Chronicles 18: 6, 13)

 

He has helped his servant Israel (Luke 1: 54)

You are the helper of the Orphan (Psalm 10: 14)

My help is from the Lord (Psalm 121: 2)

Your help made me great (2 Samuel 22: 36; Psalm 18: 35)

The Lord helped me (Psalm 118: 13)

With us is the Lord to help us (2 Chronicles 32: 8)

 

Christ is able to help those who are tempted (Hebrews 2: 18)

The Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8: 26)

We have an advocate with the Father ( 1 John 2: 1)

If the Lord had not been my help (Psalm 94: 17)

The hand of the Lord was on them [to help] (Ezekiel 7: 6, 9, 28; 8: 18, 22, 31; Nehemiah 2: 8, 18)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Psalm 16

"Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord, I have no other good apart from you." (Psalm 16: 1 – 2)

Psalm 16 is one of my favorite psalms. I love the themes which are so real life in their applications. Here are some of the themes of Psalm 16 that I love:

• I have no other good apart from God. True or false? True.
  
• From God alone comes the good things I enjoy in life.
  
• You are my only good.
  
• My happiness is in none of the sacred spirits of the earth.
  

What are the sacred spirits of the earth, these other gods?

• Money
  
• Health
  
• Job
  
• Family
  
• Tools
  
• Food
  

Those who place these gods above the Creator multiply their sorrows.

Accursed are all who delight in false gods, they multiply their sorrows.

The sacred spirits of the earth take advantage of all who love them.

Jesus Christ is the Open Door

"I know what you are doing. I have set before you an open door which no one can shut. I know your strength is small, yet you have observed my command and have not disowned my name." (Revelations 3: 8)

God knows what I am doing here and now.

Jesus Christ is my open door.

Hope

"We are led by the Spirit to wait in the confident hope of saving justice through faith." (Galatians 5: 5)

What is hope?

Be joyful in hope (Romans 12: 12)

The God of hope fill you with joy and peace so that you may overflow with hope (Romans 15: 13)

That you might know what is the hope of his calling (Ephesians 1: 18)

By faith we wait for the hope of righteousness (Galatians 5: 5)

This hope is an anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6: 19)

In his name will the gentiles hope (Matthew 12: 21)

The hope laid up for you in heaven (Colossians 1: 5)

Your steadfastness of hope (1 Thessalonians 1: 3)

Looking for the blessed hope (Titus 2: 13)

A better hope through which we draw near to God (Hebrews 7: 19)

 

Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1: 27)

Christ Jesus, our hope (1Timothy 1:1)

 

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Be Strong

"Be strong, stand firm; have no fear, do not be afraid of them, for Yahweh your God is going with you; he will not fail you or desert you." (Deuteronomy 31: 6)

Be strong and bold

Be strong and resolute

Be brave and steadfast

 

Be strong! (Deuteronomy 31:6, 7, 23; Joshua 1: 6, 7,9, 18; 10:25; 1 Samuel 4:9; 2 Samuel 10: 12; 1 Kings 2:2; 1 Chronicles 19:13; 22: 13; 28: 10, 20; 2 Chronicles 15:7; 25: 8; 32:7; Isaiah 35:4; Daniel 10: 19; Haggai 2:4; Zechariah 8:9, 13; 1 Corinthians 16: 13)

Strengthen yourself! (1 Kings 20:22)

Be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6: 10)

Be strong in grace (2 Timothy 2: 1)

 

"He will not fail you or desert you."

• Do not forsake me (Psalm 27:9, 38: 21, 119:8)
  
• I am old yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken (Psalm 37: 25)
  
• I will not leave you. (Genesis 28: 15)
  
• I will not forsake my people (1 Kings 6: 13)
  
• The Lord will not abandon his people (Psalm 94: 14)
  
• Israel and Judah have not been forsaken by God (Jeremiah 51: 5)
  
• God will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1: 5; I Chronicles 28: 20; Hebrews 13:5)
  

May he not leave us nor forsake us (1 Kings 8: 57)

I will not forsake them (Isaiah 41: 17)

You did not forsake them (Nehemiah 9: 17, 19, 31)

We are persecuted but not forsaken (2 Corinthians 4: 9)

I will not leave you as orphans (John 14: 18)

 

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Our troubles are temporary

"Our troubles are slight or short-lived, and their outcome is an eternal glory which far outweighs them, provided our eyes are fixed, not on the things that are seen, but on the things that are unseen; for what is seen is transient, what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4: 17)

Our delays, trials, disappointments though slight and temporary are nevertheless preparing us for an eternal joy. Fix your eyes on Christ and his grace and offer up your sufferings in union with his sufferings for our redemption.

Are things created in pair and opposites?

• Temporary – eternal
  
• Visible - invisible
  
• Trouble - glory
  
• Transitory - permanent
  
• Suffering - joy
  
• Present - future
  
• Cross - crown
  
• Trouble - triumph
  

 

Principle of 2 creations

"By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God, so that what is visible came into being through the invisible." (Hebrews 11: 3)

All things are created twice:

• First creation is invisible.
  
• Second creation is visible.
  

We can choose what we create in our world through the principle of first creation.

"We look not to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4: 18)

We are the clay

"Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64: 8)

We are the clay, you are the potter.

You are like clay in the hand of the potter (Jeremiah 18: 6)

Can the pot criticize the potter? (Isaiah 29: 16; 45: 9; Romans 9: 20 – 21)

Sufferings Now

"I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us." (Romans 8: 18)

What are the sufferings of the present time?

• The delays
  
• The doubts
  
• The birth pangs
  
• Dwelling in tent
  
• The humiliations
  

What is the glory?

• The destiny to which God is calling me

We are more than conquerors

"No, in spite of these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8: 37)

We are conquerors through Jesus Christ in spite of:

• Delays
  
• Obstacles
  
• Disappointments
  
• Sickness
  
• Persecution
  
• Poverty
  
• Hunger
  
• No job
  

We have more than enough resources in Christ Jesus to be victorious, to be overwhelmingly triumphant in any condition, in any situation, anywhere and at all times.

"For I am convinced that there is nothing in death or life, in the realms of spirits or superhuman powers, in the world as it is or the world as it shall be, in the forces of the universe, in the heights or depths – nothing in all creation that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8: 38)

Just as we are absolutely confident of Christ's power to save us, so can we be of his love for us. Nothing can ever shake that love, that commitment of Jesus for our good and salvation. Not even our personal sins if we repent and believe in his mercy. So once again, we take consolation in the thought that these things cannot dislodge us from the love of Jesus:

• Hardships
  
• Trials
  
• Delays
  
• Disappointments
  
• Sickness
  
• Poverty
  
• Hunger
  

"We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8: 28)

The Enterprise 2

"If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will be unable to destroy them." (Acts 5: 38)

The Enterprise: Is it from God or from man?

What is the evidence?

"I myself shall lead you across. I will never forsake you nor abandon you." (Deuteronomy 31: 6)

Other signs:

• Entrada
  
• Kinder
  
• Billete
  
• QOP
  
• Wagen
  
• Recon AZ
  
• Salgado
  
• Llegado
  
• Santé
  
• Opus Dei
  
• Bibliotheca
  
• SAM
  
• www
  

The Gift of the Spirit

"He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee." (2 Corinthians 5: 5) – NRSV

"It is for this destiny that God himself has been shaping us; and as a pledge of it he has given us the Spirit." – Revised English Bible

"Now the one who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a first installment." – New American Bible

"It is God who designed us for this very purpose, and he has given us the Spirit as a pledge." – New Jerusalem Bible

For what "very thing" was the Holy Spirit given to you?

What "destiny" is God shaping you for?

What has God "prepared you for"?

The 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit are: (CCC #1831)

1. Wisdom
   
2. Understanding
   
3. Counsel
   
4. Fortitude
   
5. Knowledge
   
6. Piety
   
7. Fear of the Lord
   

 

 

Immanuel

"Yahweh Sabbaoth is with us, our citadel, the God of Jacob." (Psalm 46: 7)

If God is with me, it is accomplished.

Immanuel – God with us (Isaiah 7: 14; 8:10; Matthew 1: 23)

God is with us (2 Chronicles13: 12)

God is with you (Isaiah 45: 14)

The Lord is with us (Numbers 14: 9; 2 Chronicles 38: 8; Psalm 46:7, 11)

God will be with you (Exodus 3: 12)

I am with you (Haggai 1: 13; 2:4)

They will know that I am with them (Ezekiel 34: 30)

When we pass through the waters he will be with us (Isaiah 43: 2)

Do not be afraid for I am with you (Isaiah 41: 10; 43: 5; Jeremiah 42: 11; 46:28)

May the Lord be with you (Ruth 2: 4; 2 Samuel 14: 17; 1 Chronicles 22: 11, 16; Amos 5: 14)

May the Lord be with us (1 Kings 8: 57)

 

Perhaps the Lord will be with me (Joshua 14: 12)

I am always with God (Psalm 73: 23)

You are with me (Psalm 23: 4)

Son, you are always with me (Luke 15: 31)

Is not the Lord with you? (1 Chronicles 22: 18)

Is the Lord in our midst or not? (Exodus 17:7)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Turbulence

"They woke him and said to him, 'Master, do you not care? We are lost! And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Quiet now! Calm!' And the wind dropped, and there followed a great calm." (Mark 4 : 39)

He stills the roaring of the seas (Psalm 65 : 7)

He stilled the storm (Psalm 107:29)

When they threw Jonah overboard the sea grew calm (Jonah 1: 12, 15)

Jesus rebuked the sea and there was calm (Matthew 8: 26, Mark 4: 39, Luke 8: 24)

Even the winds and the sea obey him (Matthew 8: 27, Mark 4: 41, Luke 8: 25)

The wind was against them (Matthew 14: 24, Mark 6: 48)

When Peter saw the wind he was afraid (Matthew 14: 30)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Waiting

"Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him." (Psalm 37:7)

 

Wait for the Lord (Psalm 27: 14; 37:34)

Wait patiently for him (Psalm 37:7)

 

I wait for you (Psalm 25: 21)

For you I wait all day (Psalm 25: 5)

I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning (Psalm 130: 5-6)

I wait for God my savior (Micah 7:7)

I wait patiently for the Lord (Psalm 40: 1)

I wait in silence for God (Psalm 62: 1,5)

 

Those who wait for the Lord renew their strength (Isaiah 40: 31)

Those who wait for the Lord will inherit the land (Psalm 37: 9)

Blessed are those who wait for him (Isaiah 30: 18)

May those who wait for you not be ashamed through me (Psalm 69: 6)

 

This is our God for whom we have waited (Isaiah 25: 9)

The Lord is good to those who wait for him (Lamentations 3: 25-26)

 

We wait for:

• A savior from heaven (Philippians 3: 20)
  
• The revealing of our Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 1: 7)
  
• The appearing of our God and savior (Titus 2: 13)
  
• His son from heaven (1 Thessalonians 1: 10)
  
• The mercy of our Lord Jesus (Jude 21)
  
• The redemption of our bodies (Romans 8: 23 – 25)
  

 

Be like men waiting for their master (Luke 12: 36)

The creation waits for the sons of God to be revealed (Romans 8: 19)

 

Saul was told to wait 7 days (1 Samuel 10: 8; 13:8)

David would wait until word came (2 Samuel 15: 28)

Destiny

"Every moment of my life is in your hands, rescue me from the clutches of my foes who pursue me." (Proverbs 31: 15)

My destiny is in your hands

My times are in your hands

My fortunes are in your hands

Commit your destiny to Yahweh

"Commit your destiny to Yahweh, be confident in him, and he will act." (Psalm 37: 5)

Since my destiny is God's hands, why not commit it to him? (Psalm 31: 15)

Commit your way to the Lord (Psalm 37: 5)

All my ways are before you (Psalm 119: 168)

A man's way is ordained by the Lord (Proverbs 20: 24)

A man's way is not in himself (Jeremiah 10: 23)

Make straight paths for your feet (Hebrews 12: 13)

He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3: 6)

 

I am the way (John 14: 6)

This is the way, walk in it (Isaiah 30:21)

 

Teach me your ways (Exodus 33: 13; Psalm 86: 11)

That he may teach us his ways (Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4: 2)

That your way may be known on earth (Psalm 67: 2)

God made known his ways to Moses (Psalm 103: 7)

He who has promised is faithful

"Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10: 23)

Perseverance – standing firm

Continue in faith, stable and steadfast (Colossians 1: 23)

Stand against the devil's wiles (Ephesians 6: 11-14)

Resist the devil, standing firm in the faith (1 Peter 5:9)

Stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16: 13; 2 Corinthians 1: 24)

We must hold fast our confidence (Hebrews 3: 6, 14)

Realize the full assurance of hope until the end (Hebrews 6: 11)

Stand firm in the teaching (2 Thessalonians 2: 15)

Stand firm in one spirit (Philippians 1: 27)

Stand firm in the Lord (Philippians 4: 1)

Persevering in tribulation (Romans 12: 12)

Hold fast our confession (Hebrews 4: 14)

Hold fast the confession of our faith (Hebrews 10: 23)

We boast of our perseverance (2 Thessalonians 1: 4)

You have endured (Revelation 2: 3)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Make Yahweh your joy 2

"Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your heart's desire." (Psalm 37: 4)

My soul thirsts for God (Psalm 42:2; 63:1; 143:6)

My soul yearns for the courts of the Lord (Psalm 84: 2)

At night my soul longs for you (Isaiah 26: 9)

There is nothing on earth I desire but you (Psalm 73: 25)

Your name and memory are our desire (Isaiah 26: 8)

Many desired to see and hear what you do (Matthew 13: 17; Luke 10: 24)

 

I long for your:

• Ordinances (Psalm 119: 131)
  
• Salvation (Psalm 119: 174)
  
• Precepts (Psalm 119: 40)
  
• Commandments (Psalm 119: 131)
  

The Lord will fulfill all my desires (2Sam 23: 5)

He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37: 4)

May he grant your heart's desire (Psalm 20: 4)

You have given him his heart's desire (Psalm 21: 2)

The desire of the righteous will be granted (Proverbs 10: 24)

The desire of the righteous ends in good (Proverbs 11: 23)

 

Delight in the Lord, and he will grant you your heart's desires (Psalm 37: 4)

Come, everyone who thirsts. (Psalm 55: 1)

If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink (John 7: 37)

To him who thirsts I will give the water of life without cost (Revelation 21: 6)

Whoever is thirsty, let him come (Revelation 22: 17)

Whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst again (John 4: 14)

Give me this water so I will not be thirsty (John 4: 15)

 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5: 6)

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be fulfilled (Luke 6: 21)

He who comes to me will not hunger or thirst (John 6: 35)

Earnestly desire spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31; 14: 1)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Make Yahweh your joy

"Make Yahweh your joy and he will give you your heart's desires." (Psalm 37:4)

Delight yourself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)

Then you will take delight in the Lord (Isaiah 58:14)

They drink from your river of delights (Psalm 36:8)

They delight to know my ways (Isaiah 58:2)

Will the godless take delight in the Almighty? (Job 27: 10)

 

He delights in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2)

I delight in your law (Psalm 119: 70, 77, 92, 174)

I delight in your commandments (Psalm 119: 35, 47)

I delight in your statutes (Psalm 119: 14)

Your testimonies are my delight (Psalm 119: 24)

Happy the man who delights in his commandments (Psalm 112:1)

(ROGET'S THESAURS OF THE BIBLE)

Liberation 5

"If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples; you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8: 31 – 32)

No Compulsion:

If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed (John 8: 36)

The truth shall make you free (John 8: 32)

Freed from sin (Romans 6: 18)

He who has died is freed from sin (Romans 6: 7)

Set free from the principle of sin and death (Romans 8: 2)

Everyone who believes is freed from all things (Acts 13: 39)

He has freed us from our sins by his blood (Revelation 1: 5)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

 

Liberation 4

"If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples; you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8: 31 – 32)

When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion (Psalm 126: 1)

I broke the yoke of the king of Babylon (Jeremiah 28:2)

I broke your yoke and burst your bonds (Jeremiah 2: 20)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Liberation 3

"If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples; you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8: 31 – 32)

Let my people go (Exodus 5:1; 7:16; 8:1, 20; 9:1,13; 10:3)

Let my son go (Exodus 4: 23)

Let them go (Exodus 6: 11; 7:2)

I will deliver you from their bondage (Exodus 6: 6)

I have come down to free them (Acts 7: 34)

I broke the bars of your yoke (Leviticus 26: 13)

I brought you out of the land of bondage (Deuteronomy)

Liberation 2

"If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples; you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8: 31 – 32)

Bring me out of prison (Psalm 142: 7)

Peter's chains fell off (Acts 12: 7)

Everyone's chains were unfastened (Acts 16: 26)

The angel opened the prison doors and brought them out (Acts 5: 19)

The angel brought Peter out of the prison (Acts12: 7 -10)

I will walk at liberty for I seek your precepts (Psalm 119: 45)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Liberation 1

"If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples; you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8: 31 – 32)

Theme of liberation:

The Lord sent me to proclaim the release of the captives (Isaiah 61: 1; Luke 4: 18)

To bring prisoners out of prison (Isaiah 42: 7)

The Lord releases those condemned to death (Psalm 102: 20)

God shattered their yoke (Isaiah 9: 4, Jeremiah 30: 8)

When I break the bars of their yoke (Ezekiel 34: 27)

I will break his yoke from off you (Nahum 1: 13)

God leads out the prisoners (Psalm 68: 6)

Four men loosed in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3: 25)

God breaks their bonds (Psalm 107: 14, 16)

God loosens the bond of kings (Job 12: 18)

You have loosed my bonds (Psalm 146: 7)

I will set your captives free (Zechariah 9: 11)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Take and Receive

"Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.

Through your goodness we have this bread to offer,

which earth has given and human hands have made.

It will become for us the bread of life."

Liturgy of the Eucharist (Roman Missal)

Inspired by the above prayer, I say:

"Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.

Through your goodness I have this delay, disappointment and obstacle to offer,

let it become for me the bread of life."

 

The holy Mass is very rich in symbols. In the Mass, during the offertory, I bring my prayers, desires, joys, hopes as well as pains, sufferings, delays, disappointments and obstacles. I bring also my disabilities, deaths, the loss of loved ones, the disappointment of broken dreams, the failure of relationships, my physical, emotional and spiritual pains. I place all in the outstretched arms of Jesus, my high priest. Jesus defeated death through his pains on the cross. My pains are united with his act of redemption on the cross.

 

We bring to the Mass our joy and sorrow and, as people of faith, come away changed and blessed with peace.

The Power of Lent

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2: 20)

Lent calls us to reaffirm our participation in the victory of Christ over the powers of death, sin and evil.

Lent calls us to return to the power and victory of our baptismal experience.

Lent demands that we abandon the confidence we place in the things the world loves, which brings us weakness in the face of evil, sin and death. It is a provocation to return to our source of power and strength – the victorious Christ.

Lent returns us to the power of the word and of the cross.

Lent is a journey. It leads from the recognition of the weakness and powerlessness before the forces of evil and sin to victory over those forces through the cross and empty tomb.

The Purpose will be accomplished

"The Lord will complete what he has done for me." (Psalm 138: 8 -Roman Missal)

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me." (New Revised Standard Version)

"The Lord will accomplish his purpose for me." (Revised English Bible)

"The Lord is with me to the end." (New American Bible)

"Yahweh will do all things for me." (New Jerusalem Bible)

 

Ten years ago, I confided the following reflection to my journal:

"Insight I got last night at about 2 am:

If God is with me, it is accomplished. If God is with me in the Enterprise, it is accomplished.

The critical question in the Enterprise is this: Is God with me? Yes or No?

God communicates his presence at the beginning of an undertaking by words. Examples are: Moses, Joshua, David and Paul. He also communicates his presence in the course of the enterprise by signs. A good example is Joseph in Egypt.

How has God shown his presence with me in the Enterprise?

Words: "I myself will lead you across. I will not forsake you. I will not abandon you." (Deuteronomy 31: 6; etc)

Signs: Kinder, billet, QOP, wagen, October miracle, bibliotek, Eucharist, etc.

God is certainly with me in the Enterprise. Success is guaranteed. All I need to do is to be steadfast in the way that God is leading me and be patient.

Teacher

• They want to be teachers of the law, but are ignorant (1 Timothy 1:7)
  
• They love being called Rabbi (Matthew 23: 7)
  
• You are a teacher and do not understand? (John 3: 10)
  
• I have more insight than my teachers (Psalm 119: 99)
  

 

• A disciple is not above his teachers (Matthew 10: 24-25; Luke 6: 40)
  
• Do not be called Rabbi, for you have one teacher, for the Christ is your only Teacher (Matthew 23: 10)
  

 

• They will accumulate teachers after their own lusts (2 Timothy 4: 3)
  

 

• For many days Israel was without a teaching priest (2 Chronicles 15: 3)
  

 

• Jehiel was teacher of the king's sons (1 Chronicles 27: 32)
  
• A teacher called Gamaliel (Acts 5:34)
  

 

• You called me teacher and Lord (John 13: 13)
  
• Hail, Rabbi! (Matthew 26: 49)
  
• The teacher says, 'My time is at hand' (Matthew 26: 18)
  
• Mary called out Rabboni! Meaning Teacher (John 20: 16)
  

 

• God appointed teachers in the Church (1 Corinthians 12: 28)
  
• He gave some as pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4: 11)
  
• In the Church there are prophets and teachers (Acts 13: 1)
  
• You ought by this time to be teachers (Hebrews 5: 12)
  
• The Lord's servant should be an able teacher (2 Timothy 2: 24)
  
• As must elders (1 Timothy 3: 2)
  
• Not many of you should be teachers (James 3: 1)
  
• Let him who is taught share with him who teaches (Galatians 6:6)
  

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

Disciple

"If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples; you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8: 31)

Disciple – discipulus: I learn and I teach.

Disciple – pupil: one who receives instruction from another. One who accepts the doctrine of another and assists in spreading or implementing them.

Every true disciple of Christ must be free.

Disciple – learner:

• Jesus called his 12 disciples (Matthew 10: 1; Mark 6: 7; Luke 6: 13)
  
• His disciples came to him (Matthew 5:1)
  
• Jesus took the 12 aside (Matthew 20: 17)
  
• Jesus spoke to his disciples (Luke 6: 20)
  
• Joseph of Arimathea was a disciple (Matthew 27: 57), but secretly for fear of the Jews (Luke 14: 33)
  

Make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28: 19)

Learning:

• Ezra determined to study the law of the Lord (Ezra 7: 10)
  
• Take my yoke and learn from me (Matthew 11: 29)
  
• You did not so learn (Ephesians 4: 20)
  

Always learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

 

 

Endurance

Enduring to the end:

• Love endures all things (1 Corinthians 13: 7)
  
• He who endures to the end will be saved (Matthew 10: 22, 24:13; Mark 13: 13)
  
• By your endurance you will gain your lives (Luke 21: 19)
  
• If we endure we shall reign with him (2 Timothy 2: 11)
  
• They bear fruit with perseverance (Luke 8: 15)
  
• He who keeps my works to the end (Revelation 2: 26)
  
• I want to complete my course and my ministry (Acts 20: 24)
  

 

• We commend ourselves by much endurance (2 Corinthians 6: 4)
  
• We endure all things (1 Corinthians 9: 12)
  
• I endure all things for the sake of the elect (2 Timothy 2: 10)
  
• When persecuted we endure (1 Corinthians 4: 12)
  
• I know your perseverance (Revelation 2: 19)
  
• Here is the perseverance of the saints (Revelation 13: 10; 14: 12)
  

 

• God gives perseverance (Romans 15: 5)
  
• May the Lord direct your hearts into the steadfastness of Christ (2 Thessalonians 3: 5)
  

 

• Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial (James 1: 12)
  
• We count those blessed who endured (James 5: 11)
  
• The testing of your faith produces endurance (James 1: 3)
  
• Tribulation produces perseverance (Romans 5: 3)
  

 

• Endure hardship (2 Timothy 4: 5)
  

  
   

  
   

• You have need of endurance (Hebrews 10: 36)
  
• Pursue perseverance (1 Timothy 6: 11)
  
• Add to self-control perseverance (2 Peter 1: 6)
  

 

• Because of his friend's persistence he will give him what he needs (Luke 11: 8)
  
• The unjust judge will be worn out by the widow's persistence (Luke 18: 5)
  

ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE

Preparation is power

"The Lord is not being slow in carrying out his promises, as some people think he is." (2 Peter 3: 9)

There is meaning in delay. Could the meaning be that the delay affords us greater preparation time so that the crown will be bigger and more secure? Preparation is power.

• He who is coming will not delay (Hebrews 2:3, Hebrews 10: 37)
  
• None of my words will be delayed any longer (Ezekiel 12: 25, 28)
  
• Will God delay over his elect? (Luke 18: 7)
  
• My salvation will not delay (Isaiah 46: 13)
  
• God will soon crush Satan under your feet (Romans 16: 20)
  
• He will vindicate them speedily (Luke 18:8)
  
• Salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13: 11-12)
  
• There will be no more delay (Revelation 22: 6)
  
• I will come soon (Revelation 2: 16; 3 :11; 22:7, 12,20)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

God finishing his work

"He who began a good work in you will complete it." (Philippians 1: 6)

• God finished his work of creation (Genesis 2: 1-2; Hebrews 4:3)
  
• I have finished the work you gave me to do (John 17: 4)
  
• It is finished! (John 19: 30)
  
• Jesus knowing that all was accomplished (John 19: 28)
  
• The Lord will complete what concerns me (Psalm 138: 8)
  
• He who began a good work in you will complete it (Philippians 1: 6)
  
• It is done! (Revelation 16: 17)
  

Lord, help me to be a finisher. Amen!

Instrument of punishment

"The instrument of one's sin are his instrument of his punishment." (Wisdom 11: 16) Revised English Bible

"One is punished by the very things by which one sins." (New Revised Standard Version)

"A man is punished by the very things through which he sins." (New American Bible)

"The agent of sin is the agent of punishment." (New Jerusalem Bible)

The above scripture came to me as a technical knockout when I read it during my desert experience 12 years ago. It sounded so true and I knew it was true. Reflections and observations of life since then have confirmed this gem of Bible truths. Although the scripture itself was etched into my memory, I lost the reference and did not discover it till today, 12 years after I discovered the scripture.

The full passage goes like this: "In return for the foolish imagination of those wicked people, which deluded them into worshiping reptiles incapable of reason, and mere vermin, you sent upon them in your vengeance mindless swarms to teach them that the instruments of someone's sin are the instruments of his punishment." (Wisdom 11: 15 – 16)

If the sin is love of money, money will be the instrument of punishment. If the sin is over indulgence with food or alcohol, food or alcohol will be the instrument of punishment.

 

No More Delay

"There will be no further delay in the fulfilling of any of my words. What I have said shall be done now – declares the Lord Yahweh." (Ezekiel 2: 28)

The Message:

• Prepare yourself for action
  
• Be always prepared
  
• Be sober and be alert
  
• Do not think or say "The vision concerns a distant future ….. for times ahead." (Ezekiel 12:27)
  
• Things may happen very suddenly
  

The Promise:

• God's plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11)
  
• I will lead you across (Deuteronomy 31: 6)
  
• I will open for you a door (Revelation 3:8)
  
• I will fight for you (Exodus 14: 14; Joshua 1:9; 2 Chronicles 20: 15, 17)

God guiding

"Then the Lord will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land." (Isaiah 58:11)

 

You will guide me (Psalm 31: 3)

Let your good Spirit lead me (Psalm 143: 10)

Lead me in the everlasting way (Psalm 139: 24)

Lead me in your truth (Psalm 25: 5)

 

The Lord will guide you continually (Isaiah 58: 11)

With your counsel you will guide me (Psalm 73: 24)

I will lead the blind by a way they do not know (Isaiah 42: 16)

He will lead them to springs of water (Isaiah 49: 10)

I lead them with cords of love (Hosea 11: 4)

I lead you in the way you should go (Isaiah 48: 17)

The Lord directs his steps (Proverbs 16: 9)

 

The Lord has guided me (Genesis 24: 27, 48)

However far away I go, your hand leads me (Psalm 139: 10)

You lead them to your holy habitation (Exodus 15: 13)

The pillar of cloud to guide them (Nehemiah (9: 12, 19)

He leads ne in the paths of righteousness (Psalm 23: 3)

Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:1)

Led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8: 14)

(ROGET'S THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE)

A Time of Favor

"Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am." (Isaiah 58: 9)

When is the "then?"

There is a time of favor when God answers prayers as it were automatically. When is this time? The Church teaches that the season of Lent is a holy season of grace. But there are conditions to be fulfilled in this special season of Kairos. Isaiah 58: 9 – 14 lists these conditions:

• Offer your food to the hungry (deprive yourself for the hungry)
  
• Satisfy the needs of the afflicted
  
• Refrain from breaking the Sabbath
  
• Desist from oppression
  
• Do away with the clenched fist and the malicious words
  

The favors promised are:

• Your light will rise in the darkness
  
• Your darkest hour will be like noon
  
• You will be like a watered garden
  
• Your ancient ruins will be rebuilt
  
• You will be called rebuilder of broken walls
  
• You will find true happiness in Yahweh
  
• You will triumph over conditions on earth