Jesus Christ is our Teacher

"But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it."  (2 Timothy 3: 14)

Lord, you have been a wonderful Teacher.  Grant me the grace to remain faithful to all that you have taught me.
I believe what I read.
I teach what I believe.
I practice what I teach.

The Voice that speaks in court

"When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities,g do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say.
For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”  (Luke 12: 11 - 12)

Who is the Voice that speaks in court?  The Holy Spirit is the voice that speaks in court.  Have you used this Attorney?  He is highly recommended.

How beautiful upon the mountains

"How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the one bringing good news,
Announcing peace, bearing good news,
announcing salvation, saying to Zion,
“Your God is King!”  (Isaiah 52: 7)

Today is the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist.  St. Luke wrote the Gospel according to St. Luke.  It is amazing to realize that in hundreds of thousands of Masses all over the world today, this saint is remembered by millions of people. Jesus Christ promised:

"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life."  (Matthew 19: 29)

Tell me any other historic figure that can lay to such a remembrance.  The feast of St. Luke occurs every year on October 18.  On this day every year, we witness the same outpouring of affection for this man who died about 2000 years ago.  It encourages my faith to see the predictions of Jesus Christ come fulfilled.

Isaiah 52: 7 is one of the many scriptures that are read in the Mass of St. Luke.

"How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the one bringing good news,
Announcing peace, bearing good news,
announcing salvation, saying to Zion,
“Your God is King!”  (Isaiah 52: 7)

St. Luke is the one with the beautiful feet who brings the good news.  The promise of Isaiah 52: 7 is not closed.  It is still open for you and for me to enjoy.

One with Christ is a majority

"Yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me."  (Galatians 2: 20)

By faith I know that Christ lives in me. I no longer try to live and work as a natural man all by myself.  Everything I do now, I factor in Jesus.  One with Jesus is always a winner, a majority.  When I think of the future without Jesus, I become frightened.  But if I think of the future and think of Jesus who is always with me, I smile.  I know that nothing can ever shake Jesus.

Christ in me the hope of glory.  (Colossians 1: 27)

My soul waits in silence

"My soul rests in God alone,
from whom comes my salvation.
God alone is my rock and salvation,
my fortress; I shall never fall."  (Psalm 62:  2 - 3)

My soul waits in God alone.  I will wait for you O God till you answer.  Make haste my God to help me. I trust in your mercy.

"“Come,” says my heart, “seek his face”;
your face, LORD, do I seek!"  (Psalm 27: 8)

"Wait for the LORD, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!"  (Psalm 27:  14)

"Surely, I wait for the LORD;
who bends down to me and hears my cry,
Draws me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the muddy clay,
Sets my feet upon rock,
steadies my steps,
And puts a new song in my mouth,
a hymn to our God.
Many shall look on in fear
and they shall trust in the LORD."  (Psalm 40: 2 - 4)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then Greek."  (Romans 1: 16)

Lord Jesus, help me never to be ashamed of the Gospel. Help me never to reject the challenges you send to train me. May I grow everyday in the knowledge of what you want me to do and at the same time increase in the strength to do it.  Amen!

Chosen, called and anointed to lead people to the obedience of faith.

"Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles."  (Romans 1: 5)

Through Christ Jesus we too have received this tremendous calling to be apostles so that we can lead people to the obedience of faith.

The Lord choose us, called us and anointed us for this task.

"I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last."  (John 15: 16, 19)

"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia."  (Psalm 17: 50; 21 - 23)

"In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."  (1 Thessalonians 5: 18)

What disappointment do I need to give thanks to God here and now?

My heart is broken by the news I got this afternoon that a dear couple, both of whom I love dearly and admire very are separated.  I call it separation because I don't believe in divorce.  God does not make mistakes.  God never fails. At the news,  I cried out, "O what a sad news on a Sunday."  For me, Sunday is the Day of the Lord; the Day of the Son.  It is a Day of joy.  Nothing should disturb the peace or joy on a Sunday.  The Day of the Resurrection.   As I grieved this news this afternoon,  I asked Jesus to place His hand on my heart and help me to be calm and think rationally. Then  I remembered the scripture verse of today:
"In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

So I decided to give thanks for the separation of these two dear friends.  I was at their wedding.  It reminded me then of the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. I was also in London the Saturday the prince and princess wedded.  Now I am consoled by this word of God below:

"We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified."  (Romans 8: 28 - 30)

Dear friends, join me in praying for N & M.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mary is our model of hearing the word of God and observing it

"He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”  (Luke 11: 28)

In this scripture verse, Jesus points to His mother as the perfect model of hearing the word of God and observing it.  Mary burst into the New Testament by her reply to the incredible message of the angel that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit and become the mother of Jesus.  She replied, "“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” 

When we hear God's word in scripture and reply like Mary, "Behold I am your servant O Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."  Jesus pronounces us blessed, very happy and to be envied.

For Jesus or Against Jesus

"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."  (Luke 11: 23)

Dear Jesus, I am 100% for you.  My desire is to gather with you.  Help me by your grace never by thought, word or deed to scatter what you gather.  I ask for this in your name Jesus.  Amen!

Ask, Seek and Knock

"“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."  (Luke 11: 9)

• I believe in prayer
• I believe in the word of God
• I believe in miracle
• I leave the rest to God

Character of God - Gracious and Merciful

"He prayed to the LORD, “O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I fled at first toward Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, abounding in kindness, repenting of punishment."  (Jonah 4: 2)

God our Father is gracious and merciful.

"Know that the LORD works wonders for his faithful one;
the LORD hears when I call out to him.
Tremble and sin no more;
weep bitterly within your hearts,
wail upon your beds,
Offer fitting sacrifices
and trust in the LORD."  (Psalm 4: 4 - 7)

The Prioroty

"The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.

There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”  (Luke 10:  41 - 42)

What are the many things we are anxious and worried about?

Health, family, money, job, homes, cars, computers, cell phones, food, future, etc.  You can add to the list.

But Jesus says:  "Only One Thing" is necessary!  What is this One Thing?  Clearly it cannot be from the above list.  Or could it be fame?  Or fortune?  Or perhaps power?  If it is fame, the Hollywood stars would have had it all.  It is certainly not fortune because we know many millionaires who are miserable.  Herod had all the power he wanted and was yet threatened by the announcement of the birth of Jesus the Christ.

So what is this One Thing?  The One Thing is the Holy Spirit in us, our hope of glory.

The One Thing that is necessary

"The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”  (Luke 10:  41 - 42)

What are the many things we are anxious and worried about?
Health, family, money, job, homes, cars, computers, cell phones, food, future, etc.  You can add to the list.

But Jesus says:  "Only One Thing" is necessary!  What is this One Thing?  Clearly it cannot be from the above list.  Or could it be fame?  Or fortune?  Or perhaps power?  If it is fame, the Hollywood stars would have had it all.  It is certainly not fortune because we know many millionaires who are miserable.  Herod had all the power he wanted and was yet threatened by the announcement of the birth of Jesus the Christ.

So what is this One Thing?  The One Thing is the Holy Spirit in us, our hope of glory.

Mercy is the essential attribute of God

"Jonah prayed to the LORD, his God, from the belly of the fish:
Out of my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me;
From the womb of Sheol I cried for help,
and you heard my voice."  (Jonah 2: 2-3)

When Jonah found himself in great distress in the belly of the fish, he cried out to God in prayer.  The Lord heard his cries and delivered him from the pit. This pattern repeats throughout  scripture.  It is the cycle of the 3 S: Sin, Suffering and Salvation.  This pattern would be impossible but for the character of God.  Mercy defines the heart of God. Scripture urges us to approach the throne of grace with confidence in order to obtain mercy at our times of need.

I can bear witness to this truth that at my times of need, when I cry out to God in prayer, He always answers with His merciful deliverance.  Thank you Father for your merciful heart.

The just one shall live by faith

Then the LORD answered me and said:
Write down the vision;
Make it plain upon tablets,
so that the one who reads it may run.
For the vision is a witness for the appointed time,
a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint.
If it delays, wait for it,
it will surely come, it will not be late.
(Habakkuk 2: 2 - 3)

O Lord, remember this promise by which you gave me hope. I am encouraged to know that your word abides forever.  Give your servant great patience as I wait for the fulfillment of your word.

It happened not for your destruction

Baruch 4: 5-6

" Take courage, my people!
Remember, O Israel,
6 You were sold to the nations
not for destruction;
It was because you angered God
that you were handed over to your foes."

"Endure your trials as 'discipline' " (Hebrews 12 :7)

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I wait for your word

"Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah,
as on the day of Massah in the desert."  (Psalm 95: 7 - 8)

Oh that today I will hear your voice Father.  I will not harden my heart.  I yearn to hear you speak to my situation.  Let your word come and lift me up.  I wait for your word.  With courage I wait for it.  I wait for it more than a watchman for daybreak.  Do not delay the sending of your word.

The "waiting" word will recognize its "owner."

The joy of the Lord is my strength

"Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD is your strength!”  (Nehemiah 8:10)

The Israelites were disheartened after hearing the word of God.  They saw as in a mirror their true selves in relation to God.  God said to them in order to uplift them:

"He continued: “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD is your strength!”  (Nehemiah 8: 10)

How awesome and compassionate our God is!

If they do as they are commanded, their obedience to this word of God will cause them to be renewed physically and spiritually.

How do we live this word of God today?  In whatever trial of life we may find ourselves, we can say: "I will not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD is my strength!”  For God's word  urges us:

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  (James 1: 2 - 4)

"Endure your trials as discipline."  (Hebrews 12: 7)

"This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice in it and be glad."  (Psalm 118:  24)

Your promises give me hope in life

"Because he clings to me I will deliver him;
because he knows my name I will set him on high.
He will call upon me and I will answer;
I will be with him in distress;
I will deliver him and give him honor.
With length of days I will satisfy him,
and fill him with my saving power."  (Psalm 91: 14 - 16)

My God, these promises are precious, sweet and beautiful.  I plan to claim everyone of them.  Here I go:

• I cling to you like a drowning man clings to anything within reach.
• I know your Name.  Your Name is Abba Father.  I learned your Name from your Son Jesus.  I know the Name of your Son.  His full Name is Jesus Christ.  I know the Holy Spirit.  Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are the Most Holy Trinity, One God in Three Persons.
• I am often in distress: health, finances, job, tools, etc.  I call upon you for help all the time.

You now see Father why I told you that I will claim every single promise in Psalm 91: 14 - 16.  If I am presumptuous Father, forgive me.  Lead me to right standing with you so that I can claim the promises.  I love them and I want them.

Dear Father, here are some more promises in your word that I love and claim:

"Find your delight in the LORD
who will give you your heart’s desire.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will act
And make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
your justice like noonday.

Be still before the LORD;
wait for him.
Do not be provoked by the prosperous,
nor by malicious schemers."  (Psalm 37: 4 - 7)

Your promises give me hope in life.  Treat your servant according to your mercy.

You revealed them to the little child

"At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike."  (Matthew 11: 25)

What do you like most about little children?

• Their trust
• Their innocence
• Their inquisitiveness
• Their natural purity
• Their total dependence

Jesus calls God His Father.  We think that He relates to His Father as a little child.  The Father wants me to come to Him as a little child.

How to be successful in everything

Joshua 1:8

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

May we find in the word of God the food of salvation & the fountain of life!

"Those that make the word of God their rule, and conscientiously walk by that rule, shall both do well and speed well; it will furnish them with the best maxims by which to order their conversation (Ps. cxi. 10); and it will entitle them to the best blessings: God shall give them the desire of their heart. " (Matthew Henry Commentary)

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Your words consoled me

"Remember your word to your servant
by which you give me hope.
This is my comfort in affliction,
your promise that gives me life."  (Psalm 119: 49 - 50)

Remember your commitment to me when I left Egypt:
"This is the commitment I made to you
when you came out of Egypt.
My spirit remains in your midst;
do not fear!"  (Haggai 2: 5)

And this was your commitment to me:
"It is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed.”  (Deuteronomy 31: 8)

Your promise gives me comfort in my affliction for I know that You placed your name and your word on the same level.  Your word can never fail.  This is my hope in trouble.

The Lord Himself will be your firewall

"I will be an encircling wall of fire for it—oracle of the LORD—and I will be the glory in its midst.”  (Zechariah 2: 9 NABRE)

If God is for you, who can be against you?.  If God surrounds you with an impregnable firewall, who can touch you?

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
on your own intelligence do not rely;
In all your ways be mindful of him,
and he will make straight your paths."  (Proverbs 3: 5 - 6)

The "waiting" words meet the "owner"

"Now be strong, Zerubbabel—oracle of the LORD—
be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, high priest,
Be strong, all you people of the land—oracle of the LORD—
and work! For I am with you—oracle of the LORD of hosts.

This is the commitment I made to you
when you came out of Egypt.
My spirit remains in your midst;
do not fear!"  (Haggai 2: 4 - 5)

The above word of God caused me excitement when I heard it a couple of times this morning.  I remembered what Pope Benedict XVI wrote in his book, JESUS OF NAZARETH - The Infancy Narrative.   He wrote:

"One of the characteristics of early Christian narrative is that it provides these "waiting" words with their "owner."  This connection between the "waiting" word and the recognition of its "owner," now that he has appeared, has given rise to the typically Christian approach to exegesis, which is new and yet remains utterly faithful to the original words of Scripture."

Is Haggai 2: 4 - 5 the words I have been waiting for since 1208?  Am I the owner of this rhema?  Or am I still waiting for something else?

Are you waiting for the Lord to speak to you about something?  Maybe your purpose in life?  Know for certain that there is a word of God for you.  This word is your "waiting" word.  It is waiting for the right time to manifest itself.  A Chinese proverb says:  "When the student is ready, the teacher appears."  Are you ready for your "waiting" words?  Are you getting ready?    The word of God says:
"Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us."  (Romans 5:5)

When the "owner" is ready, the "waiting" words will appear.

Build My House

"Go up into the hill country;
bring timber, and build the house
that I may be pleased with it,
and that I may be glorified, says the LORD."  (Haggai 1: 8)

How do we contribute to building God's Church?

"Bring the whole tithe
into the storehouse,
That there may be food in my house.
Put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts,
And see if I do not open the floodgates of heaven for you,
and pour down upon you blessing without measure!"  (Malachi 3: 10)

Our tithe of time, talent and treasure is one way of making our contribution to the building of the kingdom.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides."  (Matthew 6: 33)

When the kingdom of God becomes our Number 1 priority in life, our contribution and our stake in the Enterprise become enhanced.  The sin of the Israelites in Haggai 1: 8 is that they delayed the completion of God's Temple till they finish their homes, thus making God's kingdom a secondary priority.

Jesus is the Good News!

"This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”  (Mark 1: 15)

Believe in Jesus!
Jesus is the Good News!
The Good News is Jesus.

Jesus is the Good News that brings joy to the heart.  He is the first and principal cause of our pardon and peace.  He is the source of authority and power that we need everyday in our life.  He is the Alpha and Omega and therefore the source of our purpose in life.  Jesus promises us His constant presence.  He is our only and effective protection and provision for everything we need in life.

St Irenaeus wrote:  “The glory of God is man fully alive.”  Jesus Christ is that Man who is fully alive.  He shows us the potential for every man and woman.  His coming ushers in the kingdom of God. The kingdom is here and now.  It is here in the Church.  The kingdom is also here and yet to come.  It is yet to come in its fullness when Jesus Christ returns in the parousia.

To believe in Jesus and believe in the Gospel is one and the same thing.  With the heart, we believe in Him.  With our mouth, we confess the truth about Jesus.  Salvation comes from belief and confession.

My mother, my brothers and sisters

"He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”  (Luke 8: 21)

Lord Jesus, I want to hear your word and act on it.  Grant me the grace.  I desire to build my life on the rock of your word.  Help me.

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock."  (Matthew 7: 24)

Jesus is the Light that guides you

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

What is this light?  How does it shine before others?
This light is simply the light from the Gospel.  The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ preached and taught His disciples.  This light in the mind of Christians transforms how Christians see and relate to the most important questions in life.  Some of these questions are:

• Who is God?
• Who is man?
• What is the purpose of the world?
• What is the purpose of life?
• Why ill-health?  Why no money, job or food?
• What does the future hold for me?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ provides answers (lights) to all the above questions and more.  When we navigate our daily lives with the lights provided by Jesus, who is the Light of the World, we are balanced and always joyful. Our attitude seeps into our behavior and work.  People around us notice the difference and magnify our Father in Heaven.

Pray for our leaders

"First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone,
for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity."  (1 Timothy 2: 1 - 2)

All power and authority come from God.  In God's mysterious plan,He shares this authority with whomever He wants.  He puts sons and daughters under the authority of their parents.  He puts nations under the authority of leaders He appoints.

It is God's command and pleasure that we pray for our leaders whether they are believers or not.  Why?  Because God has given them the power to influence critical outcomes in our lives. For example, "that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity."  When we reflect on the gruesome savagery of the Second World War, we see the wisdom of God's word.  Instead of crying, "Why did God not prevent it?", we learn from the word of God and history and make it a habit to pray for our leaders everyday.  That way, we contribute our quota to world peace.

Spiritual Joy

"A spiritual joy is the greatest sign of divine grace dwelling in a soul."  (St Bonaventure)

Disappointment - His Appointment

Disappointment - His Appointment, No good thing will he withhold;
From denials oft we gather
Treasures of His love untold.  - Young (Our Daily Bread)

Is your faith being tested?

2 Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.

3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing."  (James 1: 2 -4) - Amplified Bible

Where is your faith being tested today?

Health, family, finances, job, property and tools, food, future?

Then James 1: 2 - 4 should give you at this time the consolation of the scriptures.  The consolation of the scriptures is the uplifting of our mind heart by the word of God which is true.  Without the wisdom, understanding and encouragement that comes from Sacred Scripture, it will be impossible to fight and remaining standing after the battle. 

Pursue Jesus

"Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain."  (1 Timothy 6: 6)

The profits of true religion are:
Pardon, Peace, Power, Purpose, Presence, Protection, Provision.

You can find all the promises of Jesus in the 7 P's above..

"He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?"  (Romans 8: 32)

Jesus cancels the debt

"“Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages* and the other owed fifty.
Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?”  (Luke 7: 41 - 42)

Do you have any debt?  Financial or spiritual debt?  Or perhaps an addiction?
Jesus cancels the debt.

"So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free."  (John 8: 36)

Who can please the world?

"They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.
We sang a dirge, but you did not weep."  (Luke 7: 32) (NAB)

"They are like little children sitting in the marketplace, calling to one another and saying, We piped to you [playing wedding], and you did not dance; we sang dirges and wailed [playing funeral], and you did not weep."  (Luke 7: 32) - Amplified Bible

The lesson that Jesus teaches us in Luke 7: 32 is plain.  You cannot please the world.  Stop trying.  It is far easier to please God than to please the world.  Your good will and your weakness are taken into account when God looks upon you.  The world is capricious and erratic.  So, what is the conclusion?  Aim at pleasing God.  It is smarter.

Times and Seasons

Times and Seasons are divine appointments.  They are not haphazard ; they are not accidents. Winter, spring, summer and autumn are not accidents.
Rainy and dry seasons are not accidents.

All times and all seasons are in the hand of Jesus Christ.

Christ yesterday and today+
The Beginning and the End+
The Alpha and the Omega+
All times belong to Him+
And all ages+
To Him be glory and power through every age forever and ever.  Amen!!!

Do not weep

Luke 7:13
"And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”

+Do not be afraid
+Do not be anxious
+Do not doubt

Deuteronomy 31:8
"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Exodus 14:14
"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

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God so loved the world

He calls me, He calls you

"I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry"  (1 Timothy 1:12)

God does not call us to the ministry because we are worthy.  He chooses, calls and anoints us to make us fit for the appointed work.  Is it as simple as that?  Yes!  Why then do many fail?  They answer the call keeping 99% of their meagre resources close to their chest.  They refuse to surrender everything because they do not trust God.  "Let us keep something for ourselves in case this venture fails."

When we trust God enough to let go everything and answer His call, we live, breathe, flow, walk and work in Him.  You can't believe the joy.

Rising sun at Bankside

Psalm 27:8

8 You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

Accept your cross, receive your crown

"But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."  (Galatians 6: 14)

Jesus Christ is the Way.  He offers us the way of the cross.  But this way leads ultimately to a crown.  We find Jesus daily in the crosses we are called upon to bear.  When we accept our cross, we embrace Jesus.  When we reject our cross, we reject Jesus.  Jesus embraced His cross and turned what history would have described as one out of many Roman executions into the Sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

Show me my path to life

"You will show me the path to life,
abounding joy in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever."  (Psalm 16: 11)

Path of life, pathway of life is the only Way of life.  Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  The way of life which Jesus Christ reveals to us is the Way of the Cross.  If there is any other superior way of life, Jesus Christ who is supreme Wisdom and Truth would have revealed this to us.

The only way He revealed is the true way, a great paradox.  By dying, we live.  By losing all we have for the sake of Christ, we gain everything.  Humility is up and pride is down.  Poverty of spirit is praised, foolish dependence on wealth is ridiculed.

Everybody's path to life is different.  For some, there is more physical suffering. For others, the suffering will be mental or spiritual.  Although the path to life is different for everybody, the result is the same although in different degrees for everyone:

"Abounding joy in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever."

Be merciful

Luke 6:31

"And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them."

What do you want?
+Mercy
+Truth
+Faithfulness
+Trustworthiness
+Peace
+Prosperity

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You died with Christ

"Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry."  (Colossians 3: 5)

Wash away my guilt, O Lord!

"Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love;
in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.
Thoroughly wash away my guilt;
and from my sin cleanse me.
For I know my transgressions;
my sin is always before me.
Against you, you alone have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your eyes
So that you are just in your word,
and without reproach in your judgment.
Behold, I was born in guilt,
in sin my mother conceived me.
Behold, you desire true sincerity;
and secretly you teach me wisdom.
Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
You will let me hear gladness and joy;
the bones you have crushed will rejoice.
Turn away your face from my sins;
blot out all my iniquities.
A clean heart create for me, God;
renew within me a steadfast spirit.
Do not drive me from before your face,
nor take from me your holy spirit.
Restore to me the gladness of your salvation;
uphold me with a willing spirit.
I will teach the wicked your ways,
that sinners may return to you."  (Psalm 51: 3 - 15)

The Great Physician healed them all

"Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all."  (Luke 6: 19)

Jesus Christ is in us, our hope for glory.  He is still healing today through His word and the Sacraments particularly the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

"In His sweetness God thinks sweetly of us.  He can think of nothing sweeter or better than that God should be in us in His divinity and humanity as a spiritual food, which nourishes our life and brings to perfection our union with Himself."  (St Albert the Great)

We touch Jesus Christ in His Real Presence in the Eucharist.  Everyone who touches Him is healed.  Where do you need most to be healed today?  This is the exact spot the Great Physician applies His healing.

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him." (Psalm 62:5)

Hope in Jesus does not deceive.

"You give me bread to feed me, soap to cleanse me, fire to purify me, and a chisel to shape my human form into one worthy of heaven.  You give me everything I need. What I seek elsewhere seeks me out and offers itself to me through all creation."  
(Jean-Pierre de Caussade, SJ - ABANDONMENT TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE)

God's Abundance in the Present Moment

"I intend to live according to my beliefs; and, as your will governs all things at all times and is always for my benefit, I will live on this vast income, which can never fail, is always present and always available to do the greatest possible good."
(Jean-Pierre de Caussade, SJ - ABANDONMENT TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE)

My Expectation is from Him

Psalm 62:5
"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him."

From John Gill's Exposition of the Bible, we are grateful for the commentary below:

Psalms 62:5
"My soul, wait thou only upon God
Be silent and subject to him, acquiesce in his providences, rest in him patiently and quietly, wait for his salvation; (See Gill on Psalms 62:1); perhaps some new temptation might arise, and David's soul began to be uneasy and impatient; for frames are very changeable things; and therefore he encourages it to be still and quiet, and patiently wait on the Lord, and on him only:

for my expectation [is] from him;
or "my hope", as the Targum; the grace of hope is from the Lord, and the thing hoped for is from him; he is the author and the object of it; and his word of promise encourages to the exercise of it; or "my patience"; as the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and Arabic versions. The grace of patience is from the Lord; the means of it is his word; and it is exercised, tried, and increased by afflictions sent and sanctified by him; and "expectation" is nothing else than these graces in exercise, a waiting patiently for things hoped for Old Testament saints expected the first coming of Christ; New Testament saints expect his second coming; and all expect good things from him in time and eternity; nor shall their expectation fail and perish; and therefore is a reason why their souls should wait only on the Lord."

When my foot slips

Psalm 94:17-19

"17 If the Lord had not been my help,
my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
18 When I thought, “My foot slips,”
your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.
19 When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul."

The sweetness of God in the Eucharist

"In His sweetness God thinks sweetly of us.  He can think of nothing sweeter or better than that God should be in us in His divinity and humanity as a spiritual food, which nourishes our life and brings to perfection our union with Himself." 
(St Albert the Great)

How God reigns in us

"It by this continual recognition of the will of God, as displayed and revealed in all things, that God reigns in us, that his will is done on earth as in heaven, and that he nourishes us continually." 
(John-Pierre de Caussade, SJ)

Jesus is the Way

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."( John 14:6)

Jesus is the Way.  His Way is the Way of the cross.  I find the commentary by Deacon Don Schwager below very interesting on this point :

"Jesus knew that the way of the cross was the Father's way to glory and victory over sin and death. He counted the cost and said 'yes' to his Father's will. We, too, must 'count the cost' and be ready to follow Jesus in the way of the cross if we want to share in his glory and victory. What is the 'way of the cross' for you and for me? When my will crosses with God's will, then his will must be done. The way of the cross involves sacrifice, the sacrifice of laying down my life each and every day for Jesus' sake. What makes such sacrifice possible and "sweet" for us is the love of God poured out for us in the blood of Jesus Christ. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5). We can never outgive God. He always gives us more than we can expect or imagine. Do you allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with the love of God?"
" Jesus' way to glory and power is opposite the world's way of glory, power, and success. The choice is ours, but the Lord does not leave us alone if we choose to follow him. Does the love of Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (see 2 Corinthians 5)?"

"Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple." —Lk 14:27

Isaiah 55:8-9
"8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."

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Self-renunciation and discipleship of Jesus

"In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple."  (Luke 14: 33)

Self-renunciation is a non-negotiable point for discipleship of Jesus Christ
Christ is the Way.  The Way is the way of the cross.  It is the way of suffering, contradiction, disappointment, delay and obstacles. The way of the cross passes through the 7 war zones: Health, Family, Finances, Job, Tools and Future.  Any or all of them can be the call for self-renunciation.

What do we renounce?  We renounce our will.  Our will stands between us and the will of God.  The will of God is supreme.  It is also our supreme good and our peace.  Our will is in perpetual contest with the will of God.  The will of God is revealed to us every moment of our life.  The providence of God is here and now.  It is in this step, this event and this moment.

The contest between our will and the will of God is a struggle between truth and falsehood.  The Truth is Jesus Christ Himself.  Satan is the Father of lies. Why does our will tend to gravitate naturally towards falsehood and evil?  Even after we become members of the family of God through Baptism, we still struggle all our life against the forces of concupiscence.

To defeat the forces of concupiscence, we just practice self-denial everyday, says the Lord.  We are challenged to take up our cross everyday and follow Jesus.  Blessed John Henry Newman teaches that self-denial must be daily.  He confirms the long experience of Christian tradition.  Taking up our cross everyday to follow Jesus is not so surprising when we remember that we are commanded to pray:  "Give us this day our daily bread."  What is critical to life must be done daily, always and everywhere.  Self-renunciation is not an exception.

Where am I called to renounce my will and take of my cross today and follow Jesus?  When I accept God's disposal of events for me which is His providence always and everywhere, I embrace the will of God and not my will.  Rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus.  Acceptance of our cross comes with unbelievable joy and peace.

Behold the Truth

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth* and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  (John 14: 6)

In the Temptation in the Desert, Jesus wrestled Satan over food, power and fame.  Each time, Jesus won the contest by the application of the truth from the word of God.  Temptation to sin and evil is a grand contest or debate between truth and falsehood.  Jesus is the Truth and Satan is the Father of lies.

Jesus the Truth  shades light on our health, family, finances, job, tools and future.  When we see these war zones in our life through the eyes of Jesus, we win the debate with Satan always and everywhere.  Satan says, "You will starve to death."  You reply: "But God has written in His word, that 'man does not live on bread alone'  Satan tries to frighten you with the thought of penury and bankruptcy, you reply:  'man does not live on money alone; man does not live on salary alone.  There are many ways God supports His man."

"Man lives on every word that comes from the mouth of God."  (Matthew 4: 4)
Jesus the Truth continues to humiliate the devil through His word.  Faith in the word of God releases the power of this promise.

Give Him thanks with a joyful voice

"A psalm of thanksgiving.
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song."  (Psalm 100: 1 - 2)

I thank you Father that I come to your presence with joy in my heart.  This is because of your constant goodness to me.  You forgive all my sins and give me a quiet conscience.  You heal me of all my ailments. You provide all my needs.  And you make me feel secure everywhere.  It is therefore just and fitting that I should serve you with gladness.

I will give you thanks constantly today with a joyful voice.

Deliverance from the power of darkness

"He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son."  (Colossians 1: 13)

Thank you Father for delivering us from the power of darkness where lies, fears, worries and doubts hold sway.  By God's mercy, we are translated into Kingdom of Christ where we enjoy faith, hope, love, peace, wisdom, humility, patience and courage.

I trust in the mercy of God forever.

Because he clings to me

Psalm 91:14-16

14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 52:8-9
8 But I am like a green olive tree
in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
forever and ever.
9 I will thank you forever,
because you have done it.
I will wait for your name, for it is good,
in the presence of the godly.

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Green olive tree

"But I, like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God,
I trust in God’s mercy forever and ever.
I will thank you forever
for what you have done.
I will put my hope in your name—for it is good,
—in the presence of those devoted to you."  (Psalm 52: 10 - 11)

I trust in the mercy of God forever.

The One Thing I Pray For

"One thing I ask of the LORD;
this I seek:
To dwell in the LORD’s house
all the days of my life,
To gaze on the LORD’s beauty,
to visit his temple."  (Psalm 27: 4)

The one thing that is necessary:

"But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness,* and all these things will be given you besides."  (Matthew 6: 33)

How to get that one thing:

"Wait for the LORD, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!"  (Psalm 27:  14)

The certainty of prayer:

"I believe I shall see the LORD’s goodness
in the land of the living."  (Psalm 27: 13)
 

He chose me and anointed me

"“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.m
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free."  (Luke 4: 18)

Is the Spirit of the Lord with me or not?
What are the evidences that He is with me?
What has He anointed me for?

Thank you Jesus for your gift of the Holy Spirit.  You promised.  You delivered.  May I never doubt that will fulfill every promise you made.

"I have chosen David, my servant;
with my holy oil I have anointed him.
My hand will be with him;l
my arm will make him strong."  (Psalm 89: 21 - 22)

"For judgment comes not from east or from west,
not from the wilderness or the mountains,
But from God who decides,
who brings some low and raises others high."  (Psalm 75: 7 - 8)

All promotions, all power and authority come from God.

The choice, the call and the anointing.

"He shall cry to me, ‘You are my father,
my God, the Rock of my salvation!’
I myself make him the firstborn,
Most High* over the kings of the earth."  (Psalm 89: 27 - 28)

How to overcome envy

2540 "Envy represents a form of sadness and therefore a refusal of charity; the baptized person should struggle against it by exercising good will. Envy often comes from pride; the baptized person should train himself to live in humility:

Would you like to see God glorified by you? Then rejoice in your brother's progress and you will immediately give glory to God. Because his servant could conquer envy by rejoicing in the merits of others, God will be praised."
(Catechism of the Catholic Church #2540)
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This Time & This Season

Acts 5:38-39

38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”

If this time and this season is from God,  that is,  if it is providential and not an accident, then nothing can overthrow it. (0901-2013)

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Humility 101

"He who humbles himself shall be exalted." —(Luke 14:11)

"After we humble ourselves, the Lord exalts us. Then, after He exalts us, we should humble ourselves all the more (Sir 3:18). The Lord then will exalt us again, and we should humble ourselves again, etc. This humbling and exaltation should go on throughout our entire lives as the Lord transforms us "from glory to glory into His very image by the Lord Who is the Spirit" (2 Cor 3:18).

Repeatedly, we are tempted to stop God's exaltation of us by refusing to take the lowest place (Lk 14:10), share our meals with the poor or handicapped (Lk 14:13), "associate with those who are lowly" (Rm 12:16), forgive our enemies, confess our sins, look like a fool for Christ (see 1 Cor 4:10), wash the feet of our brothers and sisters (see Jn 13:14), be persecuted for proclaiming the Gospel, take up the daily cross (Lk 9:23), etc. The Lord loves to exalt us. However, we must put ourselves back on the Lord's launching pad by repenting of not humbling ourselves, which thereby halts the Lord's exaltation of us. Where did the process stall out? Repent there. The Lord is eagerly waiting to resume exalting you because He loves you.

  Prayer: Father, I need to be both humbled and exalted. May I do the humbling myself so that You don't have to do it but can exalt me. Promise: "You should be pleased that they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid in the resurrection of the just." —Lk 14:14 Praise: Praise our risen Jesus, Who is meek and humble of heart! Alleluia!"
(Presentation Ministries)

How to please the Father

"This is the will of God, your holiness: that you refrain from immorality."  (1 Thessalonians 4: 3)

My God and Father, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  May your holy will be fully accomplished in me in every detail.  Father, this is what I want today.  But I trust in your grace to make it happen.  Fill me with your Holy Spirit.  Help me to surrender completely to Him.  With the Holy Spirit in full control, He will make me holy without any hindrance and enable your will to be fully accomplished in my life.

He must grow greater

"John's answer was: He must grow greater and I must grow less."  (John 3: 27, 30)

Jesus Christ praised John the Baptist in these glowing words:
"Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."  (Matthew 11: 11)

If John the Baptist, the greatest of all people wanted to grow less so that Christ Jesus would grow more in him, what then should I do?

Lord, help me by your grace to grow less so that you will grow more in me.

Perfect love drives out fear

"But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him."  (1 John 2: 5)

Lord Jesus, I want to keep your word.  I desire to keep all your commandments.  I also desire to fully accept all that you permit to happen to me.  I consent to your presence in me and I also consent to all that you want to accomplish in me, with me and for me.   I want to enjoy the grace of the present moment.  Grant me this grace, O Lord. 

Endure your trials with a smile

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials,
3for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.4And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  (James 1: 2 - 4)

The Choice, the Call, the Anointing

1 Thessalonians 2:4

"But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the gospel, that is how we speak, not as trying to please human beings, but rather God, who judges our hearts."

Below is a commentary from John Gills Exposition of the Bible:

"But as we were allowed of God
Or, "approved of God"; not that there were any previous fitness and worthiness in them to be ministers of the word; but such was the good will and pleasure of God, that he from all eternity chose and appointed them to this work; and in his own time by his grace called them to it, and by his gifts qualified them for it, who otherwise were unworthy of it, and insufficient for it. "

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Without Vision I Perish

Habakkuk 2:2-3
The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith

2 And the Lord answered me:

“Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so he may run who reads it.
3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time;
it hastens to the end—it will not lie.
If it seems slow, wait for it;
it will surely come; it will not delay."

Proverbs 3:3-4

3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man."

Habakkuk 2:2-3

My sheep hear my voice

"My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me."  (John 10: 27)

"Father, may everything we do begin with your inspiration and continue with your saving help.
Let our work always find its origin in you and through you reach completion.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever." (Morning Prayer, Monday of the 21st week in Ordinary Time)

Endure your trials as discipline

"Endure your trials as “discipline; God treats you as sons. For what son” is there whom his father does not discipline?"  (Hebrews 12: 7)

Dear Father, I still remember the joy I felt when I encountered the above scripture during my Desert 95 Experience.  I can now describe it with words I learned from Scott Hahn thus:  "Your word transformed  what would have been a "Roman execution to a sacrifice."  I felt I could accept a sacrifice because much good could come from a sacrifice.  Looking back at that experience, I can now say confidently, Thank you Father.

Your consoling words came to me again in the midst of another trial.  When I heard your words, I knew that all is well..  Father, I pray for the following gifts during this trial: faith, wisdom, understanding, humility, courage and peace.  I need the constant companion of your Holy Spirit during the duration of this trial.  Father, make haste to help me..

I believe in prayer

"The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth."  (Psalm 145: 18)

*I believe in prayer
*I believe in the word of God
* I believe in miracle
*I leave the rest to God

What does it mean to call upon the Lord? It means to cry out to the Lord in the time of distress for His help.  Such a cry is guaranteed to be heard.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord

"Blessed the one whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD, his God,
The maker of heaven and earth,
the seas and all that is in them,
Who keeps faith forever."  (Psalm 146: 5 - 6)

I look to you Lord for my help and my strength.  It makes me happy Father to know that you are forever faithful.  Your word is trustworthy.

"Blessed are those who trust in the LORD;
the LORD will be their trust.
They are like a tree planted beside the waters
that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It does not fear heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress,
but still produces fruit."  (Jeremiah 17: 7 - 8)

My God, what beautiful words you have for us in Jeremiah 17: 7 - 8.  It fills my soul with joy.  Who will not want to put 100% trust in you?  Such a person will be the most foolish as your Prophet Jeremiah says.  As for myself, I put 100% trust in you.  Father, do not allow anything to tempt me from this position.

Joy of belief

Luke 1:45 45
"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

 Below is a commentary on part of the above verse from John Gills Exposition of the Bible :

 "These words may be considered, either as the subject matter of her faith, and be rendered in connection with the former, thus, "blessed is she that believed, that there shall be a performance, ", being fully persuaded, that what the angel had told her, concerning the conception and birth of a son, concerning his name, and the greatness of his person, and the nature, extent, and duration of his kingdom, should be certainly and punctually fulfilled; or as a reason of her happiness, because there should be a sure accomplishment of them. Whatever God has spoken to any of his people, whether it be with respect to things temporal, spiritual, or eternal, shall be performed; as may be strongly concluded from the veracity of God, who cannot lie; and from his power, who is able to do all things; and from his faithfulness, which he will never suffer to fail; and from instances, and matters of fact; from the experience of the saints in all ages, who know, and are conscious to themselves, that not one of the good things the Lord God has spoken to them, has ever failed, but that all have come to pass;" see ( Joshua 23:14 ) .

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Productivity - moment by moment

"All our moments are made productive by obedience to the will of God, which reveals itself in a thousand different ways, each of which successively becomes our immediate duty." (John-Pierre Caussade, SJ)

The word of God is effective

"Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart"  (Hebrews 4: 12)

What is the word of God?  It is not a thing.  It is a person.  The word of God is Jesus Christ.  He is alive, very effective and sharper than a two-edged sword.

Jesus Christ, the word of God is the truth, the way and the life.

I believe in prayer
I believe in the word of God
I believe in miracle
I leave the rest to God

No Impossibility

"Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”  (Matthew 19: 26)

Lord, grant me the grace to recognize your will in things that I cannot change.  Instead of kicking the goad, may I come to you in confident prayer to help me.  I have come to learn and believe that all things are possible for you.

"I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me."  (Philippians 4: 13)

• I believe in prayer
• I believe in the word of God
• I believe in miracle
• I leave the rest to God

Terrible Distress

"The anger of the LORD flared up against Israel, and he delivered them into the power of plunderers who despoiled them. He sold them into the power of the enemies around them, and they were no longer able to withstand their enemies.
Whenever they marched out, the hand of the LORD turned against them, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn to them;f and they were in great distress."  (Judges 2: 14 - 15)

The people of Israel rejected the hand of friendship that God extended to them.   God in turn temporary rejected them.  They gained nothing but empty promises from the gods of the people surrounding them.  They lost the promises of God's mercy and love.  Concretely, they lost the promises of pardon, peace, power, purpose, presence, protection and provision.  These promises are enjoyed by the elect.

I like the brief commentary below from the Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Judges 2: 14

"4. the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them--Adversities in close and rapid succession befell them. But all these calamities were designed only as chastisements--a course of correctional discipline by which God brought His people to see and repent of their errors; for as they returned to faith and allegiance. He "raised up judges" ( Judges 2:16 ).

The Grace of the Present Moment

"The duties of each moment are shadows which hide the action of the divine will.
The angel told Mary:  "The power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow" (Luke 1: 35).  Now this shadow is whatever duty, temptation, or trial that every moment presents to us.  It is exactly like those natural shadows which veil and hide objects from our sight.  These ever-present duties conceal the fact that they are expressions of the divine will.............

But what was the bread that nourished the faith of Mary and Joseph?  It was the sacrament of the moment.  But what did they experience beneath an existence apparently filled with nothing but humdrum happenings?  On the surface it was similar to everyone around them, but faith, piercing the superficialities, disclosed that God was accomplishing very great things."
(Abandonment to Divine Providence, by Jean-Pierre de Caussade, SJ)

The Sacrament of the Present Moment

"God speaks to every individual through what happens to them moment by moment. The events of each moment are stamped with the will of God...we find all that is necessary in the present moment." (John-Pierre Caussade, SJ)

Choose whom you will serve

“Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve him completely and sincerely. Cast out the gods your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
If it is displeasing to you to serve the LORD, choose today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”  (Joshua 24: 14 - 15)

In his last testament, Joshua admonished the Israelites to serve the Lord "completely and sincerely." These are two strong adverbs.  An adverb qualifies an adjective.  The adjective "complete" means total, 100%, full.   I looked up "completely and sincerely" in other translations and found the following:

"with all faithfulness", "wholeheartedly", "in sincerity and faithfulness", "in sincerity and truth", "in faithfulness and truth", "with integrity and loyalty", "with integrity and faithfulness", "with a perfect and most sincere heart", "in perfectness and in truth", "in perfection and in truth".

Does it matter which word or synonym is used to cover biblical truth?  It matters a great deal.  Different words impact us differently.  A synonym of a word used in our standard text and version may be what nails in the message.  For me the message in Joshua 24: 14 is this:
It is God's will for me to serve Him with 100% of my heart, mind, will and body; of my time, talent, treasure.  Plus all my weaknesses.  Impossible?  Not at all!

"I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me."  (Philippians 4:13) 

Unfailing Providence of God

" Commit every particle of your being in all things, down to the smallest details of your life, eagerly and with perfect trust to the unfailing and most sure providence of God" (St Albert the Great)

Sacred memory and faith

Psalm 136:1
His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

136:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

God's mercy is not a one time wonder!  What God has done once He can and will do again!
Remember God's blessings.

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God so loved the world

John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 19:33-34
33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.

St. Thomas More Church Sanctuary

"Family of Families"  - Check out the Church when you are in Houston Texas.

Isaiah 40:30-31

30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint."

Trust God forever as your Rock!

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The Second Coming

HIS SECOND COMING

  "It will go well with those servants whom the Master finds wide-awake on His return." —Luke 12:37  
We are often more out of touch with reality than in touch with it. For instance, many people "live in fear" (Lk 12:32) although the Lord has assured us 365 times in the Bible that we need not fear. Moreover, many people are so insecure that they think they will starve to death if they sell what they have and give alms (see Lk 12:33). They're not sure their heavenly Father will provide their "daily bread" (Mt 6:11). Furthermore, some people pretend they'll live forever. They try not to think about their deaths and the world's end. We all are inclined to get out of touch with reality.

The Lord has given us a very effective "reality check" to keep us from becoming "spaced out." The awareness that Jesus may come back at any time and bring everything to an end helps us be realistic. For instance, our fears about the things of this world fade into the background when we realize this world can pass away at any time. Also, when we are aware of the possible, imminent, and final return of Jesus, we don't hold onto our money as if it were a god. In the light of Jesus' coming, we realize that we better learn to trust our heavenly Father. We are even at peace with death because we realize the risen, glorified, and returning Christ has conquered death and taken away its sting (see 1 Cor 15:54-55). Because Jesus may return at any moment, we can live this moment and any others in touch with reality.

  Prayer: Maranatha! "Come, Lord Jesus" — today! (Rv 22:20) Promise: "Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see." —Heb 11:1 Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus! You welcome those who trust in You! All praise to You forever!   (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, , or our four-tape audio series starting with or two-tape video series starting with .)  
  Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant my permission to publish One Bread, One Body covering the period from August 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013.

Planted by Water

Jeremiah 17:7-8

7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

The Way of the Cross

Matthew 16:24-25
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

"Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and all my will, all that I have and possess. You have given them to me; to you, O Lord, I restore them; all things are yours, dispose of them according to your will. Give me your love and your grace, for this is enough for me." (Prayer of Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)

Built on solid rock

"And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it."  (Matthew 16: 18)

Matthew 16: 18 is the words of Jesus Christ.  It is also a prophecy.  It is one of the prophecies in the Gospels that proves the Gospel's authenticity.  Put briefly, Jesus Christ says that the Church can never fail come what may!  The question is:  Has the Church failed?  The answer is obvious.  St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is built over the tomb of St. Peter, the Apostle who was addressed in Matthew 16:18.  Pope Francis, the present Bishop of Rome is a successor of St. Peter in a long line of unbroken succession that numbers about 265 popes since St. Peter.

In the 2000 years history of the Church, the Church had faced many near death experiences.  For over 250 years, the Church lived through a period of relentless persecution by the Roman empire.  The Roman empire became defunct and extinct just like other empires in the West and in the East.

The devil, the arch enemy of the Church attacks the Church not only from the outside but also from the inside with schisms, scandals, heresies, fratricidal wars, etc.  The Church is still standing.  Many governments had risen and fallen and forgotten by history.  What makes the Church different?  The Church has no army, no police force, no large mineral resources or gold mines. The Church has faced dire financial crisis.  But the Church is standing.

The reason why the Church is still standing inspite very severe crisis in its history is the promise of Jesus:
"And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it."  (Matthew 16: 18)

No army, no financial crisis, no scandal, no apostasy can nullify the promise.  It is a promise built on solid and immovable rock and that rock is Jesus Christ.

Serenity Prayer

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time.
Enjoying one moment at a time.
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace.
Taking as He did, this sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it.
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His will.
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him forever.
(Reinhold Niebuhr)

Listen! Understand! Act!

Luke 9:35

“This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”

Psalm 95:7, 8
'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."

John 2:5
" His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you”

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How God provides His man

"He said in reply, “It is written:
‘One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God."  (Matthew 4: 4)

How does God support His man?
Not by bread alone.  Since God is not only God but Father, He is first and foremost a provider.  Unlike the human father, He has no limitations as to how, what, where and when of His provision.  He created the human person and therefore knows what he needs.

Man also does not live by money alone.  Money is only a means of exchange.  God can choose to provide directly what we need and bypass money altogether.  God's perennial and pervasive ability to provide whatever we need, when we need, the amount we need and where we need can only be poorly compared to a universal and unlimited credit card.  The main point of difference is that while the plastic card is an inanimate unthinking thing, God is pure thought Himself.  He knows exactly what we need, how much, when and where we need it.  And He is always able to satisfy all our needs big or small.  Read below how He taught this lesson:

"What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?
Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?
If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"  (Luke 11: 11 - 13)

God is not a wicked Father.  He knows what we need and would never give us a snake for a fish or a scorpion for an egg.

When He instructs us to pray, "Give us each day our daily bread" (Luke 11: 3), He is teaching us two lessons:  First, Prayer is the efficient cause of answer and secondly, He wants us to trust completely in Him for our provision.  One day at a time.  Because this is the most efficient means of supply and living.  If you do not wake up the next morning, you need a coffin and not bread.

Is all truly vanity?

"Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth,
vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!"  (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

" 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)

What is happiness?

I like the answer below from the Catechism of the Catholic Church #1723:

1723 The beatitude we are promised confronts us with decisive moral choices. It invites us to purify our hearts of bad instincts and to seek the love of God above all else. It teaches us that true happiness is not found in riches or well-being, in human fame or power, or in any human achievement - however beneficial it may be - such as science, technology, and art, or indeed in any creature, but in God alone, the source of every good and of all love:

All bow down before wealth. Wealth is that to which the multitude of men pay an instinctive homage. They measure happiness by wealth; and by wealth they measure respectability. . . . It is a homage resulting from a profound faith . . . that with wealth he may do all things. Wealth is one idol of the day and notoriety is a second. . . . Notoriety, or the making of a noise in the world - it may be called "newspaper fame" - has come to be considered a great good in itself, and a ground of veneration.

Do you measure happiness by wealth?

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Vanity of vanities

Ecclesiastes 1:2
"Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,vanity of vanities! All is vanity."

" 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)

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Let your face shine upon me

"May God be gracious to us and bless us;
may his face shine upon us.
So shall your way be known upon the earth,
your victory among all the nations."  (Psalm 67: 1 - 2)

Why did my heart latch onto this word as my scripture verse for today?  Because  this phrase   "His face shine upon us" catches my attention always and everywhere.  I noticed this phrase several years ago from the liturgy of the first of January, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.  The word is contained in the first reading for the solemn Mass, the priestly blessing from Numbers 6:

"The LORD said to Moses:
Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them:
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!"  (Numbers 6: 22 - 26)

I appropriated the blessing then and had repeated it in my own words before I leave my home.

Again, I find the same phrase coming after my favorite Psalm 31:16 in Psalm 31: 17:

"My destiny is in your hands;
rescue me from my enemies,
from the hands of my pursuers.

Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your mercy."  (Psalm 31: 16 - 17)

We find it also in that great Psalm that extols the word of God, Psalm 119.

"Let your face shine upon your servant;
teach me your statutes."  (Psalm 119: 135)

With all the above, it is hardly surprising that I would jump on the phrase when I encountered it this morning.   I pray to Christ every time I leave my home thus, "Let your face shine upon me graciously and grant me abundant mercy, peace and prosperity.  Protect me from all evil and  anxiety.  Bless and protect Casa."  After this prayer, I always step out with confidence.

The Carpenter's Son

“Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?"  (Matthew 13: 54)

Where do we get the wisdom and power to share the word of God?  We get the wisdom from the Holy Spirit.  He is the best Teacher.  He gives us words and vocabulary suited to our audience.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:

"1845 The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon Christians are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord."

"When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
 for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes."  (Matthew 7: 28 - 29) 

Jesus taught and performed mighty deeds in the power of the Holy Spirit.  With the Holy Spirit firmly in control of our ministry, our performance will always be in line with the measure of God's gifts to us.

EXACTLY

"Moses did exactly as the Lord had commanded him." (Exodus 40: 16) Why is my pain continuous? Seekfirst.blogspot.com

Diamond is forever

"When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it."  (Matthew 13: 46)

Diamond is forever.
Jesus Christ is the pure DIAMOND.
I found the real Pearl and not counterfeit.
All that you need is the Holy Spirit.  He is the one thing that is necessary.

O Lord Jesus Christ, you are all that I have.  Do not allow me to have a buyer's remorse.

Lord come to my house

"As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him."  (Luke 10: 38)

Lord come to my house.

"“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me."  (Revelation 3: 20)

Lord, the door is always open for you.  Do not stand at the door.  No need to knock.  Come right in.

"The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed."  (Matthew 8: 8)

Your word O Lord is sufficient.  You exalted your name and your word above everything.  I rely on your word.  It is all that I have.  I have no Plan B.  I have no Alternative.  You are all that I have, O lord.

He answered me

"I thank you, Lord, with all my heart;
in the presence of the angels to you I sing.
I bow low toward your holy temple;
I praise your name for your mercy and faithfulness.
For you have exalted over all
your name and your promise.
On the day I cried out, you answered;
you strengthened my spirit."  (Psalm 138: 1 - 3)