Devotion
The Kingdom is near, the Kingdom is here!
David Jacobs
It is easy to get wrapped up in the hustle-and-bustle of our daily lives: Work, school, spouses, children, finances. There are so many things that seem to require our attention that is often easy to neglect that which is most important: our relationship with God. I often take God's love for granted, coming to Him when I need and not when He needs. I need to remember what the Kingdom of Heaven is truly about.
Above all, our surrender to the will of God and God's desire to bring us healing, peace, victory, and salvation are central to the Kingdom of Heaven. How can surrender be victory? Think about the teachings of the gospels: is surrender and faith in God not the central teaching of Jesus? These verses serve to remind us about our vital roles during our time on earth. We have a responsibility to one another, to believers and non-believers, to act in accordance with God's word. We owe a debt to all of humanity, a debt of love and service, and God asks that we do not judge those that will not receive us. When we surrender to God, we soon realize that the Kingdom of Heaven is not just waiting for us, it is already all around us. Thanks be to God.
Prayer
Blessed Father, I ask your forgiveness for not fully surrendering to you at times. I have blocked the Kingdom of Heaven at times from fully being realized in my heart and mind. Lord, with these words I hope that I can come a bit closer to you, a bit closer to the Kingdom of Heaven, and a bit closer to my fellow man. Help me not to judge others that are struggling with this same battle, merciful Father, and grant me the wisdom, like St. Barnabus, to give generously for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel. I pray all of this in your name, my Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Amen.
Devotion
Resurrection
Frances Taylor
Doubt is normal. It was there in Paul's time and it exists today. Maybe it is more prevalent today than it was in Paul's time because there are so many people trying to discourage people from belief in God. The pagans of Paul's time believed in gods, they just didn't all know God. Today many claim that there is no God. They believe that scientists will soon be able to explain everything about how the world was created and answer any other question we might have. See, no need for God! And if there is no God then no heaven and no resurrection. If this is true then why bother depriving ourselves of all the pleasures we can get just because Christianity says love of God and of others should come first. But, there were too many people who witnessed Jesus after his resurrection. Too many people who were willing to die for the sake of Jesus and his teaching. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't die for a lie. And I doubt that they would either. So, as ...
Morning Prayer
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Inspiration
Today, temptation and the false path is often confused with salvation, which comes in many forms and guises. This 'salvation' may for some include the diversions of drugs, sex, idolatries, consumption, or in the form of false prophets offering quick fixes. Often, the worst perpetrator may even be ourselves once we forget God is in the driving seat. Thus, it is only through Christ's divination that we may understand true and everlasting salvation in the eyes of our heavenly father. It is only with our faith in the Lord, and not in oneself or other false prophets, that we may find grace.
Prayer
Our Lord in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, and hallowed be the sacrament between man and your majesty. Lead me not into the temptations of false salvation, or to heed and follow the words of lost prophets. Help me find the courage to ...
Night Prayer
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Inspiration
We are confident regarding our salvation and eternal life, no matter what evil afflicts us. Paul knew he would die soon and was not concerned because he had hope in the promise of salvation and saw nothing but gain in the details of God's plan for His life. We experience many hardships in this earthly life and continue to praise God. We understand that He loves us unconditionally and trust His wisdom regarding each moment we've been gifted here on earth.
Prayer
Dear God, we praise You during our struggles because we have faith in Your plan. We will continue to trust Your wisdom all the days of our life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
