You may have been through some disappointments, you may have tried and failed or things didn't work out. That's okay. We serve a God of restoration. It's time to get a new vision for your life. It's time to open yourself to a new way of thinking so that you can move forward and receive all the blessings God has in store for you!
Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Jude 17, 20b-25
Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6
Mark 11:27-33 And they came again to Jerusalem . And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, "By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?" 29 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you a question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me." 31 And they argued with one another, "If we say, `From heaven,' he will say, `Why then did you not believe him?' 32 But shall we say, `From men'?" -- they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
Meditation by Don Schwager
Do you accept the authority of God’s word and submit to it with trust and obedience? Many religious leaders took offense at Jesus because they could not accept his authority. After Jesus had dramatically cleansed the temple of the traders and money-changers the Jewish leaders question Jesus to trap him. If he says his authority is divine they will charge him with blasphemy. If he has done this on his own authority they might well arrest him as a mad zealot before he could do more damage. Jesus, seeing through their trap, poses a question to them and makes their answer a condition for his answer. Did they accept the work of John the Baptist as divine or human? If they accepted John’s work as divine, they would be compelled to accept Jesus as the Messiah. They dodged the question because they were unwilling to face the truth. They did not accept the Baptist and they would not accept Jesus as their Messiah. Jesus told his disciples that “the truth will make you free” (John 8:31). Do you know the joy and freedom of living according to God's word of truth?
“Lord Jesus, your word is life and truth. Instruct my heart that I may grow in the knowledge of your truth and live according to your word”.
Supplementary Reading
A New Way of Thinking
"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins". Mark 2:22
Are you ready for increase? Are you ready to go to the next level spiritually, physically and emotionally? In today's verse, Jesus is basically saying that you can't go to a new level with an old way of thinking.
I've found that many people hear the truth that God has more in store for them, and something resonates on the inside. Their spirit comes into agreement with God. But often times, their natural minds will try to talk them out it. Thoughts come like, "It's not going to happen for you. You're not going to have a great year. You know what the economy is like." Or, "You're never going to get well. You saw what the medical report said." "You're never going to get married. You've been single so long."
Friend, those are the old wineskins that you have to get rid of. This is a new season. What's happened in the past is over and done. You may have been through some disappointments, you may have tried and failed or things didn't work out. That's okay. We serve a God of restoration. It's time to get a new vision for your life. It's time to open yourself to a new way of thinking so that you can move forward and receive all the blessings God has in store for you!
Father in heaven, today I choose to get rid of old wineskins. I choose to release old thinking, old habits, and anything that would keep me from Your best. Strengthen me by Your Spirit so that I can live my life in a way that pleases You. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel & Victoria Osteen)
For archive of previous Daily Meditaiton postings, pls visit http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
Live EL SHADDAI radio program: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
May 28, 2010 - Friday Meditation (Move Past your Mountain!)
You've been where you are long enough. God is saying, "This is a new day. Get your fire back. Where you are is not where you're supposed to stay." If you'll be determined to move past your mountain, He will lead you and empower you to live in favor and blessing in every area of your life!
Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
1 Peter 4:7-13
Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13
Mark 11:11-26 And he entered Jerusalem , and went into the temple; and when he had looked round at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. 12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany , he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it. 15 And they came to Jerusalem . And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons; 16 and he would not allow any one to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he taught, and said to them, "Is it not written, `My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and sought a way to destroy him; for they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city. 20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, "Master, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered." 22 And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses"
Meditation by Deb Fortina
1 Peter 4:7-13 “…Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ…”
Psalm 96: 10, 11-12, 13 “…The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity…”
Mark 11: 11-26 “… Peter remembered and said to him,“Rabbi look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him.’…”
St. Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes, (1614-1645) Born in Quito Ecuador, the youngest of eight, both her parents were aristocrats, but they died when she was young and so she grew up under the care of her oldest sister and her husband, where she later lived as a hermit. Many websites speak of a phenomenon displayed in the sky at her birth which signaled the type of Faith life she would lead. She became a Third Order Franciscan after being refused entrance into a religious order. She was able to work many miracles, with the sign of the cross or by sprinkling holy water. She was tremendously at the service of our Lord, in constant prayer and living on the daily Eucharist she received. She publicly offered her life to spare Quito from a large plague that had hit the city, and died shortly after. She is the patron saint of Ecuador , the Americas , people who aren’t accepted into religious orders, or who have lost their parents, as well as sick people.
It’s not that I don’t believe God’s Word, but lately the readings have pointed out to me how much I take my Faith for granted. From today’s reading in 1st Peter, I was surprised to see the parallel to today. He was talking to the people and telling them not to be surprised at the trial by fire they were experiencing. Earlier in the day, I had heard a guy on the radio saying that through suffering comes purification. And I thought about the sex abuse scandals, and how there is much suffering on both sides of that issue. And then Peter says we should rejoice when we suffer, because we can join with Christ in His sufferings. And the saying I’ve heard all my life began to make so much sense to me, the one about offering our suffering up. I’ve always thought, no I just want the suffering to end. But, really we suffer a little everyday, and sometimes we suffer a lot. It’s happening everyday. When we hear of someone who is ill, or is about to die, we suffer. Through the advancements in communication, we know what is happening to everyone of us anywhere in the world, and we’re all connected to each other. We can’t really escape suffering, and so the reading today really helped me understand the words said over and over throughout my life to unite our suffering with Christ, and if finally made sense. If you’re going to suffer, how much more powerful than to concede the feeling or pain and offer it up to the Lord to be used to bring about some good. It’s almost like it s not wasted, but can be converted for some good.
And, Mark’s Gospel had Jesus overturning the money changer’s tables and reminding them of an earlier prophecy, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples? But you have made it a den of thieves.” And then he gives us some incite into the strength of our Faith when he tells the Apostles they can move a mountain into the sea, if when they pray, they believe it will happen. This really made me stop and think about how firmly I believe when I ask for something. When I really want something, I always say Thy will be done. But, Jesus said, first “forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions”. I’m pretty sure I haven’t considered that step in my prayer requests.
Lord I’m thankful for learning about the life of Mary Ann of Paredes; and for your wonderful teaching on Faith during these Ordinary Times….Amen
Supplementary Reading
Move Past Your Mountain
"…you have stayed long enough at this mountain" - (Duet 1:6, NIV)
Let me ask you, do you go out each day knowing that favor is already in your future? Or have you gotten stuck in a rut staring at a mountain of disappointment, setbacks or difficulty?
That's what happened to the people of Israel . They were headed toward their promised land. They had big goals and big dreams, but along the way they hit some setbacks and had some disappointments. They got so discouraged that they gave up on their dreams and just settled where they were. One day God said to them, "You have dwelt long enough on this mountain." He was saying, "It's time to move past this and embrace the blessing in your future."
I believe God is saying that to each one of us today. You've been where you are long enough. God is saying, "This is a new day. Get your fire back. Where you are is not where you're supposed to stay." If you'll be determined to move past your mountain, He will lead you and empower you to live in favor and blessing in every area of your life!
Heavenly Father, I give to You every area of my heart. I give You my questions, my disappointments, my doubts and fears. I choose to trade my sorrow for Your joy. I choose to press past my mountains so I can embrace the promises You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel & Victoria Osteen)
For archive of previous Daily Meditaiton postings, pls visit http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
Live EL SHADDAI radio program: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
1 Peter 4:7-13
Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13
Mark 11:11-26 And he entered Jerusalem , and went into the temple; and when he had looked round at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. 12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany , he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it. 15 And they came to Jerusalem . And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons; 16 and he would not allow any one to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he taught, and said to them, "Is it not written, `My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and sought a way to destroy him; for they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city. 20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, "Master, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered." 22 And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses"
Meditation by Deb Fortina
1 Peter 4:7-13 “…Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ…”
Psalm 96: 10, 11-12, 13 “…The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity…”
Mark 11: 11-26 “… Peter remembered and said to him,“Rabbi look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him.’…”
St. Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes, (1614-1645) Born in Quito Ecuador, the youngest of eight, both her parents were aristocrats, but they died when she was young and so she grew up under the care of her oldest sister and her husband, where she later lived as a hermit. Many websites speak of a phenomenon displayed in the sky at her birth which signaled the type of Faith life she would lead. She became a Third Order Franciscan after being refused entrance into a religious order. She was able to work many miracles, with the sign of the cross or by sprinkling holy water. She was tremendously at the service of our Lord, in constant prayer and living on the daily Eucharist she received. She publicly offered her life to spare Quito from a large plague that had hit the city, and died shortly after. She is the patron saint of Ecuador , the Americas , people who aren’t accepted into religious orders, or who have lost their parents, as well as sick people.
It’s not that I don’t believe God’s Word, but lately the readings have pointed out to me how much I take my Faith for granted. From today’s reading in 1st Peter, I was surprised to see the parallel to today. He was talking to the people and telling them not to be surprised at the trial by fire they were experiencing. Earlier in the day, I had heard a guy on the radio saying that through suffering comes purification. And I thought about the sex abuse scandals, and how there is much suffering on both sides of that issue. And then Peter says we should rejoice when we suffer, because we can join with Christ in His sufferings. And the saying I’ve heard all my life began to make so much sense to me, the one about offering our suffering up. I’ve always thought, no I just want the suffering to end. But, really we suffer a little everyday, and sometimes we suffer a lot. It’s happening everyday. When we hear of someone who is ill, or is about to die, we suffer. Through the advancements in communication, we know what is happening to everyone of us anywhere in the world, and we’re all connected to each other. We can’t really escape suffering, and so the reading today really helped me understand the words said over and over throughout my life to unite our suffering with Christ, and if finally made sense. If you’re going to suffer, how much more powerful than to concede the feeling or pain and offer it up to the Lord to be used to bring about some good. It’s almost like it s not wasted, but can be converted for some good.
And, Mark’s Gospel had Jesus overturning the money changer’s tables and reminding them of an earlier prophecy, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples? But you have made it a den of thieves.” And then he gives us some incite into the strength of our Faith when he tells the Apostles they can move a mountain into the sea, if when they pray, they believe it will happen. This really made me stop and think about how firmly I believe when I ask for something. When I really want something, I always say Thy will be done. But, Jesus said, first “forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions”. I’m pretty sure I haven’t considered that step in my prayer requests.
Lord I’m thankful for learning about the life of Mary Ann of Paredes; and for your wonderful teaching on Faith during these Ordinary Times….Amen
Supplementary Reading
Move Past Your Mountain
"…you have stayed long enough at this mountain" - (Duet 1:6, NIV)
Let me ask you, do you go out each day knowing that favor is already in your future? Or have you gotten stuck in a rut staring at a mountain of disappointment, setbacks or difficulty?
That's what happened to the people of Israel . They were headed toward their promised land. They had big goals and big dreams, but along the way they hit some setbacks and had some disappointments. They got so discouraged that they gave up on their dreams and just settled where they were. One day God said to them, "You have dwelt long enough on this mountain." He was saying, "It's time to move past this and embrace the blessing in your future."
I believe God is saying that to each one of us today. You've been where you are long enough. God is saying, "This is a new day. Get your fire back. Where you are is not where you're supposed to stay." If you'll be determined to move past your mountain, He will lead you and empower you to live in favor and blessing in every area of your life!
Heavenly Father, I give to You every area of my heart. I give You my questions, my disappointments, my doubts and fears. I choose to trade my sorrow for Your joy. I choose to press past my mountains so I can embrace the promises You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel & Victoria Osteen)
For archive of previous Daily Meditaiton postings, pls visit http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
Live EL SHADDAI radio program: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
May 26, 2010 - Wednesday Meditation (He Will Fill You!)
When I think of being filled, I think of being satisfied. I think of having more than enough to meet my needs so that I can be a blessing to others. But it all starts with our level of expectancy.
Memorial of St. Philip Neri
1 Peter 1:18-25
Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Mark 10:32-45 32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem , and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; 34 and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." 35 And James and John, the sons of Zeb'edee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." 36 And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" 37 And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." 38 But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" 39 And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Meditation by Maryanne Rouse
Feast of St Philip Neri, Priest (1515-1595)
St. Philip Neri, for me a familiar name and not just because there is a Catholic parish here in Omaha named for him. My faith roots began with my Baptism at St. Philip Neri in Chicago . Because we moved from that area just before I went to kindergarten, I was never a student in the parish school.
Just for fun, I checked the internet and discovered that the parish is still going and the school has grown into an education center for that area of Chicago , south and very near Lake Michigan .
I appreciate the prompting to check and see what has happened to a piece of my history that this reflection assignment spurred. Strangely comforting, to find it intact and even having thrived over the decades.
Philip Neri came from Florence , but moved on from there to Rome to study theology and pursue a life of ministry to God. Among the friends he met was St. Ignatius where though he did not become a Companion, he did send others toward that Company of Jesus.
At the age of nearly 30, Philip was counseled to become a priest, though humility had kept him from this path until then. After ordination, he took to the counseling of young men and heard confessions several hours per day. What appeared to fortify him throughout his life was his ability to take himself and others lightly.
I found this prayer and pass it on to you as worth our consideration:
“Saint Philip Neri, we take ourselves far too seriously most of the time. Help us to add humor to our perspective -- remembering always that humor is a gift from God. Amen”
In today’s Gospel, James and John seek the most prominent places next to Christ in heaven, to be seated on his right and left sides. And as some of my older relatives would have said “Imagine! With Him not yet cold in His grave!” The other apostles, upon hearing this became indignant, which provided Jesus with the teachable moment of explaining “servant leadership,” His way of leading and required for those who would follow Him.
Not an easy concept or practice, but perhaps when sprinkled with a dose of Philip’s humor a little more attractive. Perhaps today, we can intend to be aware of the opportunities for exercising a style of servant leadership as our day progresses and see how we and others engage this style—or not.
Remember, though, with a light touch!
Supplementary Reading
He Will Fill You
"'…My people will be filled with My bounty,' declares the LORD" - Jeremiah 31:14
When I think of being filled, I think of being satisfied. I think of having more than enough to meet my needs so that I can be a blessing to others. But it all starts with our level of expectancy. My question for you today is what are you believing for? What are you expecting? You might say, "Well, Joel. I don't think I'll ever meet my sales goals this year with the economy like it is." Or, "I don't think I'll ever get promoted. I'm not that qualified." "I don't think I'll ever get well." The problem is you're not looking for those good breaks. You're not expecting increase. You're not positioning yourself for God to fill you, and unfortunately, you won't be disappointed. Jesus said in the scriptures, "According to your faith it will be done unto you." He might as well have said, "If you've got a cup, I'll fill you with a cup level of blessing. If you've got a bucket, I'll fill you with a bucket level of blessing." But if you'll take the limits off of God and believe for supernatural opportunities, if you'll go out each day expecting far and beyond favor, you won't be disappointed. He will fill you and satisfy you with His goodness and show His favor in ways beyond your wildest dreams!
Father God, thank You for blessing me so that I can be a blessing to others. Today, I choose to open my heart and mind to You and expect that You will fill me with Your bounty. I choose to take the limits off my thinking so that You can have Your way in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel & Victoria Osteen)
For archive of previous Daily Meditaiton postings, pls visit http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
Live EL SHADDAI radio program: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
Memorial of St. Philip Neri
1 Peter 1:18-25
Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Mark 10:32-45 32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem , and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; 34 and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." 35 And James and John, the sons of Zeb'edee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." 36 And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" 37 And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." 38 But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" 39 And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Meditation by Maryanne Rouse
Feast of St Philip Neri, Priest (1515-1595)
St. Philip Neri, for me a familiar name and not just because there is a Catholic parish here in Omaha named for him. My faith roots began with my Baptism at St. Philip Neri in Chicago . Because we moved from that area just before I went to kindergarten, I was never a student in the parish school.
Just for fun, I checked the internet and discovered that the parish is still going and the school has grown into an education center for that area of Chicago , south and very near Lake Michigan .
I appreciate the prompting to check and see what has happened to a piece of my history that this reflection assignment spurred. Strangely comforting, to find it intact and even having thrived over the decades.
Philip Neri came from Florence , but moved on from there to Rome to study theology and pursue a life of ministry to God. Among the friends he met was St. Ignatius where though he did not become a Companion, he did send others toward that Company of Jesus.
At the age of nearly 30, Philip was counseled to become a priest, though humility had kept him from this path until then. After ordination, he took to the counseling of young men and heard confessions several hours per day. What appeared to fortify him throughout his life was his ability to take himself and others lightly.
I found this prayer and pass it on to you as worth our consideration:
“Saint Philip Neri, we take ourselves far too seriously most of the time. Help us to add humor to our perspective -- remembering always that humor is a gift from God. Amen”
In today’s Gospel, James and John seek the most prominent places next to Christ in heaven, to be seated on his right and left sides. And as some of my older relatives would have said “Imagine! With Him not yet cold in His grave!” The other apostles, upon hearing this became indignant, which provided Jesus with the teachable moment of explaining “servant leadership,” His way of leading and required for those who would follow Him.
Not an easy concept or practice, but perhaps when sprinkled with a dose of Philip’s humor a little more attractive. Perhaps today, we can intend to be aware of the opportunities for exercising a style of servant leadership as our day progresses and see how we and others engage this style—or not.
Remember, though, with a light touch!
Supplementary Reading
He Will Fill You
"'…My people will be filled with My bounty,' declares the LORD" - Jeremiah 31:14
When I think of being filled, I think of being satisfied. I think of having more than enough to meet my needs so that I can be a blessing to others. But it all starts with our level of expectancy. My question for you today is what are you believing for? What are you expecting? You might say, "Well, Joel. I don't think I'll ever meet my sales goals this year with the economy like it is." Or, "I don't think I'll ever get promoted. I'm not that qualified." "I don't think I'll ever get well." The problem is you're not looking for those good breaks. You're not expecting increase. You're not positioning yourself for God to fill you, and unfortunately, you won't be disappointed. Jesus said in the scriptures, "According to your faith it will be done unto you." He might as well have said, "If you've got a cup, I'll fill you with a cup level of blessing. If you've got a bucket, I'll fill you with a bucket level of blessing." But if you'll take the limits off of God and believe for supernatural opportunities, if you'll go out each day expecting far and beyond favor, you won't be disappointed. He will fill you and satisfy you with His goodness and show His favor in ways beyond your wildest dreams!
Father God, thank You for blessing me so that I can be a blessing to others. Today, I choose to open my heart and mind to You and expect that You will fill me with Your bounty. I choose to take the limits off my thinking so that You can have Your way in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel & Victoria Osteen)
For archive of previous Daily Meditaiton postings, pls visit http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/
Live EL SHADDAI radio program: http://www.eradioportal.com/index.php?p=2&aid=1&sid=50&tid=1
GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
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