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If Hope goes it alone, it ought to be called presumption, which is the highway to ruin.

October 31, 2008

The Words of Jesus of Nazareth
The Great Commission

Truly, it is a fire that I have come to bring upon the earth. How I long to see it ablaze! Did you imagine that I had come to bring peace and tranquility? No, I tell you, I have come to spread division! From now on, there will be five in one house, divided as to what they should believe, three against two, and two against three. When you are confronted by the world's hatred, remember how it hated me before your time. And when they persecute you in one place, move on to the next. You will not have reached all the peoples of the world before the Messiah returns. If a city refuses to accept you or heed your message, shake the dust of that city from your feet as you depart. In the final day of judgment, it will have been better to be from the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than from such a place.
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Abba, Father, Lord God, grateful and aware; learning how to keep a thankful and humble mind and heart in all things, in all times, in whatever way I maybe passing through for I know the feeling of walking in the Words of Jesus by the Spirit and the closeness I feel to You. Ready and expecting Him to convict me and when needed bring me back to the foot of the Cross in His presence whether by leaving my gift at the altar to go and reconcile with those I have an issue with, or by shaking the dust from my feet as I move on in the Spirit with faith, hope and in love. This realization that I have come to know through feeling the presence and oneness with You in Jesus by the Spirit is not easy or always in the moment I am in, but I always ask, pray and seek to keep it with me and bring it back to each moment with me. Help me Jesus to always find Your hand to grasp onto when I cannot see the way. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
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If Hope goes it alone, it ought to be called presumption, which is the highway to ruin.
— St. Jerome
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Philippians 1:1-11<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Phil&ch=1&bv1=1&ev1=11>
6 And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Psalm 111:1-6<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=111&bv1=1&ev1=6>
Luke 14:1-6<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Luke&ch=14&bv1=1&ev1=6>
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Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_TRUE_000250&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_OASI_000228&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal's renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson's acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
The Words of Jesus of Nazareth<http://www.thewords.com/thewords/table.htm> by Lee Cantelon

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That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the breath of God is spirit. remain confident, for your Faith and your love cannot be uprooted, nor can you be blown from your way, if you remain in unity with the "Head"

October 30, 2008

The Words of Jesus of Nazareth
On Being Born a Second Time

Do not marvel when I tell you that you must be born anew.

Truly, I tell you: unless you are born anew, you will not see the kingdom of God. Unless you are born of water and the breath of God, you will not enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the breath of God is spirit. The wind blows where it wishes, and we hear the sound that it makes; still we do not know from where it comes, or where it will go. So it is for those who are born anew by the breath of God.
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Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful for Your blessings and second chances, humbled with the awareness that becomes knowledge which is faith which creates hope which shows itself in love; love of You, love of my brothers and sisters under the sun, and love of myself with all my faults and imperfections. Born of the flesh I know I must break free of the chains that serve to bind me and keep me captive, a slave to that which is not natural to who I am, and according to my source of source, in harmony with all things You created under the sun and throughout the universe into the heavens of consciousness on earth as it is in heaven. I must be born again in the Spirit as Jesus teaches us, the breath of You my Lord God, and like the wind blows where it wishes, I must be prepared to follow where Your Spirit in Jesus leads me. Always fighting to break and remain free from that which seeks to bind and hold me down. In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, Amen.
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But now, my poor son, the hurricane has come, and you feel you are being shaken by a force that could uproot century-old trees. But you must remain confident, for your Faith and your love cannot be uprooted, nor can you be blown from your way, if you remain in unity with the "Head"
— St. Josemaria Escriva
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Ephesians 6:10-20<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Eph&ch=6&bv1=10&ev1=20>
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; 16 besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Psalm 144:1-2, 9-10<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=144&bv1=1&ev1=2&bv2=9&ev2=10>
Luke 13:31-35<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Luke&ch=13&bv1=31&ev1=35>
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Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_TRUE_000250&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_OASI_000228&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal's renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson's acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
The Words of Jesus of Nazareth<http://www.thewords.com/thewords/table.htm> by Lee Cantelon

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The highest degree of meekness consists in seeing, serving, honoring, and treating amiably, on occasion, those who are not to our taste, and who show themselves unfriendly, ungrateful, and troublesome to us.

October 28, 2008

When: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 12:00 AM to Wednesday, October 29, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 
The Words of Jesus of Nazareth
The Call
 
You have not chosen me. I have chosen you, and appointed you to produce good fruit from the lives that you live, fruit that will last.
 
If you wish to follow me, you must first put aside your own desires and your self-centered ways. Sacrifice your pride and follow me. Those who desire eternal life must put aside their old way of life. All who do this for my sake will discover new life – both here on earth as well as in heaven.
Abba, Father, Lord God, Abba, Father, Lord God, always remaining thankful and seeking humility I ask You in Jesus name to help me let His Words take root in my heart and mind until I am one with Him and You in the Spirit; and my every thought is pure and worthy of Him, my every word and act honors Him and my image be that of His disciple. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
The highest degree of meekness consists in seeing, serving, honoring, and treating amiably, on occasion, those who are not to our taste, and who show themselves unfriendly, ungrateful, and troublesome to us.
— St. Francis de Sales
32 and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But fornication and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting; but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure man, or one who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not associate with them, 8 for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Luke 13:10-17
10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. 12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." 13 And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. 14 But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the sabbath day." 15 Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it? 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?" 17 As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him. 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal’s renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson’s acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
 
 

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You have not chosen me. I have chosen you, and appointed you to produce good fruit from the lives that you live, fruit that will last.

October 26, 2008

When: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:00 AM to Thursday, October 16, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 
The Words of Jesus of Nazareth
The Call
 
You have not chosen me. I have chosen you, and appointed you to produce good fruit from the lives that you live, fruit that will last.
 
A man had two sons. He said to the elder: "Son, go and work today in my vineyard."
 
"I will not," the son replied; but later he experienced a change of heart, and went to the fields to work.
 
Then the father said to the younger son: "Go into the fields as well."
 
Immediately he answered: "I will." But he remained at home, and ignored his father’s words. Which of these two sons fulfilled their father’s request?
 
If you wish to follow me, you must first put aside your own desires and your self-centered ways. Sacrifice your pride and follow me. Those who desire eternal life must put aside their old way of life. All who do this for my sake will discover new life – both here on earth as well as in heaven.
Abba, Father, Lord God, believing, wanting, humbled by myself, thankful You have chosen me. Like the first son I refused You and now fight to replace that which I have become with that which I am; a spiritual being, happiest when consciously present with You, learning from Jesus how to truly live, love, forgive and forget. But I cannot complete the work You have begun in me, I must let Jesus take all of me; my mind, my body, my heart. Walking with eyes of faith, I know I must refresh my faith in this time with You daily, for only You can provide me that daily bread which nourishes the spirit that is eternal and which is what I am and must regain control of the physical being which represents what I have become under the sun. So even aware of my state, I am nothing without You, complete that work Lord God, make me one in Jesus with the Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Everything seems to me to pass so quickly that we must concentrate on how to die rather than on how to live. How sweet it is to die if one has lived on the Cross with Christ.
— St. Teresa of Avila
18 But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are plain: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Luke 11:42-46
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal’s renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson’s acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
 
 

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The fruit of people’s lives will reveal the life they have chosen to live.

October 26, 2008

When: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 12:00 AM to Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 
The Words of Jesus of Nazareth
On a Fruitful Life      
 
The fruit of people’s lives will reveal the life they have chosen to live.
 
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt has lost its power to purify, flavor, and preserve, how can it be made salt again? It is worthless, except to be discarded and trampled underfoot.
 
Do you pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from among thistles? A healthy tree cannot produce unhealthy fruit; nor does a rotten tree produce healthy fruit. Likewise, every good tree produces good fruit, and every rotten tree produces rotten fruit. The unhealthy tree is cut down and used as wood for the fire.
Abba, Father, Lord God, humbled and thankful for knowing that no matter how much I fall, no matter how many times I stumble, in Jesus through the Spirit, You will always be there. And while I grow angry and frustrated with myself, I must simply die to those parts of me that are not natural to the live I have chosen, and if I die a hundred, a thousand times, I die freely through faith in Jesus and in hope that I am will be expressed through unconditional love life and yield the fruit of the Spirit and thus in some small way be fruitful for You. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
We ought not, as soon as we leave church, to plunge into business unsuited to church, but as soon as we get home, we should take the Scriptures into our hands, and call our wife and children to join us in putting together what we have heard in church.
— St John Chrysostom
1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Now I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is bound to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love.
Psalm 119:41, 43, 45, 47-48
Luke 11:37-41
39 And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of extortion and wickedness. 40 You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you. 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal’s renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson’s acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
 
 

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There are three distinct comings of the Lord of which I know: His coming to men, His coming into men, and His coming against men.

October 26, 2008

When: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 12:00 AM to Thursday, October 23, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 
The Words of Jesus of Nazareth
 
The Light That Has Lighted the World
 
I have come to be a light to the world, that whoever believes in me should not remain in darkness. I am the light that has lighted the world; they that follow me will never again walk in darkness, but live their lives in the light.
Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful for the blessings – family, health, freedom, knowledge of You in and through Jesus by the Spirit alive in me; humbled by my being, my walk, my actions, my words, my thoughts. I seek, I need to capture the feeling of Your presence in every moment to be what I am regardless of where I am at, or when things happen, or what I am facing, or how I am dealt with , or who it is. Only Jesus’ Words hold the truth, the secrets I seek; and only You know Jesus who as one with You and together one in the Spirit, able to reveal to me and teach me what I seek, oneness. All the time remembering the purity of innocence of my children, the joy they bring me, and the true blessings that You have given. Help me shine for them, let Your teachings be visible to them and move them closer to Jesus. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
There are three distinct comings of the Lord of which I know: His coming to men, His coming into men, and His coming against men.
— St. Bernard of Clairvaux
39 But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an unexpected hour." 41 Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?" 42 And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 45 But if that servant says to himself, `My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. 48 But he who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating. Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more. 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal’s renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson’s acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
 
 

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The mysterious route of faith and love that led Peter and Paul from their native land to Jerusalem, to other parts of the world, and finally to Rome, is a model of the journey that every Christian is called to accomplish to witness to Christ in the world.

October 26, 2008

When: Friday, October 24, 2008 12:00 AM to Saturday, October 25, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 
The Words of Jesus of Nazareth
The New Doctrine
 
Whoever hears my words and acts upon them is wise, and builds on a foundation made of stone.
 
The rains descend, and the floods rise. Hurricane winds beat against the house, yet it stands strong: for it is built on solid rock.
 
Let the little children come to me, and do not refuse them. The kingdom of God belongs to hearts so trusting; for without a childlike faith, you will never enter the kingdom.
 
No, true believers will worship God in spirit and truth, and God the Father will seek out those who approach him offering the sacrifice of worship and praise. If you keep silent your praise, the very stones at your feet will cry out.
 
I have come into this world that the blind might see, and they that boast of their vision might become aware of the blindness that has befallen them.
Abba, Father, Lord God, today I wake as I closed my eyes the night before – in and with Jesus; in His Words and with His teachings. I know I cannot apply what I have learned under the sun, anymore than I can control what is next, what someone says or does, anymore that I can stop the sun from rising or setting. I must seek and find the trusting faith of my childhood unburdened and still pure. For like the tax collector in the temple, I know I am unworthy, I know what I have done wrong and failed to do right; but I know that in Jesus I am. I am aware ‘of how I must treat this message, for I know that all of the sins of humankind will be forgiven, along with all of their blasphemies. But there is no reconciliation for those who, seeing evil as good and good as evil, blaspheme the Holy Spirit. This transgression is eternal. I heed these words.’ Knowing it is not at all about me, ‘evil men and prostitutes will enter the kingdom of heaven ahead of me. They have heard the call to life and have turned to God,’ as I do each and every day and look to each and every moment with the help of Jesus my teacher, Savior and Lord through conscious presence in the moment. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
The mysterious route of faith and love that led Peter and Paul from their native land to Jerusalem, then to other parts of the world, and finally to Rome, is a model of the journey that every Christian is called to accomplish to witness to Christ in the world.
— Pope John Paul II
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. 
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 12:54-59
54 He also said to the multitudes, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, `A shower is coming’; and so it happens. 55 And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? 57 "And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Diamond in Your Pocket: Discovering Your True Radiance unabridged By Gangaji Narrated by Gangaji – The first major book release from Gangaji, describes our never-ending search to find fulfillment, which, paradoxically, is already present if we will only stop long enough to discover its true source. "I have discovered that it is actually impossible to find happiness," Gangaji explains. "As long as you are seeking to find happiness somewhere, you are overlooking where happiness is…in your true nature."
The Daily Message Unabridged by Eugene H. Peterson Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan – The much-anticipated daily "reading" version of The Message in audio format is finally here. Designed for individuals as well as small groups, The Daily Message combines Discipleship Journal’s renowned book-at-a-time reading plan with a flexible format that allows the listener to go through the Bible in one year or spread out the listening with an alternate two-year plan. This version provides monthly plans for 26 readings, and allows for reflection time, minimizing frustration. It also includes Eugene Peterson’s acclaimed chapter introductions from The Message.
 
 

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