Archive for October 12th, 2008

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Christ does not force our will, He only takes what we give Him. But He does not give Himself entirely until He sees that we yield ourselves entirely to Him.

October 12, 2008

When: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 12:00 AM to Wednesday, October 08, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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The Words – Jesus of Nazareth
"The Words of Jesus remain a soft dream that falls night by night, until the soul is ignited with courage. Our hearts, that did not sing until now, are filled with hope that did not yet dare to dream of freedom from poverty and oppression."
– RICKIE LEE JONES, singer/songwriter www.thewords.com
 
Christ does not force our will, He only takes what we give Him. But He does not give Himself entirely until He sees that we yield ourselves entirely to Him.
— St. Teresa of Avila
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful and humble yet feeling constrained, seeking to free myself from the me that binds and holds me back and down, and release the I am that place is with You soaring above the grasp of the world under the sun, walking and living in the heaven on earth. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
 
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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In order to avoid discord, never contradict anyone except in case of sin or some danger to a neighbor; and when necessary to contradict others, do it with tact and not with temper.

October 12, 2008

When: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 12:00 AM to Thursday, October 09, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." And he said to them, "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation."
Luke 11: 1 – 4
 
In order to avoid discord, never contradict anyone except in case of sin or some danger to a neighbor; and when necessary to contradict others, do it with tact and not with temper.
— St. Louis IX
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, ".. hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation." In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?" 
Psalm 117:1-2
Luke 11:1-4
 
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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If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. The gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

October 12, 2008

When: Monday, October 06, 2008 12:00 AM to Tuesday, October 07, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."  And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.  So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’  Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?"  He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Luke 10: 25 – 37
 
Read some chapter of a devout book. It is very easy and most necessary, for just as you speak to God when at prayer, God speaks to you when you read.
— St. Vincent de Paul
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, humble, thankful and seeking courage to act and motivation to learn more, I keep opening myself to new interpretations of The Words spoken by Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Cautious to stay true to what I have received from You in Jesus through the Spirit, I ask for a discerning mind and pure heart; always listening, always hearing, always watching, always looking to be one with You in Jesus and to liken myself to His image which I received and know to be true. In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel — 7 not that there is another gospel, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. 10 Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ. 11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 111:1-2, 7-10
2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who have pleasure in them. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy, 8 they are established for ever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 
Luke 10:25-37
 
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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I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me.

October 12, 2008

When: Sunday, October 12, 2008 12:00 AM to Monday, October 13, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast; but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, `Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.’ But they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, `The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment; and he said to him, `Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, `Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen."
Matthew 22: 1 – 14
 
Give me the grace to amend my life, and to have an eye to mine end, without the grudge of death, which to them that die in thee, good Lord, is the gate of a truly wealthy life.
— St Thomas More
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, aware, thankful and humble; in abasement I open my mind and heart as an eagle does his wings to catch the winds of the Spirit to lift me above myself so I can soar in the Spirit and closer to You. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want; 2 he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. 13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
Matthew 22:1-14
 
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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But the scripture consigned all things to sin, that what was promised to faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

October 12, 2008

When: Saturday, October 11, 2008 12:00 AM to Sunday, October 12, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!" But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
Luke 11: 27 – 28
 
We must also be especially resigned in mortal sickness. To accept death at such a time, in order that the Will of God may be fulfilled, merits for us a reward similar to that of the martyrs, because they accepted death to please God.
— St. Alphonsus Liguori
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, aware, thankful, humbly seeking Your will, thinking that there is something I should or must do: but St. Paul reminds me clearly and specifically it is by faith that Your will be fulfilled in and by me. For obedience is beyond my grasp, but faith I can cling to and by faith I can walk. In the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
22 But the scripture consigned all things to sin, that what was promised to faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 Now before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. 24 So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith.  25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; 26 for n Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
Psalm 105:2-7
Luke 11:27-28
 
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 saints were so completely dead to themselves they cared very little whether others agreed with them or not!

October 12, 2008

When: Thursday, October 09, 2008 12:00 AM to Friday, October 10, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, `Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Luke 11: 5 – 13
 
The saints were so completely dead to themselves they cared very little whether others agreed with them or not!
— St. John Vianney
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, my Father who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven… Forgive me my trespasses as You help me to forgive those who have trespassed against me. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. For Yours’ is the power, the glory, forever and ever. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? 4 Did you experience so many things in vain? — if it really is in vain.  5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? 
(Ps) Luke 1:69-75
71 that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath which he swore to our father Abraham, 74 to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. 
Luke 11:5-13
 
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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What a weakness it is to love Jesus Christ only when He Caresses us, and to be cold immediately once He afflicts us. This is not true love. Those who love thus, love themselves too much to love God with all their heart.

October 12, 2008

When: Friday, October 10, 2008 12:00 AM to Saturday, October 11, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Be-el’zebul, the prince of demons"; while others, to test him, sought from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Be-el’zebul. And if I cast out demons by Be-el’zebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoil. He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.  "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and finding none he says, `I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first."
Luke 11: 15 – 26
 
What a weakness it is to love Jesus Christ only when He Caresses us, and to be cold immediately once He afflicts us. This is not true love. Those who love thus, love themselves too much to love God with all their heart.
— St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, looking back at this days readings I am humbled, I am thankful that through the Spirit, Jesus lives in me to keep me from returning to the house from which I came, and while I may wrestle with myself, I know I must die to myself, and be one in Jesus with You through the Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
7 So you see that it is men of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed." 9 So then, those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith. 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be every one who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, and do them." 11 Now it is evident that no man is justified before God by the law; for "He who through faith is righteous shall live"; 12 but the law does not rest on faith, for "He who does them shall live by them." 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree" — 14 that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Psalm 111:1-6
Luke 11:15-26
 
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.
 

Posted in Daily Bible Readings | Leave a Comment »

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