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The Words of Jesus of Nazareth by Lee Cantelon
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.
Why do you call me good, unless you believe I am God? You know the commandments: do not commit adultery; Do not kill; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness; Honor your father and your mother. Doing this, you will have treasures in heaven. And yet, you fall short by honoring me with your words alone, and not using everything – your wealth, your possessions, and your life – to help those in need.
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.
I add this to this story: many are called – into the kingdom – but few are chosen. The time has come. The kingdom of God is near at hand. I have called you from the world’s way of living. Repent, put on the garments of salvation, and believe this good news.
No one can come to me unless the Father, who has sent me, draws him; and I will raise up that person on the last day. All of you whom the Father has given me will come to me: and whoever comes to me, I will never refuse.
Because I have told you such things, do you believe? Truly, you will witness even greater things than these.
Enter therefore through the narrow gate; for wide is the path, and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many go that way. But narrow is the gate and the path which leads to life, and there are few that find it. Make every effort to go through the gate that leads to life. One day, many will want to exchange their way for the right way, and find it to be too late.
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Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful and humbly I came today to ask, pray for help as I try to explain myself and my continued attempts to understand, forgive and love others first, to seek guidance and direction as I wonder if I am pursuing the right path because I keep feeling I take one step forward and two steps back in my walk, in my growth and in my closeness to You. Then I read the words of St. Philip Neri and I feel once again You are with me, You are watching me, You know me, You are guiding me when I look to You for guidance, You are directing me when I look to You for direction, and You will provide for that which I cannot do on my own and that which I need based on what is best for me according to Your will; through total submission and unconditional supplication, awareness and vibrant prayer! In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
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The perfection of a Christian consists in mortifying his will for the love of Christ. Where there is no great mortification, there is no great sanctity.
— St. Philip Neri
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Jeremiah 23:5-8
Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19
12 For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. 13 He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
Matthew 1:18-25
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; 19 and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; 21 she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.
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Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
The Processes: Ask and It Is Given, Volume 2 (Unabridged) Ask and It Is Given, by Esther and Jerry Hicks, which presents the teachings of the nonphysical entity Abraham, will help you learn how to manifest your desires so that you’re living the joyous and fulfilling life you deserve. As you listen, you’ll discover powerful processes that will help you go with the positive flow of life. It’s your birthright to live a life filled with everything that is good, and this audio program will show you how to make it so in every way!
There’s No Such Thing as "Business" Ethics (Unabridged) Best-selling author and expert on leadership John C. Maxwell claims there is only one rule for business. How does a person judge what is ethical? Sometimes it’s clear. You know Enron’s leaders were in the wrong. But is it always easy to see where the line is in your life? What’s the standard? And can it work in all situations? John C. Maxwell thinks it can. When the New York Times best-selling author, successful businessman, and former pastor was asked about his thoughts on business ethics, his response was, "There’s no such thing. There’s only ethics." Maxwell asserts there’s one ethical standard for all behavior. And you might be surprised by what it’s based on. Did you know that a variation of the Golden Rule exists in every major religion? In There’s No Such Thing as Business Ethics, Maxwell shows how people can live with integrity by using the Golden Rule as their standard (regardless of religion, culture, or circumstances). Along the way, he delves into the desires of the human heart, reveals the five most common causes that get people off track ethically, and teaches how to develop the Midas touch when it comes to integrity.
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One Walk 