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The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want;

August 20, 2008

When: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 12:00 AM to Thursday, August 21, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.  And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market place; and to them he said, `You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went.  Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same.  And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing; and he said to them, `Why do you stand here idle all day?’  They said to him, `Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, `You go into the vineyard too.’  And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, `Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’  And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius.  Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius.  And on receiving it they grumbled at the householder, saying, `These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’  But he replied to one of them, `Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius?  Take what belongs to you, and go; I choose to give to this last as I give to you.  Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’  So the last will be first, and the first last." 
Matthew 20: 1 – 16
 
To work with an intention of acquiring more glory in Heaven is good, but the more perfect is the desire to give glory to God. Let us be sure that the more we divest ourselves of earthly interests, so much the more our Savior will increase our joy in Paradise.
— St. Bernard
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, humble and angry, yet thankful I come to You. Looking for answers, needing an extra portion of grace, I feel emptied by those not walking with You and those You hide behind Your name but take, take, take; unwilling to share, unable to be strong in the little things, help me find the fruit of the Spirit. Fill me with mercy and grace for I know that in each window there is a mirror, and that which I think I see, may really be me. 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. 
Matthew 20:1-16
 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances (Unabridged) By: Carol Kent Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say, "Isaac experiences" as in Genesis 22, thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This audio book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives.
Becoming a Person of Influence By: John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan "You can immediately [sense a] spark when you hear John Maxwell and Jim Dornan talk about leadership. Their understanding of influence is like mine for guitars; it’s woven into the fabric of their being." – (Bob Taylor, President, Taylor Guitars). With influence, you can achieve success at home, work, and in every other area of life.
 

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I worry until midnight, and from then on I let God worry.

August 19, 2008

When: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:00 AM to Wednesday, August 20, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Then Peter said in reply, "Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?"  Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.  But many that are first will be last, and the last first.
Matthew 19: 23 – 30
 
I worry until midnight, and from then on I let God worry.
— St. Louis
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful, and always seeking humility I come to You today, for I know that all I have done / been and will do / be is a gift from You mixed with my awareness to be obedient in following the teachings, truths and secrets of Jesus revealed to me through the Spirit while being a good steward. One of the first of which is that the fact that a proud heart cannot serve You, for just as it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, so too a proud man cannot know his source of source, You and remain proud. While I read the readings of the Old Testament I do become confused and think of many questions as to why to ask You, but  then I come to the Gospels of Jesus my confusion becomes focus and my questions become how. O that You would bless me and mine indeed, keeping us humble and protecting us from evil and making us conscious of the pain we create when we let ourselves become proud and our focus switch from the feet of Jesus on the cross to our feet as we walk; for it is only at the feet of Jesus that we can find the truth, the secret to a humble heart, capable of keeping others first, always remembering that when we do, the words of Jesus may come true and if we are blessed to be one of the first, we will be twice blessed when we embrace the last, for after all one cannot love You and follow Jesus and not want to know that one of the last is there because they got to see us love You and follow Jesus. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy First, Amen.
 
 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances (Unabridged) By: Carol Kent Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say, "Isaac experiences" as in Genesis 22, thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This audio book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives.
Becoming a Person of Influence By: John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan "You can immediately [sense a] spark when you hear John Maxwell and Jim Dornan talk about leadership. Their understanding of influence is like mine for guitars; it’s woven into the fabric of their being." – (Bob Taylor, President, Taylor Guitars). With influence, you can achieve success at home, work, and in every other area of life.
 

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"Guard" says St Paul, "what has been committed".

August 18, 2008

When: Monday, August 18, 2008 12:00 AM to Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
And behold, one came up to him, saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments."  He said to him, "Which?" And Jesus said, "You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  The young man said to him, "All these I have observed; what do I still lack?"  Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."  When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.
Matthew 19: 16 – 22
 
"Guard" says St Paul, "what has been committed". What does it mean? It is what has been faithfully entrusted to you, not what has been discovered by you; what you have received, not what you have thought up; be not the leader but the follower!
— St. Vincent of Lerins
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful, humble, confused and seeking; seeking Your guidance and confused what and how I should do. Away from the world, alone with You, outside the body it all seems so easy, but I do not walk alone, outside and away. I am present with others and You, inside the body wanting to be in the spirit, and anything but alone. So today I seek to walk according to the words of St. Vincent; guarding, what has been committed, entrusted, received as a follower of Jesus. Help me to accomplish this today and to seek to accept and enjoy with honor and courage that which is my gift to me. For You are my source of source. 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:
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances (Unabridged) By: Carol Kent Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say, "Isaac experiences" as in Genesis 22, thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This audio book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives.
Becoming a Person of Influence By: John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan "You can immediately [sense a] spark when you hear John Maxwell and Jim Dornan talk about leadership. Their understanding of influence is like mine for guitars; it’s woven into the fabric of their being." – (Bob Taylor, President, Taylor Guitars). With influence, you can achieve success at home, work, and in every other area of life.
 

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Who doesn’t see that the world is an unjust judge, gracious, favorable to its own children, but harsh towards the children of God? Whatever we do, the world will wage war against us. For God has consigned all men to disobedience, that he may have mercy

August 17, 2008

When: Sunday, August 17, 2008 10:30 AM-11:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.  And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon."  But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying after us."  He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me."  And he answered, "It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs."  She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table."  Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.
Matthew 15: 21 – 28
 
Who doesn’t see that the world is an unjust judge, gracious and favorable to its own children, but harsh towards the children of God? Whatever we do the, the world will wage war against us.
— St. Francis de Sales
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful and humbly I ask that You let Your grace rain in me producing peace and understanding through the fruit of Jesus’ Spirit which lives with my spirit within me to create a gentle, kind and loving light that will shine for You so that as the Psalmist sings ‘that thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving power among all‘. For as Paul tells us ‘Just as you were once disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may receive mercy. For God has consigned all men to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all.‘ Let Your mercy and grace be visible in and through me. 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:
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances (Unabridged) By: Carol Kent Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say, "Isaac experiences" as in Genesis 22, thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This audio book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives.
Becoming a Person of Influence By: John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan "You can immediately [sense a] spark when you hear John Maxwell and Jim Dornan talk about leadership. Their understanding of influence is like mine for guitars; it’s woven into the fabric of their being." – (Bob Taylor, President, Taylor Guitars). With influence, you can achieve success at home, work, and in every other area of life.
 
 
 

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thankful for Your endless grace and mercy, humbled by my lacking and judgment, joyful in the simplicity of Your Kingdom, vigilant to finding my lost innocence and remembering I am nothing without Jesus

August 16, 2008

When: Saturday, August 16, 2008 6:00 AM-6:30 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people; but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."  And he laid his hands on them and went away.
Matthew 19: 13 – 15
 
If something uncharitable is said in your presence, either speak in favor of the absent, or withdraw, or if possible stop the conversation.
— St. John Vianney
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful for Your endless grace and mercy, humbled by my lacking and judgment, joyful in the simplicity of Your Kingdom, vigilant to finding my lost innocence and remembering I am nothing without Jesus in whom I am present with You through the Spirit and am. 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:
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances (Unabridged) By: Carol Kent Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say, "Isaac experiences" as in Genesis 22, thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This audio book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives.
Becoming a Person of Influence By: John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan "You can immediately [sense a] spark when you hear John Maxwell and Jim Dornan talk about leadership. Their understanding of influence is like mine for guitars; it’s woven into the fabric of their being." – (Bob Taylor, President, Taylor Guitars). With influence, you can achieve success at home, work, and in every other area of life.
 

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See then that you keep Him company right after receiving Him. He who is your master will not fail to teach you, though you understand it not; but if you immediately fix your thoughts on something else… then complain of no one but yourself…

August 15, 2008

When: Friday, August 15, 2008 12:00 AM to Saturday, August 16, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
While the soldiers were doing this, Jesus’ mother was standing near the cross with her sister, and with them Mary, the wife of Clopas and Mary of Magdala. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing by her side, and said to her, "Look, there is your son!" And then he said to the disciple, "And there is your mother!" And from that time the disciple took Mary into his own home.
John 19:25-27
 
See then that you keep Him company right after receiving Him. He who is your master will not fail to teach you, though you understand it not; but if you immediately fix your thoughts on something else and do not esteem Him who is within you, then complain of no one but yourself for making little progress.
— St. Teresa of Avila
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful, humble and open I come to You; open to Your Word, open to Your truths, open to Jesus who in and through the Spirit teaches how to overcome and run the race that St. Paul so often talked about, open to others with Jesus’ help as He open to me. For it is only with an open heart, mind and spirit that I can stay connected to You my source of source, my Lord, my God; how simple it is this time with You, yet how complicated I make it as I walk under the sun, therefore this I know, it is only by Your grace and mercy that I walk. O that You would bless me and mine indeed, that Your hand would protect, heal and keep us from evil and causing any pain. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.  
 
39  In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah,  40  and she entered the house of Zechari’ah and greeted Elizabeth.  41  And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit  42  and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!  43  And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  44  For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.  45  And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."  46  And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord,  47  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,  48  for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;  9  for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.  50  And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation.  51  He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,  52  he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree;  53  he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away.  54  He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,  55  as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever."  56  And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home. 
 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances (Unabridged) By: Carol Kent Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say, "Isaac experiences" as in Genesis 22, thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This audio book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives.
Becoming a Person of Influence By: John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan "You can immediately [sense a] spark when you hear John Maxwell and Jim Dornan talk about leadership. Their understanding of influence is like mine for guitars; it’s woven into the fabric of their being." – (Bob Taylor, President, Taylor Guitars). With influence, you can achieve success at home, work, and in every other area of life.
 

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No one in the world can change Truth. What we can do and should do is to seek truth and to serve it when we have found it. The real conflict is the inner conflict.

August 14, 2008

When: Thursday, August 14, 2008 12:00 AM to Friday, August 15, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 
Words written in red; Words of Jesus
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. This I command you, to love one another.
John 15: 12 – 17
 
No one in the world can change Truth. What we can do and should do is to seek truth and to serve it when we have found it. The real conflict is the inner conflict. Beyond armies of occupation and the hecatombs of extermination camps, there are two irreconcilable enemies in the depth of every soul: good and evil, sin and love. And what use are the victories on the battlefield if we ourselves are defeated in our innermost personal selves?
— St. Maximillian Kolbe
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, humble, thankful, in and with love I come to You today; and I am rewarded again with the power of Your truths and I sing the words of the Psalmist ‘ I kept my faith, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted";   I said in my consternation, "Men are all a vain hope."  What shall I render to the LORD for all his bounty to me?  I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, O LORD, I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid. Thou hast loosed my bonds.  I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.’ As the Psalms is wrapped between the readings of 1 John and the Gospel of John, so I seek to wrap  myself in these words I feel as truths, and as St. Maximillian states ‘no one can change the truth. What we can do and should do is to seek truth and to serve it when we have found it.‘ Thus ‘The real conflict is the inner conflict‘ which begins once we feel, really feel truth, feeling that the truth is in me (us) and I am (we are) in the truth one can only begin the slow and struggle of dying to what we have been to walk and live as what we are and ‘am’ friends and disciple of Jesus and then we will be able to answer St. Maximillian questions – ‘what use are the victories on the battlefield if we ourselves are defeated in our innermost personal selves?‘ 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:
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances (Unabridged) By: Carol Kent Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say, "Isaac experiences" as in Genesis 22, thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This audio book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives.
Becoming a Person of Influence By: John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan "You can immediately [sense a] spark when you hear John Maxwell and Jim Dornan talk about leadership. Their understanding of influence is like mine for guitars; it’s woven into the fabric of their being." – (Bob Taylor, President, Taylor Guitars). With influence, you can achieve success at home, work, and in every other area of life.
 

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