My Daily Prayers and Readings for 2/25/2011
< >< My Prayer >< >
Weak and ashamed is how I feel when I let others bring me down; allowing their frustration and depression to become mine and worse to separate me from You by seeing the world under the sun through their eyes of insecurity, insufficiency and unworthiness, measuring by the standards under the sun rather than those set by the Son. Not that I do not fight these same battles on my own! It is just how easily I drop my guard giving into anger and or falling in to the pity pit with them to the extent that I am unable to pray, but the Lord’s Prayer over and over; but I keep looking to You rather than blaming You knowing that when I finally make time for You, You will be there to raise me up and set me back on firm ground, rooted in Your Word, and the promises of My Lord Jesus Christ.
Abba Father in the name of Christ Jesus who lives within me through the Holy Spirit I pray that You create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me, for my one walk in and with Jesus today. Asking that You bless me and mine in fulfillment of Your will and keep us from evil and pain; and if we get nothing else done this day, let us spend it loving You and others as You love us. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
< >< My Utmost for His Highest >< >
THE DESTITUTION OF SERVICE
“Though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” 2 Corinthians 12:15
Natural love expects some return, but Paul says – I do not care whether you love me or not, I am willing to destitute myself completely, not merely for your sakes, but that I may get you to God. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor.” Paul’s idea of service is exactly along that line – I do not care with what extravagance I spend myself, and I will do it gladly. It was a joyful thing to Paul.
The ecclesiastical idea of a servant of God is not Jesus Christ’s idea. His idea is that we serve Him by being the servants of other men. Jesus Christ out-socialists the socialists. He says that in His Kingdom he that is greatest shall be the servant of all. The real test of the saint is not preaching the gospel, but washing disciples’ feet, that is, doing the things that do not count in the actual estimate of men but count everything in the estimate of God. Paul delighted to spend himself out for God’s interests in other people, and he did not care what it cost. We come in with our economical notions – “Suppose God wants me to go there – what about the salary? What about the climate? How shall I be looked after? A man must consider these things.” All that is an indication that we are serving God with a reserve. The apostle Paul had no reserve. Paul focuses Jesus Christ’s idea of a New Testament saint in his life, viz.: not one who proclaims the Gospel merely, but one who becomes broken bread and poured out wine in the hands of Jesus Christ for other lives.
< >< Today in the Word Devotion >< >
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. Hebrews 12:7
Take a serious approach today to the call to throw off everything that hinders us. Obviously, the entanglements of sin should be eliminated, but let’s consider what else might be holding us back. These things might not be inherently sinful, but they are preventing your spiritual race. Maybe there’s a relationship that needs to change or a habit that needs to be eliminated from (or added to) your routine. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify and release anything that is holding you back spiritually.
< >< Today in the Word >< >
Old Testament Survey: Exodus, Part 2 – Listen now
As we continue looking at Exodus, Dr. McMath talks about several of God’s names in the Bible – Program Notes & Quotes
< >< Today’s Mass Readings >< >
Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
Psalm 40:7-11
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38
< >< Today’s Video Reflection >< >
The thought follows the look; delight comes after the thought; and consent after delight
— St. Augustine
< >< Online Sources for Devotion Scripture References & Daily Mass Readings >< >
Link to Devotion Scriptures unless noted from New International Version BibleGateway.com
Links for today’s readings from USCCB using the New American Bible or
Links for today’s readings from EWTN using the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
For audio link to today’s readings from USCCB using the New American Bible click:
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/11_02_01.mp3
For link to today’s video Reflection http://www.usccb.org/video/reflections.shtml
< >< Bible Online >< >
< >< Other sources of inspiration on God’s Word >< >
Christianity – Faith in God and Jesus Christ
Light Source – Christian Video Broadcasts and Ministry Television Online
Moody Ministries – From the Word to Life
Today in the Word Radio Online
< >< One Walk – Continuity in Change >< >
See what I’m thinking, listening and reading visit www.RichardAngulo.com follow me on Twitter @richardangulo
See what I’m doing, visit www.raagroup.com follow me on Twitter @raagroup
One Walk 