My Daily Prayers and Readings for 1/07/2011
< >< My Prayer >< >
Today I woke with a strong sense of need to dive into today’s devotion, readings and prayer, before I check my Blackberry messages, before I check my email; I feel I must fight off the busyness that awaits and seek Your face FIRST. Then I read…
Today in the Word Devotion tells us ‘Almost 90 percent of Americans identify with a religion, including 75 percent who say they’re Christian. But according to a survey by the Barna Group, only 12 percent identify faith as the top priority in their life. Faith is outranked by family (45%); by health, leisure, and a balanced lifestyle (20%); and by wealth, money-making, and career success (17%). Among those who go to church regularly, the number is still just one in five. Among evangelicals, only 39 percent say faith is their highest priority in life. The president of the Barna Group commented: “When it comes to why so much of American religion seems merely skin-deep, this gap between what people call themselves and what they prioritize is perhaps most telling.”’
Spending the first part of almost every day with You, I realize that aside from this time together I too, may not be putting You first throughout the entire day; and even though I am aware, wrestling within myself throughout the day, far to often I give In the ways and pressures under the sun. Today through Mary’s act Jesus reminds us that ‘good stewardship is not necessarily governed by pragmatic concerns, even well-intentioned ones’ we should worship Him in each moment through thought, word and deed as we walk, work and move through the day, letting His presence within be visible to all who see us.
Lord God in Jesus name, help me this day to remember in each moment that before I get anything done, let me spend time loving You, and letting Your love and presence within me shine out as a light to others.
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 >< >
INTIMATE WITH JESUS
“Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known Me?” John 14:9
These words are not spoken as a rebuke, nor even with surprise; Jesus is leading Philip on. The last One with whom we get intimate is Jesus. Before Pentecost the disciples knew Jesus as the One Who gave them power to conquer demons and to bring about a revival (see Luke 10:18-20). It was a wonderful intimacy, but there was a much closer intimacy to come – “I have called you friends.” Friendship is rare on earth. It means identity in thought and heart and spirit. The whole discipline of life is to enable us to enter into this closest relationship with Jesus Christ. We receive His blessings and know His word, but do we know Him?
Jesus said, “It is expedient for you that I go away” – in that relationship, so that He might lead them on. It is a joy to Jesus when a disciple takes time to step more intimately with Him. Fruit bearing is always mentioned as the manifestation of an intimate union with Jesus Christ (John 15:1-4).
When once we get intimate with Jesus we are never lonely, we never need sympathy, we can pour out all the time without being pathetic. The saint who is intimate with Jesus will never leave impressions of himself, but only the impression that Jesus is having unhindered way, because the last abyss of his nature has been satisfied by Jesus. The only impression left by such a life is that of the strong calm sanity that Our Lord gives to those who are intimate with Him.
< >< Today in the Word Devotion >< >
< >< Today in the Word >< >
Parables: Parable of the Rich Man Part 2 – Listen now
Paul Nyquist concludes his thoughts on generosity by encouraging us to be generous because of what God has given us – Program Notes & Quotes
< >< Today’s Mass Readings >< >
< >< Today’s Video Reflection >< >
< >< 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_01_07.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 