Advent is a time of preparing for the coming of our Lord at Christmas

As we prepare ourselves, we recall that when season off Advent ends and the season of Christmas comes, in Bethlehem, God was born. That the Child came to save us from our sins. That His name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. That this child was born to die. That His name, Jesus, means Savior.

To recall that Christmas is not a holiday, or a politically correct term, but a holy day when we celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world! If this world, this nation, if you and I as a faith community are going to roll back the darkness, Advent is the time to begin. A new year, a new beginning, a time when darkness begins to slip. Then, hopefully, in your life and mine, and in the lives of those we touch, the Son, Jesus, will begin to rise.

And for those of us who carry dark memories and heavy burdens, whose hearts are hurting, whose faith is weak, whose doubts are strong, whose anger is justified, remember what the scripture tells us about Jesus...., "They shall name Him Emmanuel, which means, God is with us."

source: Fr. Robert Warren, S.A.

Your gift can help spread the hope of St. Jude (please help make a year-end gift to the National Shrine of St.Jude)

Since the Claretians founded the National Shrine almost a century ago, their mission was and still is to nurture the devotion to St. Jude while also serving those in need in the communities where they live and work. The needs were many from the start, as these communities have always been places where the people face difficult challenges associated with poverty: educational support, faith-based community and leadership development, and alternatives to urban violence. This brings the message of hope and a knowledge of St. Jude to thousands of children, teens, and young adults who are chronically in need of both. 

As the end of the year approaches, would you consider making a small gift to the National Shrine of St. Jude? Your gift of any size makes a very real difference for us and those we serve. 

Thank you for sharing in the hope of St. Jude with us. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the coming year. 

Yours in prayer,

Fr. Mark Brummel, CMF 

Director, St. Jude League

source: email from Fr. Mark Brummel, CMF

Heavenly Father, help me in this time of need.... Nothing is impossible for You

The state of Penang in Malaysia was badly hit by flash-flood over the last weekend due to heavy rain downpour which started since 4th November mid-day, and continue till Sunday morning. Rain became heavier at about 2am Sunday early morning and with strong wind bring down trees, road signs and blowing of roofs. My house was also badly hit with water level raising above the knee. The flood water entered and rose very fast, therefore making it difficult for me to salvage and move thing higher. Many item were badly damage like wall in-built power outlets, electrical appliances, furniture, kitchen equipment and mattresses. The rain had stop and water subside, but the water level at river has not subsided and sea is high. Sky and weather does look that promising and I am worried the flood may come again if it rains heavily again. Please pray for me and all those effected by the flood that everything will be normal again and help will come to help replace/cover the lost and damage. I truly believe when we pray together for the same cause, he is with us and miracles will happen as the Lord has said “ For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, hope, trust, and believe. Amen.

Heavenly Father, we come to you trusting in your mercy and knowing that your steadfast love endures forever. Look with mercy on those who have been affected by the floods. Grant them your strength to meet the days ahead and allow them to experience your peace which surpasses all understanding and new hope in the resurrection. Move in those who are able to give aid, that we may be your hands and heart on the earth. Be with all who offer your assistance; may your Spirit uphold them. To you face the challenges ahead. Give us the assurance of your presence even in this time so that we can cling to your promise of hope and life shown us through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.

Help needed, willing to Help, you may send me a email at

stanx4christ@gmail.com

and I will provide you with details or directly make your help available through my PAYPAL link page.

or

direct deposit my Hong Leong Bank account (Malaysia only)

Stanley

Act no: 158-50-09065-0

God carries us in his bosom

Do you know what it's like to lose your bearings and to be hopelessly adrift in a sea of uncertainty? To be alone, lost, and disoriented without a sense of direction is one of the worst fears we can encounter. What we would give to have a guide who would show us the way to safety and security, the way to home and family. Scripture comforts us with the assurance that God will not rest until we find our way home to him. The Scriptures use the image of a shepherd who cares for his sheep to describe what God is like. God promised that he would personally shepherd his people and lead them to safety (Isaiah 40:11). That is why God sent his only begotten son as the Messiah King who would not only restore peace and righteousness to the land, but who would also shepherd and care for his people with love and compassion. Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11).

The Good Shepherd feeds, protects, and provides the best care possible for his flock 

What can we learn from the lesson of Jesus' parable about a lost sheep? This parable gives us a glimpse of the heart of a true shepherd, and the joy of a community reunited with its lost members. Shepherds not only had to watch over their sheep by day and by night; they also had to protect them from wolves and lions who preyed upon them, and from dangerous terrain and storms. Shepherds often had large flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or thousands. It was common to inspect and count the sheep at the end of the day. You can imagine the surprise and grief of the shepherd who discovers that one of his sheep is missing! Does he wait until the next day to go looking for it? Or does he ask a neighboring shepherd if he might have seen the stray sheep? No, he goes immediately in search of this lost sheep. Delay for even one night could mean disaster leading to death. Sheep by nature are very social creatures. An isolated sheep can quickly become bewildered, disoriented, and even neurotic. Easy prey for wolves and lions!

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, watches over every step we take - do we follow him? 

The shepherd's grief and anxiety is turned to joy when he finds the lost sheep and restores it to the fold. The shepherd searches until what he has lost is found. His persistence pays off. What was new in Jesus' teaching was the insistence that sinners must be sought out time and time again. How easy to forget and be distracted with other matters while the lost become prey for devouring wolves of the soul. The Apostle Peter reminds us that the "devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

God does not rejoice in the loss of anyone, but desires that we be brought back and restored to friendship with him. That is why the whole community of heaven rejoices when one sinner is found and restored to fellowship with God. God is on a rescue mission today to save us from the destructive forces of sin and evil. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, watches over every step we take. Do you listen to his voice and heed his wise counsel? Do you follow the path he has set for you - a path that leads to life rather than death?

Lord Jesus, nothing escapes your watchful gaze and care. May I always walk in the light of your truth and never stray from your loving presence.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Jesus in John 6:37

Pope Francis wants to change the Lord's Prayer - Here's why

Pope Francis has proposed changing the text of the Lord's Prayer to make it a little less confusing for some. The change has already caught on.

Catholic Online invites you to read the Bible today

Did you know that Catholic Online has the complete New Jerusalem Bible available for your at your fingertips.

The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) is a Catholic translation of the Bible published in 1985. The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) has become the most widely used Roman Catholic Bible outside of the United States. The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) version is translated "directly from the Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic."

Your God will come and save you

Is there anything in your life that keeps you from receiving the blessings of God's kingdom? The prophets foretold that when the Messiah came to usher in God's kingdom the blind would see, the deaf hear, and the lame walk (Isaiah 35:5-6). Jesus not only brought physical healing, but healing of mind, heart, and soul as well. Jesus came to bring us the abundant life of God's kingdom (John 10:10). But that new life and transformation can be stifled by unbelief, indifference, and sinful pride. Sin cripples us far more than any physical ailment can. Sin is the work of the kingdom of darkness and it holds us in eternal bondage. There is only one solution and that is the healing, cleansing power of Jesus' forgiveness.

The coming of God's kingdom restores, heals, and brings pardon and new life 

Jesus' treatment of sinners upset the religious teachers of the day. When a cripple was brought to Jesus because of the faith of his friends, Jesus did the unthinkable. He first forgave the man his sins. The scribes regarded this as blasphemy because they understood that only God had authority to forgive sins and to unbind a man or woman from their burden of guilt. Jesus claimed an authority which only God could rightfully give. Jesus not only proved that his authority came from God, he showed the great power of God's redeeming love and mercy by healing the cripple of his physical ailment. This man had been crippled not only physically, but spiritually as well. Jesus freed him from his burden of guilt and restored his body as well.

The Lord Jesus sets us free from slavery to sin and makes us whole 

The Lord Jesus is ever ready to bring us healing of body, mind, and soul. His grace brings us freedom from the power of sin and from bondage to harmful desires and addictions. Do you allow anything to keep you from Jesus' healing power?

Lord Jesus, through your merciful love and forgiveness you bring healing and restoration to body, soul, and mind. May your healing power and love touch every area of my life - my innermost thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and memories. Pardon my offenses and transform me in the power of your Holy Spirit that I may walk confidently in your truth and righteousness.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

For with God nothing will be impossible

Do you want to live a grace-filled life? The angel Gabriel salutes Mary as "full of grace". To become the mother of the Savior, Mary was enriched by God with gifts to enable her to assume this awesome role. There is a venerable tradition among many Christians, dating back to the early church, for honoring Mary as the spotless virgin who bore the Son of God in her womb. A number of early church fathers link Mary's obedience to this singular grace of God. "Being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race... The knot of Eve's disobedience was untied by Mary's obedience: what the virgin Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by her faith" (from Adv. haeres 3.22.4, by Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons, 130-200 AD).

Faith is the key that unlocks the power of God's kingdom in our lives 

What is the key that can unlock the power and grace of God’s kingdom in our personal lives? Faith and obedience for sure! When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they immediately experienced the consequence of their action - separation from the God who loved them. God in his mercy promised them a Redeemer who would pay the price for their sin and the sin of the world. We see the marvelous unfolding of God's plan of redemption in the events leading up to the Incarnation, the birth of the Messiah. Mary's prompt response of "yes" to the divine message is a model of faith for all believers. Mary believed God's promises even when they seemed impossible. She was full of grace because she trusted that what God said was true and would be fulfilled. She was willing and eager to do God's will, even if it seemed difficult or costly.

God gives us the grace to say "yes" to his will and to his transforming work in our lives 

God gives us grace and he expects us to respond with the same willingness, obedience, and heart-felt trust as Mary did. When God commands he also gives the grace, strength, and means to respond. We can either yield to his grace or resist and go our own way. Do you believe in God's promises and do you yield to his grace?

Heavenly Father, you offer us abundant grace, mercy, and forgiveness through your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to live a grace-filled life as Mary did by believing in your promises and by giving you my unqualified "yes" to your will and to your plan for my life.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

God’s greatest gift

At Christmas we are the recipients of God’s greatest gift – His only Son. On that holy night so long ago God gave us the gift of Jesus, our Divine Savior, and Scripture tells us that God loved us so much that He was born in a stable because there was no room at the Inn. The first people to hear this news were poor shepherds. An angel told them, "Fear not, I bring you tidings of good joy which shall be for all people, for this day in David’s city is born a Savior, Christ the Lord."

You notice that the first words of the angel to the shepherds are "fear not." In other words, "be calm, be at peace." After His resurrection, Christ appeared several times to His disciples. His first words were always the same, "Peace, do not be afraid." It seems that whenever Heaven touches earth, the message is always the same, "fear not, be at peace." 

As we look around our world this Christmas, we see many nations that are not at peace. We all know families and individuals, maybe even yourself, who do not know the peace of Christmas.

source: Father Bob Warren, SA

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.

~ Isaiah 7:10-16 ~

God always has plans for your good

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, 

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future." 

~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~

The Lord knows what's best for you. He knows what you need to experience in order to evolve spiritually, and what kind of challenges will help you to do so. I know some of you are going through some storms right now, but have faith! These storms are transitory experiences─they will pass, but the love of the living God is eternal.

God can use something that was meant for your harm to your advantage. New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings. Storms usually preclude seasons of favor, increase, and prosperity.

God knew His plan for you before you even entered the womb of your Mother. Trust in him, no matter what circumstances manifest in your lives. Nothing is a surprise to God. He knew the solution to your challenges before they even sprung upon you. He can see what you can't see. The unknown is known to Him. All you need to get through any storm is Faith!!!!

Believe God is working wonders in your life, regardless of external conditions. Whether you're rich or poor, healthy or ill, anxious or at peace, always believe something amazing is about to happen. God is a good God, expect miracles and they'll chase you down!

Patient in the storm─centered in the eye. Jesus, Our Lord, on the cross He died. You are always forgiven, no matter how bad you sin! No matter what befalls you, in the end, you always win! Seek ye first, the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Begin to trust the Lord, like Mary and Jesus do!

source: Ave Maria

Christmas Anticipation Prayer

Why are you worrying?

I told you once 

and I tell you again,

I AM YOUR GOD 

of divine happenings.

My timing is PERFECT.

~ GOD ~ 

Not once in the Bible

does it say

worry about it,

stress about it,

figure it out,

but time after time

it says to 

put your TRUST in GOD.

put your TRUST in GOD.

Not a hair of your head will perish

If the Gospel message is good news, then why do so many people treat Christians with contempt and hostility for their beliefs and practices? Jesus warns his followers that they will be confronted with wickedness, false teaching, persecution, as well as the temptation to renounce their faith when it is put to the test.

Satan destroys and kills - God restores and gives life 

The real enemy of the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ - is Satan (also called Lucifer), the powerful leader of the fallen angels who rebelled against God and who were cast out of heaven. Satan opposes God and all who follow his rule of peace and righteousness (moral goodness) on the earth. Jesus calls Satan a "murderer" who turns brother against brother and the "father of lies" who twists the truth and speaks falsehood (John 8:44). Satan not only opposes God's rule, he seeks to destroy all who would obey God. Satan will use any means possible to turn people away from God. He tempts people through envy, deception, hatred, and fear to provoke hostility towards those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is Jesus' response to hostility and persecution? Love, forbearance, and forgiveness. Only love - the love which is rooted in God's great compassion and faithfulness - can overcome prejudice, hatred, and envy. God's love purifies our heart and mind of all that would divide and tear people apart. Knowing God as our compassionate Father and loving God's word of truth and righteousness (moral goodness) is essential for overcoming evil. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear those who would oppose us or treat us harshly for following the Lord Jesus. He promises to give us supernatural strength, wisdom, and courage as we take a stand for our faith and witness to the truth and love of Christ.

The Gospel is good news for the whole world because it is God's eternal word of truth, love, pardon, and salvation (being set free from sin and evil) through his Son, Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus has won the victory for us through his atoning death on the cross for our sins and his rising from the grave - his resurrection power that brings abundant life and restoration for us. That is why the Gospel has power to set people free from sin, fear and death, and bring peace, pardon, and new life.

Endurance never gives up hope in God 

Jesus tells his disciples that if they endure to the end they will gain their lives - they will inherit abundant life and lasting happiness with God. Endurance is an essential strength which God gives to those who put their trust in him. Endurance is the patience which never gives up hope, never yields to despair or hatred. Patience is long-suffering because it looks beyond the present difficulties and trials and sees the reward which comes to those who persevere with hope and trust in God. That is why godly endurance is more than human effort. It is first and foremost a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to bear up under any trial or temptation.

Endurance is linked with godly hope - the supernatural assurance that we will see God face to face and inherit all the promises he has made. Jesus is our supreme model and pioneer who endured the cross for our sake (Hebrews 12:2). "God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus willingly shed his blood for us - to win for us pardon and peace with God. Our joy and privilege is to take up our cross each day to follow the Lord Jesus.

True martyrs live and die as witnesses of Christ and the Gospel of peace 

The word "martyr" in the New Testament Greek means "witness". The Book of Revelation says that "Jesus was the faithful witness ...who freed us from our sins by his blood" (Revelation 1:5). Tertullian, a second century lawyer who converted when he saw Christians singing as they went out to die by the hands of their persecutors, exclaimed: "The blood of the martyrs is seed." Their blood is the seed of new Christians, the seed of the church.

The third century bishop, Cyprian said: "When persecution comes, God's soldiers are put to the test, and heaven is open to martyrs. We have not enlisted in an army to think of peace and to decline battle, for we see that the Lord has taken first place in the conflict." True martyrs live and die as witnesses of the Gospel. They overcome their enemies through persevering hope and courage, undying love and forbearance, kindness, goodness, and compassion.

God may call some of us to be martyrs who shed their blood for bearing witness to Jesus Christ. But for most of us, our call is to be 'dry' martyrs who bear testimony to the joy and power of the Gospel in the midst of daily challenges, contradictions, temptations and adversities which come our way as we follow the Lord Jesus.

We do not need to fear our adversaries 

What will attract others to the truth and power of the Gospel? When they see Christians loving their enemies, being joyful in suffering, patient in adversity, pardoning injuries, and showing comfort and compassion to the hopeless and the helpless. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear our adversaries. God will give us sufficient grace, strength, and wisdom to face any trial and to answer any challenge to our faith. Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ and to bear witness to the joy and freedom of the Gospel?

Lord Jesus Christ, by your atoning death on the cross you have redeemed the world. Fill me with joyful hope, courage, and boldness to witness the truth of your love for sinners and your victory over the powers of sin, Satan, and death.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

They did not want me to reign over them

How does God establish his kingdom here on the earth? The Jews in Jesus' time had a heightened sense that the Messiah would appear soon to usher in the kingdom of God's justice, love, and peace on the earth (Isaiah 11:1-9). Jesus, in fact, spoke in messianic terms of the coming reign of God. Perhaps his entry into Jerusalem would bring about such a change and overthrow of Roman domination.

Parable of the talents 

Jesus speaks to their longing for a new kingdom in the parable of a nobleman who went away to receive a kingdom. The parable reveals something important about how God works his plan and purpose with the human race. The parable speaks first of the king's trust in his subjects. While he goes away he leaves them with his money to use as they think best. While there were no strings attached, this was obviously a test to see if the Master's workers would be industrious and reliable in their use of the money entrusted to them. The master rewards those who are industrious and faithful and he punishes those who sit by idly and who do nothing with his money.

The essence of the parable seems to lie in the servants' conception of responsibility. Each servant entrusted with the master's money was faithful up to a certain point. The servant who buried the master's money was irresponsible. One can bury seeds in the ground and expect them to become productive because they obey natural laws. Coins, however, do not obey natural laws. They obey economic laws and become productive in circulation. The master expected his servants to be productive in the use of his money.

The Lord rewards those who faithfully use their gifts and talents for doing good by giving them more

What do coins and the law of economics have to do with the kingdom of God? The Lord entrusts the subjects of his kingdom with gifts and graces and he gives his subjects the freedom to use them as they think best. With each gift and talent, God gives sufficient means (grace and wisdom) for using them in a fitting way. As the parable of the talents shows, God abhors indifference and an attitude that says it's not worth trying. God honors those who use their talents and gifts for doing good. Those who are faithful with even a little are entrusted with more! But those who neglect or squander what God has entrusted to them will lose what they have.

There is an important lesson here for us. No one can stand still for long in the Christian life. We either get more or we lose what we have. We either advance towards God or we slip back. Do you seek to serve God with the gifts, talents, and graces he has given to you?

The Lord Jesus offers us a kingdom of justice, love, and peace and he calls us to live as citizens of this kingdom where he rules as Lord and Master. Through his atoning death on the cross and through his resurrection victory, Jesus frees us from a kingdom of darkness where sin and Satan reign. Through the power of the Holy Spirit the Lord gives us freedom to live as his servants and to lay down our lives in loving service of our neighbors (Galatians 5:1,13).

The Lord expects us to be good stewards of the gifts and graces he gives us 

The Lord entrusts us with his gifts and graces and he gives us freedom to use them as we think best. With each gift and talent, the Lord gives sufficient grace and strength for using them in a fitting way. As the parable of the talents shows, God abhors indifference and an attitude that says it's not worth trying. God honors those who use their talents and gifts for doing good. Those who are faithful with even a little are entrusted with more! But those who neglect or squander what God has entrusted to them will lose what they have. There is an important lesson here for us. No one can stand still for long in the Christian life. We either get more or we lose what we have. We either advance towards God or we slip back. Do you trust in God's grace to make good use of the gifts and talents he has given you?

Lord Jesus, be the ruler of my heart and mind and the master of my home and goods. Fill me with a generous and wise spirit that I may use the gifts, talents, time, and resources you give me for your glory and your kingdom.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Advent ~ a season of self-preparation for the coming of Jesus

"Advent is synonymous with hope: 

not the vain waiting for a faceless god, 

but concrete and certain trust 

in the return of him who has already visited us," 
~ * ~ Pope St John Paul II ~ * ~

Repentance,
Penance,
and
Renewal

"the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,"
* Matthew 1:23 *

Work your miraculous wonders Lord, help me Lord sent forth your miraculous help, hear my cries in this time of affliction

The state of Penang in Malaysia was badly hit by flash-flood over the last weekend due to heavy rain downpour which started since 4th November mid-day, and continue till Sunday morning. Rain became heavier at about 2am Sunday early morning and with strong wind bring down trees, road signs and blowing of roofs. My house was also badly hit with water level raising above the knee. The flood water entered and rose very fast, therefore making it difficult for me to salvage and move thing higher. Many item were badly damage like wall in-built power outlets, electrical appliances, furniture, kitchen equipment and mattresses. The rain had stop and water subside, but the water level at river has not subsided and sea is high. Sky and weather does look that promising and I am worried the flood may come again if it rains heavily again. Please pray for me and all those effected by the flood that everything will be normal again and help will come to help replace/cover the lost and damage. I truly believe when we pray together for the same cause, he is with us and miracles will happen as the Lord has said “ For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, hope, trust, and believe. Amen.

Heavenly Father, we come to you trusting in your mercy and knowing that your steadfast love endures forever. Look with mercy on those who have been affected by the floods. Grant them your strength to meet the days ahead and allow them to experience your peace which surpasses all understanding and new hope in the resurrection. Move in those who are able to give aid, that we may be your hands and heart on the earth. Be with all who offer your assistance; may your Spirit uphold them. To you face the challenges ahead. Give us the assurance of your presence even in this time so that we can cling to your promise of hope and life shown us through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.

Help needed, willing to Help, you may send me a email at

stanx4christ@gmail.com

and I will provide you with details or directly make your help available through my PAYPAL link page.

or

direct deposit my Hong Leong Bank account (Malaysia only)

Stanley

Act no: 158-50-09065-0

Prayer for Peace of Mind and Heart

Eternal, Holy God, 

I come to You burdened 

with worries, fears, doubts, and troubles.

Calm and quiet me 

with peace of mind.

Empty me of the anxiety 

that disturbs me, 

of the concerns

that weary my spirit,

and weigh heavy on my heart.

Loosen my grip on the disappointments

and grievances I hold on so tightly.

Release me from the pain of past hurts, 

of present anger and tension,

of future fears.

Sometimes it's to much for me Lord,

too many demands and problems,

too much sadness, suffering, and stress.

Renew me spiritually and emotionally.

Give me new strength, hope and confidence.

Prepare me to meet the constant struggles 

of daily life with a deeper faith

and trust in You. 

Let Your love set me free,

for peace, for joy, for grace, 

for life, for others, forever.

In Jesus' name.

Amen.

Lord, You are with me today, tomorrow and for all eternity ~ Prayer

God, I cannot see Your face,

but my heart knows you are here.

I feel Your hand upon me 

when I am in need

and my soul hears Your whispering

"peace, be still"

when the storms of this world threaten me.

I look and Your work is easy to see

and I praise You 

for the miracles given to me.

Others may believe what the wish,

but as for me

there is no doubt at all in my mind,

You were with me yesterday,

You are with me today, 

tomorrow and for all eternity.

Amen.

Morning Prayer

O Lord God, Almighty

and everlasting Father,

You have brought me in safety

to this new day.

Lord, preserve me with Your Mighty power,

that I may not fall into sin,

nor be overcome by adversity,

and in all i do,

direct me to fulfilling

of Your purpose,

through Jesus Christ 

my Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

Be patient, live life, have faith

Disappointments are just

God's way of saying,

"I've got something better".

Be patient, live life, have faith.

Grace to stand strong ~ Prayer

Father, I thank You 

for Your grace to stand strong

no matter what I am facing.

I choose to stay in faith.

I choose to keep praying.

I choose to keep believing, 

knowing that victory

is on the way for me

in Jesus' name. 

Amen.

Prayer for good weather

St. Medard, Patron Saint Against Bad Weather. St. Medard was born around 456 in Salency (near Noyon), France. He was one of the most honored bishops of his time. St. Medard died of an illness in 545 at the age of 89. Legend says that when he was a child, St. Medard was once sheltered from the rain by a hovering eagle.

Let us turn to Saint Medard and ask for his intercession.

Jesus My Lord, Saint Medard served as a bishop during very difficult times, and his long life of spiritual leadership created a tremendous impression on the people. Because of his patronage against bad weather, I ask him to intercede for me during the storms of my life as well as the storms in nature. Protect me and my home. And Lord, help the victims of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Send in more helpers and multiply the supplies that are needed for their aid. You calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee; deliver us from the storms that are raging around us now. Saint Medard, pray for us. Amen.

Christ lives in me

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, 

but Christ lives in me. 

The life I now live in the body, 

I live by faith in the Son of God, 

who loved me and gave himself for me.

Lord, teach me the right way to pray.... Holy Spirit guide me

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" 

(Matthew 7:7)

"You do not have because you do not ask" 

(James 4:2)

"You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, 

that you may spend it on your pleasures" 

(James 4:3)

Pope Francis monthly prayer intention for November 2017

Christians in Asia

That Christians in Asia, bearing witness to the Gospel in word and deed, may promote dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding, especially with those of other religions.

The necessity of prudent foresight

Do you make good use of your money and possessions? Jesus seemed to praise a steward (a manager entrusted with his master's goods) who misused his employer's money. What did the steward do that made Jesus praise him? The steward was responsible for managing his wealthy landowner's property. The steward very likely overcharged his master's tenants for their use of the land and kept more than his fair share of the profit. When the landowner discovered the steward's dishonest practice he immediately removed him from his job, leaving him penniless and ashamed to beg or do manual work.

The necessity of prudent foresight to avert disaster 

Before news of his dismissal became public knowledge, the shrewd steward struck a deal with his master's debtors. In discounting their debts he probably was giving up his generous commission. Such a deal won him great favor with the debtors. Since the steward acted as the landowner's agent, such a deal made his master look very generous and forgiving towards those who owned him money. Surely everyone would praise such a generous landowner as the town hero! Since the master could not undo the steward's cancellation of the debts without losing face and making his debtors resent him, he praised the steward for outwitting him and making him appear as a generous and merciful landowner.

Jesus obviously thought that the example of a very clever steward would be a perfect illustration for a spiritual lesson about God and how God treats those who belong to his kingdom. What's the point of Jesus' parable? The dishonest steward is commended not for mishandling his master's wealth, but for his shrewd provision in averting personal disaster and in securing his future livelihood. The original meaning of "shrewdness" is "foresight". A shrewd person grasps a critical situation with resolution, foresight, and the determination to avoid serious loss or disaster.

Faith and prudent foresight can save us from moral and spiritual disaster

Jesus is concerned here with something more critical than a financial or economic crisis. His concern is that we avert spiritual crisis and personal moral disaster through the exercise of faith and foresight. If Christians would only expend as much foresight and energy to spiritual matters, which have eternal consequences, as they do to earthly matters which have temporal consequences, then they would be truly better off, both in this life and in the age to come.

God loves good stewardship and generosity 

Ambrose, a 4th century bishop said: The bosoms of the poor, the houses of widows, the mouths of children are the barns which last forever. True wealth consists not in what we keep but in what we give away. Possessions are a great responsibility. The Lord expects us to use them honestly and responsibly and to put them at his service and the service of others. We belong to God and all that we have is his as well. He expects us to make a good return on what he gives us.

God loves generosity and he gives liberally to those who share his gifts with others. The Pharisees, however, had little room for God or others in their hearts. The Gospel says they were lovers of money (Luke 16:14). Love of money and wealth crowd out love of God and love of neighbor. Jesus makes clear that our hearts must either be possessed by God's love or our hearts will be possessed by the love of something else. What do you most treasure in your heart?

Lord Jesus, all that I have is a gift from you. May I love you freely and generously with all that I possess. Help me to be a wise and faithful steward of the resources you put at my disposal, including the use of my time, money, and possessions.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East