Happy New Year 2020
Have a Blessed New Year.
May the year ahead be filled with
Good Health,
Happiness,
Joy,
Success
and Prosperity.
Tuesday, 31 December 2019
Friday, 20 December 2019
Merry Christmas !
Welcome our Saviour Lord JESUS.
MARANATHA
Come Lord JESUS Come
Merry Christmas !!!!
Hail, O favoured one, the Lord is with you!
How does God reveal his favour to us?
In the psalms we pray, "Lord, show me a sign of your favor" (Psalm 86:17). In the Old Testament God performed many signs and miracles to demonstrate his love and mercy for his people, such as their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the miraculous crossing of the Red sea on dry land (Psalm 78:43-53). When Ahaz, king of Judah and heir to the throne of David (735 B.C.) was surrounded by forces that threatened to destroy him and his people, God offered him a sign to reassure him that God would not abandon the promise he made to David and his descendants. King Ahaz, however, had lost hope in God and refused to ask for a sign of favour. God, nonetheless, gave a sign to assure his people that he would indeed give them a Savior who would rule with peace and righteousness (Isaiah 7:11ff).
The new era of salvation begins with the conception and birth of Jesus
We see the fulfilment of Isaiah's prophecy and the unfolding of God's plan of redemption in the events leading up to the Incarnation, the birth of the Messiah King. The new era of salvation begins with the miraculous conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary. This child to be born is conceived by the gracious action of the Holy Spirit upon Mary, who finds favour with God (Luke 1:28).
His kingdom will have no end
As Eve was the mother of all humanity doomed to sin, now Mary becomes the mother of the new Adam who will father a new humanity by his grace (Romans 5:12-21). This child to be conceived in her womb is the fulfilment of all God’s promises. He will be "great" and "Son of the Most High" and "King" and his name shall be called "Jesus" (Luke 1:31-32), which means "the Lord saves." "He will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). The angel repeats to Mary, the daughter of the house of David, the promise made to King David: "The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end" (2 Samuel 7:12-16, Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:32-33).
Mary is a true hearer of the Word of God
How does Mary respond to the word of God delivered by the angel Gabriel? She knows she is hearing something beyond human capability. It will surely take a miracle which surpasses all that God has done previously. Her question, "how shall this be, since I have no husband" is not prompted by doubt or skepticism, but by wonderment! She is a true hearer of the Word and she immediately responds with faith and trust.
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. Mary is the "mother of God" because God becomes incarnate when he takes on flesh in her womb. When we pray the Nicene Creed we state our confession of faith in this great mystery: "For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit, he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man".
If we say "yes" to God we can live a grace-filled life
God gives us grace and he expects us to respond with the same willingness, obedience, and heartfelt trust as Mary did. When God commands he also gives the help, 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 plan for my life."
source: From the desk of Don Schwager,
hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East
Tuesday, 17 December 2019
The genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David
Do you know who your ancestors were, where they came from, and what they passed on from their generation to the next?
Genealogies are very important. They give us our roots and help us to understand our heritage. Matthew's genealogy of Jesus traces his lineage from Abraham, the father of God's chosen people, through the line of David, King of Israel. Jesus the Messiah is the direct descent of Abraham and David, and the rightful heir to David's throne. God in his mercy fulfilled his promises to Abraham and to David that he would send a Savior and a King to rule over the house of Israel and to deliver them from their enemies.
The Lord Jesus is the fulfilment of all God's promises
When Jacob blessed his sons he foretold that Judah would receive the promise of royalty which we see fulfilled in David (Genesis 49:10). We can also see in this blessing a foreshadowing of God's fulfilment in raising up his anointed King, Jesus the Messiah. Jesus is the fulfilment of all God's promises. He is the hope not only for the people of the Old Covenant but for all nations as well. He is the Savior of the world who redeems us from slavery to sin and Satan and makes us citizens of the kingdom of God. In him we receive adoption into a royal priesthood and holy nation as sons and daughters of the living God (see 1 Peter 1:9). Do you recognise your spiritual genealogy and do you accept God as your Father and Jesus as the sovereign King and Lord of your life?
"Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Messiah and Savior of the world, the hope of Israel and the hope of the nations. Be the ruler of my heart and the king of my home. May there be nothing in my life that is not under your wise rule and care."
source: From the desk of Don Schwager,
hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East
Thursday, 12 December 2019
Morning prayer ~ as I begin my day
Lord, as I begin my day, I pray
that You would fill me with
Your Holy Spirit.
Cover me with Your protecting wings
and keep me safe from
harm and spiritual attacks.
Help me to speak only words
You would have me speak
and do only things
You would have me do.
Do Good without looking at Who is Benefiting
In solidarity, love and common well-being, aim to help and become supportive of some cause and bringing hope to those in need.
image source: FB
JESUS is my ....
MY STRENGTH
MY KING
MY FORTRESS
MY LORD
MY DELIVERER
MY WISDOM
MY ROCK
MY DELIGHT
MY SHIELD
MY SHEPHERD
MY SALVATION
MY BENEFACTOR
MY JOY
MY SUPPORT
MY LIGHT
MY SUSTAINER
MY PEACE
MY RIGHTEOUSNESS
MY GOOD
MY HEALER
MY SANCTUARY
MY AVENGER
MY TREASURE
MY SAVIOUR
MY PROVISION
MY LIFE
MY STAY
MY PROTECTOR
MY PURIFIER
MY VICTORY
MY PORTION
MY KINSMAN
MY REDEEMER
MY ALL IN ALL
MY ETERNAL LIFE
MY JUDGE
MY REFUGE
MY SANCTIFIER
MY STRONGHOLD
MY SONG
MY BELOVED
MY PRAISE
MY BRIDEGROOM
MY MASTER
MY HELPER
MY MAKER
MY FOUNTAIN
MY COMFORT
MY HOPE
MY SIN-BEARER
MY FRIEND
MY REFUGE
MY SHELTER
MY EVERYTHING
Wednesday, 11 December 2019
Isaiah 41:13 ~ Do not fear; I will help you
For I am the LORD your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you,
Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe ~ 12 December
"I am your merciful Mother, to you and to all mankind
who love me and trust in me and invoke my help."
During the winter of the year 1531, our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego on the 9 December at the Tepeyac Hill outside Mexico City. Our Lady requested that a shrine to her be built at the spot where she appeared, to help convert the nation to Catholicism. Juan immediately agreed to this request and set out to meet the bishop. The bishop didn’t believe Juan story, therefore Juan returned back to the hill and told Our Lady that the bishop didn’t believe him. Then three days (9 December) later, Our Lady once again appeared and again told Juan to visit the bishop to relay her message to the bishop. Juan did as Our Lady told, but this time the bishop insisted on some kind of proof from Our Lady that she was indeed the Blessed Virgin Mary. Juan return to Our Lady and told her that the bishop wanted proof.
Immediately, she granted Juan with the proof needed. Blooming roses sprung up through the snow and Juan gathered them in his tilma (cloak). Our Lady then arranged the flowers in his cloak with her own hands and Juan immediately returned to the bishop to show him the wondrous sign of the roses. Juan opened his tilma to release the roses and when he did, out dropped the roses and the tilma remained the imprinted image of Our Lady as she had appeared to Juan Diego. The bishop immediately believe after seeing the sign and the shrine was built as Our Lady requested.
The image of Our Lady on Juan Diego's tilma is known as Our Lady of Guadalupe for an interesting reason. On that same day, Our Lady appeared to Juan’s uncle and cured him, giving him a message for the bishop, saying that she would “crush the serpent’s head.” The bishop did not understand the Aztec Indians’ language. The Aztec Indian word for “crush the serpent” sounded to him like “Guadalupe,”. Therefore assuming that Our Lady wanted the new shrine to have the same name, and the bishop called her Our Lady of Guadalupe.
O God, Father of mercies, who placed your people under the singular protection of your Son's most holy Mother, grant that all who invoke the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe, may seek with ever more lively faith the progress of peoples in the ways of justice and of peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
That's Not My Job!
This is a story about four people named
EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY and NOBODY.
There was an important job to be done
and EVERYBODY was sure that
SOMEBODY will do it.
ANYBODY could have done it,
but NOBODY did it.
SOMEBODY got angry about it,
because it was EVERYBODY's job.
EVERYBODY thought ANYBODY could do it,
but NOBODY realised that
EVERYBODY wouldn't do it.
It ended up that EVERYBODY blamed
SOMEBODY when NOBODY did what
ANYBODY could have done.
Real meaning of Christmas ~ Pope Francis
5 December 2019, Pope Francis expressed hope that the nativity scene (@St. Peter’s Square) will serve as a reminder of what Christmas is truly about.
Pope Francis began Advent with a trip to the Italian town of Greccio, where St. Francis of Assisi created the first nativity scene in 1223. In Greccio, Pope Francis signed the apostolic letter, Admirabile signum, on the meaning and importance of nativity scenes.
“All those present experienced a new and indescribable joy in the presence of the Christmas scene. The priest then solemnly celebrated the Eucharist over the manger, showing the bond between the Incarnation of the Son of God and the Eucharist,” Pope Francis wrote in the letter describing the St. Francis’ first nativity.
Pope Francis quoted, “As we contemplate the Christmas story, we are invited to set out on a spiritual journey, drawn by the humility of the God who became man in order to encounter every man and woman. We come to realise that so great is his love for us that he became one of us, so that we in turn might become one with him”.
excerpt source: CNA
"Every Christian family, can welcome Jesus just like Mary and Joseph did. They can listen to Him, talk to Him, protect Him, grow with Him. And in doing so, they can change the world. Let's make room in our hearts and in our day, to welcome Jesus."
Masses for Christmas (Catholic)
The Midnight Mass @ Angel's Mass
Celebrated at midnight between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
(Luke 2:1-14)
The Dawn Mass @ Shepherd's Mass
Celebrated at sun breaks the dawn.
(Luke 2:15-20)
The Christmas Day Mass @ King's Mass
Celebrated at daylight (Christmas Morning)
(John 1:1-18)
Lord Jesus increase our faith
What's the driving force in your life?
Jesus speaks of two forces at work in our lives - the power of the temptation to sin and cause harm and the power of faith to overcome obstacles and difficulties that stand in the way of loving God and our neighbour. The Greek word for temptation (scandalon) is the same as the English word scandal. The original meaning of scandal is a trap or a stumbling block which causes one to trip and fall. The Scriptures warn us about the snare or enticement to go astray and to do what is evil. "Keep me from the trap which they have laid for me, and from the snares of evildoers!" (Psalm 141:9) "Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling" (1 John 2:10).
Jesus commands us to not give bad example or lead others into sin
The Jews held that it was an unforgivable sin to teach another to sin. If we teach another to sin, he or she in turn may teach still another, until a train of sin is set in motion with no foreseeable end. Jesus warns his disciples of the terrible responsibility that they must set no stumbling block in the way of another, that is, not give offense or bad example that might lead another to sin. The young in faith are especially vulnerable to the bad example of those who should be passing on the faith.
The power of faith for overcoming obstacles
While Jesus warns against the danger of giving bad example and causing scandal, he also demonstrates the power of faith for overcoming obstacles and temptation to sin and wrongdoing. What did Jesus mean when he said that our faith can move trees and mountains as well (see Matthew 17:20; Mark 11:23)? The term "mountain remover" was used for someone who could solve great problems and difficulties.
The Holy Spirit helps us to grow in faith and to rely on God's strength
Don't we often encounter challenges and difficulties which seem beyond our power or strength to handle? What appears impossible to human power is possible to those who believe in God's power. Paul the Apostle reminds us, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Do you trust in God's help and rely on his strength when you are put to the test or led into temptation?
Faith is a gift freely given by God to help us know God personally, to understand his truth clearly, and to live in the power of his love and mercy freely. God calls us to be like him - holy, loving and wise. God expects more from us than we can simply do by ourselves. That is why the Lord Jesus unites us to himself through the gift of faith so that we may live in the power of his love through the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us (Romans 5:5). The Lord gives us the strength of the Holy Spirit who helps us to grow strong in faith, persevere in hope, and endure in love.
Faith is the key that unlocks God's power in our lives
Faith in God is the key for removing obstacles and difficulties which keep us from doing his will. We belong to God and our lives are no longer our own. Our joy and privilege is to follow the Lord Jesus and to serve in the power of his love, truth, and goodness. The Lord Jesus is ever ready to work in and through us for his glory. For our faith to be effective it must be linked with trust and with obedience - an active submission to God and a willingness to do whatever he commands. Do you trust in the grace and strength which God freely gives to help you resist temptation and to overcome obstacles in doing his will?
"Lord Jesus, you give us victory over the destructive forces of sin and harmful desires that keep us from doing your will. Give me the strength to always choose what is good and to reject what is wrong. May your love and truth rule my heart that I may give good example to others and guide those who need your wise instruction and help."
source: From the desk of Don Schwager,
hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East
Friday, 6 December 2019
Thank You Lord Jesus, my Savior and Lord for answering this prayer with a Yes and Amen
God bless me to live and walk in Your love, mercy and forgiveness (Isaiah 55:7). I confess, I will take no thought for my life. I will trust You Father God to take thought for me and take care of me (Matthew 6:25-34). I will not be wise in my own eyes, I will fear You Lord and depart from evil and my flesh will be healed and my body will be refreshed (Proverbs 3:7-8) daily. Thank You Jesus for Your Promises! Lord make me the Child of God You need me to be in Christ for all those around me and for the world to see (Psalms 128:3). Not by my might, nor by my power, but by Your Spirit Christ Jesus (Zechariah 4:6) this shall happen. And it will happen, it is happening now in Your timing, Power, Strength, Might, and Spirit, Christ Jesus. God all that I have asked of you in this prayer please do the same for all those I love, care about, and every faithful prayer by my loved ones. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Lord Jesus, my Savior and Lord for answering this prayer with a Yes and Amen.
source: PrayerRequest.com
Proverbs 3:7-8
Powerful healing promise hidden
in Proverbs 3:7-8,
I am not wise in my own eyes,
I fear You Lord,
I depart from evil,
especially my own evil thoughts
and my flesh is healed
and my body is refreshed in Jesus.
AMEN.
Feast and Novena 2019, Immaculate Conception Chapel, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
29 December 2019 ~ 8 December 2019
Immaculate Conception Chapel
(c/o Christ the King Church, Sungai Petani)
K633 Jalan Ladang Sungai Batu, Kampung Pengkalan Batu, 08400 Merbok, Kedah, Malaysia
Lat: 5.71141735468722, Lng: 100.4313924908638
Lat: 5.71142, Lng: 100.43139
GPS coordinate,
Lat: 5.71141735468722, Lng: 100.4313924908638
Lat: 5.71142, Lng: 100.43139
Many prayers have been answered and miracles taken place for pilgrims to this chapel.
Thursday, 5 December 2019
Advantages of Prayer
Prayer protects us.
Prayer changes things.
Prayer keeps you in the will of God.
Prayer draws you closer to God.
Prayer makes you happy.
Prayer gives you Hope.
Prayer makes you less selfish.
Prayer heals you from all pain.
Prayer makes you stronger spiritually.
I declare Ephesians 3:20 over my life
I DECLARE Ephesians 3:20 over my life.
God will do exceedingly, abundantly
above all that I ask or think.
Because I honour Him,
His blessings will chase me down
and overtake me.
I will be in the right place at the right time.
People will go out of their way
to be good to me.
I am surrounded by God's favour.
This is my declaration.
Amen.
Thank You God.
Praise You God.
Great is Our God
All Wisdom and Knowledge of man
comes from God.
God is greater than everything....
He is the Creator, the beginning and the end.
Our God is the Greatest,
nothing is beyond His mighty power.
Amen.
Praise God,
all glory and praise belongs
to our God alone.
Thank You God,
Thank You Jesus,
Thank You Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, 4 December 2019
Prayer request for our brother Grey (UK)
Let us lift up our prayer for our brother Grey that he will be reunited with his son soon. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Matthew 18:19-21
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.
Matthew 21:21-22
Jesus answered them, “I assure you: If you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you tell this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will be done. And if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Luke 1:37
For nothing will be impossible with God.
John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Isaiah 43:19
...I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
He will make a way where there seems to be no way. In the toughest of situations, this seems to be God’s speciality.
God has it all figured out. So we don’t have to worry but pray, praise and thank Him.
He’s working on our behalf even when we can’t see it all. He has a plan and purpose in whatever we walk through. He can cut a clear pathway through anything.
And in seemingly hopeless situations where we can’t see any way out, God’s power has the opportunity to shine the greatest. It’s in those times when we come to the end of ourselves, where we know we can’t depend on our own abilities, on anything we have, or anyone we know, but instead are reminded that we are totally and completely reliant on Him - it’s those times that are the most powerful of all.