Hear the Word of God and Do It

Luke 8:19-21 19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him for the crowd. 20 And he was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you." 21 But he said to them, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it." Who do you love and cherish the most? God did not intend for us to be alone, but to be with others. He gives us many opportunities for developing relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Why does Jesus seem to ignore his own relatives when they pressed to see him? His love and respect for his mother and his relatives is unquestionable. Jesus never lost an opportunity to teach his disciples a spiritual lesson and truth about the kingdom of God. On this occasion when many gathered to hear Jesus he pointed to another higher reality of relationships, namely our relationship with God and with those who belong to God. What is the essence of being a Christian? It is certainly more than doctrine, precepts, and commandments. It is first and foremost a relationship - a relationship of trust, affection, commitment, loyalty, faithfulness, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, mercy, helpfulness, encouragement, support, strength, protection, and so many other qualities that bind people together in mutual love and unity. God seeks a personal intimate relationship with each one of us God offers us the greatest of relationships - union of heart, mind, and spirit with himself, the very author and source of love (1 John 4:8,16). God's love never fails, never forgets, never compromises, never lies, never lets us down nor disappoints us. His love is consistent, unwavering, unconditional, unrelenting and unstoppable. There is no end to his love. Nothing in this world can make him leave us, ignore us, or withhold from us his merciful love and care (Romans 8:31-39). He will love us no matter what. It is his nature to love. That is why he created us - to be united with him and to share in his love (1 John 3:1). God is a trinity of divine persons - one in being with the eternal Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - and a community of undivided love. God made us in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26,27) to be a people who are free to choose what is good, loving, and just and to reject whatever is false and contrary to his love and righteousness (moral goodness). That is why Jesus challenged his followers, and even his own earthly relatives, to recognize that God is the true source of all relationships. God wants all of our relationships to be rooted in his love and goodness. The heavenly Father's offer of friendship and adoption Jesus Christ is God's love incarnate - God's love made visible in human flesh (1 John 4:9-10). That is why Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep and the shepherd who seeks out the sheep who have strayed and lost their way. God is like the father who yearns for his prodigal son to return home and then throws a great party for his son when he has a change of heart and comes back (Luke 15:11-32). Jesus offered up his life on the cross for our sake, so that we could be forgiven and restored to unity and friendship with God. It is through Jesus that we become the adopted children of God - his own sons and daughters. That is why Jesus told his disciples that they would have many new friends and family relationships in his kingdom. Whoever does the will of God is a friend of God and a member of his family - his sons and daughters who have been ransomed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ we become brothers and sisters - members of God's family Lucian of Antioch (240-312 AD), an early Christian martyr once said that "a Christian's only relatives are the saints"- namely those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and adopted as sons and daughters of God. Those who have been baptized into Jesus Christ and who live as his disciples enter into a new family, a family of "saints" here on earth and in heaven. Jesus changes the order of relationships and shows that true kinship is not just a matter of flesh and blood. Our adoption as sons and daughters of God transforms all of our relationships and requires a new order of loyalty to God first and to his kingdom of righteousness and peace. Do you want to grow in love and friendship? Allow the Holy Spirit to transform your heart, mind, and will to enable you to love freely and generously as God has loved you. source: From the desk of Don Schwager, hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Speak Lord, for your servant is listening

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. There are many who hear but who never truly hear.

Listening to God must involve God's Word and the Holy Spirit working together in the mind and heart.
God uses people and circumstances, we must always consider what God is saying to us in the light of His infallible Word.

God never contradicts His Word.

Many have heard and yet remain deaf. Will we take heed to what we hear? With ears of faith, hear and believe.
The Lord tells us to “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given — and you will receive even more.” (Mark 4:24)

As we faithfully listen and believe, we will increasingly be enabled to listen and believe (Proverbs 9:9-10, Proverbs 2:1-7)

1. Listening to God
2. Understanding what God says
3. Trusting in what God says
4. Being transformed by what God says

By Your Word Lord, I am Healed

Lord, You only have to say the Word, 

and I will be heal.

Matthew 8:8

The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed."

Even though I am unworthy of his presence within me, Jesus enters under my roof anyway. We humbly ask Jesus to say the word, and by this prayer, we have faith that, Jesus will enter under our roof, our souls shall be healed. The Centurion demonstrates to  us about faith and hope, and its dependence on real understanding of the Word of God.

In asking for healing for others we help heal ourselves. God has given us everything, given freely, created us, sustaining us, and sacrificing His own Son for our salvation. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7), therefore we need to merciful to others, having compassion, pity, and forgive others as God has promised to forgive us all our sins. God’s mercy is greater than our sins, that through Jesus by His Cross and Resurrection, we are truly saved. Is is by our confidence in God’s mercy which able us to partake of the Body and Blood of Jesus is the Holy Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament.

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

According to Your Faith

According to your Faith be it done to you.

(Matthew 9:29)

A lot of times when people have a need, they think that if God wanted to, He would just automatically meet it. But Jesus didn’t say, according to your need be it unto you; He said, according to your faith. That’s why it’s so important to have an attitude of expectancy every single day. If we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. Scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” The more you meditate on the Word of God, the more your faith will grow and the more you will see Him working in your life. Remember, God longs to bless you, and He’s given you everything you need to be successful in life. All things are possible to those who believe! Believe in His goodness today, believe His Word, and according to your faith, be it done for you! 

Prayer 

Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing in my life today. I open my heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Give me a heart filled with faith and hope to believe for every promise You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hear the word of God and do it

Who do you love and cherish the most?

God did not intend for us to be alone, but to be with others. He gives us many opportunities for developing relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Why does Jesus seem to ignore his own relatives when they pressed to see him? His love and respect for his mother and his relatives is unquestionable. Jesus never lost an opportunity to teach his disciples a spiritual lesson and truth about the kingdom of God. On this occasion when many gathered to hear Jesus he pointed to another higher reality of relationships, namely our relationship with God and with those who belong to God.

What is the essence of being a Christian? It is certainly more than doctrine, precepts, and commandments. It is first and foremost a relationship - a relationship of trust, affection, commitment, loyalty, faithfulness, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, mercy, helpfulness, encouragement, support, strength, protection, and so many other qualities that bind people together in mutual love and unity. 

God seeks a personal intimate relationship with each one of us

God offers us the greatest of relationships - union of heart, mind, and spirit with himself, the very author and source of love (1 John 4:8,16). God's love never fails, never forgets, never compromises, never lies, never lets us down nor disappoints us. His love is consistent, unwavering, unconditional, unrelenting and unstoppable. There is no end to his love. Nothing in this world can make him leave us, ignore us, or withhold from us his merciful love and care (Romans 8:31-39). He will love us no matter what. It is his nature to love. That is why he created us - to be united with him and to share in his love (1 John 3:1). 

God is a trinity of divine persons - one in being with the eternal Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - and a community of undivided love. God made us in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26,27) to be a people who are free to choose what is good, loving, and just and to reject whatever is false and contrary to his love and righteousness (moral goodness). That is why Jesus challenged his followers, and even his own earthly relatives, to recognize that God is the true source of all relationships. God wants all of our relationships to be rooted in his love and goodness.

The heavenly Father's offer of friendship and adoption

Jesus Christ is God's love incarnate - God's love made visible in human flesh (1 John 4:9-10). That is why Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep and the shepherd who seeks out the sheep who have strayed and lost their way. God is like the father who yearns for his prodigal son to return home and then throws a great party for his son when he has a change of heart and comes back (Luke 15:11-32). 

Jesus offered up his life on the cross for our sake, so that we could be forgiven and restored to unity and friendship with God. It is through Jesus that we become the adopted children of God - his own sons and daughters. That is why Jesus told his disciples that they would have many new friends and family relationships in his kingdom. Whoever does the will of God is a friend of God and a member of his family - his sons and daughters who have been ransomed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Through Jesus Christ we become brothers and sisters - members of God's family

Lucian of Antioch (240-312 AD), an early Christian martyr once said that "a Christian's only relatives are the saints"- namely those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and adopted as sons and daughters of God. Those who have been baptized into Jesus Christ and who live as his disciples enter into a new family, a family of "saints" here on earth and in heaven. Jesus changes the order of relationships and shows that true kinship is not just a matter of flesh and blood. 

Our adoption as sons and daughters of God transforms all of our relationships and requires a new order of loyalty to God first and to his kingdom of righteousness and peace. Do you want to grow in love and friendship? Allow the Holy Spirit to transform your heart, mind, and will to enable you to love freely and generously as God has loved you.

Heavenly Father, you are the source of all true friendship and love. In all my relationships, may your love be my constant guide for choosing what is good and for rejecting what is contrary to your will.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Unless one is born anew

Do you nourish your faith with prayerful reflection of the word of God? When Nicodemus heard about Jesus' miracles and extraordinary teaching, he decided to meet with him privately, away from the crowds and the public spotlight. Nicodemus was no ordinary Jew. He was a religious ruler and member of the Sanhedrin, which was the supreme court of the Jews, and a teacher of Israel (John 3:10). He was a devout Pharisee who sought to perfectly follow the law of Moses, as prescribed in the Five Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Leviticus, and Numbers) and further elaborated in the numerous scribal laws, recorded in the Mishnah and the Talmud.

Nicodemus decided to meet with Jesus at night, possibly for two reasons. He may have been cautious and not ready to publicly associate himself with Jesus since many Pharisees opposed Jesus' teaching and called him a Sabbath breaker. It is also likely that Nicodemus chose the night as the best time for seeking a private and undisturbed conversation with Jesus. The rabbis declared that the best time to study the law was at night after the day's work was completed and the household was at rest. When Nicodemus saw Jesus he addressed him asrabbi (a teacher of God's word and law) and acknowledged that Jesus' teaching came from God.

How can one get right with God and enter his kingdom? 

Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus went to the very heart of the Mosaic law - how can one get right with God and enter God's kingdom? Jesus' answer was brief and startling: "Unless one is born anew, he cannot see God." The new birth which Jesus spoke about was not a physical birth but the beginning of a spiritual birth which is something completely new and radical, and from above, namely from God himself. Jesus said that this rebirth was necessary if one was to enter God's kingdom. Nicodemus thought that to be born again, even spiritually, was impossible. He probably knew too well from experience that anyone who wants to be changed from within, can't accomplish this by oneself. Jesus explained that this change could only come about through the work and action of the Holy Spirit. This rebirth in the Spirit is very real and experiential, like the wind which can be felt and heard while it is visibly unseen to the naked eye.

Rebirth to new life in the power of the Holy Spirit 

What does it mean to be reborn in the Spirit? The new birth which Jesus speaks of is a spiritual birth to a life which is transformed through the power of God. This new life brings us into an experiential relationship with God as his adopted sons and daughters (Romans 6:4; 8:10-11). This new birth is made possible when one is baptized into Christ and receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. God wants to renew all of his people in the gift of new life in his Holy Spirit. This new life in the Spirit brings us into God's kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17).

What is the kingdom of God - which is also called the kingdom of heaven? God's kingdom - his reign and blessing as King over us - is the abundant everlasting life and power from heaven which God shares with those who accept him as the Eternal Father and Author of Life and Ruler of All he has created. Jesus explains in the prayer he gave to his disciples, what we call the Lord's Prayer or the Our Father, that God's kingdom is that society of men and women who acknowledge God as their Lord and Ruler and who obey his word and live according to his will on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).

We are sons and daughters of God and citizens of his kingdom 

To be reborn in the Spirit is to enter that society in which God is honored and obeyed. Those who willingly accept God's rule in their lives become citizens of God's heavenly kingdom and members of God's family - his adopted sons and daughters. And they enter into possession of the life which comes from God himself, an everlasting life of love, peace, joy, and freedom from sin, oppression, and corruption. Do you know the joy and freedom of the new birth and abundant life which Jesus Christ has won for you?

Lord Jesus Christ, you offer us abundant new life and power to live as sons and daughters of our Father in heaven. Renew in me the gift of faith to accept and obey your life-giving word and to cooperate with the transforming power of your Holy Spirit who changes us into your likeness. May your kingdom come and your will be done in my life today, tomorrow, and always.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Our Lenten Opportunity

"Christ saved us according to His mercy, 

and renewing through the Holy Spirit."

~ Titus 3:5 ~

Our last Faith Reflection focused on the significant role Lenten sacrifice has in a renewal of our commitment to living our faith. In addition, Lent is also the perfect time to invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts to help us see and accept our opportunities for growth.

Change, even in small aspects of our life, can be a bit intimidating sometimes . . . or seem more like a bother, especially when you’re someone who is already mindful of living your life guided by faith.

Through our devotion to St. Jude, we know he is always ready to receive our prayers for help and our requests for intercession. As the Patron Saint of Hope, he can be the additional strength and support we need to continue to grow in how we live the Gospel.

We have our deep love and commitment to Christ in our hearts and our daily decisions. Part of living our faith is to reflect that love to the outside world, too. It is a way we are able to bring the Word of God to others . . . we share aspects of the Gospel by our example.

Our actions as a reflection of God’s love can be very small and still be extremely meaningful. We can impact many people’s day simply by treating everyone we interact with as people of dignity.

In gratitude for everything St. Jude felt Jesus had given him by inviting him to be one of His Apostles, he committed the rest of his life to sharing the Word of God with people anywhere he could travel. It certainly isn’t practical for most of us to try to follow St. Jude’s particular path, but his passion for Jesus and the Gospel does remind us he is especially aware of the grace we may need to venture a bit out of our comfort zone as we work to grow in our Catholic life.

Ask St. Jude to open our hearts to Lent’s riches for our souls. And through his intercession, ask him to also place your prayers of gratitude before God.

source: Faith Reflection @ http://www.shrineofstjude.org/

Jesus taught with authority

Do you believe that God's word has power to set you free and to transform your life? When Jesus taught he spoke with authority. He spoke the word of God as no one had spoken it before. When the Rabbis taught they supported their statements with quotes from other authorities. The prophets spoke with delegated authority - "Thus says the Lord ." When Jesus spoke he needed no authorities to back his statements. He was authority incarnate - the Word of God made flesh. When he spoke, God spoke. When he commanded even the demons obeyed.

Faith works through love and abounds in hope 

Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) remarked that "faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, 'What have we to do with you' (Mark 1:24)? They confessed a sort of faith, but without love. Hence they were devils."

Faith is powerful, but without love it profits nothing (1 Corinthians 13). Scripture tells us that true faith works through love (Galatians 5:6) and abounds in hope (Romans 15:13). Our faith is made perfect in love because love orients us to the supreme good which is God himself as well as the good of our neighbor who is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26,27).

Hope anchors our faith in the promises of God and purifies our desires for the things which will last for eternity. That is why the word of Christ has power to set us free from all that would keep us bound up in sin, deception, and despair. Bede the venerable abbot of an English monastery (672-735) contrasted the power and authority of Jesus' word with the word of the devil: "The devil, because he had deceived Eve with his tongue, is punished by the tongue, that he might not speak" [ Homilies on the Gospels 1.8].

Faith must be nourished with the Word of God

Faith is both a free gift of God and the free assent of our will to the whole truth that God has revealed. To live, grow, and persevere in the faith to the end, we must nourish it with the word of God. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds that we may grow in his truth and in the knowledge of his great love for each of us. If we approach God's word with trust and submission, and with an eagerness to do what the Lord desires for us, then we are in a much better position to learn what God wants to teach us through his word. Are you eager to be taught by the Lord and to conform your mind, heart, attitude, and intentions according to his word of truth, goodness, and love?

Lord Jesus, your word is power and life. May I never doubt your love and mercy, and the power of your word that sets us free, and brings healing and restoration to body, mind, heart, and spirit.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Hear the word of God and do it

Who do you love and cherish the most? God did not intend for us to be alone, but to be with others. He gives us many opportunities for developing relationships with family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers. Why does Jesus seem to ignore his own relatives when they pressed to see him? His love and respect for his mother and his relatives is unquestionable. Jesus never lost an opportunity to teach his disciples a spiritual lesson and truth about the kingdom of God. On this occasion when many gathered to hear Jesus he pointed to another higher reality of relationships, namely our relationship with God and with those who belong to God.

What is the essence of being a Christian? It is certainly more than doctrine, precepts, and commandments. It is first and foremost a relationship - a relationship of trust, affection, commitment, loyalty, faithfulness, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, mercy, helpfulness, encouragement, support, strength, protection, and so many other qualities that bind people together in mutual love and unity. 

God seeks a personal intimate relationship with each one of us

God offers us the greatest of relationships - union of heart, mind, and spirit with himself, the very author and source of love (1 John 4:8,16). God's love never fails, never forgets, never compromises, never lies, never lets us down nor disappoints us. His love is consistent, unwavering, unconditional, unrelenting and unstoppable. There is no end to his love. Nothing in this world can make him leave us, ignore us, or withhold from us his merciful love and care (Romans 8:31-39). He will love us no matter what. It is his nature to love. That is why he created us - to be united with him and to share in his love (1 John 3:1). 

God is a trinity of divine persons - one in being with the eternal Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - and a community of undivided love. God made us in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26,27) to be a people who are free to choose what is good, loving, and just and to reject whatever is false and contrary to his love and righteousness (moral goodness). That is why Jesus challenged his followers, and even his own earthly relatives, to recognize that God is the true source of all relationships. God wants all of our relationships to be rooted in his love and goodness.

The heavenly Father's offer of friendship and adoption 

Jesus Christ is God's love incarnate - God's love made visible in human flesh (1 John 4:9-10). That is why Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep and the shepherd who seeks out the sheep who have strayed and lost their way. God is like the father who yearns for his prodigal son to return home and then throws a great party for his son when he has a change of heart and comes back (Luke 15:11-32). 

Jesus offered up his life on the cross for our sake, so that we could be forgiven and restored to unity and friendship with God. It is through Jesus that we become the adopted children of God - his own sons and daughters. That is why Jesus told his disciples that they would have many new friends and family relationships in his kingdom. Whoever does the will of God is a friend of God and a member of his family - his sons and daughters who have been ransomed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Through Jesus Christ we become brothers and sisters - members of God's family

Lucian of Antioch (240-312 AD), an early Christian martyr once said that "a Christian's only relatives are the saints"- namely those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and adopted as sons and daughters of God. Those who have been baptized into Jesus Christ and who live as his disciples enter into a new family, a family of "saints" here on earth and in heaven. Jesus changes the order of relationships and shows that true kinship is not just a matter of flesh and blood. 

Our adoption as sons and daughters of God transforms all of our relationships and requires a new order of loyalty to God first and to his kingdom of righteousness and peace. Do you want to grow in love and friendship? Allow the Holy Spirit to transform your heart, mind, and will to enable you to love freely and generously as God has loved you.

"Heavenly Father, you are the source of all true friendship and love. In all my relationships, may your love be my constant guide for choosing what is good and for rejecting what is contrary to your will."

source: Kairos-EME, Don's Daily Email

His word was with authority and power

When you listen to the word of God in Scripture how do you respond to it? Do you hear it with indifference, selective submission, or with the full assent of faith and obedience? When Jesus taught he spoke with authority. He spoke the word of God as no one had spoken it before. When the Rabbis taught they supported their statements with quotes from other authorities. The prophets spoke with delegated authority - Thus says the Lord. When Jesus spoke he needed no authorities to back his statements. He was authority incarnate - the Word of God made flesh. When he spoke, God spoke. When he commanded even the demons obeyed.

God's Word is alive and active

Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD), in his commentary on this passage from the Gospel of Luke, tells us that Jesus had all power and authority to heal every sickness and expel every demonic power because he was the living and active Word of God the Father (John 1:14 and Hebrews 4:12):

The bystanders, witnesses of such great deeds, were astonished at the power of his word. He performed his miracles, without offering up a prayer, asking no one else at all for the power to accomplish them. Since he is the living and active Word of God the Father, by whom all things exist, and in whom all things are, in his own person he crushed Satan and closed the profane mouth of impure demons. [Commentary on Luke, Homily 12].

God's Word has power to set us free

God's living and abiding Word is truth and life and it has power to set us free from every sin and oppression and bring us healing of body, mind, and spirit. If the demons, the fallen angels, were able to recognize the power and authority of Jesus, the Son of God, how much more should we recognize and believe in the power and authority of the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ, and entrust our lives to the Lord Jesus? 

God's Word produces life and freedom for us

The Lord Jesus speaks his life-giving Word to us each and every day so that we may walk in the freedom of his love and truth. If we approach the Word of God with meekness and humility, and with an eagerness to do everything the Lord desires, we are in a much better position to learn what God wants to teach us through his word. Are you ready to follow the Lord Jesus and to conform your life according to his word?

"Lord Jesus, you have the words of everlasting life. May I never doubt your saving love and mercy, and the power of your word to bring healing, restoration, and freedom from every sin and oppression."

source: Kairos-EME, Don's Daily Email

The Holy Bible (Word of God)

Pray for the Holy Spirit to allow you to have the wisdom you need to understand what God is saying to you through His Words. He will guide and direct us who have accepted the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit and He lives inside of us. 

If you have not started reading and meditating word of God daily, therefore please start reading your Bible this very day. The only start something is to do it (put into practice). We must have an earnest desire to understand what written by asking “What is this all about?” and the need to find the meaning. Open our heart as we open God’s scriptures, and say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening!” Whatever we harvest from the Word of God, we must put to practice with obedience and self-application with the determination that you will live by its rules, rest on its statements, and act on its commands. The main objective of all Scripture is for us to testify the greatness and glory of our Lord God and Jesus.

John 16:13

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he 

will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The Catholic Holy Bible consist of 73 books.

The seven books that Protestant bibles do not include are:

Sirach, Wisdom, Judith, Tobit, Baruch, 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees.

Why did the Protestants not include these books in their bible?

Because of the reformation. When Martin Luther broke off from the Catholic church and created the first Protestant church, he also created a new Protestant bible and removed the books that he did not feel were divinely inspired.

Psalm 119 : Beauty of the Word of God

Psalm 119

Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

Aleph

119 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,

    who walk in the law of the Lord!

² Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,

    who seek him with their whole heart,

³ who also do no wrong,

    but walk in his ways!

⁴ You have commanded your precepts

    to be kept diligently.

⁵ Oh that my ways may be steadfast

    in keeping your statutes!

⁶ Then I shall not be put to shame,

    having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.

⁷ I will praise you with an upright heart,

    when I learn your righteous rules.

⁸ I will keep your statutes;

    do not utterly forsake me!

Beth

⁹ How can a young man keep his way pure?

    By guarding it according to your word.

¹⁰ With my whole heart I seek you;

    let me not wander from your commandments!

¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart,

    that I might not sin against you.

¹² Blessed are you, O Lord;

    teach me your statutes!

¹³ With my lips I declare

    all the rules of your mouth.

¹⁴ In the way of your testimonies I delight

    as much as in all riches.

¹⁵ I will meditate on your precepts

    and fix my eyes on your ways.

¹⁶ I will delight in your statutes;

    I will not forget your word.

Gimel

¹⁷ Deal bountifully with your servant,

    that I may live and keep your word.

¹⁸ Open my eyes, that I may behold

    wondrous things out of your law.

¹⁹ I am a sojourner on the earth;

    hide not your commandments from me!

²⁰ My soul is consumed with longing

    for your rules at all times.

²¹ You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,

    who wander from your commandments.

²² Take away from me scorn and contempt,

    for I have kept your testimonies.

²³ Even though princes sit plotting against me,

    your servant will meditate on your statutes.

²⁴ Your testimonies are my delight;

    they are my counselors.

Daleth

²⁵ My soul clings to the dust;

    give me life according to your word!

²⁶ When I told of my ways, you answered me;

    teach me your statutes!

²⁷ Make me understand the way of your precepts,

    and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

²⁸ My soul melts away for sorrow;

    strengthen me according to your word!

²⁹ Put false ways far from me

    and graciously teach me your law!

³⁰ I have chosen the way of faithfulness;

    I set your rules before me.

³¹ I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;

    let me not be put to shame!

³² I will run in the way of your commandments

    when you enlarge my heart!

He

³³ Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;

    and I will keep it to the end.

³⁴ Give me understanding, that I may keep your law

    and observe it with my whole heart.

³⁵ Lead me in the path of your commandments,

    for I delight in it.

³⁶ Incline my heart to your testimonies,

    and not to selfish gain!

³⁷ Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;

    and give me life in your ways.

³⁸ Confirm to your servant your promise,

    that you may be feared.

³⁹ Turn away the reproach that I dread,

    for your rules are good.

⁴⁰ Behold, I long for your precepts;

    in your righteousness give me life!

Waw

⁴¹ Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,

    your salvation according to your promise;

⁴² then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,

    for I trust in your word.

⁴³ And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,

    for my hope is in your rules.

⁴⁴ I will keep your law continually,

    forever and ever,

⁴⁵ and I shall walk in a wide place,

    for I have sought your precepts.

⁴⁶ I will also speak of your testimonies before kings

    and shall not be put to shame,

⁴⁷ for I find my delight in your commandments,

    which I love.

⁴⁸ I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,

    and I will meditate on your statutes.

Zayin

⁴⁹ Remember your word to your servant,

    in which you have made me hope.

⁵⁰ This is my comfort in my affliction,

    that your promise gives me life.

⁵¹ The insolent utterly deride me,

    but I do not turn away from your law.

⁵² When I think of your rules from of old,

    I take comfort, O Lord.

⁵³ Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,

    who forsake your law.

⁵⁴ Your statutes have been my songs

    in the house of my sojourning.

⁵⁵ I remember your name in the night, O Lord,

    and keep your law.

⁵⁶ This blessing has fallen to me,

    that I have kept your precepts.

Heth

⁵⁷ The Lord is my portion;

    I promise to keep your words.

⁵⁸ I entreat your favor with all my heart;

    be gracious to me according to your promise.

⁵⁹ When I think on my ways,

    I turn my feet to your testimonies;

⁶⁰ I hasten and do not delay

    to keep your commandments.

⁶¹ Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,

    I do not forget your law.

⁶² At midnight I rise to praise you,

    because of your righteous rules.

⁶³ I am a companion of all who fear you,

    of those who keep your precepts.

⁶⁴ The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;

    teach me your statutes!

Teth

⁶⁵ You have dealt well with your servant,

    O Lord, according to your word.

⁶⁶ Teach me good judgment and knowledge,

    for I believe in your commandments.

⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray,

    but now I keep your word.

⁶⁸ You are good and do good;

    teach me your statutes.

⁶⁹ The insolent smear me with lies,

    but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;

⁷⁰ their heart is unfeeling like fat,

    but I delight in your law.

⁷¹ It is good for me that I was afflicted,

    that I might learn your statutes.

⁷² The law of your mouth is better to me

    than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Yodh

⁷³ Your hands have made and fashioned me;

    give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

⁷⁴ Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,

    because I have hoped in your word.

⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,

    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

⁷⁶ Let your steadfast love comfort me

    according to your promise to your servant.

⁷⁷ Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;

    for your law is my delight.

⁷⁸ Let the insolent be put to shame,

    because they have wronged me with falsehood;

    as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.

⁷⁹ Let those who fear you turn to me,

    that they may know your testimonies.

⁸⁰ May my heart be blameless in your statutes,

    that I may not be put to shame!

Kaph

⁸¹ My soul longs for your salvation;

    I hope in your word.

⁸² My eyes long for your promise;

    I ask, “When will you comfort me?”

⁸³ For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,

    yet I have not forgotten your statutes.

⁸⁴ How long must your servant endure?

    When will you judge those who persecute me?

⁸⁵ The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;

    they do not live according to your law.

⁸⁶ All your commandments are sure;

    they persecute me with falsehood; help me!

⁸⁷ They have almost made an end of me on earth,

    but I have not forsaken your precepts.

⁸⁸ In your steadfast love give me life,

    that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

Lamedh

⁸⁹ Forever, O Lord, your word

    is firmly fixed in the heavens.

⁹⁰ Your faithfulness endures to all generations;

    you have established the earth, and it stands fast.

⁹¹ By your appointment they stand this day,

    for all things are your servants.

⁹² If your law had not been my delight,

    I would have perished in my affliction.

⁹³ I will never forget your precepts,

    for by them you have given me life.

⁹⁴ I am yours; save me,

    for I have sought your precepts.

⁹⁵ The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,

    but I consider your testimonies.

⁹⁶ I have seen a limit to all perfection,

    but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Mem

⁹⁷ Oh how I love your law!

    It is my meditation all the day.

⁹⁸ Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,

    for it is ever with me.

⁹⁹ I have more understanding than all my teachers,

    for your testimonies are my meditation.

¹⁰⁰ I understand more than the aged,

    for I keep your precepts.

¹⁰¹ I hold back my feet from every evil way,

    in order to keep your word.

¹⁰² I do not turn aside from your rules,

    for you have taught me.

¹⁰³ How sweet are your words to my taste,

    sweeter than honey to my mouth!

¹⁰⁴ Through your precepts I get understanding;

    therefore I hate every false way.

Nun

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet

    and a light to my path.

¹⁰⁶ I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,

    to keep your righteous rules.

¹⁰⁷ I am severely afflicted;

    give me life, O Lord, according to your word!

¹⁰⁸ Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,

    and teach me your rules.

¹⁰⁹ I hold my life in my hand continually,

    but I do not forget your law.

¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me,

    but I do not stray from your precepts.

¹¹¹ Your testimonies are my heritage forever,

    for they are the joy of my heart.

¹¹² I incline my heart to perform your statutes

    forever, to the end.

Samekh

¹¹³ I hate the double-minded,

    but I love your law.

¹¹⁴ You are my hiding place and my shield;

    I hope in your word.

¹¹⁵ Depart from me, you evildoers,

    that I may keep the commandments of my God.

¹¹⁶ Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,

    and let me not be put to shame in my hope!

¹¹⁷ Hold me up, that I may be safe

    and have regard for your statutes continually!

¹¹⁸ You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,

    for their cunning is in vain.

¹¹⁹ All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,

    therefore I love your testimonies.

¹²⁰ My flesh trembles for fear of you,

    and I am afraid of your judgments.

Ayin

¹²¹ I have done what is just and right;

    do not leave me to my oppressors.

¹²² Give your servant a pledge of good;

    let not the insolent oppress me.

¹²³ My eyes long for your salvation

    and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.

¹²⁴ Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,

    and teach me your statutes.

¹²⁵ I am your servant; give me understanding,

    that I may know your testimonies!

¹²⁶ It is time for the Lord to act,

    for your law has been broken.

¹²⁷ Therefore I love your commandments

    above gold, above fine gold.

¹²⁸ Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;

    I hate every false way.

Pe

¹²⁹ Your testimonies are wonderful;

    therefore my soul keeps them.

¹³⁰ The unfolding of your words gives light;

    it imparts understanding to the simple.

¹³¹ I open my mouth and pant,

    because I long for your commandments.

¹³² Turn to me and be gracious to me,

    as is your way with those who love your name.

¹³³ Keep steady my steps according to your promise,

    and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

¹³⁴ Redeem me from man's oppression,

    that I may keep your precepts.

¹³⁵ Make your face shine upon your servant,

    and teach me your statutes.

¹³⁶ My eyes shed streams of tears,

    because people do not keep your law.

Tsadhe

¹³⁷ Righteous are you, O Lord,

    and right are your rules.

¹³⁸ You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness

    and in all faithfulness.

¹³⁹ My zeal consumes me,

    because my foes forget your words.

¹⁴⁰ Your promise is well tried,

    and your servant loves it.

¹⁴¹ I am small and despised,

    yet I do not forget your precepts.

¹⁴² Your righteousness is righteous forever,

    and your law is true.

¹⁴³ Trouble and anguish have found me out,

    but your commandments are my delight.

¹⁴⁴ Your testimonies are righteous forever;

    give me understanding that I may live.

Qoph

¹⁴⁵ With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!

    I will keep your statutes.

¹⁴⁶ I call to you; save me,

    that I may observe your testimonies.

¹⁴⁷ I rise before dawn and cry for help;

    I hope in your words.

¹⁴⁸ My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,

    that I may meditate on your promise.

¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;

    O Lord, according to your justice give me life.

¹⁵⁰ They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;

    they are far from your law.

¹⁵¹ But you are near, O Lord,

    and all your commandments are true.

¹⁵² Long have I known from your testimonies

    that you have founded them forever.

Resh

¹⁵³ Look on my affliction and deliver me,

    for I do not forget your law.

¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause and redeem me;

    give me life according to your promise!

¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked,

    for they do not seek your statutes.

¹⁵⁶ Great is your mercy, O Lord;

    give me life according to your rules.

¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,

    but I do not swerve from your testimonies.

¹⁵⁸ I look at the faithless with disgust,

    because they do not keep your commands.

¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love your precepts!

    Give me life according to your steadfast love.

¹⁶⁰ The sum of your word is truth,

    and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Sin and Shin

¹⁶¹ Princes persecute me without cause,

    but my heart stands in awe of your words.

¹⁶² I rejoice at your word

    like one who finds great spoil.

¹⁶³ I hate and abhor falsehood,

    but I love your law.

¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day I praise you

    for your righteous rules.

¹⁶⁵ Great peace have those who love your law;

    nothing can make them stumble.

¹⁶⁶ I hope for your salvation, O Lord,

    and I do your commandments.

¹⁶⁷ My soul keeps your testimonies;

    I love them exceedingly.

¹⁶⁸ I keep your precepts and testimonies,

    for all my ways are before you.

Taw

¹⁶⁹ Let my cry come before you, O Lord;

    give me understanding according to your word!

¹⁷⁰ Let my plea come before you;

    deliver me according to your word.

¹⁷¹ My lips will pour forth praise,

    for you teach me your statutes.

¹⁷² My tongue will sing of your word,

    for all your commandments are right.

¹⁷³ Let your hand be ready to help me,

    for I have chosen your precepts.

¹⁷⁴ I long for your salvation, O Lord,

    and your law is my delight.

¹⁷⁵ Let my soul live and praise you,

    and let your rules help me.

¹⁷⁶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,

    for I do not forget your commandments.