Enter the Narrow Gate

   “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matt 7: 14)

    How are we to find the narrow gate of which Jesus speaks?  He tells us that there will be few who find it and enter through it.  How do we ensure that we are among that blessed few?

   First, we must remember what Jesus told the Sadducee who asked Him which was the great commandment in the law.  “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.” (Matt 22: 37 – 40).

   We must follow these commandments if we are to find and enter the narrow gate.  It doesn’t matter what I have accomplished on earth; what ministries I may have served in; if I am a nice guy or not.  It matters only that I love God with everything I am and love my neighbor as myself.  I must submit my entire will to Him.

   I can be successful in all aspects of my earthly life but that won’t get me there.  My wife, children and friends can be the best one could ever hope for, but they can’t show me the narrow gate.  They can help me in my search for the gate, but only I can find it and pass through it by having the love of God and neighbor foremost in my heart.

   How do we find the narrow gate?  How do we ensure that we are among the blessed who may enter?  There is only one way.

“Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me’.”

The Vastness of God

   “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me. And your right hand shall hold me.” (Ps 139: 8 – 10)

   

   The closest I can come to imagining the vastness of God is to consider a sea voyage.  There is no land for as far as the eye can see.  I can’t begin to know how deep the water beneath my ship is.  The stars I see at night are, at the closest, 4.3 light years or 24 trillion miles away.  The number of stars is so far beyond counting that I can almost begin to grasp infinity; but not quite.  No one knows how big the universe truly is and it  continues to grow larger day after day.

   The universe is enormous but the love God has for me and you is greater by far.  All was created from His love.  Everything in the universe and each one of us is a result of that love.  As great and vast as the universe is, God's love for us is greater.  He made us in His own image; He sent His Son to pay the price for our sins that we may be saved and spend eternity with Him.  Even the angels rejoice when we accept His love and forgiveness by turning to Him in repentance and sorrow for our sins.  “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15: 10).

   Think of all that God has created and continues to create.  Take a few moments to try to imagine the vastness of God.  Whatever image you come up with pales in comparison with His love for us.  Our God is an amazing God, full of love and compassion for all who seek Him.

Father, your creation is beyond my understanding.

But even more incredible is your love for me.

Help me always seek a greater closeness to You.

Let me live in Your love throughout eternity.

Amen

The Light of the World

   “And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3: 19)

   Eleven people were murdered while worshiping at their synagogue by an avowed anti-Semite.  The shooter had an online history of hatred against all Jews.

   Pipe bombs were sent to prominent Democratic politicians and supporters.  Thankfully no one was injured.  Investigators have found that the perpetrator's vile rhetoric was common and frequent on social media.

   Last year group of Republican Congressmen at a baseball practice came under rifle fire, seriously injuring one of them.  The shooter had asked someone at the field to confirm it was republicans who were on the field.

   School shootings; children murdered on our streets; vile statements by politicians demanding confrontation, injury and even death to those of a different opinion; news organizations feeding the frenzy with biased, politically motivated reporting.  Society seems to be teetering on the edge of chaos.

   I believe we are suffering from the judgment spoken of by Jesus.  Too many love the darkness of sin and hatred and have rejected the Light of Christ.  God has been banned from many areas of our society and there are those who wish to eliminate His presence completely.  Too many Christians watch it happen rather than take a stand for our Lord.

   Until we get the courage to stand for God and our faith I fear society will continue to decline in hatred and sin.  Without the Light that Jesus brought into the world, darkness will rule.  The nation as we know it will cease to exist.

   I pray that we can stop the hatred and begin to turn our nation around.  But that won’t happen until we begin to act.  God help us!

Lord, we are suffering, I ask for Your help.

Help us bring Your love to our nation and the world.

Help us to spread the Light of Christ.

Amen

The Question

   “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10: 51)

This was the question Jesus asked the blind man Bartimaeus (see Mark 10: 46 – 52).  He asks the same question of us today.  It is the most important question we will ever be asked.  Our response needs to be carefully considered.

   Bartimaeus asked to receive sight and it was granted him.  Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Mark 10: 52)  But he did not just go his way after he gained sight.  Instead he, “immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.” (Mark 10: 52)  Rather than take Jesus’ gift of sight and living for himself he chose to follow Christ.

   Are we blind?  In many ways we are.  We are blinded by the lures of this world and the temptations of Satan.  We also need the gift of sight.  The sight that shows us the many gifts of God that we receive each day.  We need the sight that lets us see Him in everyone we meet.  We should pray for the sight to see God’s path for us; the path that leads us to our heavenly home.

   When the archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear the savior of the world she asked how that was possible.  He answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;” (Luke 1: 35).  This is what we should ask of Jesus; that the Holy Spirit come upon us and we be overshadowed by the power of God.

   A simple question with so many possible answers.  What will you ask for when Jesus asks what you want from Him?

Jesus, let the Holy Spirit fill me and make me holy.

Let the love and mercy of God envelope me.

Let me share that love and mercy with all.

Amen

Lectio Divina

   Lectio Divina is Latin for “Divine Reading”.  It is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading.  Lectio Divina is a more contemplative way of approaching scripture.  It is intended to be a meditative way of looking not just at the words of scripture but to open one’s heart and mind to a deeper communion with God.

   As I practice this way of scripture reading I find a depth to scripture I’ve not known before.  I’ve always read scripture to learn and better understand the message God has presented but not in the same manner as the contemplative way.  In this way I allow the scripture to speak to me in the inmost part of my heart and soul.

   Through Lectio Divina I let the word guide me rather than me guiding the word through a set number of verses or chapters to read.  I find that some days I read a small portion of a verse and am stopped.  As I reread it in a more meditative way I ask God and the Holy Spirit to help me get the intended message.  Sometimes I feel drawn to another verse that helps me understand what I’ve just read.  There are times I find myself delving into the Old Testament and seeing the foretelling of what I just read in the New.

   When I first began my efforts to be more contemplative in my spiritual life I expected great things, perhaps like a burning bush or such to overwhelm me as it did Moses.  What I’ve found, however, is a depth of love and understanding that had been missing.

   Even though I don’t experience a great spiritual rush each time, I’ve learned that even the empty times are of value.  I look at the emptiness of those times as an opportunity to open myself more deeply to the Holy Spirit and His guidance.  Sometimes it comes, others it doesn’t, but either way I am open to God and His word.  He will fill me in His time and by His plan.

   I believe that my relationship with God has grown through this process and look forward to the continued growth and closeness as I continue to search for meaning rather than just reading the words.

Lord I open my heart to your word.

Guide me and instruct me in your ways.

Amen.

Without God

   I would say that I have had success in life.  I’ve been married to a wonderful woman for over forty-eight years and have four great kids and several grand-kids.  I’m healthy, happy and satisfied with my life.

   I had a successful career in the Navy, retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer.  Afterwards I spent twenty-three years in the wireless industry achieving success in that career as well.  I’m not wealthy, but I’m comfortable in life.

   Yet, if I don’t have God none of what I have is of any value.  Only with God in my life is there true success, happiness and satisfaction.  I’ve known those who have achieved far more than I but are not satisfied with their success.  Regardless of all they have they keep searching for more.  Many are searching in the wrong places.  They look for success in earthly matters rather than with God.

   If I became the wealthiest man on earth but didn’t have God I would remain poor.  If I owned the biggest house with all the best of everything it would be worthless without God in my life.  Luxury cars, yachts and all the favorite toys of this world are of no real value if I am without God.

   If I were king of the world but didn’t have the Lord in my life it would be a kingdom of emptiness and without joy.  Everything I might achieve; everything I may obtain; every worldly gift and pleasure I enjoy are as nothing.  If I were forced to choose, I would gladly forsake everything in this world to spend eternity with Him.  Life as a servant of God far exceeds a life of wealth and earthly pleasure without Him.

   God is in all; He created everything including each of us.  He exists within us even when we don’t recognize Him.  Until we accept Him and His will into our lives we will never know true happiness, peace and success in our life.

   “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” (St. Augustine)

Watching the World Go By

We sit and watch as the world goes by,

And accept the loss of another day.

We turn to God and ask him “Why?”

But we’re the ones who choose to live this way.

We could reach the stars if we’d only try.

But we don’t take the opportunity

To listen to Him and hear His plan.

He has one, you know, for you and me.

Perhaps some day we’ll learn His way,

And listen to His loving voice.

We’ll take His hand and walk with Him,

But we must make that choice.

God doesn’t push, he doesn’t demand,

He waits to envelop us with His love.

Then offers us the greatest gifts,

Rewards from His altar far above.

So let us rise and watch no more

As the world simply goes on by.

Let’s take the love He offers us,

And let Him teach us how to fly.

Amen

The Forgiveness of Jesus

   “He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him.  He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.” (John 1: 10 – 11)

   Jesus was denied by those He came to save.  The Jews of His time were seeking a Messiah with worldly powers; one who would restore Israel to its’ former greatness.  They were not looking for a Messiah who would teach forgiveness of one’s enemies.  Since Jesus wasn’t their idea of what the Messiah should be they crucified Him.

   It’s easy to look back over two thousand years of Christian teaching and experience and place blame on the Jews who denied Jesus.  We are human, when something bad happens we usually look for someone to hold accountable.  For the death of Christ, the Jews of His time were easy to blame.

   I’d love to think we are different, but I fear we are very like the Jewish leadership who rejected Him and those he came to save who denied Him.  Sadly, we’ve not done a very good job of learning from their mistakes.  We still want the Messiah that suits our desires; the one who does what we think should be done.

   Jesus taught a very simple lesson of love and forgiveness; love for God; love for one another and forgiveness for all.  We, on the other hand, prefer punishment and retribution.  If someone harms us our first reaction is usually to seek to repay that wrong.  We forget the words of Jesus on the cross, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” (Luke 23: 34).  He could have had retribution for their sins against Him but chose forgiveness instead.

   If we are to accept Jesus, we too must choose forgiveness over vengeance.  We can’t pick and choose; we can’t love some and hate others; we can’t seek revenge when we are wronged.  We must forgive and love those who harm us just as Jesus did from the cross of our salvation.

   “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” (Matt 6: 14 – 15)

Will He Find Faith?

   “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18: 8)

   As a Christian I define faith as the certainty of things I can’t prove, explain or understand.  I can’t see God, but I have faith in His presence; I can’t prove that Christ rose from the dead, but I don’t question the resurrection; I don’t understand eternity but have no doubt that my soul is eternal and will live forever.

   This is a faith that I find I can’t apply to earthly matters.  I may hope that a politician will keep their word, but I don’t have faith that they will.  I may have trust in a doctor’s ability, but trust isn’t the same as the certainty of my faith in God.  Even those we should be able to have faith in, our family and our close friends, violate our trust at times.

   I look at the sunrise and I expect to see the sunrise again tomorrow, yet I realize that I may not be here to see it.  There may never be another sunrise; God may end the earth as we know it this night.  If so I have absolute faith that His decision was the right one and that it is for the best.

   Faith is the thread running throughout the Bible.  The patriarchs had faith that God would lead them to a better place.  Prophets had faith that the words of God they shared were the messages God wished them to share.  The apostles had faith in Jesus as the Messiah.  Martyrs had the faith that the world they were going to was worth the punishment, torture and death they willingly accepted.

   The faith we are to have in God isn’t really applicable to anything earthly.  Our world is flawed and weakened by sin.  All are tempted and, at times, all fail.  A faith in a flawed system such as the world in which we live just isn’t realistic.  We are only fooling ourselves if we believe otherwise.  We can trust that others will do as they have promised and as they should; we can hope that they will live up to the promises they make but all too often we are disappointed.  Our faith in God will never cause such disappointment.

   Will the Son of Man find faith when He comes?  I fear that He will find far more faithlessness that faith; far more skepticism that trust and far more denial than acceptance.  It is our mission as Christians to have the faith Jesus will be looking for upon His return.  It is our duty to remain faithful regardless of the trials and tribulations of this world.

   “Faith is the strength by which a shattered world will emerge into the light.” (Helen Keller)

The Peace of God

   “May grace and peace be yours in abundance through knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”  (2 Peter 1: 2)

   There are many difficulties that infringe upon our peace in this world.  Some are easily overcome; some seem as though they can never be overcome.  We must turn to God as our savior if we are to overcome these problems and remain in His peace.

  Jesus many times spoke of peace to His disciples and followers.  He told them that the peace He gives is not the peace of the world.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”  (John 14: 27).  I am comforted by these words each day but especially when I am troubled or downcast.

   The world will rob us of our peace if we allow.  Temptations will draw us into sin and take us from God.  The peace of this world is not the peace intended for us by God.  What this world calls peace is many times a lie of Satan; if sought it will take from us the true peace offered by God.

   Peace is God’s gift to us; He gives it freely and willingly to all who seek it.  The peace He gives to me may be very different from the peace He gives to you.  We are each an individual creation of God and He treats us as the unique person we are.

   The peace of the world will vanish in the blink of an eye.  God’s peace lasts throughout eternity.

   “The God of peace be with all of you.  Amen.” (Romans 15: 33) 

An Empty Heart

   We would not want to fill a dish with food without emptying and cleaning it first.  To do so would spoil the good by mixing with the bad.  Our hearts are much the same way.  We can’t be filled with the Holy Spirit if our hearts are full of earthly desires and concerns.

   In the early Church there were those known as the desert fathers.  These were men who separated themselves from society and lived an extremely spartan life in a small cave, hut or other basic shelter.  Many came to them for spiritual guidance and to join in their devotional way of life.  One of the questions the fathers would ask those wanting to join them was, “Do you bring an empty heart that it may be filled by the Holy Ghost.”

   We need to look into our heart on a daily basis.  There are many temptations and distractions that may fill us with worldly matters that hinder our ability to be filled with God.  If we are full of self or pride, there is little room left for the Holy Spirit.  When we fill ourselves with the concerns of this world we can’t focus on the things that really matter to our spiritual life.

   If we want to be filled with love, mercy and the Holy Spirit we must empty ourselves of all else and make room for God.

   Father, give me an empty heart that it may be filled with you.  Amen.

The Word of God

   “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1: 1)

   Jesus is the Word.  Jesus was with God in the beginning and Jesus is God.  When God spoke, Jesus, acted.  The Word of God created the earth and all that is in it.  “All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be.” (John 1: 3).  Jesus, the Word of God created all.

   I think we sometimes let the humanity of Christ blind us to His infinite majesty and glory.  We look at Jesus and see Him in the manger; we see Him at twelve years old with the elders in the temple.  We picture Him in the Jordan being baptized.  We see Him on the cross paying for our sins and finally we see His glorious ascension into heaven to take His seat at the right hand of the Father.

   Jesus is both human and eternal; He has always existed and will always exist.  His duality is a hard concept for us to grasp.  Since we can’t fully understand eternity we are more comfortable with the physical Jesus.  We look to Him as we do our best friend.  One who does for us rather than self.  His life on earth and the sacrifices He made for us are worthy of our praise and recognition.  We rightfully give Him glory and thanks for them.  But we also must recognize the glory and majesty He has possessed and will possess for all time.

   I am unable to comprehend His eternal life; my mind simply isn’t capable of understanding all He has done and created.  He continues to create today and tomorrow and forever.  St. John tells us that nothing is created without Him.  Everything that exists is because of Him.

   I don’t understand; I can’t comprehend; but I believe.  I accept and welcome what small amount I can know of our Lord.  I strive through prayer to increase my knowledge and understanding and yet I know that fully understanding is far beyond my ability.  I anxiously await the opportunity to better know our God, our Savior and the Holy Spirit in the next world.

“And the word was made flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” (John 1: 14)

To Repay God

   God has blessed me in so many ways.  I’ve lived my life in what many in the world would call luxury.  I’ve never gone to bed hungry or wondered where my next meal would come from.  I’ve never slept in the street or on a park bench because I had no home to go to.  I am married to a wonderful woman who has filled my life with love, joy and happiness.  God sent His only Son, my Lord Jesus Christ, to pay the debt for my sins, giving me a path to salvation.  He fills me with the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide me.

   I’ve thought a lot about how I can repay God for all He’s done for me.  That is what we do in this world; when someone does something good for us, we find a way to repay them.  But try as I may I haven’t been able to find anything that could even come close to repaying the debt I owe God for all He has given me.

   I can serve in various ministries at Church; I can give money to worthy causes.  I can try to live according to His will; I can be a witness to His great love and mercy.  But in the end, I can’t compensate God for His gifts.  I have nothing of that worth to give.

   I’ve finally realized that God isn’t seeking and doesn’t expect repayment for His blessings.  He has given them out of His love for me.  There is no reasonable payment for love; there is only giving love in return.  This is what God wants of me.  He appreciates the efforts I make to show my gratitude for His blessings but what He really desires is my love.  He asks for no other reimbursement.

   The gift I offer in return to God is myself.  Every waking minute, every breath I take, everything I do I offer to Him in thanksgiving.  I strive to give Him my very being.  I can never repay God for the love, mercy and blessings He has given me.  Offering myself to Him in love and thanksgiving is as close as I can come.  It’s all He really asks of me; to love Him as He loves me.

You Know Me

Lord, you know me

You know my faults and my failings.

You know all that I am and all that I will ever be.

I give myself to you Lord.

Take me, use me, mold me.

Make me the man you want me to be.

Amen

Making A Difference

   When I look at the world and the society in which we live I wonder how it got to be so messed up.  More importantly, what can I do to help make it better.  I’m just one person, how can I affect society at large?  The answer is, I can’t.  But I can make a small difference by the way I live.

   I can reach out in love to those I meet; they are children of God.  If I don’t have love for them how can I say I love our Lord.  That doesn’t mean I must approve of their actions or the sinfulness of their ways; it simply means I must recognize that they, like me, are human and make mistakes.  I can pray for them and ask God to watch over them in His great love.

   On a larger scale I look at the news networks and see virtually nothing but violence, hatred and crime.  This provides prominence and even glory to the very actions we wish to change in society.  I challenge the news industry to devote a portion of their reporting to the actions of those doing good in society.  By devoting just a small part of their programming to the decent acts of some maybe others would take heart and do the same.

   We have legalized the killing of babies in the womb; we have legalized the euthanasia of our elderly.  The death penalty is still in use even though it has been shown to be unfair and riddled with errors resulting in innocent people being executed.  I challenge our politicians to do what is right rather than what will keep them in office.  Eliminate those things that harm society and support the good.  Stop the murder of innocents and celebrate life from conception to natural death.  Care for all, the unborn, the poor, and the helpless.

   In our churches we hear little condemnation of sin but a lot about accepting others regardless of their sins.  We seem to be unable to separate the sin from the sinner.  We can’t honor God by honoring those actions which violate His laws.  I challenge our pastors to again preach against sin while preaching acceptance of those who sin.  The greatest gift we can give to the sinner is the knowledge of Christ and the forgiveness He offers. We can’t do that by ignoring the sin as we welcome the sinner.

   Most of all I challenge myself to make a difference in whatever small way I can.  The simple act of smiling and greeting a stranger; giving help to someone who needs it and thanking the one who helps me can be ways of change.  Let me ignore outward appearances and look for Jesus within others.  Judgement belongs to God, not me; may I not judge but always look at others with love.  May I do all things out of love for God.

   “Not all of us can go great things.  But we can do small things with great love.”  (Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta)

Evil in God’s World

   

   “How can evil exist in a world created by a good God?  If He were good evil would not exist.” Atheists make this argument to deny the existence of God.  They claim that evil proves there is no God since God is supposed to be all good; therefore, evil should not exist. 

   I enjoy engaging in this discussion because there is an answer that even one who disavows God can understand.  Evil exists because of free choice.  God did not and does not create evil.  However, He allows it to exist.  We have been given freedom of choice.  We have a choice between good and evil.  God will not force us to chose one or the other.

   If there were no evil, there would be no good.  Goodness without the choice to reject it isn’t goodness but slavery.  If we are required to accept God and His ways then He is not a merciful God, but a tyrannical one.  If we are required to love and obey Him, we are not people of faith, but people bound in chains that we can’t break.

   Free choice is such a common occurrence that we sometimes forget that it exists.  If we don’t like beef, we can choose pork or chicken.  If we don’t want those we can eat fish and seafood.  We can refuse to eat any meat and be vegetarian if we so choose.  What would life be like if beef were our only option?  This is the situation the atheist wants God to impose.  A life without choices where only good can exist.

   Choices are what make life interesting and enjoyable.  They are what make us human; the only one of God's creations who can choose.  The choice between good and evil is no different; it is a choice we must make.  A choice for eternal life or eternal damnation.  I’m free to choose God or reject Him.  My decision to serve Him is one of freedom and love.  By following His will for me I am choosing eternal salvation.  Though the atheist would deny it I know with absolute certainty that God communicates with me through many means and guides me in this life, helping me make the right choices.

   I choose God.  Evil exists but I can reject it and strive for holiness.  Thanks be to God!

Give Glory to the Lord

   “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name give glory because of your faithfulness and love.” (Ps 115: 1)

   We have an “I” problem in our society.  We are focused on what I have done, what I have achieved, how successful I’ve been.  We seem to forget that without God’s blessings in our lives we can do nothing.  It’s rare to see someone who has achieved success turn to God and thank Him.  Those who do are often laughed at and belittled.

   I’m a baseball fan.  I love the game whether watching on television or, best of all, at the ball park.  One of the things I like most about it is the attitude of many of the players.  Honoring God is frequently seen in baseball.  Many batters point to heaven giving recognition to God for their hits and home-runs.  There are pitchers who have prayers written inside their caps or say a prayer when they take the mound.  Of all the professional sports it seems baseball is the one whose players most honor God.  Football laughed and made fun of Tim Tebow when he gave honor to God on the field.  In football kneeling on the field is only allowed to disrespect the nation that has enabled their success; God is not allowed.

   I wish more of those in the public eye would take the time to recognize that their success is in large part due to the blessings of God.  I don’t say this to demean their efforts or dismiss the hard work which goes into success.  I just believe true success is the result of God’s plan and should be acknowledged.

   Pride leads us to believe that we are the ones responsible for all we have achieved.   Athletes works hard to strengthen themselves, but a leg weakened by muscular dystrophy can never be strengthened.  Those who are accomplished artists need to give God credit for their sight and attention to detail in creating the beauty of their art.  The music we love to listen to is produced not by the deaf but by those blessed with hearing.

   Whatever I have accomplished in this life is a gift from God.  I can do nothing on my own, but with His help I can do anything.

“For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.  (Matt 19: 26)

Ask, Seek, Knock

   "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matt 7: 7)

   Jesus tells us that all we need do is ask, seek and knock on the door.  Yet we don’t always get what we ask for.  We need to understand that we ask for things that are not what we need in our life.  We seek those things that could hamper our relationship with God and we knock on doors that open to sin.  Our desire should be for God’s will in our life.

   If I ask for money so that I may be rich I may bring wastefulness into my life.  If I seek fame and recognition I may become prideful and full of myself.  If the door I try to open leads to evil I may destroy my relationship with God.

   “God said, 'Ask something of me and I will give it to you.'” (1 Kings 3: 5).  Solomon’s response to God’s offer tells us what we should ask, “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” (1 Kings 3: 9).  Solomon’s request for wisdom pleased God and was granted to him.

   I ask for wisdom from God; wisdom to better know, understand and love Him.  I ask for the Holy Spirit to fill me and guide me.  I ask for the holiness that God wants to give me.  Asking for holiness and God’s will in my life is always the right thing to desire.  Asking for the things of this world may cause great harm to me and my relationship with my God.

   I do not seek wealth, fame or fortune; I seek instead God’s guidance, love, and forgiveness.  I seek His strength to live my life according to His plan.  Seeking earthly glory and celebrity will not lead me to my heavenly home.

   I do not knock on the door to earthly pleasures; I knock on the door to everlasting life which Jesus opened to me by His sacrifice on the cross.

   I need not worry about or pray for earthly things; God knows what I need and will provide even when I may think my prayers are unanswered.  The things I ask and seek for are the things of God.  The door I wish opened to me is the door to my heavenly home.

All Knowing

  “Lord, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.” (Ps 139: 1-2)

   My Lord is an all-knowing God; He sees, hears and knows everything I do.  He sees the good I do as well as the bad.  He knows what I’ve done and what I’ve failed to do.  For me this is both a blessing and a caution.  I’m blessed that He loves me and watches over me and I am aware that He knows all which encourages me to seek holiness and avoid sin.

   As I strive to answer God’s call and gain the sanctity which He wants to bring to me I am comforted by knowing that He is always there with me.  When times are bad He eases them; when they are good I bless and thank Him.

   His constant presence helps me avoid sin and those things which might harm my relationship with Him.  When tempted I turn to Him and plead for the strength to rebuke Satan and his enticements.  Should I fail in my effort and fall victim to Satan’s wiles I know that I can turn to God for forgiveness and the grace to do better in the future.

   The awareness of God and His knowledge of all that I do helps me respond to His will and do my best to follow the path He places before me.  His knowing and seeing all I do is both reassuring and strengthening.  His love and forgiveness comforts me; I am strengthened by the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  Three persons in one God are there for me to call upon in times of trouble or temptations.  Three persons in one God I praise and thank for their many blessings.

   I glory in God’s eternal presence.  His company and guidance will carry me through this sinful world in which we live and bring me to my heavenly home.

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.” (Luke 12: 2)

Bold Faith

   Imagine the fears of the martyrs throughout history as they faced torture and death for their belief in Christ.  They had one thing in common; an unflinching faith in the Lord they served.  They chose to die rather than deny Him.  That is bold faith.

   Think of Saul of Tarsus on his first appearance before the Christian community in Damascus after his conversion.  They knew him as the greatest persecutor of the church.  But Saul, now Paul, stood before them and spoke of his sins of persecuting them and told them of his conversion.  They could have killed him on the spot and thought themselves doing a good thing, yet he placed himself at their mercy.  He trusted that he had been called by Jesus to be an apostle.  He had bold faith then and throughout his life.

   Unless I am known by my family and friends as a man of faith I have failed to have the bold faith that is asked of all Christians.  If someone walks into my home and doesn’t see my faith displayed I am weak in faith.  If I hide my faith when I am in the company of those who don’t believe I am a hypocrite and unworthy of Him.  If my display of faith causes discomfort and even danger to me I must still stand for Him no matter the consequences.  I too, must have bold faith if I am to be true to my Lord and God.

   I pray for the courage to openly and proudly show my faith.  I pray for the strength to stand for my Lord and be a good representative for Him to everyone I meet.  I pray for the bold faith shown by those who have stood for Him regardless of the cost.  He gave His life for me; should I not offer mine to Him?

   “Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 8: 38)

Guide Me Lord

I am smoke, dispersed by the breeze.

I am the grass of the field; here today, gone tomorrow.

I am the chaff blown from the wheat.

A rudderless ship tossed about on the seas of sin.

If I do not live according to Your will, I am lost.

If I am not a witness to Your love and mercy I live in vain.

Give me the courage and faith to stand for You in a wicked world.

Strengthen me to follow You regardless of the cost.

Grant me the love and grace to live my life for You.

The winds may blow me about but with You I can remain on course.

Help me to guide my earthly vessel by Your beacon of light.

Amen