God sets everything in place and in motion for His word to be fulfilled. He is not bounded by time and all that had happened in the past, is happening today, or will happen in the future is already a predestined event that the Lord had made. There is always a good purpose for such things to happen and God gave man the gift of prophecy so that he can prepare for any eventuality that comes.

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Go Prophecy

Chosen by God

God can choose anyone to deliver His word, 
No matter their background, no matter what’s heard. 
Obedience and willingness, He values the most, 
Not qualifications, nor who boasts.

Stand firm in faith, speak the truth with might, 
Even when it’s unpopular, even in the night. 
As leaders, be open to His correction, 
Guided by His truth, in every direction.

Receptive to His voice, willing to repent, 
Not silencing the challenge, but in humility bent. 
Trust in God’s guidance, faithful in our call, 
Approach our journey with humility, giving our all.

Not seeking personal gain, nor recognition’s light, 
But carrying out His mission, with all our might. 
In His will, we find our true delight, 
Faithfully serving, in His holy sight.




REFLECTION:

The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'” (Amos 7:15)


God can choose anyone to deliver His message, regardless of their background or social status. He values obedience and willingness over qualifications. 

We should stand firm in our faith and in speaking the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with resistance. As leaders, we should be open to God’s correction and guidance, receptive to God’s truth, and willing to repent when necessary rather than silencing voices that challenge the status quo. 

Let us trust in God’s guidance, remain faithful in our calling, and approach our spiritual journey with humility and openness to His will not seeking personal gain or recognition but faithfully carry out His mission.


Prayer for Obedience and Faithfulness

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that You can choose anyone to deliver Your message, regardless of their background or social status. We thank You for valuing obedience and willingness over qualifications.

Lord, grant us the strength to stand firm in our faith and to speak the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with resistance. As leaders, help us to be open to Your correction and guidance, always receptive to Your truth. Give us the courage to repent when necessary, rather than silencing voices that challenge the status quo.

We trust in Your guidance, O Lord, and seek to remain faithful in our calling. Help us to approach our spiritual journey with humility and openness to Your will. May we not seek personal gain or recognition, but faithfully carry out Your mission.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.






Pericope:
III: Symbolic Visions: Threats and Promises
AMOS AND AMAZIAH
Amos 7:10-17

First Reading | Amos 7:12-15

12 Amaziah, priest of Bethel, said to Amos, “Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” 14 Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. 15 The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'”


Background:

In Amos 7:12-15, we see a confrontation between the prophet Amos and Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. Here’s a bit of background to help you understand the context:

Amos’s Calling and Message: Amos was a shepherd and a grower of sycamore figs from Tekoa, a small town south of Jerusalem. He did not come from a prophetic lineage but was called by God to deliver His message to the northern kingdom of Israel. Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, opposed Amos’s prophecies, which were critical of Israel’s leadership and practices.

Key Points in Amos 7:12-15:

Amaziah’s Opposition: Amaziah tells Amos to leave Bethel and go back to Judah to prophesy there, accusing him of conspiring against the king and the nation.

Amos’s Response: Amos responds by clarifying that he is not a professional prophet but was called by God while tending his flock. He emphasizes that his message is not his own but God’s.

This passage highlights the tension between God’s true prophets and the established religious authorities who often resisted messages of judgment and repentance. Amos’s humble background and divine calling underscore the idea that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes, regardless of their social status or profession.


Learning Lessons:

Amos 7:12-15 offers several valuable lessons that can be applied to our lives today:

God’s Sovereignty in Choosing His Messengers: Amos was not a professional prophet but a shepherd and a grower of sycamore figs. His calling by God emphasizes that God can choose anyone to deliver His message, regardless of their background or social status. This reminds us that God values obedience and willingness over qualifications.

Courage to Speak God’s Truth: Despite opposition from Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, Amos remained steadfast in delivering God’s message. This teaches us the importance of standing firm in our faith and speaking the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with resistance.

Humility and Obedience: Amos’s humble response to Amaziah highlights his obedience to God’s calling. He did not seek personal gain or recognition but faithfully carried out his mission. This encourages us to serve God with humility and a sincere heart.

The Role of Prophets and Leaders: The conflict between Amos and Amaziah illustrates the tension that can arise between true prophets and established religious authorities. It serves as a reminder that leaders should be open to God’s correction and guidance, rather than silencing voices that challenge the status quo.

Self-Examination and Repentance: Amaziah’s attempt to silence Amos reflects self-interest and resistance to God’s message. This challenges us to examine our own lives and institutions, ensuring that we are receptive to God’s truth and willing to repent when necessary.

These lessons encourage us to trust in God’s guidance, remain faithful in our calling, and approach our spiritual journey with humility and openness to His will.



Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot

Go Prophecy

Divine Calling

In fields of grace, where shadows fall, 
God’s voice can reach us, one and all. 
No rank or title, high or low, 
Can bar the path where we must go.

A prophet’s call, not born of pride, 
But from the Lord, who will provide. 
Above the noise of worldly din, 
We seek His purpose deep within.

The Spirit’s strength, our guiding light, 
To speak the truth, to stand and fight. 
When voices clash and tempests roar, 
We hold our ground, our faith restore.

In trials faced, we stand steadfast, 
With faith in Him, our anchor cast. 
Reject not His divine decree, 
But walk in humble unity.

For every soul, a plan divine, 
In God’s great work, our lives entwine. 
With hearts aligned to His great will, 
We find our place, our purpose still.





REFLECTION:

Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' (Amos 7:14-15)


God can call anyone, regardless of their social status or profession, to fulfill His purposes. Prophetic mission is a direct calling from God, not a personal ambition. We should always prioritize divine guidance and purpose over human authority and societal expectations. 

The Holy Spirit will give us the courage and integrity to speak the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with opposition. In the face of adversity and challenges, it is important to maintain steadfastness and faithfulness. 

Let us be aware of the dangers of rejecting divine messages and the importance of aligning ourselves with God’s plans in humility and obedience to His calling, no matter our background.


Prayer for Divine Calling and Guidance

Heavenly Father,

We come before You, acknowledging that You can call anyone, regardless of their social status or profession, to fulfill Your divine purposes. We recognize that a prophetic mission is a direct calling from You, not born of personal ambition. Help us to always prioritize Your guidance and purpose over human authority and societal expectations.

Holy Spirit, grant us the courage and integrity to speak the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with opposition. In the face of adversity and challenges, strengthen our resolve to remain steadfast and faithful to Your will.

Lord, make us aware of the dangers of rejecting Your divine messages. Teach us to align ourselves with Your plans in humility and obedience, no matter our background. May we walk in Your light, guided by Your wisdom, and fulfill the calling You have placed upon our lives.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.




Pericope:
III: Symbolic Visions: Threats and Promises
AMOS AND AMAZIAH
Amos 7:10-17

First Reading | Amos 7:10-17

10 Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam, king of Israel: “Amos has conspired against you here within Israel; the country cannot endure all his words. 11 For this is what Amos says: Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be exiled from its land.” 12 To Amos, Amaziah said: “Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” 14 Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. 15 The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' 16 Now hear the word of the Lord! You say: prophesy not against Israel, preach not against the house of Isaac. 17 Now thus says the Lord: Your wife shall be made a harlot in the city, and your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword; Your land shall be divided by measuring line, and you yourself shall die in an unclean land; Israel shall be exiled far from its land."


Background:

Amos 7:10-17 describes a significant confrontation between the prophet Amos and Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. This passage is set in the northern kingdom of Israel around 750 BCE. Here’s a brief overview of the context and key points:

Amaziah’s Accusation: Amaziah, an idolatrous priest, accuses Amos of conspiring against King Jeroboam II. He reports to the king that Amos’s prophecies are a threat to the kingdom, suggesting that Amos is predicting Jeroboam’s death and Israel’s exile.

Amos’s Response: Amos defends himself by clarifying that he is not a professional prophet but a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs. He emphasizes that his prophetic mission is a direct calling from God, not a personal ambition.

Prophecy Against Amaziah: Amos then delivers a harsh prophecy against Amaziah. He foretells that Amaziah’s wife will become a prostitute, his children will die by the sword, his land will be divided, and he himself will die in exile. This prophecy underscores the severe consequences of opposing God’s message.

This passage highlights the tension between true prophetic messages and established religious authorities, as well as the personal cost of delivering God’s word. It also reflects the broader themes of justice and divine judgment that are central to the book of Amos.


Learning Lessons:

Amos 7:10-17 offers several valuable lessons that can be applied to our lives today:

Courage in Speaking the Truth: Amos, despite being confronted by Amaziah, stands firm in delivering God’s message. This teaches us the importance of courage and integrity when speaking the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with opposition.

Divine Calling Over Human Authority: Amos emphasizes that his prophetic mission is a direct calling from God, not a personal ambition. This reminds us to prioritize divine guidance and purpose over human authority and societal expectations.

Consequences of Opposing God’s Message: Amaziah’s fate, as prophesied by Amos, underscores the severe consequences of opposing God’s will. It serves as a warning about the dangers of rejecting divine messages and the importance of aligning with God’s plans.

Humility and Obedience: Amos’s background as a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs highlights that God can call anyone, regardless of their social status or profession, to fulfill His purposes. This encourages humility and obedience to God’s calling, no matter our background.

Faithfulness in Adversity: Despite the threats and accusations, Amos remains faithful to his mission. This teaches us the value of steadfastness and faithfulness in the face of adversity and challenges.

These lessons from Amos 7:10-17 can inspire us to live with integrity, courage, and faithfulness, trusting in God’s guidance and purpose for our lives.



Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot

Published:
July 4, 2024, 6:33 AM

Sunday, May 19, 2024

FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY


"Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you
by the Lord 
would be fulfilled.” 
(Luke 1:45)


The prophet who prophesies peace is recognized as truly sent by the Lord only when his prophetic prediction is fulfilled. - Jeremiah 28:9

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. - Acts 2:1-2

Shout for joy! Be glad and exult with all your heart. The LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear (Zep 3:14-15). Be not discouraged. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love (Zep 3:16-18).

Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim His name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is His name. Praise the Lord for His glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth (Is 12:4-5).

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:19-20).

Father in heaven, Your most Holy Spirit enables me not to confine myself in one place but rather expand my vision to go forth to unchartered territories.  When You send forth Your spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth (Ps. 104:30). I humbly claim Your empowerment O Lord. Help me to see things clearly as You reveal Your will and purpose over the life You have given me in this world. Amen



Published:
May 31, 2023, 6:54 AM
May 28, 2023, 7:04 AM
August 03, 2020, 7:52 AM
May 31, 2017, 5:27 AM

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Believe and Be Fulfilled

"Blessed are you who believed 
that what was spoken to you by the Lord 
would be fulfilled.” 
LUKE 1:45


God created us for His glory, and that He has a wonderful plan for our lives. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and to rise again, so that we can have eternal life and fellowship with Him. He also gave us His Holy Spirit, who guides us, empowers us, and fills us with His love, joy, peace, and other fruits. He also gave us His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 

What the Lord says, He does. Find your ultimate purpose, joy, and peace in Him. Tust in His promises, obey His commands, and follow His example. Live for His glory and not your own. Being fulfilled in the Lord is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey. It is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. It is not based on your feelings, but on your faith. It is not dependent on your circumstances, but on your relationship with Him. It is not something you achieve, but something you receive.

Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:39-45)

God loves us so much but do we possess the same degree of deep and sincere affection for God and His will. A lover of God seeks to know Him, worship Him, serve Him, and please Him. A lover of God also loves what God loves, which includes His creation, His Word, His people, and His righteousness.

The Bible uses different words to describe the love of God and the love for God. One of them is agape, which is a Greek word that means unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial love. Agape is the kind of love that God has for us, and that we are called to have for Him and for others. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" ( John 14:15 )1. He also said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" ( Mark 12:30 )2. This is the greatest commandment, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself ( Mark 12:31 )2.

Another word for love is philotheia, which is a Greek word that means love or devotion to God. Philotheia is associated with the concepts of worship and piety. Theophilus, which means "friend of God" or "loved by God", is derived from this word. Luke addressed his Gospel and the book of Acts to Theophilus ( Luke 1:3, Acts 1:1 )34, implying that he was a believer who loved God.

A third word for love is ahab, which is a Hebrew word that means affection, attachment, or desire. Ahab is used to describe various kinds of love, such as the love between a husband and a wife, a parent and a child, a friend and a friend, or a person and an object. Ahab is also used to describe the love that God has for His people, and the love that His people have for Him. For example, God said to Israel, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness" ( Jeremiah 31:3 ). David said to God, "I love you, Lord, my strength" ( Psalm 18:1 ).

Thehe true test of our love for God is not in our words, but in our actions. As John wrote, "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth" ( 1 John 3:18 ). May we show our love for God by obeying His commands, following His example, and sharing His gospel. 

Hark! My lover, here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices. My lover speaks; he says to me: “Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come! For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the dove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance. Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come! O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, let me see you, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and you are lovely.” (Song of Songs 2:8-14)

God’s plan and design is based on His perfect wisdom, power, and love. He created everything out of nothing, and He sustains and governs everything by His word. He has a purpose for everything He made, and He works all things according to His will. He is the sovereign Lord of history, and He reveals His plan and design through His word and His works.

God’s plan and design is also centered on His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, and the head of the church. He is the one through whom and for whom all things were created. He is the one who came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose again, to save us from our sins and reconcile us to God. He is the one who will come again, to judge the living and the dead, and to establish His eternal kingdom.

God’s plan and design is ultimately for His glory. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. He is the one who does all things for His own sake, and He is worthy of all praise, honor, and worship. He is the one who invites us to share in His glory, and He is the one who will fill all things with His glory.

Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. Sing to him a new song; pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness. But the plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. Blessed the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield, for in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust. (Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21)

Lord, I am not an accident, a mistake, or a flaw but a masterpiece of Your grace and awe. I am not a a random product of chance or fate but a chosen vessel of Your love and faith. I am not a slave to sin, fear, or shame but Your child, called by Your name. Thank You so much for making me Your own plan and design, Your glory and Your sign, Your workmanship and Your art, the delight of Your heart. May all the days of my life bring glory to Your Name and may I always be blessed in believing that all Your words would be fulfilled in Your perfect will and time. Amen.




Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative
MARY VISITS ELIZABETH
Luke 1:39-45

The Song of Songs by Solomon
A TRYST IN THE SPRING
Song of Songs 2:8-17

First Book of Psalms 1-41
PRAISE OF GOD'S POWER AND PROVIDENCE
Psalm 33:1-22


Reflection Source:
Copilot with Bing Chat

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

All That You See Here

 “All that you see here—the days will come when 
there will not be left a stone upon another stone 
that will not be thrown down.” 
LUKE 21:6


This is a powerful and prophetic statement attributed to Jesus. It serves as a reminder of impermanence and the transient nature of all things. It encourages reflection on deeper spiritual truths and the need to focus on eternal values beyond the material world.

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.” (Luke 21:5-11)

In this context, Jesus is referring to the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The Second Temple, also known as Herod’s Temple, held immense significance for the Jewish people. It served as the central place of Jewish worship. It was where Jews gathered for communal prayers, rituals, and sacrifices. The temple symbolized their connection to God and their shared faith. The Second Temple replaced Solomon’s Temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 BCE. Its construction marked a period of renewed hope for the Jewish people after their exile. It represented continuity with their ancient past and the restoration of their religious practices. Tragically, in 70 CE, during the First Jewish–Roman War, the Second Temple was destroyed by the Roman army led by Titus. This event fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy. The destruction left a profound impact on Jewish history and theology.

Daniel interprets a dream for King Nebuchadnezzar, revealing a sequence of empires (symbolized by different metals) that would rise and fall. The final kingdom, represented by a stone cut without hands, would destroy all preceding kingdoms and stand forever. A divine kingdom established by God—a kingdom that transcends earthly powers and lasts forever. This kingdom is often associated with the Messiah’s reign and the ultimate victory of good over evil.

Daniel said to Nebuchadnezzar: “In your vision, O king, you saw a statue, very large and exceedingly bright, terrifying in appearance as it stood before you. The head of the statue was pure gold, its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs bronze, the legs iron, its feet partly iron and partly tile. While you looked at the statue, a stone which was hewn from a mountain without a hand being put to it, struck its iron and tile feet, breaking them in pieces. The iron, tile, bronze, silver, and gold all crumbled at once, fine as the chaff on the threshing floor in summer, and the wind blew them away without leaving a trace. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. “This was the dream; the interpretation we shall also give in the king’s presence. You, O king, are the king of kings; to you the God of heaven has given dominion and strength, power and glory; men, wild beasts, and birds of the air, wherever they may dwell, he has handed over to you, making you ruler over them all; you are the head of gold. Another kingdom shall take your place, inferior to yours, then a third kingdom, of bronze, which shall rule over the whole earth. There shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron; it shall break in pieces and subdue all these others, just as iron breaks in pieces and crushes everything else. The feet and toes you saw, partly of potter’s tile and partly of iron, mean that it shall be a divided kingdom, but yet have some of the hardness of iron. As you saw the iron mixed with clay tile, and the toes partly iron and partly tile, the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. The iron mixed with clay tile means that they shall seal their alliances by intermarriage, but they shall not stay united, any more than iron mixes with clay. In the lifetime of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed or delivered up to another people; rather, it shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and put an end to them, and it shall stand forever. That is the meaning of the stone you saw hewn from the mountain without a hand being put to it, which broke in pieces the tile, iron, bronze, silver, and gold. The great God has revealed to the king what shall be in the future; this is exactly what you dreamed, and its meaning is sure.” (Daniel 2:31-45)

For believers, this prophecy offers hope and assurance that God’s sovereign plan will ultimately prevail. Despite the turmoil of human history, God’s eternal kingdom remains unshakable. In Christian theology, this is often connected to the coming of Jesus Christ—the Messiah—who inaugurates God’s eternal kingdom. It points to a future where justice, peace, and righteousness will prevail.

“Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt Him above all forever. Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt Him above all forever. You heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever. All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt Him above all forever. All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever.”  (Daniel 3:57, 58, 59, 60, 61)

Bless the Lord, praise and exalt Him above all forever! These words echo through time, resounding from the psalms of old to the whispers of the wind. The sun dances across the sky, and the moon keeps its faithful watch. The oceans roar, and the sparrows find their nests. Each blade of grass, each soaring eagle, each newborn child—all bear witness to the divine artistry. All creation joins in a symphony of praise, exalting the One who formed the galaxies, painted the dawn, and breathed life into every living thing. Let the mountains lift their ancient heads, the rivers sing their liquid melodies, and the stars twinkle in celestial harmony. For the Creator’s handiwork is woven into every atom, every leaf, every heartbeat.

So let us join the chorus, you and I, lifting our voices like petals toward the sun. Let our gratitude be the fragrance that rises, our awe the melody that swells. For in this vast cosmic tapestry, we are but stardust, yet beloved. And as the universe spins, as galaxies collide and constellations form, may our souls find their true north: the eternal, unchanging Source of all beauty and wonder. Bless the Lord, O works of creation! Praise and exalt Him above all forever!



Pericope:

VI: The Teaching Ministry in Jerusalem
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE FORETOLD / THE SIGNS OF THE END
Luke 21:5-6/7-11

I: Daniel and the Kings of Babylon
THE KING'S DREAM
Daniel 2:31-45

I: Daniel and the Kings of Babylon
THE FIERY FURNACE
Daniel 3:57-61

Reflection Source:
Microsoft Bing

Saturday, October 21, 2023

What Was Said

He believed, hoping against hope, 
that he would become the father of many nations, 
according to what was said, 
Thus shall your descendants be. 
ROMANS 4:18


He remembered His holy word to His servant Abraham. And He led forth His people with joy; with shouts of joy, His chosen ones. (Ps 105:42-43)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” (Lk 12:10-12)

You descendants of Abraham, His servants, sons of Jacob, His chosen ones! He, the Lord, is our God; throughout the earth His judgments prevail. He remembers forever the covenant which He made binding for a thousand generations, which He entered into with Abraham and by His oath to Isaac. (Ps 105:6-9)

It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith. (Rom 4:13) For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us, as it is written, I have made you father of many nations. He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist. (Rom 16-17)

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Jesus Reveals the Father

 "All things have been handed over to me by my Father. 
No one knows who the Son is except the Father, 
and who the Father is except the Son 
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.”
LUKE 10:22


Lord Jesus, Your name is above all names! No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him. Thank You so much for constantly revealing to me the truth about the Father whom I dearly love. Your Spirit in me makes me one with Him in love. 

Today, I humbly ask and pray in your Mighty Name that You continue to lead all of us to the truth about the Father. Do not allow our minds to be confused about false teachings that tends to distance ourselves from God for fear of reprisal and punishment. Keep us close to the Father as the love that binds and holds us together. 

I confess that I am a sinner and humbly beg for Your pardon and mercy. You know that I am not comfortable with sin but my mind and flesh is weak and always prone to temptations that leads me to sin. Help me fight this battle that rages within my soul.

You are my savior and protector at all times. It is You who gives me the strength and the power to face my enemies with the assurance that nothing can ever harm me. May your love, peace, and prosperity be upon me each day. In all things, may Your name be always be praised and glorified. 

With much love, thanksgiving and hope I pray. Amen.