Jul 21, 2018 |
Scripture Reading: LUKE 17:5-6
Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ says, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you will receive it, and it will be yours.”(Mk.11:24)It is important to note, however, that this kind of faith is not something humanly produced; rather, it is a ‘believing faith’ imparted to the believer’s heart by God Himself. It is also important to understand that the word of our Lord in Mark 11:24 must not be taken as an unqualified promise. Whatever you ask, does not mean everything you can think of. The prayer of faith must be based upon the will of God; it never asks for anything foolish or wrong. For the scripture says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
Jul 20, 2018 |
(FASTING AND PRAYER/SUPPORT DAY FOR DSD)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:18-20
Welcome to today’s encounter with God’s word. Once every year, Daily Strength Devotional sets apart a day for all users of DSD to pray for DSD known as the ‘DSD Fasting & Prayer/support Day’. Today, we invite all users of DSD to commit DSD and her Team Members to God in fasting (6:00 am – 12:00 noon) and prayers, and to support DSD mission to reach out with God’s word to the nations.
Jul 19, 2018 |
Scripture Reading: 1 John 5:4
This world is full of troubles. Sometimes the troubles may be so overwhelming that giving up on everything including God, appears to be the best option. The grip of sickness can cause restlessness for both the sick and on the one caring for the sick person. Financial distress can cause some people to commit suicide. Uncontrollable habits causes despair. Family strife causes confusion and hopelessness. Unemployment and loss of what we hold dear exert untold pressure on the little minds of mortal men and women. In the face of all the tribulations of life, how are we to survive? No wonder St. Jerome asks, “What Saint has ever won his crown without first contending for it?
Jul 18, 2018 |
Scripture Reading:1 Corinthians 16:11
Where will we go when the going gets tough? Will we leave God’s path for us to find an easier way? One of my favourite passages of scripture highlights this question. The day after Jesus miraculously fed more than 5,000 people with just two loaves of bread and five fishes, the crowds sought Him out in Capernaum. Jesus used their desire for more physical provision to teach them about the far superior spiritual nourishment that only He can provide. (John 6:47-51)But the truth that Jesus is “the bread of life” was difficult to understand. The teaching was just too hard. God’s truth presented a path too difficult to walk. So many of those who had followed Him turned away to walk another path (John 6:66). But then there was Peter!
Jul 17, 2018 |
Scripture Reading:1 Corinthians 16:11
Paul tells us not to conform to the ways of this world (see Romans 12:2). However, many times our beliefs and morals are challenged to a point beyond anything we have known. It is so easy to get caught up in a quest for more money, freedom, and material possessions.
Jul 14, 2018 |
Scripture Reading: John 3:30
Let us begin today’s reflection with this counsel from St. Augustine, “Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance.” Lacking humility may sometimes not be known to us so let therefore learn from St. Josemaria seventeen signs of lack of humility thus, “Thinking that what you do or say is better than what others do or say; Always wanting to get your own way; Arguing when you are not right or — when you are — insisting stubbornly or with bad manners; Giving your opinion without being asked for it,
Jul 13, 2018 |
Scripture Reading: Romans 14:19
Let us continue with our lessons on growing wonderful traits that make us God’s favourites and instruments of change to the whole world:
Purity: “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” (1 Timothy 4:12) “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)Jesus, may I run to You and away from temptation in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation.
Jul 12, 2018 |
Scripture Reading:2 Peter 1:6
Yesterday we reflected on your character matters; today pray that God would grow your character through the twelve traits that will be treated today and will be concluded tomorrow.
Kindness: “Thus has the Lord of hosts said, “Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother.” (Zechariah 7:9) “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) Lord, create in me a heart that practices compassion and kindness.
Jul 11, 2018 |
Scripture Reading: Romans 5:4
As attitude determines altitude, likewise character determines what people will say about you now and in the future. Character, be it good or bad, is a distinctive quality that could repel someone from others or attract someone to others. One of the things that will remain in one’s memory long after you have met them is your character. Character lingers in the heart of men for long; that is why it is essential to exhibit good character at the first encounter you have with anybody irrespective of the state of your mind. A positive character makes you very appealing, attractive and interesting to relate with, while bad character repels good people from you. Good characters manifest in form of patience, meekness, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control, while bad character manifests in the form of pride, outbursts of wrath and ego. Character has been confirmed to be more marketable than what you can see or behold. Character is an inestimable gift that you cannot buy at any market place. When you have it, you have all things, when you lack it, you lose all things. Spirituality is not a substitute for good character.
Jul 10, 2018 |
Scripture Reading: Numbers 20:7-9
Moses is one of my most favourite persons in the Bible. I enjoy the information from the scriptures on his relationship with God, and this instance was not different. I found myself wondering if Moses had merely heard God without listening in this moment. Maybe he assumed that he had this under control since he had been down this path before with bringing forth water from a rock. Regardless, I could not get away from the simple statement of Moses being before the glory of the Lord and disobeying the instruction of the Lord. I believe God wants us to learn something on this account even in our day. Familiarity is a thief to the promises of God.
