A Bible verse to begin or end the day with. Guided by the Holy Spirit, I publish a daily thought to help keep The Triune God in the center of my life and through out the day. I am not a biblical scholar just a normal guy that tries to live a Christ centered life. He will return, we are called to be His eyes, His hands, His feet, His Ears, His Voice and His Body. Jesus, I trust in You! "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4b
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-31-2015 John 1:5
"the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
The devil works so hard to put out the light, this causes pain, hurt feelings, anguish and our own pride. Yet the light of Christ never fades. I always like to reflect on my life this time of year. Take an inventory and decide how to move forward.
As you look back you can see the light and you can see the darkness. To hear God we must be still and through His grace He leads us. Be attentive to God's word, this leads you to the light.
Purify my heart, O Lord.
May the light of Christ shine through your actions and may God's grace be poured out on you in the coming year.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-30-2015 Luke 2:40
"The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him."
Jesus is the perfection of man, I can't imagine the favor of God not being on Jesus. Yet He was God made man living in the world. He shows us how we are to live.
Mary and Joseph had the responsibility of teaching and raising Him. We have the same responsibility with our own children. Are we living life's of dedicated love as they did?
Dear Heavenly Father help us with our tasks today, show us through your Son Jesus how we are to respond to the world and live lives of dedicated love. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-29-2015 Romans 9:33
"as it is written: "Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion that will make people stumble and a rock that will make them fall, and whoever believes in him shall not be put to shame.""
There is but one way to live your life for happiness and that is in Jesus. Without Him you will stumble and you will fall. We are to trust our tomorrow's to Him and live each day for Him.
Enjoy the moment and worry about nothing. Life is too short not to live it for Him. If I die to self, my desires and my ways and live for Jesus then I will not be put to shame.
May the Joy of Christ live within, God bless you this day.
Lord, help me to be at peace with this day, entrusting all my tomorrows to you.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Monday, December 28, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-28-2015 Matthew 2:13
"When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.""
The evil that exist to stop God's plan still exists today. Our own faith can take hits, it most likely will not be a full on frontal attack but be subtle things that cause you to misstep.
We too must listen to God and flee from these dangers. We must put on God's armor every day and night. The child Jesus is a precious gift and must be protected, listen to your heart.
May the God of hope fill you with anticipation as you prepare for the new year.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-27-2015 Luke 2:46
"When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.""
Mary and Joseph had great anxiety about Jesus being missing yet His Heavenly Father never lost track of Him. Our kids are no different, we can be anxious about the paths they are choosing.
Yet God never looses track of them. We sometimes need to learn to let go and continue to pray and trust that God has purpose in everything. Our desires cannot be their desires unless they decide for themselves.
Be at peace today for God is in charge, be anxious about nothing.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-26-2016 Acts 7;56
"and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.""
Where is your focus at? When our focus is on God, all we can see is His glory. Our eyes look upward in our time of need. Never forget every thing happens for a reason.
St Stephen did not deserve to die but in his death he glorified God. His focus wasn't on himself, only on above. Do not be afraid and trust in Jesus when it is your time.
May your day be filled with the Spirit as you live your life and may you honor God with your actions.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Friday, December 25, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-25-2015 Luke 2:7
"and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
We send time each year getting ready for Christmas. Treasure the gift that Jesus gives each of us. We should open our hearts to His message, and to His love.
Make room for Him each day of your life. Open the door of your heart to Him. His love is that of a small child, unconditional expecting nothing in return.
May the Joy of Christmas live in you for ever, Merry Christmas.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-24-2015 Luke 1:78-79
"because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace."
"Lord Jesus, teach me humility and simplicity. May I be childlike in my willingness and openness to learn. May I have a childlike spirit to grasp Your greatness." - Divine Mercy
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-23-2015 Malachi 3:24
"He will turn the heart of fathers to their sons, and the heart of sons to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the land with utter destruction."
Do you ever think what really matters in life. That's my thoughts this morning. Every thing we pursue that is of the world isn't what really matters. Those things will be replaced with the next best thing.
Your family and friends, your relationships is what matters. It is like what someone said recently we are all connected in someway. We need that connection and we also need to work on it. They just don't happen on their own.
This is the time of year to enjoy the gifts God has given you. Like the verse says fathers turn your heart to your sons(children), give them your time.
Rejoice and be Glad, the Lord is on His way.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-22-15 Luke 1:46-47
"And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior."
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Monday, December 21, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-21-2016 Luke 1:45
YBIC
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-20-2015 Luke 1:42
"cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
Our mother Mary said yes and she carried our Lord Jesus. She became the ark of the new covenant with that simple gesture. Elizabeth recognized who was in her mist, she honored both, Mary and our Lord.
Jesus had divine nature and human nature. His human nature came from His mother. There is something special about a mothers love. Mary knew the gift that she carried. She knew it was the gift for man kind.
Have you said yes to this gift that Mary brings into the world, it is really a simple yes. Be blessed today with the love of Jesus in your heart.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-19-2015 Luke 1:17
PRAYER:
O my precious Jesus, as we prepare for Your coming, let us clear our mind and heart of all things that distract us from the true meaning of the season. When we see all of the festive lights, let us think of the Light you bring to the world. As we see the green trees let us remember that it is You that brings life to the world. As we see a Santa Claus let it remind us of Your giving Heart. Keep us focused on the true meaning of CHRISTmas. Amen - Andy N.
YBIC
Friday, December 18, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-18-2015 Matthew 1:23
YBIC
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-17-2015 Ben Sira 31:27
"Wine is very life to anyone, if taken in moderation. Does anyone really live who lacks the wine which from the beginning was created for joy?"
The joy of life with Christ, what a difference He makes. This is the wine this verse speaks about. Even when things don't seem to be going well there is still joy in your life.
Jesus is why we celebrate this time of year. He was the Gift for all man kind, that gift brings joy even in hardships. Share the joy with others, help them find Christ this advent season.
May the joy of Christ fill your soul, may He inebriate you with His wine.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-16-2015 Isaiah 40:11
"Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, Carrying them in his bosom, leading the ewes with care."
It is a tough world out there especially if you are going it alone. I am so thankful that God knows how to feed me. Do you recognize your need for God?
We must allow God to find us, we must be willing to recognize him searching for us. He is the one who brings peace in our sometimes crazy world. Never miss an opportunity to be cared for by the one true Shepherd
Hang in there, the Shepherd is coming to bring hope and Salvation, Rejoice and be glad.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-15-2015 Matthew 21:5
This verse was in preparation to Palm Sunday. We will soon celebrate Christ's birth in a few weeks. I am struck by the symbolism in God's word.
There is meaning in the pictures it paints. Jesus came to save and He rode into Bethlehem on a donkey.
- May today there be peace within.
- May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
- May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
- May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
- May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
- Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.
- It is there for each and every one of us.
- (Saint Therese of Liseux, Story of a Soul)
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Monday, December 14, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-14-2015 Acts 4:31
"As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
When was the last time you plugged into your community? There is something special when we gather as a group of believers. You truly can feel the power of the Holy Spirit.
It doesn't take much to recharge, it maybe lunch with a group of friends. It may be a prayer night at church, we all need recharged from time to time. Don't neglect putting another log on the fire.
May the grace of God be with you today.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Daily Thoughts 11-13-2015 Philippians 4:7
"Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
We sometimes hold onto things and for what ever reason we don't turn them over to God. Maybe we think we aren't worthy enough or God is too busy to deal with something so trivial.
Let Go, give it all to God. He gives us peace so freely, it is there for the taking. We can get in the way so just let go. Let Him work miracles in your life. Your mind will be free to serve Him, the King of Israel.
Be at peace today for Jesus Christ is on His way. .
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-12-15 Acts 6:4
"whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.""
As I awoke this morning, the word prayer was in my thoughts. We are to pray in thanksgiving and asking God for what is good for us. God hears our prayers, the important part is to pray.
Throughout the day as you think about it, say a little prayer. Take time in the morning to have a conversation with God. This is prayer as well, it doesn't have to be a form prayer. Just speak to God as you would your best friend. Read the Bible, this is also devotion to God.
Pray for each other, pray for those on the prayer lists. There are many in need. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Friday, December 11, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-11-2015 Matthew 6:12
"and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;"
The Lord's Prayer, we get so used to saying it. Do you ever slow down and pay attention to the words. My priest, is very deliberate when we say it during mass. Used to frustrate me because of the slowness.
I now realize He is trying to get us to slow down and pay attention to what we are saying. It makes no sense to hang onto others debts, let them go. God has to let them go over and over again, so should we.
Be the person God calls you to be, release yourself from bondage. Have a Great Day!!
http://dynamiccatholic.com/year-of-mercy/best-advent-ever/forgive-offenses-willingly/?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRokvaTOe%2B%2FhmjTEU5z16uUkWKCzg4kz2EFye%2BLIHETpodcMScVkM6%2BTFAwTG5toziV8R7LMJc1o0toQWBbl
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-10-2015 Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit."
It is a busy time of year, we each celebrate Christmas in different ways. Not everyone looks forward to this time, maybe there are conflicts within families, maybe there is loss of a loved one we are experiencing.
Yet we are to never lose hope, in fact we are to abound in it. We never know why but God's ways are not ours. Focus on Him and know that you are loved beyond measure.
My prayer is that you are filled with joy and peace as you prepare for His birth celebration, come Holy Spirit.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-09-2015 2 Corinthians 7:1
Lord my God,
Teach my heart this day where and how to see you,
Where and how to find you.
I have not yet done that
For which I was made.
Teach me to seek you,
For I cannot seek you
Unless you teach me,
Or find you
Unless you show yourself to me.
St. Anselm
YBIC
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-08-2015 Luke 1:34-35
"But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God."
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation. Today is also the beginning of the year of Mercy.
Our mother Mary is called the mother of Mercy, she stood in front of angel Gabriel and said yes. I am in awe of her willingness to say yes. She was to bear the Son of God.
What is mercy? A good definition a read recently is to relieve misery. Isn't that what Jesus does, He relieves our burdens and miseries. Invite people back to the church, let them know what this year is about. There are many that walked away from the church for various reasons.
Mother Mary, help each of us be a reflection of your Son.
Hail Holy Queen, mother of mercy, hail our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, morning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn thy most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thine womb Jesus. O Clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us that we maybe worthy of the promises of Christ.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Monday, December 7, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-07-2015 Luke 5:24
"But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the man who was paralyzed, "I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.""
Jesus never missed an opportunity to teach while He was on earth. The Pharisees were not saving people but condemning them with their teaching. Jesus freed this man from his sins and from his bondage on the stretcher.
We too can be bound up and unable to walk in His light. What a perfect time of year to go to confessions. It is Jesus whom we confess our sins too. Let His mercy cleanse you as you continue the journey.
May God richly bless you today and may others see hope in your eyes.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-06-2016 Ezekiel 37:1-14
"The hand of the LORD came upon me, and he led me out in the spirit of the LORD and set me in the center of the broad valley. It was filled with bones. He made me walk among them in every direction. So many lay on the surface of the valley! How dry they were! He asked me: Son of man, can these bones come back to life? "Lord GOD," I answered, "you alone know that." Then he said to me: Prophesy over these bones, and say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: Listen! I will make breath enter you so you may come to life. I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow over you, cover you with skin, and put breath into you so you may come to life. Then you shall know that I am the LORD. I prophesied as I had been commanded. A sound started up, as I was prophesying, rattling like thunder. The bones came together, bone joining to bone. As I watched, sinews appeared on them, flesh grew over them, skin covered them on top, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me: Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man! Say to the breath: Thus says the Lord GOD: From the four winds come, O breath, and breathe into these slain that they may come to life. I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath entered them; they came to life and stood on their feet, a vast army. He said to me: Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel! They are saying, "Our bones are dried up, our hope is lost, and we are cut off." Therefore, prophesy and say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD: Look! I am going to open your graves; I will make you come up out of your graves, my people, and bring you back to the land of Israel. You shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and make you come up out of them, my people! I will put my spirit in you that you may come to life, and I will settle you in your land. Then you shall know that I am the LORD. I have spoken; I will do it—oracle of the LORD."
"Let us be renewed by God's mercy, let us be loved by Jesus, let us enable the power of His love transform our lives and let us become agents of this mercy." Pope Francis
Above is from the website bestadventever.com, each day there is something new. As in today's readings we are to prepare the way for God's grace to be at work.
Can you see your Church transforming, be one of the laborers in the fields.
Jesus Christ is Lord and King, may I never get weary in His calling. God Bless Brothers, enjoy your day.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-05-2015 Ecclesiastes 11:5
"Just as you do not know how the life breath enters the human frame in the mother's womb, So you do not know the work of God, who is working in everything."
There is purpose in everything that goes on in our lives. Maybe God uses events to get us to realize that there is more to life than what we are doing. We can get so wrapped up in what is right in front of us that we miss the real meaning of life.
We are each created in His image for Divine purpose. God is not seeking the greatest farmer, banker, sales person, teacher or secretary. He wants us to use our gifts for His benefit not only ours.
Know that you are loved beyond your imagination, slow down and take a deep breath. Feel His love and if you can't, ask God to show you His love. He is will answer your request.
Be at peace today and just breath, feel His presence.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Friday, December 4, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-04-2015 Job 33:4
"For the spirit of God made me, the breath of the Almighty keeps me alive."
I am reminded that the almighty is the one who gives us breath. There are times that this is all that I can do is sit still and breath. He refreshes me with air and His spirit.
God has purpose in everything so when we know not how to handle a situation. We can just breath and then we realize that He is always in control. There is purpose in what is going on so just breath and let Him move mountains.
Have a great day in Jesus Christ!
Soon and very soon, we are going to see the Lord, Alleluia.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-03-2015 Psalms 106:1
"Hallelujah! Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose mercy endures forever."
Watching God's mercy in action is truly a blessing. He never stops showing us His mercy. He approaches us with open arms seeking the lost and the lonely.
We are in the advent season, what a beautiful time of year. Are you preparing yourself for Jesus? Take some time out of your schedule and go to confessions. Receive His mercy that He so freely gives. Witness His mercy in action in your own life.
Be blessed today knowing that our Savior stands with arms wide open, His mercy endures for ever.
Soon and very soon, we are going to see the Lord, Hallelujah
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-02-2015 Matthew 15:33
"The disciples said to him, "Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?""
Can the same not be said about the world we live in? As I look around I see the same hunger to be satisfied. Being satisfied only comes thru Jesus Christ.
In today's Gospel reading Jesus is teaching His disciples how to give the food that satisfies. We never run out of bread because there is more than enough. Be sure you are getting your bread and go and share it with the hungry. We can't force them to eat but they will eat if they are hungry.
Have a blessed day in Christ, he cures the sick with the bread from heaven. I am going to go get some bread.
Soon and very soon, we are going to see The Lord, Alleluia
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Daily Thoughts 12-01-2015 Isaiah 3018
"Truly, the LORD is waiting to be gracious to you, truly, he shall rise to show you mercy; For the LORD is a God of justice: happy are all who wait for him!"
How many times do we get in the way of the Lord? He is waiting to pour His blessings on us but our own self righteousness gets in the way. We become full of our selves thinking we know best.
We are to be patience and wait on the Lord. I am sure we each have situations we are praying that God will resolve. It isn't easy to wait and at times it hurts but this is what God asks of us. To stand down and be patience.
May the God of mercy and justice move mountains in your world. Pray that God gives us the grace to wait on Him.
Soon and very soon, we are going to see the Lord, Alleluia
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."