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, June 30, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-30-2016 2Corinthians 5:19
"namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reconciliation, what a girl we have in our faith. Have you ever thoughts about this gift or do you take it for granted. We are called to bring others to Christ and help them understand His forgiveness.
Just strike up a conversation with a stranger and just listen. You will be pleasantly surprised, even believers seek reconciliation with God and sometimes there is reasons that they can not get past some situations. Who do you know that is seeking reconciliation? Go help them, let His Spirit be your guide.
Dear Lord, today is another day to go into the fields to work. May we listen to others as they speak and may we hear what you hear. Give us the grace to speak when needed and help us fulfill your word. I ask this through Jesus Christ, Amen.
Enjoy your day!
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-29-2016 Acts 12:7
YBIC
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-28-2016 Amos 3:2
"You alone I have known, among all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities."
Life isn't easy, we are all faced with ups and downs. Maybe this is one of those times you are questioning why. Maybe everything is going along good. No matter the situation God wants us to seek Him.
I struggle to write this but it needs to be said, bad things happen to good people. There is only one we can turn to and that is God, in good times and especially bad times. Can you stay mad at your Father for ever? No, He seeks your love and wants to heal your anger.
Dear Heavenly Father, you who know best. Heal our pain today, cure the hurts that we carry, bring us closer to you. Teach us today to seek you. I thank you for another day to try again. Help me in what ever comes my way and may I never turn from your love. In Jesus name, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Monday, June 27, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-27-2016 Matthew 8:20
"Jesus answered him, "Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.""
Jesus is trying to find a home, He does not stay where He is not welcome. He is looking for His home, a place of comfort, a place where He is at ease and at peace.
Do you offer Jesus this resting place? Is He at home when you are together? Maybe you like to visit with Jesus but you aren't ready to provide a home for Him. This is ok, He is patient but don't wait too long, He may not return.
Lord God, send us your Spirit, bring joy to our day, may we make space for you and invite you to live with us. As we travel today may you be onboard and may others see the hope in our eyes. Keep us safe on our journey and may we always remember to enjoy the ride. Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-26-2016 Psalms 16:7
"I bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my heart exhorts me."
Choices, we are all given them, some are easy and some ain't. If we are listening to God, then they become easier but He still allows us to make the decision. We honor and bless God when we follow His direction.
We never stop seeking God even when we are asleep. Your heart encourages you to do what is right. Ever notice, it is easier to make a decision after you have slept on it.
Listen to what your heart is saying and bless the Lord.
Dear Lord, you who counsel us as we sleep, may we bless and honor you today. Encourage us to live life's of dedicated love and reach out to help those in need. Lift our spirits up today and bring peace into our day, I ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-25-2016 Matthew 8:8
Lord God, you are Master and King, it is you that we seek in our everyday lives. It is You that can satisfy what ever we are seeking. May we always strive to be who you made us to be and never forget that you are King. Amen!
YBIC
Friday, June 24, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-24-2016 Luke 1:76
"And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,"
It is no secret that Jesus is coming, we just don't know when. Are you preparing the way for our Lord, or are you leaving that up to the priest on Sunday?
Your actions is what speaks the loudest, what are they preparing the way for? Maybe you don't think of yourself as prophet but you have the ability to share Christ with others. To show them the narrow road, understand that others are following your lead.
Come Holy Spirit, enliven our spirits to prepare the way for you. Help us change what needs to change and strengthen what needs to be strengthened. Bring peace into our lives even when the winds are blowing. Bless those in need with your presence Lord God and may we all prepare the way for You. I ask this through Jesus Christ, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-23-2016 Matthew 7:22-23
"Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'"
How could this be, someone doing God's work yet being told to leave? Who's glory were they seeking? Were they seeking to glorify God or themselves. It isn't hard to see this going on today just watch some of the TV preachers.
Our faith brings us back to how Jesus honored His Father in heaven. There is reverence and meaning in the mass along with scripture and reflection. Look around you and see what is going on, be part of the solution and not the problem. Get involved, bring life into your church, this is what the people want to see, do something but never glorify yourself. Point to Jesus!
Dear Lord God, you have given us another day, may we honor you today through actions that point to You. May our faith speak to others, may we spend time in your presence and listen to you. I ask that you know us by our actions. Send comfort and peace to those who are trusting You. In Jesus name, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-22-2016 Psalms 119:34
"Give me understanding to keep your law, to observe it with all my heart."
Nothing comes to mind this morning as I think about this scripture. It isn't just popping in like it normally would. Is it that God wants me to chew on it some more this morning?
What about you, do you chew on God's word? Do you let it soak in to gain every morsel that God is trying to let you understand? Just because it doesn't come right away should we just move on. My mind is engaged but I guess the question is, is my heart engaged?
Come Holy Spirit, inflame our hearts to better understand God's word. Free us from our worries and struggles even for a few minutes to spend time with our Jesus. Strengthen our spirits Lord, lead us deeper into your scripture. Bring us back to the body of Christ. In Jesus name, Amen.
In the words of an articulate man, that is a friend as well, have a Mary day!!
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-21-2016 John 6:20
"But he said to them, "It is I. Do not be afraid."
Remember when you were a kid, and you were being taught to swim. You had to trust the person that you were jumping to or you were going to swim to. What about when you taught your kids how to swim, can you see the look on their faces as they let go or jumped in the first time.
Eventually we all have to let go and trust as well. Never easy, sometimes fear can get a hold of you but as I reflect this morning and chew on this scripture. It is Jesus who is speaking, Dad would never ask you to do something He knew you weren't capable of.
Dear Heavenly Father, I am always in Awe of Your direction in all of our lives. May you teach us to swim today Lord, may we let go of what ever holds us back and hear your voice saying, "It is I. Do not be afraid." Jesus, I trust in You, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Monday, June 20, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-20-2016 1 Chronicles 16:34
YBIC
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-19-2016 Galatians 3:26-27
YBIC
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-18-2016 Psalms 89:34
"But I will not take my mercy from him, nor will I betray my bond of faithfulness."
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Friday, June 17, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-17-2016 Matthew 6:29
"But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal."
What are treasures in heaven? The streets are made of gold so no need for that up there. "In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10. It would stand to reason if the Angels rejoice then this would be a treasure.
https://youtu.be/7G3IFp3Ckiw
YBIC
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-16-2016 Romans 8:15b
YBIC
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-15-2016 Psalms 31:21
"You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from scheming enemies. You conceal them in your tent, away from the strife of tongues."
I am drawn to the Psalms this morning, there is peace and wisdom in them. Our days are filled with lots of noise, and we need to be charged up to enter it. There is something to be said about the quietness of the morning.
Take time each day to just turn off the noise, find a quiet place, just you and God. There is joy in His presence as well as understanding. He gets it, He just needs us to get it. I used to jump out of bed and be out of the house in 15 minutes. The world moves way to fast, we need the time to slow down and just be.
Dear Lord, it hurts to see what is going on in the world, may you be the difference in our lives. Show us how to be at peace, help us hear the strife of our own tongues and help us stop. Lord teach us to love as you love. May today be our prayer to you, may our smile be a reminder of You, and may we think of You often today. In Jesus name, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-14-2016 Psalms 51:3-4
YBIC
Monday, June 13, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-13-2016 Exodus 20:7
"You shall not invoke the name of the LORD, your God, in vain. For the LORD will not leave unpunished anyone who invokes his name in vain."
When I was in college, I would cuss and say gd in normal conversation, I didn't even know I was doing it. Thankfully I had a friend who was tired of listening to me so he began to repeat what I said. It didn't take me long to realize what was coming out of my mouth.
Using God's name in vain has no place in our language but it happens all the time. Help your friends or co-workers realize what they are saying. They do not need to be calling punishment upon themselves.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to see the error of our ways. Thank you for all that you do for us. May we help others hear what they say and change their vocabulary. You deserve known of it Lord, may we honor you with our lives this week Lord. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-12-2016 2 Samuel 12:13
"Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan answered David: "For his part, the LORD has removed your sin. You shall not die,"
Forgiveness, we all need it but we sometimes hold onto things. This eats at us in ways we do not realize, even when we have put it out of our immediate thoughts. David acknowledges his wrong doing, he owned up to it and Nathan responds with "For his part, the LORD has removed your sin. You shall not die,"
For his part, as I read this it implies that God has done His part but there is more to be done. David needs to do his part. There is a price to pay for our sins, we will pay it either in this life or the next but we will not die if we seek repentance.
Dear Heavenly Father, you do not ask much of us only to honor you with our lives. I thank you for your teachings that we all receive. I thank you for another day to be in your presence and I look forward to receiving you during mass. May others see what they are missing and come home. May they come to realize the oneness you provide in our Catholic faith. In Jesus name, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-11-2016 Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus said to his disciples:
"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
Do not take a false oath,
but make good to the Lord all that you vow.
But I say to you, do not swear at all;
not by heaven, for it is God's throne;
nor by the earth, for it is his footstool;
nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Do not swear by your head,
for you cannot make a single hair white or black.
Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.'
Anything more is from the Evil One."
Reflection by Matt H.
This morning as I sit in quiet, reading this Gospel from Matthew. I stop and wonder what it would be like today if more individuals would stop trying to impress those we meet daily.
Instead, looking deep inside and follow Gods example.
Life is difficult, we all know. However, the life Jesus has chosen for us to lead is much different. Accept the Truth and say " No " to the Evil one and our Life and the World as we know it would be different.
May God Bless you,
Matthew
Dear Lord God, you work wonders all around us. Our hearts yearn for You whether we know it or not. Continue to bless us with insight, give us the blessing of sitting still and hear You speaking to us in the silence of our hearts. We live at a great time, may we recognize our mission, in Jesus name, Amen.
As a good man I know said, it is time for men to step up!
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Sent from my iPhone
Friday, June 10, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-10-2016 Matthew 5:27-28
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Thoughts leads to actions, it is just how it works. Your brain has to see it first before it can make it happen. I thank God my brain would show me the consequences.
The world is changing fast around us, it isn't hard to see. Don't fall prey to the devils schemes. There is real consequences to our actions, not only to us but those around us. Be the light in a dark world. Help others see what Christ is doing in you. This scripture is His words and are real today.
Dear Lord, there are so many who don't know You. May our lives be a path to where they find their way Home. Strengthen our spirit Lord that we may fight the good fight. Give us the grace in confession to hold onto Your word. May our lives let Your light shine in the world around us. I ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-9-20-6 Psalms 65:10
"You visit the earth and water it, make it abundantly fertile. God's stream is filled with water; you supply their grain. Thus do you prepare it:"
We have had our fair share of rain, in fact we have had an abundance of rain. There is purpose in everything that comes our way, both the good and the bad. You ever notice when times our good we have a tendency to not need God and when things are bad we really need Him.
Our goal on earth is not to win the game of life but to know God. To have a daily relationship with Him. Maybe ignoring God works for you but sooner or later you will turn to Him. Then the ground is fertile, then you are ready to get to know Him.
Dear God, you put people in front of us each day that are seeking You, help us be prepared to help you. Give us the grace to help them see You. Help us see that you are always there with us through the good and bad. May we not turn aside from you during the good. May we praise you all the time for you know best on what we need. Praise be to Jesus, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-8-2016 1 Kings 18;37
YBIC
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-7-2016 1 Kings 17:13
"Elijah said to her, "Do not be afraid. Go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Afterwards you can prepare something for yourself and your son."
Where is your focus at? Our society tells us to focus on self, take care of number one. God tells us the opposite, He wants us to look out for others, to put their needs above self.
Do not be afraid, God always provides, He is seeking us to be faithful, to reach out and help Him. Even the littlest thing can make the biggest difference to someone in need. Listen to God, hear Him speaking to you, slow down and remember God should be first.
Dear Lord, I don't always know why but I ask that like the widow woman, I always trust. Give us eyes of faith and feet of action. You are so good to us Lord, we have nothing to fear when we trust in You. Bring peace to our day and may you take the little that we have and do great things with it. Come Holy Spirit, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Monday, June 6, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-6-2016 Psalms 121:5-6
"The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. By day the sun will not strike you, nor the moon by night."
God is ever at your side whether you realize it or not. Those times you don't feel jubilant, He has not forsaken you, He is ever at your side.
Know that you are His and is at the ready to take your hand and carry you through.
Dear Lord God, take us by the hand and lead us through the storm. Help us see how you do protect us even when we turn aside from you. Fill our spirit with your presence Lord so we may praise You. I thank you for another week Lord, may I use the time wisely to honor you. In Jesus name, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-5-2016 Luke 7:14
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YBIC
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-4-2016 2 Timothy 4:3
"For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers"
I don't watch much TV like I used too but can't help but think that the world is in need of the cure. All the scandal you see makes you wonder. Back in Jesus's days they too were needing the cure. They were tired of all the rules and wanted a new way.
The only true teacher is Jesus. His ways are truth and life. He has a teaching for every thing and all of them point to the Father. If people could just see how trusting in Jesus is the answer, the world would be a better place to live in.
Lord God, open our mouths when given the opportunity to speak truth. Allow your words to penetrate hearts and minds to make our world a better place. May Mother Mary be an influence in our lives and help us on our journey. May we be living examples for others to see how life is easier having Jesus onboard. In Jesus name, Amen.
Meditation:
Now you shall consider My love in the Blessed Sacrament. Here, I am entirely yours, soul, body, and divinity, as your Bridegroom. You know what love demands: one thing only, reciprocity ... (Diary, 1770).
My daughter, My favor rests in your heart. When on Holy Thursday I left Myself in the Blessed Sacrament, you were very much on My mind(Diary, 1774).
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Friday, June 3, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-3-2016 Luke 15:7
"I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance."
What does it mean to repent? Repentance is done in the heart, it is inner thoughts where you realize you are wrong. It is seeing things as God sees them. Every day we all sin, we don't always realize it.
Heaven is for the living, they know what life is about. They have all faced the same trials that we each face each day. Repentance is a win for Jesus, it is acknowledging He is Master. Let go of your hurts and pains and give your will to Jesus. Be sorry for your actions and let Jesus carry you home.
Dear Heavenly Father, you stir our hearts to follow you, give us the grace we so desperately need to fight the good fight. Help us see how the sacrament of confession is a cleansing of our hearts. Give us peace in our hearts Lord and show us how to live in Your presence. God you amaze us every day may we recognize it as we walk with you. In Jesus name, Amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-2-2016 2 Timothy 2:14
"Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen."
Words control our lives, what one says and what one hears can be too different things. Do you listen to your own words that come out of your mouth? Jesus used words to make people think and also to show His love for them. How do you use words.
We hear every word that comes out of our mouths. Our disputes not only effect others they have an impact on us. Jesus used words to build up and not tear down. The word of God is truth and does not lie. Listen to what you say today and change your life.
God hears every word you say do you?
Dear Lord, I pray for those who fall out over words. It causes pain that is unnecessary. Your word is love, help us see how to love in the way that You love. Help us create unity with words and not division. Heal our wounds Lord so we may live life with Joy in our hearts. Help us get our youthful exuberance back, In Jesus name, amen.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Daily Thoughts 6-1-2016 Mark 12:26-27
"As for the dead being raised, have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God told him, 'I am the God of Abraham, [the] God of Isaac, and [the] God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled."
You are greatly misled, a lot of our understanding comes from hearing. Do you consider what you have been told isn't accurate. It isn't until we read the word of God do things start to piece together.
The Advocate will guide you and certain scriptures will jump out at you or as you are reading another verse will come to mind. Let God be your guide, don't stop listening to others but also read on your own.
Dear Heavenly Father, we don't always understand our journey but there is always purpose in your plan. Your word is full of life, give us desire to know Your word. Surround us with those that encourage us and set our hearts a blaze for You. May others see Christ in our actions and may they catch the spark of new life. I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
YBIC
1 John 4:4b
"The one that is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."