Daily Thoughts - Prepared



Daily Thoughts - Prepared

"for, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

The Creator and the created, I imagined God the Creator this morning, the one who gives us all our gifts.  I then imagined myself, the created and the gifts that He gives.  How did I come by the understanding that I currently have?  By hearing the word of God and allowing it to seep into my heart.  By sitting at His feet and giving Him my time, talent and treasure.  By giving back what He gives.  

Our belief is our response to God, is He Lord?  Am I preparing myself for the coming of Christ?  Am I blessing the Creator with His creation, me?  The heart is at the center and in your heart you know the answer.   

The blessing is another day to seek His help, to listen with the heart and to confess with the tongue that He is Lord.  He always gives us the freedom to demonstrate our salvation and the lack of it.  Today I will demonstrate both, there is only one I want to demonstrate the other is being rooted out of the creation.  

Dear Father, I witness the Body of Christ being saved, I see the pain and suffering as sin is being rooted out.  As we sit and contemplate Your word, You are developing an ardent disciple that will face what comes with an undying belief that You are the Risen Christ.  Bless this day and all that it has to offer.  Prayers for a friend being scourged at the pillar receiving what isn't deserved.  May he know that it is a glorified body being created by the trials and tribulations.  Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Spouse of Mary, Pray for us.

St Ignatius, Pray for us. 

https://youtu.be/gricEbvNhNg

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Preparation.



Daily Thoughts - Preparation. 

"The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord."  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬-‭3‬a

Childlike faith, do you have it?  I sit this morning with child like faith doing the things that Jesus did.  Waking early, sitting still in the quiet of the day before it really gets going.  I sit with the faith asking His Holy Spirit to rest upon me.  

This is the best time of day as my mind isn't cluttered with things to do other than sit with God.  We have to make time for preparation, to get ready for the day, to trust God in getting you ready for what comes.  This is child like faith, there are no worries, He has it.  It is His Holy Spirit that guides my thoughts, my fingertips and His message.   He has never failed me in our time of silence.  We have to prepare ourselves to receive Christ otherwise the clutter of life gets in the way.  

If not now then when?  He is asking not I.  

Dear Father God, it is the soul of Christ that sanctifies me a little each day.  Each day You penetrate the heart and mind with a thought that I must act upon.  It isn't a passive relationship or only one way, You are active within in the events of each day.  Thank You Father for Your Holy Spirit and the stillness to receive You into the day that You give.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pray for us.  

St Ignatius, Pray for us.  

https://youtu.be/6AwM2JkbXzM

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Preparation.



Daily Thoughts - Preparation.

"For the peace of Jerusalem pray: "May those who love you prosper! May peace be within your ramparts, prosperity within your towers.""  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭122‬:‭6‬-‭7‬

It is a time of preparation, making one's house ready for the coming of Christ in the Christmas season.  The Christmas season begins on December 25, we are currently in the Advent season, the time of preparation.  

As I sat this morning preparing, I contemplated my soul within my body.  Is it ready to receive Christ, is there areas that I need to be preparing, am I living in the state of grace.  When one ponders upon one's soul with the understanding it takes only one sin to not enter Heaven, it makes you think.  

As we prepare for the coming Christ do not neglect examining one's conscience.  What is taking up room that prevents Christ from finding peace within these walls.  In the quiet you will find areas that need addressing then you are given the day to work upon them.  Happy Advent!

Dear Father, I thank You for the gift of a conscience and it's ability to convey Your message.  As we journey together during this week of hope, prepare Your resting place within as we go to Bethlehem.   Thank You for this day and these time together.  Illuminate my thoughts so I may recall what needs to be cleansed.  Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Ardent, Pray for us. 

St Ignatius, Pray for us. 

https://youtu.be/E_GsKLJcum8

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Prepare ye the way.



Daily Thoughts - Prepare ye the way. 

""Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man."  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭34‬-‭36‬

Thoughts, what we give the mind to feed upon makes up our thoughts which become our actions and our way of life.  "For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth."  Luke 21:35.  Will you run and hide or will you bow down and worship.  Everyone will be caught off guard, all will be assaulted but who will be ready, who will have God written upon their forehead?

"They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads."  ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭4‬  Back to thoughts, pay attention to what you are feeding upon.  I have noticed the battle that is being waged upon us to disrupt our thoughts, to engage them.  Listening to God writes life into you, it builds you up, it is a conscious effort.  It moves the battle outside of you and gives you vision.  

God does not do anything without telling us in advance, He prepares the way.  The evil one deceives us and sneaks up upon us when we are least aware.  He hides but God reveals.  Pay attention to what you are feeding upon.  

Dear Father, thank You for the gift of this morning and the opportunity to reflect upon what is going on.  I see the effort that is needed to be vigilant and always ready.  With You on the inside, I have want for nothing, continue to prepare the way that on that day I may stand before the Son of Man, Amen.  

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us.   

https://youtu.be/9wPFh1wOqsg

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Thankful



Daily Thoughts - Thankful

 "As he continued his journey to Jerusalem"  Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭11‬a

"In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."  ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬

Happy Thanksgiving.  I sit this morning in awe of God as He paints a picture.  He tells us to give thanks in ALL circumstances not just the good ones, not just the ones we find comfort in but ALL.  His Son Jesus operating within the perfect will of His Father gave thanks with His life.  As He walked towards Jerusalem and the coming Eucharist feast, He was filled with thankfulness.  

Look at all the celebrations we have, we make memories around the banquet table with family and friends.   God makes memories around the banquet table as well.  Take time today and thank God for all that has happened in your life.  Give Him praise for the blessings and His perfect will.  The walk to Jerusalem isn't an easy path but the feast that awaits is what keeps us moving in that direction.  Happy Thanksgiving, be blessed knowing God has you in the palm of His hand no matter the circumstances. 

Dear Father God, Happy Thanksgiving.  Thank You for the Eucharistic feast that we celebrate in our Catholic faith.  Your Son walked that path so we could join You at the banquet table.  Heal hearts that are not feeling thankful today because of a circumstance.  Help them see beyond this day to the table of plenty that makes everything we endure worth it, to be home with You.  Prayers of thanksgiving for friends being medically healed.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Head of the Holy Family, Pray for us. 

Angelic Bread - Panis Angelicus

https://youtu.be/cVYnN6vWOWs

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Forgiveness



Daily Thoughts - Forgiveness

"The Lord has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph in the sight of the nations, He has remembered his mercy and faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God."  Psalms‬ ‭98‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

Forgiveness, is the mercy that was remembered.  As I read scripture this morning, God brought me to Adam and Eve.  Sin entered the world as did confessions, sacrifice for the sin and forgiveness from God, when He handed them loin skin.  "The Lord God made for the man and his wife garments of skin, with which he clothed them."  ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬

This message is repeated over and over again until we realize how much we are loved by God.  Sin begins to be rooted out of our lives.  We begin to stop living for self and we learn to live for Him.  This is the victory God speaks about in His word.  This is the understanding that gives us strength to fight the good fight.  

How many times must God repeat Himself before it sinks in.  He will not forget His mercy towards the house of Israel.  Ask for forgiveness, pick yourself up and go again.  In the end He is victorious and so are we that listen to His voice.  Safe travels on your journey, remember little eyes are watching, your example is their future.   Be forgiving.  

Dear Lord God, thank You for this day, thank You for the gift of insight and inspiration, in the stillness You speak loudest.  Prayers for a friend in the battle, may love be the motivating factor as they move forward.  Prayers for another trying to figure it out, may You be heard in the quiet time.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pillar of Family Life, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey

Chris Tomlin - He Shall Reign Forevermore (Live) youtu.be

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Prepare



Daily Thoughts - Prepare

"While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' But he said in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour."  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭10‬-‭13‬

It is an interesting parable, the ten virgins, five wise and five foolish.  They were all virgins, so I pondered what Jesus was conveying to us.  It seems logical that if you needed oil to go get more, the five wise were prepared and ready.  Our way of thinking betrays us, for we think as man does.  

Does God not provide for all that we need, all He ask of us is to open the door and let Him in.  He is the oil, He is the source, He has all the answers.  If we have to go looking elsewhere for the supply then we are lost.  Seems simple but in fact it requires faith to look beyond one's own thinking.  To trust that He has prepared you and given you enough oil.  

We on our own efforts are never prepared but with Him and our willingness we are enough.  He knows you and more importantly, you know Him.  If He is your focus, You have the oil needed, the door(Jesus) will not be locked.  The day or hour is unimportant when you have the Oil.  

Dear Father God, You are the oil, it is in this relationship when we visit that the oil is given.  Our days can draw us down and in the mornings we are filled up again.  You give enough oil to see beyond the darkness of this world.  You give hope to what seems hopeless.   Thank You Father for sitting with me this morning.  The waiting can seem like a long time but even then You are here.  Prayers of thanksgiving for a friend that can see beyond the darkness.  You are preparing the way for another generation.  Praise be to God.  Amen. 

Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pray for us.  

https://youtu.be/lOHr-IipWik

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - My All in all.



Daily Thoughts - My All in all. 

"Who may go up the mountain of the Lord? Who can stand in his holy place? "The clean of hand and pure of heart, who has not given his soul to useless things, what is vain. He will receive blessings from the Lord, and justice from his saving God. Such is the generation that seeks him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob."  Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭3‬-‭6‬

Do you give from your surplus or do you give God your all.  There is a difference between the two.  All that we have is from God, the little or the lot.  How do we honor Him with it?  Do we give back without a thought, not seeking payment in return.  Do we give with joy in our hearts, knowing you are loved by God.  

I sit with the widow woman this morning and her joy is my joy.  God seeks our heart and when you are seeking His face, He has your heart.  The widow woman knew God was her protector, the covenant relationship was mutual.  It wasn't all God, they were equally yoked.  The greatest gift we can give God is our time and in return His gift is grace, peace, understanding, love and blessings which satisfy the soul.  

Dear Father God, I sit in the temple this morning with understanding and sight.  I see the scriptures come to life and played out each day.  Words will betray me but my heart must sing this song for that is what is written upon it.  Thank You Father for taking us to these heights.  What is over the next peak?  Bless this day and all it has to offer.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Model of Workers, Pray for us. 

https://youtu.be/fDDQsh_UycU

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Rise up



Daily Thoughts - Rise up

"Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war;". ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭144‬:‭1‬

The beginning of my day. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111922.cfm  The readings this morning focus on the resurrection of the body.  John, while here, has a locution and writes it down.  His thoughts are not on the physical realm but they are on above in the presence of the Risen Christ.  

The Sadducee, is thinking of the here and now, living in the flesh not aware of above.  They try to capture Jesus in their untruth so they can bring about their earthly plan.  Jesus responds with what is above, about living forever beyond death.  

Each morning, we are given a choice to live in the here and now or to rise up with hands closed in prayer and live in the presence of God through out the day.  The battle isn't a physical battle, the war isn't a bloody war, it is a fight for the soul.  ""This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." ‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬.  Rise up above the fray with hands in prayer, God within and live forever, now.  

Death will not have a grip on you. 

Dear Father God, I sit here and listen to You within the readings. You have prepared these hands for battle and fingers for war.  They are holy hands prepared for the day, holy thoughts thinking of what is above.  Prayers of thanksgiving for the bountiful rain, and the healing touch of the Masters hand that brings about the growth that is needed within.  March on.  Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pray for us. 

St Rose of Lima, Pray for us.  

https://youtu.be/qX5HP0aYo98

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Convicted



Daily Thoughts - Convicted

"I took the small scroll from the angel's hand and swallowed it. In my mouth it was like sweet honey, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour."  ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬

Sweet and sour are opposite to each other, how does that go hand and hand with God's word?  The Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John along with God's Word speaks to the soul.  We are attracted to it but once we devour it, it convicts the spirit.  It forces us to change, He transforms us in our thinking, in our actions, in who we think we are.  

There is a battle over our soul and we are the central player.  Will we listen and hang on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God and accept His teachings.  Teachings that go against what we think we know in the natural world.   The conviction that goes on inside causes us to change, to become more loving, more understanding as you watch another go through the sweetness of honey and sourness of change.  

Change is never easy, do we ever look forward to it?  It requires work, it takes effort, it takes commitment.  The change that comes is worth every penny and we never stop changing as long as we devour His word.  God knows how to invite the soul into a loving relationship with Him.  Once He is on the inside, the rest is a partnership.   

Dear Father God, I watch You at work and hang upon every word that comes from Your mouth.  There is sweetness in the tasting of salvation and conviction when we know what needs to be done.  Lead us along this path of life as You accomplish Your mission for us.   Prayers for the healing touch of the Masters hands as He operates this morning.  You are mighty God, You are God who hears and responds.   I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Help of the Sick, Pray for us. 

https://youtu.be/O5vTcr_WhTA

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Blindness.



Daily Thoughts - Blindness.  

"As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes."  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭41‬-‭42‬

When one closes one's eyes, you do not lose sight, you gain it.  Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem, the one that was heralding in His arrival and the same one that would crucify Him.  These people are no different than us celebrating and persecuting in the flesh.  They could not see the King of Peace in their midst.  

The blind man that was healed earlier, Luke 18:35.  He was not spiritually blind, he could see better than those with sight.  Jesus wept because His people could not see God in their midst, within other.  Sin blocks our vision, it hides truth from us.   When we close our eyes in prayer and listen with the mind of God(the heart), we see beyond ourselves.  Let us ask God to - "You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth." Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬.  Listen to God with your heart, that is what Jesus did as Son of Man.  

Dear Father, I sit in Your midst with eyes closed and You open up a new world.  You reveal the reality of the day and what is going on around us.  We see the world in a different light and like You we understand the gift of sight.  Prayers for a friend seeking the Peace that only You can give.  May Your words penetrate the heart and reveal truth in the midst of the chaos.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

Thank You Jesus, Mary and Joesph, give us sight to see. 

https://youtu.be/xdPzFnAngMQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - The Gift



Daily Thoughts - The Gift

"Then the other servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding person; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.'"  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭20‬-‭21‬

What do you give power to in your life?  Is it God or is it fear?  I listen to Jesus speak this morning and watch the reactions of the servant living in fear.  It is his own words that condemn him.  He has not accepted the gift of God, his focus was on the fear, on the what ifs, on the lack of, not realizing it is the Gift that brings about all the transformation.  

Who brings fear into our world?  The devil.  You know his words, not worthy, not good enough, who do you think you are.  There are many of them yet the Gift tells us we are worthy, He gave it to us.  We are good enough, He gave it to us.  He knows who we are, the child of the King, it is His Kingship that He gives away.  Listen to yourself and understand which voice is louder in your life.  Give the glory to God and trust in Him.  The Gift and fear can not reside together for very long. 

Dear Lord God, I have watched You banish fear from my life, nothing I have done other than listen to You in daily prayer.  You have revealed truth to me, You have helped me see the why in some situations which has brought about understanding and acceptance.  The Gift has multiplied and continues to do so.  May I honor You this day in all that I do for I know You are demanding and I know it is You that brings it about, not I other than my obedience and acceptance.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pray for us. 

https://youtu.be/CdQf12zGpIM

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Purchased



Daily Thoughts - Purchased

"For you say, 'I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything,' and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich, and white garments to put on so that your shameful nakedness may not be exposed, and buy ointment to smear on your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise. Be earnest, therefore, and repent."  ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭19‬

Do we have to buy our way into Heaven?  No, it is a free gift, given to us by Jesus.  We have been purchased at a price, the price of an innocent man without sin who accepted our sins.  " O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life;" So what is Jesus saying in His word about buying?

Jesus is chastising the Church for neither being hot or cold, for being lukewarm.  For enjoying the comforts of life, feeding self and has no concern for other.  Those in this condition are comfortably going to hell while they attend to self.  

To buy means to commit, to own and accept the responsibility of what one purchased.  To take both the good and that which we don't like along with it.  A purchase will stretch us, remember your first house, it was a commitment.  

If we are to understand the rewards of eternal life, it begins with following Jesus.   Study his life, it was not a stroll in the park with weekly church attendance.  He did what His Father asked of Him and it stretched Him, literally!  He lived out His faith and that is gold being refined, that is being blind and seeing what life is about. 

Dear Lord God, under Your direction we are being refined, we are seeing what the eye can not see.  There is a joy that everyday life reveals to those willing to commit.  Your words are not always easy but they are more than rewarding.  Thank You for the gift of this day and the payment that it offers those willing to follow.  Help my unbelief.  Amen. 

Mary, Mother of the Word Incarnate, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Ardent, Pray for us.  

https://youtu.be/A3IOJiZi_Xg

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Begging



Daily Thoughts - Begging

"The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me!""  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭39‬

Are we not to remain like this beggar along the side of the road, always depending upon God.  "Son of David, have pity on me!"   The people with Jesus have forgotten their mission, they have arrived and yet are blind to the needs of another in search of healing.  God hears the cry of the poor.  

What gave or better yet who gave the beggar the insight to call Jesus, Son of David?  The Triune God in action, God the Father, invoking the Holy Spirit and His Son being announced who He truly is - God.  The more we know the more we need humility in our lives and never forget it is God who gives us sight.  

The beggar could not see but he could hear and had prayed to be able to see.  He seen a lot with eyes closed, in our prayer time there is a lesson the blind man gives us.  With eyes closed listening to the world with your thoughts, God speaks.  "Son of David, have pity on me!"

Dear Father God, I know I am loved by You.  I see the treasure You have placed within and it shines brightest in the silence of my heart.  Thank You for the gift of this day, may I never forget that I was once blind but now I see.  Bless this day and all it has to offer, may we hear You calling in the darkness.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen Mother, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Ardent, Pray for us. 

 https://youtu.be/lcSqRkpeQyM

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Evidence



Daily Thoughts - Evidence

"Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary."           "But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬, ‭8‬b

Jesus asks an interesting question at the end of this parable.  He gives us the parable to build us up in our faith.  To push through in those times of our prayer that nothing seems to be happening.  We are not seeing the results we desire but the results are being developed.  Do not become weary in your prayer life, love conquers all, stay the course if you are on the path and if not get back into your pray life even though you don't feel.  

What about the question?  Jesus builds us up and then asks.  Is He preparing us for a period of time before He returns that is going to be very tumultuous.  You have to wonder, the disciples faced the crucifixion of Christ, did they stay the course and trusted God in all things or did they turn away defeated.  There is a lesson for each of us in this parable.  

Train up the body in prayer, persist and go through the dry spells, look beyond the dark night and know the just judge will answer your prayers.  On the other side is a strength that has yet to be realized.  The disciples were trained to endure the valley of tears and so are we.  Praise God for His infinite wisdom, He did find faith for He persisted as well.  We are the evidence of the unseen faith.  

Dear Father God, You are so good to us.  You look into the mind and bring about a transformation when we allow You the time to sit together.  You give us freedom to chose and are not over bearing.  Prays for a young lady going through the period of unknowing, build Your Kingdom within her for Your glorious victory.  May her prayers be answered.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of Hope, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pillar of families, Pray for us.  

https://youtu.be/oH0FMhH7DrU

A good prayer to repeat multiple times during the day.  

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Blessings in disguise.



Daily Thoughts - Blessings in disguise.

"Blessed the one whose help is the God of Jacob"  Psalms‬ ‭146‬:‭5‬a

God behind the scenes, orchestrating events to bring the lost soul back to Him.  I listened to Paul this morning as he wrote to Philemon about Onesimus, a slave who had ran away.  (Philemon 1).  God had brought Paul and Onesimus together so Onesimus could come to know the love that God has for him.  

In a sense Onesimus was running from God, maybe he didn't like what he was hearing and wanted away.  Who knows why but the God of Jacob brought him to the same message through Paul.  Onesimus was better prepared to receive Christ for his running away was fruitless.   

Know that God is always in pursuit of your heart, He will not stop until His will is accomplished in you.  Stop running and look at the blessings that have been poured out for you in the sufferings of Christ.  Pick up your cross and follow Him.  Running will only bring you back to where you started at.  

Dear Father, I sit and count my blessings this morning.  I have experienced the running and like Jacob, I wrestled with You.  I also have come to know the deep abiding love You have for each of us even in our running.  Thank You for the gift of hope and the gift of words, may You illuminate our ways.  Prayers for a faithful servant in need of physical healing, You are faithful God and You are our help.  Thank You for the blessing.   In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Saints, Pray for us. 

Saint Joesph, Hope of the Sick, Pray for us.  

https://youtu.be/N8tfggEG340

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - God’s Dwelling.



Daily Thoughts - God's Dwelling. 

"Streams of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High. God is in its midst; it shall not be shaken; God will help it at break of day."  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭5‬-‭6‬

In scripture from Saint Paul "Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?"‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬.  I arise each day with the understanding that God dwells within.  The day awaits and He and I will face it together.  Am I perfect in this pursuit?  No, I don't have to be but I do have to be obedient and bend to the Master of the house.  He is the one that will cleanse the inside of the temple.  He is the one that purifies us for sainthood.  

"He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, "Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace.""  John‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭16‬.  Jesus is on the inside, I am just the keeper of this dwelling place for a short time.  

When you awake in the morning with this knowledge, the day becomes a joy, you rested peacefully and peace lives within even in the storm.  Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  We win!  "Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.""  John‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬.  We can live in the resurrection of Christ if we chose.  

https://youtu.be/BbVfBWjTNZw

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Freedom



Daily Thoughts - Freedom

"For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good."  ‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭14‬

Servant or slave, which of these two offers us freedom.  In our journeys thru life we are taught the difference between the two.  We become slaves to sin, we give up our freedom and are entrapped by the choices we make.  Taking the wide road with seemingly easy choices and are caught, our freedom Is given up until we give it away freely to become a servant of Christ, Choosing the narrow less traveled road.  

Each day these are the choices we are given.  Do we become a captive of Christ serving Him freely with hope in our hearts making the right choice that serves Him or do we become a captive of the evil one with his deception of the lies.  Freedom isn't free or easy, neither is life.   "So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'" ‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭10‬ 

Dear Father, the choice is ours, You give us the freedom to choose our path in life.  Each path offers training, one that feeds the soul and the other that hurts the soul.  Both offer training with the outcome to bring us home.  Thank You for this day and the choice to make the God given decision to serve You in all that we do.  I offer prayers up today for our country and the choices it will make collectively.  May we not take our freedom for granted by giving it away.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Our Lady of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pray for us. 

https://youtu.be/E0bs9ZvM8gQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Truth



Daily Thoughts - Truth

"holding fast to the true message as taught so that he will be able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute opponents."  ‭‭Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬

God is love, this is the foundations of the true message.  Paul's foundation was based upon the Pentateuch and his encounter with Jesus.  It was in this encounter of love that Paul witnessed Truth and how far he had traveled from it.  It is in our daily encounter with Christ and His Church where we encounter truth.  Truth is Jesus, will what I do stand the test of Christ.   

Dear Father, it is a beautiful quiet morning in the stillness as I encounter You.  Not much is said other than the understanding that You are there.  It is in this encounter of love that You are transforming my heart into Your heart.  You are patience, kind, loving, persistent and caring with Your child.  Truth is, it doesn't change or become transformed, it is consistent, it transforms our thoughts into those of Jesus and His Church.   Bless this day Father, be the truth in our lives in a world that denies truth.  Amen. 

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pray for us. 

https://youtu.be/iFw42tZVDKI

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Grace



Daily Thoughts - Grace

"I have received full payment and I abound. I am very well supplied because of what I received from you through Epaphroditus, "a fragrant aroma," an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."  ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬-‭19‬

I sit with Paul as he writes this letter, he is in prison, a captive of the Roman's and a slave to Christ.  His journey with Christ has changed, he accepts all things as a gift from God.  He does not sit in his pity or woe, or wishes for something better.  He reflects upon his journey with God, where He had taken him and the gifts that were given along the way.  

The troubles that he perceived at the time turned out to be blessings in disguise.  Sometimes in our lives we ask God "why", only later do we find out there is an abundance of riches.  Consider all things to glorify God.  The challenge we have is taking the time to sit and consider the journey.  To bring God into the conversation, to walk with Him daily.   

Paul found this joy, I as well have found this joy and each day He reveals the blessings, the grace that is being poured out in the sufferings of the Body.   Be at peace where ever you are at, God has purpose in it.  He will get you through it just as He did Paul.  

Dear Father, Paul from a distance heard the cry of the poor, he seen the deception of the devil.  In his solitude he had time to pray with his thoughts.   Give us the grace to sit with You and be joyful in all circumstances.   May we recognize the tears as blessings in disguise.  Thank You Father for reaching hearts that are aching, cold and miserable not knowing.  Bless this day and all it has to offer, may we be an acceptable offer in Your sight.   Hallelujah❤️

Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Most Ardent, Pray for us. 

https://youtu.be/EVk3VCH8-1k

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - The Desert



Daily Thoughts - The Desert

""What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'"  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬-‭6‬

I journeyed with Christ this morning, it is always a good journey when we visit together.  The desert, we all find our way there if we stay upon the narrow road.  Once again this is another test, in my opinion, is it the consolations that I am seeking or is it loving my Father that I desire.  When we live in the flesh, we desire to feed the flesh but over time in prayer we are taken into the desert, a dry an arid place.   

Jesus will return home to be with the 99 in the desert, there will be rejoicing as there is another to celebrate that has made it into the desert with Him.  As we grow closer to God it will seems as though He is far away but in fact He has never left.  Have a Blessed day in the desert without the desire of the flesh.  

Dear Lord God, once again we are blessed to sit and visit.  There is joy with the morning dew that falls upon the grass.  It refreshes the souls, gives life to the spirit and prepares one of the hot and arid day.  Journey with Him and do not be concerned when He seems far away if you are spending time seeking Him.  Amen. 

Mary, Mother of the Son of Man, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us.  

https://youtu.be/9rZ8k9m2hwo

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Daily Thoughts - Tested. Feast of All Souls Day



Daily Thoughts - Tested.  Feast of All Souls Day.  

"and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if to others, indeed, they seem punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself."  ‭‭Wisdom‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭6‬

Today we celebrate all those souls who have gone before us.  I recalled a friend who prayed for souls in purgatory, it was a grace

given him to intercede for them.  To offer up a small sacrifice of time to take time out and pray.  I prayed for him as he is no longer in the flesh physically, yet still has a soul.  

I also recalled the trials of life we all face each day, to ponder one's own existence and ask the question upon certain circumstances.   Life is a test, do we recognize the gift that we have been given?  I pondered another soul facing a test and I prayed for them.  God allows trials, not to punish, not to condemn but to allow us to grow closer to Him.   Are we better then Jesus, should we not face trials?  "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil."  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬.  

Our soul is immortal, it will live for ever.  Take heart in the test and recognize the gift being given.  Take time and offer up a sacrifice for another whether living or dead.  When Jesus walked amongst us, do you think He pondered the souls of the living and the dead or was His focus upon Himself?

Dear Father, in Your infinite wisdom You placed within us the hope to live forever, give us the grace to recognize the gift of life and the joy it brings when we walk with You and not away from You.  Thank You for the gift of a little understanding in a world that lives for the senses.  Bless this day and let's continue the journey with hopeful expectations.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of All Souls, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

https://youtu.be/8Qa6zZrYkZA

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b