Saturday, July 13, 2024

Holiness Befits Your House

Eternal Assurance

God’s testimonies stand so sure,
Holiness adorns His house forevermore.
In a world where changes never cease,
His eternal presence brings us peace.

Trust in His control, so vast and grand,
Find comfort in His unchanging hand.
His power unmatched, His rule so just,
In His supreme authority, we place our trust.

Clothed in majesty, strength, and might,
His reign over creation, pure and bright.
The truth of His word, a guiding light,
In His promises, our hearts take flight.

Let His words guide each choice we make,
In holiness, our lives remake.
For in His truth, we find our way,
And in His love, forever stay.





REFLECTION:

Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed: holiness befits your house, O Lord, for length of days. (Psalm 93:5) 


God’s testimonies are very sure, and holiness adorns His house forever. In a world that constantly changes, God’s eternal presence provides stability and assurance. 

We should trust in God’s control over every aspect of our lives, find comfort in His unchanging nature, knowing that His power is unmatched and His rule is just. His supreme authority and power reigns over all creation, clothed in majesty and strength. 

We can rely on the truth and reliability of God’s word. Let His promises guide our actions and decisions and strive to live a life of holiness.


Prayer for Trust and Holiness

Heavenly Father,

Your testimonies are very sure, and holiness adorns Your house forever. In a world that constantly changes, we find stability and assurance in Your eternal presence. Help us to trust in Your control over every aspect of our lives. May we find comfort in Your unchanging nature, knowing that Your power is unmatched and Your rule is just.

Lord, Your supreme authority and power reign over all creation, clothed in majesty and strength. We rely on the truth and reliability of Your word. Let Your promises guide our actions and decisions, and help us strive to live a life of holiness.

Grant us the wisdom to follow Your path and the strength to uphold Your commandments. May our lives reflect Your glory and bring honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.



Pericope:
Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106
GOD IS A MIGHTY KING
Psalm 93:1-5

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 93:1, 1-2, 5

R: The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty. 

1 The Lord is king, in splendor robed; robed is the Lord and girt about with strength. (R) And he has made the world firm, not to be moved. 2 Your throne stands firm from of old; from everlasting you are, O Lord. (R) 5 Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed: holiness befits your house, O Lord, for length of days. (R) 


Background:

Psalm 93 is a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty, majesty, and eternal reign. 

Psalm 93:1: This verse begins with a proclamation of the Lord’s reign. It emphasizes that God is clothed with majesty and strength, signifying His supreme authority and power. The imagery of God being “clothed” with majesty highlights His royal and divine nature.

Psalm 93:1-2: These verses together affirm that God’s throne is established from of old and that He is from everlasting. This underscores the eternal nature of God’s reign and His unchanging sovereignty over all creation.

Psalm 93:5: This verse concludes the psalm by stating that God’s testimonies are very sure and that holiness adorns His house forever. It highlights the reliability of God’s word and the sanctity of His dwelling place.

Psalm 93 is often seen as a celebration of God’s kingship and a reminder of His unassailable power and holiness. It encourages believers to trust in God’s eternal rule and His righteous governance over the world.


Learning Lessons:

Psalm 93 offers several profound lessons that can be applied to our lives:

God’s Sovereignty and Majesty (Psalm 93:1): Lesson: Recognize and honor God’s supreme authority and power. He reigns over all creation, clothed in majesty and strength. Application: Trust in God’s control over every aspect of life, knowing that His power is unmatched, and His rule is just.

Eternal Nature of God’s Reign (Psalm 93:1-2): Lesson: God’s throne is established from ancient times, and He is eternal. Application: Find comfort in the unchanging nature of God. In a world that constantly changes, God’s eternal presence provides stability and assurance.

Reliability of God’s Word (Psalm 93:5): Lesson: God’s testimonies are very sure, and holiness adorns His house forever. Application: Rely on the truth and reliability of God’s word. Let His promises guide your actions and decisions, and strive to live a life of holiness.

These lessons remind us of God’s unassailable power, eternal reign, and the trustworthiness of His word. They encourage us to live with faith and confidence in God’s sovereign rule and to seek holiness in our daily lives.



Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Golden Rule

 In sharing the gospel, be wise and discerning,
Sacred teachings hold value, deserving our yearning.
Not all hearts are ready, not all ears will hear,
Indiscriminate sharing may bring rejection or fear.

Treat others with kindness, respect in your stride,
Proactive goodness, let love be your guide.
Build relationships healthy, respectful, and true,
For what you desire, let it first come from you.

The narrow gate calls, a path hard and steep,
Discipleship’s journey, commitment to keep.
Contrasting the broad way, easy yet dire,
The narrow path leads to life, lifting us higher.

These teachings remind us, be wise in our ways,
Live ethically, commit to Christ all our days.
Discernment, ethics, dedication in view,
A spiritual journey, rewarding and true.




REFLECTION:

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)


We should be very discerning about sharing the gospel, understanding the value of sacred teachings, and the need to protect them from being disrespected or misused. Not everyone is ready or willing to receive spiritual truths, and sharing them indiscriminately can lead to rejection or hostility.

We should treat others with the same kindness and respect we desire. It is a call to proactive goodness, not just avoiding harm. A foundational guideline for building healthy, respectful, and loving relationships.

The narrow gate represents the challenging path of discipleship, requiring commitment and perseverance. It contrasts the ease of following the broad path, which leads to destruction, with the narrow path that leads to life, emphasizing the importance of making wise, deliberate choices.

These teachings collectively encourage us to be wise in our interactions, live ethically, and commit to the challenging yet rewarding path of following Christ. They remind us of the importance of discernment, the value of ethical behavior, and the necessity of dedication in our spiritual journey.


Dear Lord Jesus,

Grant us the wisdom to be discerning in sharing Your gospel,
Understanding the sacred value of Your teachings,
And the need to protect them from disrespect and misuse.
Help us recognize that not everyone is ready or willing to receive spiritual truths,
And guide us to share Your word with sensitivity and love.

Teach us to treat others with the same kindness and respect we desire,
To embody proactive goodness, not just avoiding harm.
May we build healthy, respectful, and loving relationships,
Reflecting Your love and grace in all our interactions.

Lead us through the narrow gate, the challenging path of discipleship,
Requiring our commitment and perseverance.
Help us to resist the ease of the broad path that leads to destruction,
And to choose the narrow path that leads to life,
Making wise and deliberate choices in our journey with You.

These teachings remind us to be wise in our interactions,
To live ethically, and to commit to the challenging yet rewarding path of following You.
May we always remember the importance of discernment,
The value of ethical behavior, and the necessity of dedication in our spiritual journey.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.





Pericope:
II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
PEARLS BEFORE SWINE/THE GOLDEN RULE/THE NARROW GATE
Matthew 7:6-12 / 13-14

Gospel Acclamation
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. 

Gospel | Matthew 7:6, 12-14

6 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. 12 “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. 13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. 14 How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.” 


Background:

Matthew 7:6, 12-14 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings that outline the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. Here’s a brief background on these specific verses:

Matthew 7:6. “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

This verse emphasizes discernment in sharing spiritual truths. Jesus advises His followers to be wise about whom they share the sacred teachings of the Kingdom with, as not everyone will appreciate or respect them1. The imagery of dogs and pigs represents those who are hostile or indifferent to the gospel.

Matthew 7:12. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Known as the Golden Rule, this verse encapsulates the ethical teachings of the Old Testament. Jesus teaches that treating others with the same respect and kindness we desire fulfills the essence of God’s commandments2. This principle is foundational to Christian ethics and interpersonal relationships.

Matthew 7:13-14. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

These verses highlight the difficulty and commitment required to follow Jesus. The narrow gate symbolizes the challenging path of discipleship, which contrasts with the easier, more popular path leading to spiritual ruin2. Jesus calls His followers to choose the path of righteousness, even though it may be less traveled.

These teachings encourage believers to exercise wisdom, live ethically, and commit to the challenging yet rewarding path of following Christ.


Learning Lessons:

Matthew 7:6, 12-14 offers profound lessons for believers, emphasizing discernment, ethical living, and the commitment required to follow Jesus. Here are some key lessons from these verses:

Matthew 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

Lesson: Discernment in Sharing Spiritual Truths. Wisdom in Evangelism: This verse teaches the importance of being discerning about sharing the gospel. Not everyone is ready or willing to receive spiritual truths, and sharing them indiscriminately can lead to rejection or hostility.
Respect for Sacred Things: It underscores the value of sacred teachings and the need to protect them from being disrespected or misused.

Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Lesson: The Golden Rule. Ethical Living: This principle encourages treating others with the same kindness and respect we desire. It is a call to proactive goodness, not just avoiding harm. Foundation of Relationships: It serves as a foundational guideline for building healthy, respectful, and loving relationships.

Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Lesson: Commitment to the Path of Righteousness. Choosing the Right Path: These verses highlight the difficulty of the Christian journey. The narrow gate represents the challenging path of discipleship, requiring commitment and perseverance. Awareness of Consequences: It contrasts the ease of following the broad path, which leads to destruction, with the narrow path that leads to life, emphasizing the importance of making wise, deliberate choices.

These teachings collectively encourage believers to be wise in their interactions, live ethically, and commit to the challenging yet rewarding path of following Christ. They remind us of the importance of discernment, the value of ethical behavior, and the necessity of dedication in our spiritual journey.




Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot

Sunday, June 2, 2024

WROTE ALL THE WORDS OF THE LORD

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD. 
And he rose early in the morning, 
and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, 
and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 
(Exodus 24:4)


BLOGGING FOR JESUS

Many years passed since I first wrote a blog proclaiming the words of the Lord. To date, I have more than a hundred blogs mostly centered on God's word.
Do I do it for profit? Certainly not! It has been my life to find delight, comfort, and satisfaction in God's Word each time I wake up early in the morning.
It is the main ingredient that makes my day complete. I need to be nourished with the Lord's daily bread in order to truly experience and appreciate what life is all about.
I can not possibly live without the Word of God.

 

Lord, 

Your words are my delight. Each morning when I wake, I read your words written in the scriptures. I believed that your words speak of my very life for you have created me and brought me into this world by your word. Your power is in your word and through your word, all things came to be. 

May your word in Christ manifest its full power in me as I strive to live in accordance with your word for the praise and glory of your name. 

With much love and thanksgiving, I pray in Jesus Name. 

Amen.






Published:
July 29, 2023, 10:07 AM
July 27, 2013, 10:55 AM

Write All the Words of the Lord

Moses then wrote down all the words of the Lord 
and, rising early the next day, he erected at the foot of the mountain 
an altar and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. 
EXODUS 24 : 4


Write means to trace or form (characters, letters, words, etc.) on the surface of some material, as with a pen, pencil, or other instrument or means; inscribe: to express or communicate in writing; give a written account of. Originated as Old English wrītan (originally: to scratch runes into bark); related to Old Frisian wrīta, Old Norse rīta, Old High German rīzan (German reissen to tear)

The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly (Ecclesiastes 12:10). Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. (Proverbs 3:3)

Now go, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll, that it may serve in the time to come as a witness forever (Isaiah 30:8). "For this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD: “I will put My law within them and write it on their heart; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people" (Jeremiah 31:33).

The LORD said, “Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you (Exodus 34:27). Write this in a book as a memorial” (Exodus 17:14). Write on them all the words of this Law, when you cross over, so that you may enter the land which the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you (Deuteronomy 27:3). Write a description of the land in seven divisions (Joshua 18:6).

It seemed fitting to me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in an orderly sequence (Luke 1:3). If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment (1 Corinthians 14:37).


Published:
July 29, 2023, 10:10 AM

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Hear the Word, Accept It and Bear Fruit

 "But those sown on rich soil are 
the ones who hear the word and accept it 
and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” 
MARK 4:20


Jesus is the Word. The Word that spoke the world into being. The Word that breathed life into every living thing. The Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. The Word that revealed the Father's love and grace. Hear the Word and accept it and bear fruit. The word of God is like a seed that falls on rich soil. They produce a crop that multiplies a hundredfold. They reflect the glory of God and His kingdom. 

The word of God is like a lamp that shines in the darkness. It guides our steps and shows us the way. It reveals our sins and leads us to repentance. It teaches us the truth and sets us free. But we must not hide the lamp under a basket or a bed. We must hear the word and accept it and bear fruit. We must share the light with others and spread the gospel. We must live by faith and obey God's commands.

The word of God is like a sword that pierces the soul. It cuts through our thoughts and intentions. It exposes our motives and judges our actions. It corrects our errors and trains us in righteousness. But we must not use the sword to harm or destroy. We must hear the word and accept it and bear fruit. We must use the sword to defend and edify. We must wield the sword with love and wisdom.

1 On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. 2 And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them,3 “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. 6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. 7 Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. 8 And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” 9 He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” 10 And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. 11 He answered them, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, 12 so that they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.” 13 Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them.16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. 17 But they have no root; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, 19 but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. 20 But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” (Mark 4:1-20)

It is the Lord who made you to be who you are and what you are today. He has given you a new life and sent His Spirit to dwell in you. Build a house for God's name. A house that is not made of bricks or stones, not limited by space or time, not defined by walls or roofs and not for human glory or fame. Build a house for God's name. A house that is made of living stones, filled with His presence and power, shaped by His grace and truth, that is for His worship and praise.

4 That night the Lord spoke to Nathan and said: 5 “Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Should you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not dwelt in a house from the day on which I led the children of Israel out of Egypt to the present, but I have been going about in a tent under cloth. 7 In all my wanderings everywhere among the children of Israel, did I ever utter a word to any one of the judges whom I charged to tend my people Israel, to ask: Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’ 8 “Now then, speak thus to my servant David, ‘The Lord of hosts has this to say: It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. 10 I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, 11 since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. 12 And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm. 13 It is he who shall build a house for my name. And I will make his royal throne firm forever.14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. And if he does wrong, I will correct him with the rod of men and with human chastisements;15 but I will not withdraw my favor from him as I withdrew it from your predecessor Saul, whom I removed from my presence. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’” 17 Nathan reported all these words and this entire vision to David. (2 Samuel 7:4-17)

God maintains His love for you, and His covenant with you stands firm. His love is not based on your performance or your worth, not affected by your failures or your sins, not diminished by your doubts or your fears, and not conditional or temporary or changing. Instead, God's love is steadfast and loyal and faithful, gracious and merciful and forgiving, powerful and healing and transforming, eternal and unbreakable and secure. God's covenant is not a contract or a bargain or a deal, not a promise or a vow or an oath, not a legal or a formal or a binding agreement. Instead, His covenant is a relationship or a partnership or a friendship, a commitment or a pledge or a guarantee, a bond or a tie or a connection, a gift or a blessing or a privilege. 

4 “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: 5 I will make your destiny stand forever and establish your throne for all ages.” 27 “He shall cry to me, ‘You are my father, my God, the Rock that brings me victory!’ 28 I myself make him firstborn, Most High over the kings of the earth.” 29 “Forever I will maintain my love for him, and my covenant with him stands firm. 30 I will establish his dynasty forever, his throne as the days of heavens.” (Psalm 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30)

Lord Jesus, You are the Word that made me to be who I am and what I am today. You provide for all my needs and fill me with Your joy. You teach me Your ways and lead me in Your truth. 
You comfort me in my troubles and strengthen me in my weakness. Please forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Change me from the inside out and make me more like You. Empower me by Your Spirit and equip me for Your service. You are my Lord and my God, my Savior and my Friend, my Life and my Hope, my Peace and my Joy. You are my Everything and my All, now and forevermore. Amen.




Pericope:

I: The Mystery of Jesus
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER
Mark 4:1-20

IV: The Reign of David
DAVID'S CONCERN FOR THE ARK
2 Samuel 7:1-17

Third Book of Psalms 73-89
A LAMENT OVER GOD'S PROMISE TO DAVID
Psalm 89:1-53


Reflection Source:
Copilot with Bing Chat

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Listen and Act

 “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them 
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock."
MATTHEW 7:24


These words of the Lord resonate with timeless wisdom, echoing through the ages. They remind us that true wisdom lies not merely in hearing, but in action. Like a house built on solid rock, our lives find stability when we heed these teachings and put them into practice. Let us be architects of our destinies, constructing our foundations with purpose, integrity, and love. For it is in the doing that we find strength, resilience, and the unwavering ground beneath our feet. May our actions be the bedrock upon which our lives stand tall, weathering storms and embracing the sun’s warmth.

Jesus said to his disciples; “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” (Matthew 7:21, 24-27)

In the quiet chambers of faith, where shadows dance with light, we find solace. The eternal Rock stands unwavering, a refuge for weary hearts. Trust, like roots seeking water, anchors us to grace. Let the tempests rage, and the tides ebb and flow. We stand firm, for our foundation is unyielding. The Lord, our cornerstone, whispers courage to the winds. Trust, oh soul, in the symphony of ages. The Rock endures, and so shall we. 

On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.” Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock. He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city he brings down; he tumbles it to the ground, levels it with the dust. It is trampled underfoot by the needy, by the footsteps of the poor. (Isaiah 26:1-6)

Let us give thanks to the Lord, not merely with words, but with lives lived in kindness, compassion, and love. With deep praise and gratitude, where whispers weave a tapestry of grace, we lift our voices. 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Open to me the gates of justice; I will enter them and give thanks to the Lord. This gate is the Lord’s; the just shall enter it. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior. O Lord, grant salvation! O Lord, grant prosperity! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; we bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has given us light. (Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27)

The Lord’s goodness, an eternal refrain, echoes across time and space. His mercy, like a gentle rain, falls upon parched hearts. It quenches our thirst, softens our edges, and paints hope upon our souls.



Pericope:

II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
THE TRUE DISCIPLE/ THE TWO FOUNDATIONS
Matthew 7:21-23/24-29

IV: Apocalypse of Isaiah
THE DIVINE VINDICATOR
Isaiah 26:1-19

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
HYMN OF THANKSGIVING
Psalm 118:1-29

Reflection Source:
Copilot with Bing Chat

Listen and Act

Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, 
for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you. 
1 TIMOTHY 4:16


Who is like the Lord, our God, and looks upon the heavens and the earth below? He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill He lifts up the poor. (Ps 113:5-7) The works of His hands are faithful and just; sure are all His precepts, reliable forever and ever, wrought in truth and equity (Ps 111:7-8). 

Jesus said, "I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built." (Lk 6:47-48)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are all who live by it (Ps 111:10). He has sent deliverance to His people; He has ratified His covenant forever; holy and awesome is His name (Ps 111:9). Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding. It is impossible for God to do wrong, and for the Almighty to act unjustly (Jb 34:10). 

You see and recognize what is right but refuse to act on it. You hear with your ears, but you don't really listen (Isa 42:20). Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word. Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. (1 Tim 4:14-15) Set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Tim 4:12). 

Praise, you servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever. From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the Lord to be praised. High above all nations is the Lord; above the heavens is His glory. (Ps 113:1-4) To the king of ages, incorruptible, invisible, the only God, honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Tim 1:17)

O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name (Dn 9:119). Listen in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive and act and give to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know, for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men (1 Kgs 8:39).


Published:
September 16, 2023, 7:24 AM