Sat 12 Jul 2014
Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for you will not suffer disgrace. - Isa 54:4
Reflection. Some fears are so deep that they come to us all the way from our childhood. We do not understand that these fears still have a certain power over us. But Jesus said, “Fear is useless; what you need is trust” (Lk 8:50). They can be overcome. Focus more on God’s love and less on your fears.
Prayer. Help me, Lord, to live joyfully because of the knowledge of Your love.
Fri 11 Jul 2014
God is light, and there is no darkness at all in Him … Live in the light. - 1 Jn 1:5,7
Reflection. ”We don’t stop playing because we get old; we get old because we stop playing” (another gem from Satchel Paige). There is a kind of playfulness that comes from a grateful heart. Happiness is more attainable when you walk gratefully in the light.
Prayer. Lord, thank You for the gift of life and love. Give me a joyful, grateful heart in all circumstances.
Thu 10 Jul 2014
For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in their midst. - Mt 18:20
Reflection. God’s presence penetrates and pervades every single atom. We are never alone. God permeates all of creation. When two or more come together, He is present among them. Divine power is intensified by your awareness. Call on Him, and know that He will answer you.
Prayer. Dear Holy Spirit, in You we live and breathe. We praise You for Your glory.
Wed 9 Jul 2014
The Lord is in His holy temple … His eyes are fixed on the world; His gaze examines everyone. - Ps 11:4
Reflection. Satchel Paige, the famous baseball pitcher, once said, “Don’t pray when it rains, if you don’t pray when the sun shines.” That’s good advice! Give praise to the Lord in all seasons.
Prayer. Heavenly Father, help me to praise Your Holy Name, especially when I least experience Your presence.
Tue 8 Jul 2014
Since we have such hope, we can act with complete confidence. - 2 Cor 3:12
Reflection. Hope is defined as an expectation with certainty. Sometimes it comes down to mind over matter. Keep your mind strong. Expect the best. You won’t regret it. God deserves your trust.
Prayer. Dear God, help me to act as if everything depends on me, and trust as if everything depended on You.
Mon 7 Jul 2014
I waited patiently for the Lord; then He stooped down and heard my cry. - Ps 40:2
Reflection. You may reach a point where you think God doesn’t care about you anymore. Don’t go down that road. God knows your heart, and He hears your cry. Be patient with the Lord, and have confidence that He hears your cry for help.
Prayer. Heavenly Father, give me the strength to carry on. I place all my trust in You.
Sun 6 Jul 2014
God has called us to holiness, not to impurity. - 1 Thes 4:7
Reflection. Lust is the excessive preoccupation with sexual desires. Love is in the will to give yourself for the beloved. Say no to lust, and yes to love. Love is patient; love is faithful; love is kind. Choose love.
Prayer. Lord, help me to love well. Keep my thoughts clean and my heart pure.
Sat 5 Jul 2014
A false witness will not escape punishment, neither will the one who tells lies. - Prov 19:5
Reflection. An honest person is honored, while a liar is scorned. It’s that simple. Sooner or later, things will turn out badly for a liar. Decide to be honest, and enjoy your life more.
Prayer. Dear Lord, help me to tell the truth, and to be true to my word.
Fri 4 Jul 2014
With the voice of thanksgiving, I will sacrifice to you. - Jon 2:10ab
Reflection. ”I recommend to all persons whomsoever, to observe July 4 as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer; to render their sincere and hearty thanks to the great Ruler of Nations for the manifold mercies, which distinguish our lot as a nation” (President George Washington, 1795).
Prayer. Dear God, thank You for the privilege of living in the United States of America.
Thu 3 Jul 2014
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. - Mt 13:31
Reflection. Mother Teresa, in helping the dying poor of Calcutta, once said: “What we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” That is the attitude of a humble servant. Do what you can, and leave the rest to God.
Prayer. Help me, Jesus, to perform the duty of the present moment, however insignificant it may seem.