Today's Scripture Passage: Matthew 7:12
12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Today's Scripture Message:
It amazes me to hear so many people holding others to higher standards than that which they are willing to uphold. How can you expect someone to treat you respectfully when you do not address them with respect. How can you advise a friend of what is ‘wrong” with them, if you are currently ignoring what is “wrong” with you. Many times successful interaction is not in what is stated, more than HOW it is presented. Before you approach a situation that may be sensitive, but is necessary to address, remove the emotion and view it from the other persons perspective. If you are not sure of their perspective…your position should initially be one of quiet observation and attentive listening with the only input being the initiating “I am not certain your position in this matter, please explain it to me so I understand.” Much insight is gained when you eliminate unnecessary variables and identify the primary one, then and only then can a reasonable solution be obtained.
Prayer for the day:
Father, forgive me my shortcomings that I am as patient of others as I expect them to be with me; that I continually make an effort to live in understanding and not in blame of others. I know your presence within me is one of unconditional love, joy, peace and harmony and I ask that your attributes shine so brightly in me that their light overpowers all others, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thought for the day:
"It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself"
~Eleanor Roosevelt
Goal for the Day
Take the time to ask yourself “What was my part in this?” then “How did that make him/her/them feel?”.
Pastor Dickow’s Fast from Wrong Thinking
Revolution Day 9:
Today we’re fasting from the thought that says, “God and money don’t mix.” Many people think that they have to choose if they are going to have more of God in their life, or more money and success in their life. The truth is, you can have both God and money; but you can’t SERVE both God and money.
Let’s change it today:
1. 1. Money is not evil. But the love of it is the root to evil. (1 Timothy 6:10)
2. The love of money is not the same as HAVING money. The love of money is a distorted relationship with money. It’s being dependent upon it, rather than dependent upon God.
3. Put God first. When you put God first in your life and your money, you’ll have plenty of both—life and money. Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord with your substance and the first...and your barns will be filled with plenty.”
4. LOVE GOD. There’s nothing that can fix MORE things in your life than these 2 simple words: LOVE GOD. (Matthew 22:37)
5. Seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). One of the words for “kingdom” here is: God’s way of doing things. Seek God’s way of handling your choices, your relationships, your finances, AND THEN—all the things you need will be added to you.
THINK IT & SAY IT:
I love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. My relationship with Him is everything to me. I put God first in my thoughts, my life and my money. I choose to do things God’s way, and expect my every need to be met by God. I choose to use money to advance God’s kingdom and covenant in this earth, in Jesus’ Name!
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Daily Lenten Reflection from
St. Michael of Old Town
Thursday of the First week of Lent
March 17, 2011
“The Lord will complete what he has done for me.” (Ps 138:7c-8)
”Ask and you will receive. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you. For the one who asks, receives.” (Mt. 7:7-8a)
I always chuckle when I hear a good friend of mine who is Protestant offer up very specific prayers to Our Father and, in my head, I hear the well-known joke of “Wanna make God laugh? Tell Him your plans!” and truly believe that the more details you put in that order of yours, the bigger the let-down will be, pal.
My father asks us for a list of petitions for the New Year the week before it begins. He then brings them to Adoration on New Year’s Eve. I always have a rather cynical disposition towards this spiritual “exercise” and hear a faint whisper of “What’s the point?” as I sit down and write my petitions out. It feels like writing a letter to Santa but as an adult, you just don’t believe it’s going to happen because Santa is not real.
This year, ironically, my husband and I actually had very specific petitions (they even included a timeline and specific sequence of events). I actually remember laughing writing it out. “Oh man, this is SO not going to happen,” I could hear myself think. Well…we are almost at the end of January and the first event in the sequence has occurred…the way we actually prayed for. What?! And, what was my reaction? A second of jubilation followed by an immediate freak-out and fear. When I told my dad about the first “item” of our list having occurred in a subdued and shaky voice, he replied:” Isn’t that what you prayed for?” Me: “Umm..Yeah...but what if…” Dad:” So, what’s the problem? God is not just going to stop now, He will continue unfolding His plan.” In your face, ye of little faith!
After my moment of shame vanished, I really reflected on the words my father just gave me and I realized two things: (1) We do not pray, hope, and dream like we are called to as Children of God and (2) God is not flaky (Duh!). We Catholics are walking contradictions in many ways. But, what this experience this year (and it’s only January) has taught me so far is that we do not dare to dream and tell God about those dreams and, finally, ask that they become true. Shouldn’t we have the hope to ask? We basically sabotage the very first step of in our conversation with Him, the asking part, by not going “all out” and just being completely honest and just…ask. IF we muster up the courage to ask for what we truly desire, then we are scared of the answer…especially if it is a “So be it” response from God, which is hilarious. We really have put God in a tiny box. God is bold and we are asked to be the same. So, if we ask for big stuff, be prepared to get it. But I think He waits for us to be bold and show Him how much faith we really have in Him. And after that step, we have to continue to have trust and faith and hope that He will complete what He started. He is not flaky. He is not like us who abandon projects or change plans with the typical “Maybe this is not what God wants for me” attitude the minute we encounter an obstacle. And while all this is easy to say, it is not so easy to trust sometimes. But, that is “having faith,” I guess.
So, be bold, have dreams, and tell God about them. He may just blow your mind.
Carla Kupe-Arion
Father, help me to be the Child of God that You call me to be: full of hope, dreams, and aspirations. Father, give me a Spirit of boldness and help me see Your power in the small and the big.
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Inspiration
By Lindsey Ragans
oy at the end of it. We all encounter seasons that define what our reasons are, stay mindful today and be encouraged.
Happy 75th Day of the New Year
Daily Affirmation: “Something GREAT Is Going to Happen To and Through Me Today!!!
LIVE ON PURPOSE!!! LET’S GO!!!
Many Blessings!!!
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