Monday, April 1, 2019

Exercise daily -- walk with the Lord.

Scripture ...
Luke 22:52-53

Reflections ...

Jesus now turns to the Jewish leaders. He protests the way they are going about arresting Him. Like Judas a moment ago, He wants them to realize the true nature of their deeds. They think they are serving God, but in reality they are serving the prince of darkness.

First, He points out the large armed guard they assembled. Jesus is neither a lawbreaker, nor a violent man. He has never preached armed rebellion or insurrection. He has only preached repentance and the coming of the kingdom of Heaven. His deeds have all been good and kind, benefiting the sick, the hurting, and the dying.

He then reminds them of all the times He preached and taught before them in the temple courts. If they really had grounds to lay their hands on Him, they should have done it then. But Jesus had given them no cause to arrest Him—and the fact they came out at night is proof of that.

Like cowards they emerge under cover of darkness when the crowds are far away. This late hour of the night is their hour—when the power of darkness reigns.

This may be the hour when they seem to have the upper hand, but Jesus implies another hour is coming—an hour when God’s truth will be manifest, when Jesus will burst through the gates of death at the resurrection.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, You exposed the evil intentions of Your enemies in order to bring them to repentance and faith. Turn me from my evil ways that I may live to Your glory. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Today's sacrifice is all about activating the gift of prayer. Wait, what? How is prayer generous, you ask? When we pray for someone, we spend time talking to a God who lives and moves and acts on our behalf and for the good of those who love him. It's generous because you're asking the creator of the universe to do a good thing for someone else. Powerful stuff, folks.

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE

Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 31, 2019

Plan ahead -- It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark

The fourth Sunday of Lent is rather unique; it is a break in an otherwise penitential season. The vestments for this day will be rose and flowers may adorn the Altar. This day is called "Laetare Sunday" (also "Rose Sunday"), and takes its name from the opening words of the Mass, the Introit's "Laetare, Jerusalem": The rose vestments on Laetare Sunday is a custom originating in the fact that, as a symbol of joy and hope in the middle of this somber Season, popes used to carry a golden rose in their right hand when returning from the celebration of Mass on this day. The golden rose represents Christ in the shining splendor of His majesty, the "flower sprung from the root of Jesse."

Scripture ...
Luke 22:49-51

Reflections ...

The sleepy disciples quickly awaken at the soldiers’ approach. Even though Jesus has stepped forward to shield them (see John 18:4, 8), they ask their Master if He wants them to strike with the sword and defend Him. One doesn’t wait for His answer. Peter attacks the servant of the high priest.

Jesus is deeply concerned about the safety of His disciples and those who have come out to arrest Him. Peter’s rash act threatens to escalate the tense situation into violence and bloodshed, forcing the soldiers to rush in with drawn weapons to put down the violence. Jesus immediately steps in and defuses it. He commands His disciples to put away their swords (see Matthew 26:52).

Then He demonstrates incredible care for the high priest’s servant whose ear Peter has severed. Jesus immediately restores his ear and heals him. He brings peace and calm out of impending chaos.

His actions perfectly display the love He feels for His Father and for each of us. It’s a love that will prompt His first words from the cross in a few hours: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34b). And whether that servant ever comes to faith in Jesus or not, for the remainder of his life he will bear the evidence in his body of the last miracle Jesus performed in His earthly life.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, You protected Your disciples while demonstrating Your concern for a wounded soldier, who had come out against You. Give me such love toward my enemies that I may treat them kindly and may bring them to faith. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Fast from your favourite fast food (you know what I mean, burgers, pizzas, grills, etc.). This can be pretty easy as long as you don’t see any pictures of it..

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Been taken for granted?  Imagine how God feels.. 

Scripture ...
Luke 22:47-48

Reflections ...

As Jesus wakens His disciples, a large company of soldiers with torches, lanterns and weapons draws near. The Jewish leaders intend to take no chances, so they bring enough guards and soldiers to prevent any interference when they take Jesus into custody. At their lead is Judas. He has arranged a sign with the soldiers so there will be no confusing Jesus with any of His disciples in the shadows of the garden. “The one I will kiss is the man; seize Him” (Matthew 26:48b).

Jesus points out the betrayer’s heartbreaking hypocrisy, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” Judas could have chosen any impersonal way to single out Jesus. Instead, he chooses a kiss, a gesture intended to show affection, kindness and love. Jesus’ gently pricks at Judas’ conscience, trying to lead him to see his horrendous sin.

Judas should melt in tears, but he feels no guilt, no regret—at least not at this moment when Jesus is present to forgive, restore and comfort him. Yet none of us should conclude that Jesus didn’t try hard enough to reach Judas. He washed his feet in the upper room, He shared his meal, and here in the garden He gently called him by name, Judas, and then even called him “friend” (see Matthew 26:50). Jesus was still holding out peace and forgiveness for Judas. It wasn’t too late for Judas; it’s not too late for you and me.

Prayer ... 
Lord Jesus, Your deep love for Judas is simply amazing, especially when we see how deeply he hurt You. Give me grace to forgive those who cut me to the heart. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Everyday 10,000 people die because they do not have enough to eat.  Just spend a little time praying giving thanks for all the things God has given you.  Pray for the poor and the less fortunate today, who go without food and don’t waste even a single grain of rice today.

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE

Friday, March 29, 2019

We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers.

Scripture ...

Luke 22:45-46

Reflections ...

Matthew and Mark’s Gospels tell us Jesus’ prayer lasted about an hour—and He repeated it two more times. And each time He went to check on His disciples. He longed for their prayers, their presence, their support. How disheartening it must have been to find them asleep. Instead of rising up in prayer to meet the sorrow that weighed heavy on their spirits, they sunk beneath it in defeated sleep.

Jesus’ exhausting struggle in prayer had prepared Him for the grueling trial to come. Yet in their sleep His disciples left themselves unprepared and vulnerable. He awakens them, urging them to pray so they can overcome the temptation to doubt and fall away from faith when they see Him condemned and executed. They will need to continue to pray in the hours and days to come until they see Jesus’ standing alive before them on Sunday. Though they had failed to be there for Jesus, He is there for them.

When we face difficult trials in life—especially trials of faith—it is easy to grow weary and fatigued. Like the angel He sent to Jesus, God strengthens us through His Word through prayer.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith through the trials I face, and teach me to persistently pray as You did. Then by Your mighty power, glorify Your Name through all I do and say. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …

Find an excuse to make a local connection today. Wherever you go today make an extra effort to smile or make a small conversation or just say a thank you may be at the checkout counter in the supermarket, or at the petrol station or the person who sweeps your area.

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Our arms are the only ones God has to hug His children.

We're halfway there! Halfway till Easter, when we get to celebrate our Lord's resurrection. How has the first half of your journey been? You still have half your journey left. Now is the perfect time to get back on your Lenten resolutions if you have fallen off, or to push to the finish line if you are going strong.

Scripture ...
Luke 22:43-44

Reflections ...

At some point in our lives, many of us will face a moment when the doctor says, “There’s nothing more I can do.” You get word that a loved one has died unexpectedly. As the realization sinks in so does hopelessness, shock and the unrelenting pain of reality. Like Jesus, all we can do is come to our Father on our knees, and pour out our hearts.

The Father has laid a burden on His Son that no human can bear. In tender love and compassion the Father sends an angel from heaven to His dear Son. Through that angel He provides the strength Jesus’ body requires to fulfill its part in accomplishing God’s gracious plan of salvation.

In agony, He prays even more earnestly, deeply, emotionally than before, and the inner turmoil in His soul pours itself out through His body. Doctors tell us severe mental stress can cause small blood vessels in the skin to burst, mingling blood into the sweat. The physician Luke tells us, “His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” This was the intense struggle our Savior wrestled through, working to accept as His own His Father’s will to suffer and die for our salvation.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, help me never to shrink back from life’s troubles, but to always bring them to You in prayer, as You brought Your needs to Your Father in heaven. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Let a favourite hymn run through your mind as a prayer.  Select one with words that have great meaning for your life now..

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

The road to hell is bumper to bumper.  Make a U-turn to God.

Scripture ...
Luke 22:41-42

Reflections ...

Jesus doesn’t go far from His disciples, about as far as one can throw a stone. Matthew and Mark tell us He brings along three disciples: Peter, James and John. After strongly encouraging them to keep watch with Him and pray, He withdraws a few paces. This is a burden they cannot share. He has to face it alone with His Father, but still it comforts Him to know they are listening and praying for Him.

Jews normally stood in prayer, but Jesus kneels down, showing tremendous humility, coupled with the weight of the grief bearing down on Him. Immediately, He cries out in pain and distress. Surely, His three closest disciples hear and join in fervent prayer. He pleads with His Father to remove the cup—the physical suffering, the abuse, the pain—but more than anything, the prospect of coming under the wrath of God for the sins of the world. Yet He immediately surrenders His will to His Father, “Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.”

He isn’t afraid of death— Yet He casts aside His own desire, His own will, and in genuine love for His Father, accepts God’s perfect plan as His own.

In our hours of greatest need our prayers often focus on ourselves—but notice how Jesus focuses instead on His Father and what He wants. Again, Jesus casts His own needs and interests aside, embracing His Father’s will—and our desperate need.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, in awe and holy fear we listen as You lay Your heart bare before Your Father. Teach us so to pray. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Millions of Christians throughout the world face extreme persecution simply for following Jesus. Just because you’re here and they’re over there, doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. Today’s sacrifice is all about having the courage to love those who insult us and praying fervently for those who persecute our fellow believers.

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

A family altar can alter a family.

Scripture ...
Luke 22:39-40

Reflections ...

Having left the upper room behind, Jesus leads His disciples to the Mount of Olives, which rises opposite Jerusalem. During this Passover Week Jesus has spent the nights out in the open, sleeping under the stars (see Luke 21:37). John tells us Judas was familiar with this place (see John 18:2). Of course, Jesus could easily foil his betrayal plot by choosing a different, unknown place this night. But He returns to this familiar ground, voluntarily yielding Himself up to His Father’s plan.

On this mountain is a garden into which Jesus now leads His disciples. He is greatly troubled, telling them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with Me” (Matthew 26:38b). He has every reason to think first of Himself and the heavy burden He is already beginning to carry, but first He urges His disciples to pray. He feels for them, knowing the pain and heartache they will soon suffer.

He knows Satan will use the coming events to press them sorely, to try to pulverize their faith. Already with the Lord’s Supper, the prediction of Judas’s betrayal and Peter’s denial this very night should have made it clear to the disciples that a difficult trial was looming before them. They should have been on their knees in prayer; instead, the doom and gloom left them weary, and soon they all drifted off to sleep.

In the hour of His greatest need Jesus is left alone by His friends. Like them, we frequently sleep when moments of great danger and temptation are coming toward us. Our Lord also urges us to stay alert and pray.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Sweets out ! Prayer in !

Hymn ...



Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE

Monday, March 25, 2019 - Annunciation

God made you as you are in order to use you as He planned.

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of our Lord i.e. nine months before Christmas Day, December 25.

This is another Solemnity that falls during Lent. The Gloria and Nicene Creed are prayed during the Liturgy of the Mass. During the creed at the words "By the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man" we kneel or bow down. This day celebrates the actual Incarnation of Christ, the day the Son of God became man when Mary spoke her Fiat, or "yes" to God. When the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he said “Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.”  The words of the Angel Gabriel are so special, that they became a part of the Hail Mary.

Scripture ...

Luke 22:35 - 38

Reflections ...

The meal is complete and Jesus prepares to leave the guest room. But first He wants to make His disciples aware that their world will change drastically this day. It will become a much more violent and dangerous place.

Up to now Jesus has been quite popular. Everywhere He went with His disciples throughout Galilee they found friends who welcomed them into their homes and fed them. And it was that popularity that was frustrating Jewish leaders, making it impossible for them to lay their hands on Jesus. But today that will end.

When Jesus is crucified, many Jews will misjudge the evidence. They will falsely assume the cross proves the carpenter from Nazareth is a fake and a fraud.

The coming situation will become desperate. The disciples will need a cloak because they will no longer be welcomed into peoples’ houses. But the danger of physical violence is so great they would be wise to sell their cloaks for swords, and shiver through the night. For Jesus’ sake they will soon face opposition, arrest, mistreatment and martyrdom.

When the disciples report they have two swords, Jesus tells them it is enough. He doesn’t intend to make them a defensive fighting force; instead, He wants to make them aware of the deadly hostility the Gospel message will bring. When these apostles tell Jews and Gentiles that a man crucified as a criminal is their Savior—they will face great persecution.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, our brother and sister Christians throughout the world face great opposition and danger, even death. Shield and defend all those who are being attacked for their faith, and give them courage and faith to boldly stand and declare Your Name. And move their persecutors to repentance and faith. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …

Do the “dirty work” which otherwise you would expect others to do for you.  Go out of your comfort zone for a change. Don’t just clean, spend a little time longer perfecting that clean and sparkling finish!

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE

Third Sunday of Lent, March 24, 2019

Funny how small our sins seem, but how big 'their' sins are.

Scripture ...
Luke 22:33-34

Reflections ...

Jesus’ warning should humble Peter, but the proud disciple will hear none of it. With characteristic boldness and overbearing self-reliance he protests his loyalty to his Lord, and promises to stay by His side—even if it costs his freedom and his life. He doesn’t say, “With God’s help,” or “With Your help.” He is confident he can stand on the ardor of his own adoration and commitment to Jesus.

But Jesus knows precisely what Peter will do in a few short hours. That’s when this quiet upper room will be exchanged for a threatening courtyard filled with menacing soldiers. The Lord gives a simple, assured answer. Echoing Peter’s misplaced self-confidence, Jesus shifts from “Simon” to “Peter”—the rock. His words are poignant: the rooster will not crow to mark the coming of the sunrise before the rock has crumbled and denied knowing Jesus three times.

From that next morning on, Peter would never hear a rooster again without being reminded of that dreadful, shameful sunrise. But at the same time, the sound of that crowing will be a daily reminder of Jesus’ gracious salvation. It was that fateful hour when the rooster’s crow recalled Jesus’ words to Peter, and that brief glance from Jesus’ eyes called Peter back, rescuing him from Satan’s grasp, and springing forth the tears of godly repentance that poured from his eyes and led to his restoration.

We all stumble and fall, disowning our Savior in our silence and in our disobedience. Yet Jesus prays for us, strengthens us, and restores us by His constant grace.

Prayer ...

Lord Jesus, in Your still small voice, humble my pride and foolish self-confidence. Guard and protect me as I flee to You, the Rock of my salvation. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
No fizzy drinks or squash.  Water is good!

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Be an organ donor— give your heart to God!

Scripture ...
Luke 22:31-32

Reflections ...

Already in this meal Jesus has foretold His coming suffering and death, established a new Sacrament to give us His own body and blood in bread and wine, and exposed the betrayer who will set it all into motion. Now He turns to the leader of His disciples, bold and impetuous Peter. His words seem totally at odds with the Peter we meet in the Gospels—confident, strong, impulsive. But Jesus knows.

With deep concern and tender care He speaks Peter’s given name twice, “Simon, Simon.” Back when this disciple expressed his faith that Jesus was God’s Son, the promised Savior, the Lord had given him the name Peter, which means “rock.” But this night Peter will be the furthest thing from a rock as he crumbles before servant girls and soldiers.

Confident in his foolish pride, Peter will put himself in great danger. Satan will seek to use that bitter moment of denial to shake Peter with deep guilt and regret in an attempt to crush his faith. Peter’s leadership will be severely hampered as he asks how he could possibly remain one of Jesus’ chosen apostles.

But Jesus steps in to reassure Peter. “I have prayed for you.” The gracious voice of God’s Son will overpower the tempter’s foul accusation. By Jesus’ power, Peter will turn from his denial, and follow his Savior yet again. Then a restored Peter will strengthen his brothers and sisters. As we recall the depth of Peter’s fall and see Jesus’ gracious restoration, Peter’s experience encourages us to leave behind our guilt and regret and boldly trust in Jesus’ full and complete forgiveness for all our sins and failings.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, You plead for me before Your Father in heaven. Reassure me of Your complete and free forgiveness every time I fall. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Alright. Some of us are clean freaks. Others prefer to live in organised chaos. One thing we can all agree on, though, is that our communities feel like nicer places when they're litter-free. It's better for the environment, and easier on the eye. Roll your sleeves up and make your world cleaner today – you can start it by cleaning your own room or cupboard or work space.

Hymn  ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE

Friday, March 22, 2019

Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.

Scripture ...
Luke 22:28-30

Reflections ...

Though Jesus was generally well received by the crowds throughout His ministry, He faced ever stiffening opposition and hostility from the Jewish religious leaders. But the disciples faithfully stood by Him through it all. Peter said it well: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68b-69).

Jesus looks around the table at them. A moment ago they disputed which of them was greatest, but He knows in the future they will suffer as He will—beatings, imprisonment, exile, even death. So Jesus points them beyond those sufferings to the glorious reward that waits for them at the end. When their earthly lives are completed, they will receive a greater honor, privilege and glory than anything they could have sought on earth. Here they will serve in humility and suffering, but in heaven they will find true glory and honor. The promise is true for you and me as well.

Though our daily work for the Lord often seems to go unappreciated and unrecognized, Jesus assures us that God marks it well and will faithfully reward it in eternity.

Prayer ...

Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us a new way to think about ourselves and our place in Your world. Help me grasp the beauty and grandeur of it all, that I may live as You did, in humble service and self-sacrifice. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Take a “time-out” for God.  Go to your room or some other quiet place and spend some time talking to God. (Note : don’t forget to spend some time listening too!).  Ask God to help you be the kind of person He wants you to be.

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE