Do you ever feel alone? Hopeless? In despair? Issues in us, our homes, communities and world can pile up, leaving us stuck in complex situations. Peace may seem out of reach, temptations strong, problems overwhelming. Evil can abound and despair surround.
Yet, out of those depths, we cry out to the Lord to deliver us!
Today’s Scripture readings are replete with that tug-of-war imagery. The age-old battle of good and evil. Mercy and justice. Wheat and weeds. Generational sin and covenants. Why, like St. Paul, do I not do the good I will do…but the evil I do not? (See Romans 7:19.) Maybe you’ve experienced that weight of battle? Worldly lures make it difficult to find or stay on the path. Yet, God’s compassion is there for the asking! He is ever present. We can always call on God, in his great mercy, for deliverance, for divine help.
Late posting tonight Kathleen, just thanking you for your message of hope and Our Lord’s inbounding mercy for all of us. We fall, and yet Jesus is right there beside us, even during the dark times. Bless us, Oh Lord for these thy gifts.
You are certainly welcome, Peggy. Amen to your words as well. His blessings and grace.
Sharing with you, “ DAY TWENTY-EIGHT “The glory of God gives it light…” *** READ “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” Revelation 21:22-23 *** REFLECT God gives John a unique vision of the future that brings clarity to God’s people today. We may not know what the next hour, day, or year will hold, but Revelation gives us a hope that stretches into eternity. Believers will inhabit the Lord’s city and dwell in a place of security, perfect balance, and eternal renewal. In John’s vision of this city, “the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp,” as Isaiah predicted: “The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” (Isaiah 60:19) The glory of the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb outshines any light known to humankind. His light will never yield to darkness. God’s glory described in Revelation gives us hope for eternity, but where do we look for light today while living in a dark world? In this modern age, words, images, information, and advice bombard us constantly. Where should we seek insight, understanding, and help? David wrote in Psalm 119:130, “The unfolding of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” God’s Word has direction for us right now. Today we can begin to live in the light that will surround us forever. *** PRAY As you seek to draw near to God, pray for a deep desire to read His Word. Ask God to prepare your heart and mind for our upcoming study, Revelation: The Hope. Pray that His Word will unfold before you to increase your understanding and light your path.”
Sending prayers of thanksgiving for the safety of your daughter Jessi today, Salina. Some places can be very scary, especially when one’s alone. You’re a great Mom and I’m sure Jessi knows how much you love and protect her.
Yes, Yes, Yes. I seek deliverance daily in prayer, not only from my sins in the eyes of God but also from my mortal counterparts. Living in sin never gets you too far, except in the wrong direction. Living a guilt-free life for over 7 months has been phenomenal, but the consequences of my sins can get overwhelming very quickly. Somedays, I embody the first paragraph of today's devotional. That said, I know the Lord is my refuge. I trust him and his timing to deliver me from my life's trials, tribulations, and chaos.
Rusty, Praying "that tug of war," continues to pull you in the right direction with God's powerful deliverance from those first paragraph embodiment days. :)
As I was driving for 3.5 hours this afternoon, I listened to “New Life Live!” I learned that “shame” stands for “should have already master everything!” Reminds me of 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ!” Amen ✝️
Amen and thank you Kathleen... yours is such a powerful message today, which usually applies to me on the day ...Vicky and Irene, I so admire how you battle on throughout your daily discomforts.... your faith is indeed unyielding...I pray for painfree days for you... Salina, all worked out for Jesse perfectly, praise God....I pray for God's grace and understanding for an overnight burden that has my children very upset....Lord, grant us peace and continued faith in you
Certainly, Cheryl. And thank you for your heart shared. God's blessings on you and all our Living Faith Family.
Thank you for this reflection, Kathleen. Healing, both physical & spiritual, can be a slow process. I awoke today wondering why I am not healing more quickly (5 days post hip replacement ). No need for me to ask for God's compassion, it is right in front of me. I always tell God that any pain or discomfort I feel, I offer to Him as a sacrifice. He suffered so much more for me. Prayers for all LFF in need today
Irene, wishing God to help with your continued healing and strength for therapy. Give yourself time and grace. Set realistic but challenging goals :-). You are on your way.
Irene, Thank you for your sharing--and for offering your pain to our Lord. Certainly, our God is both Great Physician and Gracious Healer. Yet, along that journey, your redemptive suffering offered, becomes a most precious gift to Him. His peace and joy as you heal.
Praying for you, Irene. Remember it’s less than a week since your surgery. You amaze me as you’ve been able to control your pain with just Tylenol. Allow your body to heal itself and enjoy your rest. Thank you for your wonderful quotes from the Saints.
Feeling low for myself yesterday and today. I have been slowly losing the function of my right arm (I’m right handed) and now I have almost no use of it at all. As a parish friend texted me yesterday I need to view it as humbling before God to have someone help me dress and bath somewhat but losing my precious quilting and needlework, no help for that except God Himself. Facing my oldest son will be having major reconstructive surgery at the end of August due to the same muscular dystrophy I had expected to help him, now my husband will be stretched thin and can’t retire as we need the added insurance and income. After all that wawa for myself, I read here and know that I’m not alone. You all too have heavy burdens. Robert I pray you not only will easily find a new home but that it will be better than you dreamed. Jessi was placed where she needed to be, for safety and for someone else’s befit to know and appreciate her, and I dare say to know she can always depend on her mom for help when it’s needed! So many of you that I fear to name that I may leave a name out but in my little journal I have listed the autistic 15 year old grandson (peggyR)—Garrett worked his way from janitor, to factory worker to truck driver. The climb came with many nightly melt downs, not so nice coworkers, tears on my part for him and even being fired from one truck job because he was too slow at delivery—oh what a blow that was to see an autistic 25 year old cry tears so desperately. And yet the years of encouragement have brought him to a job he loves and has grown where the former company (a big franchise worried about $ profit) now is sorry he is working for a small business and exceeding expected workloads. He wants a girlfriend desperately and still deals with a not nice fellow employee as does the rest of the coworkers. Cory has been counciled about his attitude and treatment of others so now I pray for Cory—something must not be good for him, and tell Garrett this is what God asks. Ken, my friend and recent birthday boy, I so wish I could somehow get you into the Quilt of Valor Program. If you view the website www.sewroritysisters.com you can see the photos of our ceremony from last Saturday in the presentation to 7 honored recipients. One young man’s story had everyone crying when his mom told his story and what the quilt means to him. I’m going on and on but here I know I am not alone in my struggles they are just different and all of you are not alone either. Today’s Jeremiah reading and Psalm speak to me on a personal level and I hear it for you too. May Jesus walk with us, may the Father hear His Son’s intercession for our needed healing and may The Spirit open our minds and hearts to what is asked of us for our benefit and the benefit of those around us. All in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Vicky, thank you so much for sharing your journey, and that of your son / grandson. Your heart is so big and so tender. It extends so much comfort and love to those you touch both with your written words and your actions. I am praying for continued healing of your and your son’s muscular dystrophy. While you may not be able to do the same things you did before in your quilting, God may be calling you do to something else there. All things are possible with God. Amen.
May you feel His grace and arms of comfort around you in a special way, Vicky. I appreciate your awareness and God's reminder that you are not alone--that many carry differing crosses--which when united with Christ's cross become a powerful prayer.
Thank you for sharing, Vicky! I see your servant’s heart, your mother’s heart and your prayer warrior’s heart ❤️
Thank you so very much, Vicky. You bring so much hope and light to our group. You remind me of yesterday’s image of the day. You are full of sunshine, blue skies, lovely countryside and most of all, bright and beautiful flowers. Thank you for giving me hope for my Grandson Zachary who is 13 now and please let Garrett know that I admire him for his determination and fortitude in working towards a job that he enjoys and makes him feel comfortable in society. God bless him and I will be praying for your older son as well for a successful surgery next month. You really are a model of hope for all of us, Vicky. Hugs and prayers for you, LFF Friend.
Certainly, Miriam. Thank YOU. His blessings, always.
Kathleen in this crazy world these days how appropriate are your words. Money appears to have become the idol of society anymore. Compassion and love have been shoved behind the door and is closing. I never like having to weed the garden and I'm guessing God doesn't either eh? :) Blessings to all the LFF. Especially those with extra needs these days like , Robert. May we all go out and spread the love of God through all the world and over run all those weeds.
Yes Stormy, I've always loved that one of the best ways to deter weeds, is to keep our own plantings healthy. Let's help one another grow in our Lord--that as you say--we can overrun the weeds with God's bountiful harvest. Thanks for sharing.
Kathleen the message of God's compassion and mercy always available. When we have tripped, fallen or strayed, all we have to do is look to God. He will help us up and then we can continue on our journey of doing His will and sharing His love. Hope everyone has a blessed day. Continued prayers for all the requests of the LFF.
Amen, Nancy. And a blessed day to you, too. Thanks for sharing.
Dear LFF, I have just been advised that my building has been sold and will need to move quickly. I cannot afford much and rent is through the roof. I am very stressed and worried. I need to find a place to live, decent,quiet,safe. Please pray for me that God will bring me to the right place.
Robert, we are lifting you and sending you light for your path to find the best place for you to live. It is a challenge, but we will walk with you. Amen.
Adding you to my nightly rosary, Robert.
Robert...you absolutely have my prayers. Right now this feels like such an overwhelming weight on your whole body. St. Paul says "This too shall pass". And while those words aren't finding you a new place ~ you truly will! And, it may just turn out to be a real Gift from God!
Praying for you Robert, as you search out a new home. Something will come up, trust in Our Lord and keep as positive as you can.
When one door closes another one will open. God will provide as he has the master plans. God bless you!
Robert I am praying for you right now. Please check Catholic charities they may have help for you. Also check with your parish. Ken
Praying God's peace, which surpasses all understanding, upon you now, Robert-and upon Jessi too. As Salina shared, Our Lord is our Provider, holding both you and Jessi in His Holy Hands. To Him be the glory.
Dear Robert, I was in a similar situation several years ago so I can relate to how you are feeling. I am praying for your situation. God will take care of you.
My prayer for my daughter, Jessi, this morning and also for you, Robert ✝️ “Jehovah-Jireh, our Lord will provide! Philippians 4:19-20, “The Lord will meet all your needs. He will meet them in keeping with His wonderful riches. These riches come to you because you belong to Christ Jesus. Give glory to our God and Father for ever and ever. Amen.” ♥️✝️♥️ Jessi arrived at Dayton OH, Wright-Patterson AFB Sunday night trying to check in to the hotel she booked: the front desk person slumped over (probably on drug); and there was a person in the first room she walked into and the second room was not cleaned at all :-( She got a feeling that the hotel was not a safe place to stay. She got out of there. She texted me asking me to help find a place for her to stay for her phone only had 10 percent battery! I tried and couldn’t find any place with 3 nights available! So I thought just to find a place for the night and God will provide! She finally found a place right by the mall where she had dinner for 2 nights. They gave her military discount, yes, twice as much as the one she booked but safe and very nice! So this morning I prayed for her (see above) and she texted back later that she found a Hilton Garden Inn for $2 less :-) She has another interview at the base at 1pm and leaving tomorrow morning ♥️✝️♥️ I have a tattoo on my left arm ‘Jehovah Jireh’ in both English and Hebrews! Our God, Jehovah Jireh, will provide for you, Robert!!!
Robert, God is your Provider. He always provides for His children. I will be praying for you.
Remember to turn to God with your burdens and worry and He will give you rest. I will pray for you.
Robert, prayers for a good home and hugs to you for the peace to feel God guiding you.
My prayers are with you. Trusting God will meet your needs and ease your worries.
Robert, I pray for an easy transition into an affordable place for you to call home.
I will keep you in my prayers. God has a special place for you.
Housing has become a big issue for many,Robert. I pray you find a safe and affordable home soon.
I pray you soon find a good and safe place. God bless you.
Robert, I will have you in my thoughts and prayers as find a new place to live. Prayers also for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
Prayers that you will find a new home
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence, war and environmental destruction – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord