St. Paul exhorts his readers to join others in being imitators of him. At first this might sound a bit off. Why would I want to imitate Paul? In a different epistle (1 Corinthians 11:1), he specified to be imitators of him as he is of Christ. That makes more sense.
We find ourselves imitating people more often than we might think or admit. This person has a certain brand of shoes. I will imitate them in wearing them too. This person lives a certain way. I will imitate her. Paul is saying, Look at how I live. The teaching of Jesus has touched my heart, life and conduct. Imitate me in my belief and actions.
You are a believer, meditating on the Scriptures. If an outsider looked at your life, what would they see and imitate? If your life is not worthy of imitation, what needs to change so it is?
Jane, congratulations to your son!! Wonderful to feel he is so well prepared for the next steps in his education. May God’s blessings continue to shine down upon him and your entire family.
"Do not be afraid to be saints. Follow Jesus Christ who is the source of freedom & light. Be open to the Lord so that He may lighten all your ways." St. John Paul the Great
*** Paul urged the Philippians to imitate him, who imitated Christ in Philippians 3:17, “Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.” *** Why was Paul in tears because of the enemies of the cross of Christ in our midst in Philippians 3:18-19, “For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.” *** What does the enemies of the cross of Christ do in Philippians 3:19, “They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.” ******* What does the citizen of heaven do and what does Jesus do in the mean time in Philippians 3:20-21, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under his control!” *** Praise You, Lord Jesus Christ, Who reigns forever and ever, Amen ✝️
Oh Father Edward, this is beautiful. How can I better imitate Christ? Where am I not worthy and need to adjust. Help me, Lord. Offering up a prayer of Thanksgiving for my youngest son who received a perfect PSAT score yesterday!!!! Thank you Lord for giving him this gift and allow him to be motivated to continue learning and building on his skills to be the version of himself that you intended him to be. Amen!
Jane, congratulations on your sons' perfect score. That doesn't happen very often. Praise the Lord.
Jane what great news, may he continue to learn and add to his education. Living faith family I woul like to share this. Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Patroness of the United States of America, please help our country. Help us to return to what is decent, right, and proper, Help us to return to respect for ourselves and others, to self-control and self-discipline, and, especially, to a deep love for your Son and his teachings. Protect us from those who would destroy us from within. Our Lady, we place ourselves and our country under your mantle. Pray for us and help us. Amen Ken
Congratulation, Jane! You must be so proud of him! Praying for him in Psalm 90:17, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” Amen ✝️
Congratulations to your son, Jane!! May he continue to become the best version of himself & always use the gifts that God has given him!!
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, in addition to 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 and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen
Salina’s prayer, “Praise You, Lord God! I am grateful for your protective and powerful providence in this trip to Hong Kong for us (Salina, Katie, Josh and Jessica) 11/13-11/29! May I have Your peace beyond my understanding in preparing for the details of this trip! May we enjoy Your fellowship throughout this trip in all gatherings and visits! May my words and responses be pleasing and honoring to You! May Your presence be with us in Palm 139:4-5, “Lord, even before I speak a word, You know all about it. You are all around me, behind me and in front of me. You hold me safe in Your hand!”
Salina, that is a BIG trip. Wishing you safest of travels and best of experiences!
Salina, I hope you and your family have a wonderful time. May the Lord be with you. Blessings, Rita.
Friend In Jesus by CAIN https://youtu.be/_1D5C0kid2g?si=FF6Z99YIYaV0kQWA
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It happened probably not by accident that I’m studying Daniel both in BSF and CBS this past week ✝️ Talking about dreams in Daniel...sharing with you our encounter this morning! My husband, Matt, just had his blood drawn for his urology appointment next Wednesday. He came across a lady and he asked how she was doing? Her answer cracked us up, “Living the dream, but then again nightmares are dreams too!” :-)))