A couple of years ago, I lost all my rosemary bushes and a few azaleas in a freeze.
The problem was not the temperature itself, but the fact that it dropped so far so quickly: from the fifties to the teens over just a few hours. The plants couldn’t live through the rapid, dramatic change.
This reminded me of one of the beauties of our liturgical tradition, evident in today’s Scripture readings. It’s not Advent yet, but it’s coming, and here we are, being eased into it. (Not that a quick transition between seasons would literally kill us!) But to be led gradually, to be invited to slowly open our hearts and minds to those last things and our subsequent need for the Savior, is more fruitful than a sudden plunge and, yes, more hospitable to—spiritual—life.
Prayer is not asking God what I want (desire) but wanting (desiring) what God has already prepared and planned for me ✝️
For some, the process is gradual and others, is sudden!!! It depends on whether you are proactive or reactive type of person…either way Jesus is coming back without notice!!! Do you live like Jesus is coming back today? Or do you live like Jesus is coming back later and not today? *** Here is what will not last forever in Mark 13:31a, “Heaven and earth will pass away!” *** Here is what will last forever in Mark 13:31b, “But My Words will never pass away!” *** Have you thought about the heaven and earth will not last forever but what will last forever is God’s Word? What have you been accumulating? ******* We know from God’s Word WHAT will happen, we don’t know WHEN it will happen in Daniel 12:2, “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt!” Mark 13:32, “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father!” *** What do you have in possession that will last forever? *** Do you know what will happen to you…everlasting life or shame and everlasting contempt if Jesus is back today? *** Here is the bottom line, “It is not what we did, do or will do but what Jesus has done and complete!” in Hebrews 10:11-14, 18, “Day after day every priest stands and does his special duties. He offers the same sacrifices again and again. But they can never take away sins. Jesus our priest offered one sacrifice for sins for all time. Then He sat down at the right hand of God. And since that time, He waits for His enemies to be put under His control. By that one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Where these sins have been forgiven, an offering for sin is no longer necessary!” ******* Are you still making offerings for your sins? Have you received the gift of Salvation made by the ONE SACRIFICE Jesus has made perfect forever on the cross?
The Lord will guide us! "Prayer is not about asking for things. Prayer is about putting yourself in the hands of God. Make yourself available to Him & learn to listen to His voice in the depths of your heart." Mother Teresa Prayers for all who have special needs this day.
"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may radiate the joy of your kingdom and the fire of your love to all I meet and serve. Direct my life to the glory of your name and to the coming of your kingdom." Amen Luke 18:1 When JESUS" told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.
Good morning LFF Wishing you a Blessed week. Prayers for all.
Amen !
Amy, beautiful reflection. Thank you for sharing it with us. It’s good that we have time during advent (and Lent) to prepare our hearts. Lifting Ken, Peggy, Garrett, Vicky, Jane and her Mum, Stormi, Cheryl, Pam, the Bills, Irene, Vincent and anyone else who needs an extra hand today. May it be offered to you from many and may you feel God lift you at some point today. I will head to visit Susan today! amen.
Thank you, Jane and Ken, for remembering all the names we pray for. I use a blanket prayer including everyone in my nightly prayers but it's nice to say the names personally. Remembering Juan and Susan also. Enjoy the new car, Ken. I'm sure you'll use it in your ministry as well.
Jane...YES! I did feel my heart lifted when I saw my name and those of whom we are ALL praying for! Even the Buffalo Bills!
Jane thanks for your blessings. Of those people. Quite a list two Janes and two Bills. Can't believe all the people coming up to me hugging and congratulating me on the winning of the car. Incidentally in this area when you bless the Bills it has another meaning Living faith family please keep praying for Dennis and Shelly and Debbie and Anna and Terry and Carolanne. Ken
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
Amen.☮️
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Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (make your request here) - and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen