Do you struggle with one particular sin over and over?
And for Catholics, do you go to confession for the same thing nearly every time?
What gives right?
You know it's wrong and you keep slipping in the same way.
So why bother asking God for forgiveness?
The good news is that no matter what sin you've committed God forgives it and forgets it EVERY time.
Especially in sincerity.
More good news.
God will give you grace to overcome.
If God weren't inside you, you wouldn't know right from wrong. And you wouldn't care.
God will provide a way of escape for every temptation.
We may fall but God will pick us back up.
Don't let the excuse "I'm too embarrassed to ask God for forgiveness" keep you from God's everlasting love and grace. After all pride leads to a fall.
Seek out God.
Seek out support groups.
Seek out counseling.
And be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Sunday, October 25, 2015
He Made Me Do It
God created everything. The universe. The galaxy. The earth and all that lives in the earth. He also created the angels. God created us. He gave us and the angels free will. One angel in particular was the most beautiful. He was strong. He thought he could rise above God. He tried and failed. The light bearer became the adversary, the devil.
The devil isn't everywhere but he has plenty of helpers.
Sometimes without being fully aware, we become our own worst enemy.
Oh sure a fallen angel may point something out to us that catches our eyes. "Hey look that person over there. In the next cubicle. They're quite good looking aren't they? You should say
hi."
You admit they are attractive. You say hello and hit it off. You feel a connection. Your co-worker wants to hang out after work. You may be single but your co-worker isn't.
Reactions may differ at this point.
Would you purposely hang out with someone that's married?
One thing can lead to an other and next thing you know you're having an affair.
Or maybe you back off.
Choice is yours.
The devil can't force your hand and neither can God.
Be assured that we may not want to face our sinful choices right now but one day we will.
Besides saying yes or no to sin is up to us so is repentance.
You choose to sin. You choose to go before God and not just say "sorry" but take it further and to "Go and sin no more"
Saying sorry and being sorry are two different things.
Don't stop there.
Don't let your resistance to sin fill you with the feeling of being invincible.
You're not.
As you rely upon God to say no, you must remember that it's Jesus that was tempted in every way and yet never sinned.
Remember God pours his spirit upon all who call upon him and who do so with sincerity.
God spits out what's lukewarm.
God rejects the proud.
God will never reject a humble and contrite heart.
Even the angels rejoice over a repentant sinner.
And it's through the willing sacrifice of Jesus that our sins are wiped out.
Recognize your sin. Believe that Jesus is The Son of God. Believing in Him as The One who faced sin and yet lived without falling. Running into the arms of Jesus makes sense.
Jesus pleads before God on our behalf.
Run to Jesus.
He will help you overcome the call of sin.
When you're forgiven of your trespasses is when the greatest healing begins.
When Jesus forgave and healed those who came to him they jumped for joy, sang, and ran.
Confession and healing go together.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, the man without sin.
The devil isn't everywhere but he has plenty of helpers.
Sometimes without being fully aware, we become our own worst enemy.
Oh sure a fallen angel may point something out to us that catches our eyes. "Hey look that person over there. In the next cubicle. They're quite good looking aren't they? You should say
hi."
You admit they are attractive. You say hello and hit it off. You feel a connection. Your co-worker wants to hang out after work. You may be single but your co-worker isn't.
Reactions may differ at this point.
Would you purposely hang out with someone that's married?
One thing can lead to an other and next thing you know you're having an affair.
Or maybe you back off.
Choice is yours.
The devil can't force your hand and neither can God.
Be assured that we may not want to face our sinful choices right now but one day we will.
Besides saying yes or no to sin is up to us so is repentance.
You choose to sin. You choose to go before God and not just say "sorry" but take it further and to "Go and sin no more"
Saying sorry and being sorry are two different things.
Don't stop there.
Don't let your resistance to sin fill you with the feeling of being invincible.
You're not.
As you rely upon God to say no, you must remember that it's Jesus that was tempted in every way and yet never sinned.
Remember God pours his spirit upon all who call upon him and who do so with sincerity.
God spits out what's lukewarm.
God rejects the proud.
God will never reject a humble and contrite heart.
Even the angels rejoice over a repentant sinner.
And it's through the willing sacrifice of Jesus that our sins are wiped out.
Recognize your sin. Believe that Jesus is The Son of God. Believing in Him as The One who faced sin and yet lived without falling. Running into the arms of Jesus makes sense.
Jesus pleads before God on our behalf.
Run to Jesus.
He will help you overcome the call of sin.
When you're forgiven of your trespasses is when the greatest healing begins.
When Jesus forgave and healed those who came to him they jumped for joy, sang, and ran.
Confession and healing go together.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, the man without sin.
Friday, March 27, 2015
"Communion Every Day"
Acts 2:46
"Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and breaking bread in there homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart."
I'm glad the church I attend not only has service every day but also offers communion.
Jesus said to partake of the body, blood, soul, and divinity of his sacrifice.
Why wouldn't you? When you partake of the hosts you are joined with our savior.
Of course many churches only have Sunday service. Some of those churches only offer communion once a month. The reason being that the leaders don't want communion to become "a ritual or just a somewhat trivial routine."
Some church leaders want to distance themselves from The Catholic Church.
In that scense I understand but at what cost? Our relationship is with The Lord and we are to examine ourselves before we partake of the body and blood of Christ.
The church (in my opinion) shouldn't decide for us when we can join ourselves with God and each other. We should take ourselves before God in repentance of our sins prior to joining our souls with The Lord.
"Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and breaking bread in there homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart."
I'm glad the church I attend not only has service every day but also offers communion.
Jesus said to partake of the body, blood, soul, and divinity of his sacrifice.
Why wouldn't you? When you partake of the hosts you are joined with our savior.
Of course many churches only have Sunday service. Some of those churches only offer communion once a month. The reason being that the leaders don't want communion to become "a ritual or just a somewhat trivial routine."
Some church leaders want to distance themselves from The Catholic Church.
In that scense I understand but at what cost? Our relationship is with The Lord and we are to examine ourselves before we partake of the body and blood of Christ.
The church (in my opinion) shouldn't decide for us when we can join ourselves with God and each other. We should take ourselves before God in repentance of our sins prior to joining our souls with The Lord.
Monday, January 12, 2015
"Miracles and Hardened Hearts"
Gospel of Mark 6:45-52
"After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on the shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing,for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea they thought is was a ghost and cried out. "Take courage, it is I. do not be afraid." He got in the boat and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened."
What can be made of this?
Why is it that the hearts of the disciples became hard?
One thought has popped into my head, Jealousy. And confusion.
This band of travelers and friends meet this guy who is only 30 years old. To some of the followers of Jesus they may have thought that he was just young and arrogant.
But I'm sure some were indeed jealous.
In my own life I get angry when someone (especially fellow writers) can sit down and write effortlessly. I applaud their gift but then get into a brief depression because I often struggle to write a single well written paragraph.
So now put yourself in the mind of the disciples.
They're hanging out with Jesus. He effortlessly heals the sick, cast out demons, and take a small amount of food and feed 5,000 people just by praying. Now this guy can walk on water and calm the storm?
Some might say Jesus was a show off.
How can a mortal man do such things?
Think about the account of Peter walking on the water to meet Jesus. But when he sees a huge wave and takes his eyes off of Jesus, Peter begins to drown.
Have you ever thought that you don't measure up to God. Truth is you never will.
But there's good news.
Chances are you'll never walk on water but you may save a life as a skilled surgeon.
Your kindness toward a beggar may give the person who has next to nothing a new spark of hope.
As a counselor in Substance Abuse Counseling I hope to reach at least one person to never again pick up their drug of choice.
Your prayers will show a desperate person that in deed God not only exists. He is in the miracle business and above all he loves us.
Let go. Let God.
And may you be filled with the spirit of understanding that comes from knowing the creator who is the author and finisher of our faith.
"After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on the shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing,for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea they thought is was a ghost and cried out. "Take courage, it is I. do not be afraid." He got in the boat and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened."
What can be made of this?
Why is it that the hearts of the disciples became hard?
One thought has popped into my head, Jealousy. And confusion.
This band of travelers and friends meet this guy who is only 30 years old. To some of the followers of Jesus they may have thought that he was just young and arrogant.
But I'm sure some were indeed jealous.
In my own life I get angry when someone (especially fellow writers) can sit down and write effortlessly. I applaud their gift but then get into a brief depression because I often struggle to write a single well written paragraph.
So now put yourself in the mind of the disciples.
They're hanging out with Jesus. He effortlessly heals the sick, cast out demons, and take a small amount of food and feed 5,000 people just by praying. Now this guy can walk on water and calm the storm?
Some might say Jesus was a show off.
How can a mortal man do such things?
Think about the account of Peter walking on the water to meet Jesus. But when he sees a huge wave and takes his eyes off of Jesus, Peter begins to drown.
Have you ever thought that you don't measure up to God. Truth is you never will.
But there's good news.
Chances are you'll never walk on water but you may save a life as a skilled surgeon.
Your kindness toward a beggar may give the person who has next to nothing a new spark of hope.
As a counselor in Substance Abuse Counseling I hope to reach at least one person to never again pick up their drug of choice.
Your prayers will show a desperate person that in deed God not only exists. He is in the miracle business and above all he loves us.
Let go. Let God.
And may you be filled with the spirit of understanding that comes from knowing the creator who is the author and finisher of our faith.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
The Coming Of The Lord
Well next Sunday is the official beginning of Advent.
Advent is the celebration that culminates on Christmas.
We rush around looking for the perfect gifts for our loved ones.
How about we slow down.
Take a breath.
And like Martha when she poured out expensive perfume onto the feet of Jesus.
She took time to be with The Son of God.
What will it cost us to lavish our love upon The Lord?
I guarantee every second spent waiting for the Lord will be worth it.
Yes Jesus is coming one day in the clouds.
But never forget that The Holy Spirit is already here. He prepares us to bring Jesus to those who don't know Him.
For them it's a personal advent.
Advent is the celebration that culminates on Christmas.
We rush around looking for the perfect gifts for our loved ones.
How about we slow down.
Take a breath.
And like Martha when she poured out expensive perfume onto the feet of Jesus.
She took time to be with The Son of God.
What will it cost us to lavish our love upon The Lord?
I guarantee every second spent waiting for the Lord will be worth it.
Yes Jesus is coming one day in the clouds.
But never forget that The Holy Spirit is already here. He prepares us to bring Jesus to those who don't know Him.
For them it's a personal advent.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
"Zombies For Our Children" (Happy Halloween)
I went to the library today to get some CD'S.
There were some Halloween and Harvest Time decorations up. Nothing really "bad".
Then as I was leaving the library I walked past the Halloween books for kids. Targeted for kids ages 6-10 or there a bouts. There were books about the origins of Halloween, Ghost stories, costume ideas, pumpkin carving tips, and zombies.
I'm a Christian and felt sick to my stomach.
Zombies? It's bad enough that teenagers and adults alike have this obsession but to bring it to the attention of innocent children?
I can't imagine trying to make zombies "cute".
Rotting corpses reanimated by evil wandering around seeking out human flesh as a meal is the thing of nightmares and down right demonic.
Is the idea to desensitize our children so that they won't find such movies as Night of the Living Dead, 28 Days Later, and Resident Evil disturbing by the time they reach puberty? Is this a tactic to have family movie night be a zombie marathon?
There are even Barbie type dolls that feature the living dead. Why? So girls can try to live up to being in a horror movie VS dolls that give girls insecurities about their bodies?
If you give out candy on Halloween be prepared to see mommies little zombie.
And for that matter a 12 year old girl not only dressed as a scantily clad cheerleader but as a zombie cheerleader.
I wonder when this all started.
A bigger question may be will it ever end?
It's true we're all going to die.
Most people are afraid to die.
But does normalizing zombies really alleviate the fears of dying?
Is this meant to say that dying isn't all that bad?
Another good question may be shouldn't parents protect themselves from zombie movies?
Why do we allow these images into our house.
Many parents make sure their kids don't watch the news. So why is it OK to let them dress as the living dead? Maybe because zombies aren't real.
I say zombies are real enough.
They are of the devil and the devil is out to keep us in our flesh and rot our brains.
God is too much to handle.Too controversial.
So why not join the crowd of people that are diving head first into the zombie apocalypse?
I say that we should dive head first into godly things.
Many churches choose to celebrate the memory of the loved ones that have made their way into heaven. All Hallows Eve (all Souls day). Or then to celebrate the people throughout history that are examples of living for God. All saints day.
We celebrate birthdays. The day life began.
The day the creator brought us into being.
In the world not of it.
Dead to sin.
Alive in Christ.
There were some Halloween and Harvest Time decorations up. Nothing really "bad".
Then as I was leaving the library I walked past the Halloween books for kids. Targeted for kids ages 6-10 or there a bouts. There were books about the origins of Halloween, Ghost stories, costume ideas, pumpkin carving tips, and zombies.
I'm a Christian and felt sick to my stomach.
Zombies? It's bad enough that teenagers and adults alike have this obsession but to bring it to the attention of innocent children?
I can't imagine trying to make zombies "cute".
Rotting corpses reanimated by evil wandering around seeking out human flesh as a meal is the thing of nightmares and down right demonic.
Is the idea to desensitize our children so that they won't find such movies as Night of the Living Dead, 28 Days Later, and Resident Evil disturbing by the time they reach puberty? Is this a tactic to have family movie night be a zombie marathon?
There are even Barbie type dolls that feature the living dead. Why? So girls can try to live up to being in a horror movie VS dolls that give girls insecurities about their bodies?
If you give out candy on Halloween be prepared to see mommies little zombie.
And for that matter a 12 year old girl not only dressed as a scantily clad cheerleader but as a zombie cheerleader.
I wonder when this all started.
A bigger question may be will it ever end?
It's true we're all going to die.
Most people are afraid to die.
But does normalizing zombies really alleviate the fears of dying?
Is this meant to say that dying isn't all that bad?
Another good question may be shouldn't parents protect themselves from zombie movies?
Why do we allow these images into our house.
Many parents make sure their kids don't watch the news. So why is it OK to let them dress as the living dead? Maybe because zombies aren't real.
I say zombies are real enough.
They are of the devil and the devil is out to keep us in our flesh and rot our brains.
God is too much to handle.Too controversial.
So why not join the crowd of people that are diving head first into the zombie apocalypse?
I say that we should dive head first into godly things.
Many churches choose to celebrate the memory of the loved ones that have made their way into heaven. All Hallows Eve (all Souls day). Or then to celebrate the people throughout history that are examples of living for God. All saints day.
We celebrate birthdays. The day life began.
The day the creator brought us into being.
In the world not of it.
Dead to sin.
Alive in Christ.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Have Nothing Have Less
Taken from Luke 8:16-18
To paraphrase
To him who has much, more will be given to that person. To the the person who has little more will be taken.
This scripture baffled me since the first time I heard it.
Then today while I was at Mass The Lord spoke to me and gave me an explanation.
A person whom is full of The Spirit of The Lord, and shares what The Lord has given is filled with the energy to keep giving.
On the flip side when a person is near empty that person looses what they had and become to worn out to even try.
In other words:
Have you noticed in your own life (or witnessed in someone else) that when you run low on energy that making effort to do much of anything, including getting out of bed a task that only seems possible for a superhero?
I've been there. And it's not pretty.
In the throes of a deep depression, I stayed in bed most of the day, my personal hygiene suffered, my diet was horribly unhealthy, I gained weight, my laundry piled up, and my room resembled a garbage dump.
I had no get up and go and an attitude where I said, "Who cares. What's the point?"
If God hadn't intervened I can honestly say I wouldn't be here now.
But I am here.
And I am constantly be filled with life.
And people can tell.
When we look at the beginning of this passage from Luke I am a bright shining light that people are drawn to.
Like a lighthouse warning ships of danger.
If you're in a slump and feel empty ask The Lord to come into your life and light up your soul.
Allow the Holy Spirit to fill your soul with the oil that will keep your light shine before men.
Like the day of Pentecost when The Holy Spirit fell like fire let the zeal of The Lord burn within you.
To paraphrase
To him who has much, more will be given to that person. To the the person who has little more will be taken.
This scripture baffled me since the first time I heard it.
Then today while I was at Mass The Lord spoke to me and gave me an explanation.
A person whom is full of The Spirit of The Lord, and shares what The Lord has given is filled with the energy to keep giving.
On the flip side when a person is near empty that person looses what they had and become to worn out to even try.
In other words:
Have you noticed in your own life (or witnessed in someone else) that when you run low on energy that making effort to do much of anything, including getting out of bed a task that only seems possible for a superhero?
I've been there. And it's not pretty.
In the throes of a deep depression, I stayed in bed most of the day, my personal hygiene suffered, my diet was horribly unhealthy, I gained weight, my laundry piled up, and my room resembled a garbage dump.
I had no get up and go and an attitude where I said, "Who cares. What's the point?"
If God hadn't intervened I can honestly say I wouldn't be here now.
But I am here.
And I am constantly be filled with life.
And people can tell.
When we look at the beginning of this passage from Luke I am a bright shining light that people are drawn to.
Like a lighthouse warning ships of danger.
If you're in a slump and feel empty ask The Lord to come into your life and light up your soul.
Allow the Holy Spirit to fill your soul with the oil that will keep your light shine before men.
Like the day of Pentecost when The Holy Spirit fell like fire let the zeal of The Lord burn within you.
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