Holy Archangels Invocation

Archangel Michael 

stands in front of me.

Archangel Raphael 

stands to my left.

Archangel Uriel

stands behind me.

Archangel Gabriel

stands to my right.

Thank you for your

protection, healing light,

guidance, and divine communication.

Amen.

Connect with me now, Holy Archangels.

Prayer to the Archangels

St.Michael, St.Gabriel, and St.Raphael, please be with me today. Please hear and answer my prayers with your divine grace, intervention, and kindness, I love you all, please help me so that my prayer request all come true quickly, Amen.

(mention your request here)

Heavenly Father, you have given us Archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. Saint Michael is our protector, I ask him to come to my aid, fight for all my loved ones, and protect us from danger. Saint Gabriel is a messenger for the Good News, I ask him to help me clearly hear your voice and to teach me the truth. Saint Raphael is the healing angel, I ask to take my need for healing and that of everyone I know, lift it up to your throne of grace and deliver back to us the gift of recovery. Help us O Lord to realise more fully the reality of the Archangels and their desire to serve us. Holy Angels pray for us. Amen.

Thank you for Answering my prayers.

*** Say this for 3 days and then on the third day publish it.

Prayer before and after meals

Prayer before meals

Bless us, O Lord 

and these Your gifts 

which we are about to receive 

from Your bounty. 

Through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Prayer before meals

We give you thanks, 

Almighty God, 

for all Your benefits, 

who live and reign, 

forever and ever. 

Amen. 

May the souls of the faithful departed, 

through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

Amen.

Majesty of God ~ Psalm 93:1-2

The Lord is king, he is robed in majesty;

the Lord is robed, he is girded with strength.

He has established the world; it shall never be moved;

2 your throne is established from of old;

you are from everlasting.

God made you stronger ....

God didn't make you stronger than others 

so you could hurt them. 

God made you stronger than others 

so you can help them.

I came to cast fire upon the earth

Do you want to be on fire for God? Jesus shocked his disciples when he declared that he would cast fire and cause division rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind here?

The fire of God's purifying love and cleansing word

The image of fire in biblical times was often associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as God's revelation to Moses through the burning bush in the wilderness which was not consumed by the flames (Exodus 3:2). God assured the Hebrew people of his continual presence, guidance, and protection for them through the wilderness for forty years with the pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day (Exodus 13:21-22). The prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven to reveal God's presence and power and to purify the people of false idols (1 Kings 18:36-39). The image of fire was also used as a sign of God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13) and holiness (Deuteronomy 4:24), his protective presence (2 Kings 6:17), and his righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9) and holy wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16).

Fire is also a sign and symbol of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11-12 and Luke 3:16-17). When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples at Pentecost "tongues of fire" appeared above their heads (Acts 2:3). We can see from both the Old and New Testament Scriptures that God's fire purifies and cleanses to make us clean (sins washed away) and holy (fit to offer him acceptable praise and worship), and it inspires a reverent fear (awe in God's presence) and respect (obeying and giving God his due) for God and for his holy word.

Loyalty unites - division separates

Why did Jesus link fire from heaven with costly division on the earth? Did he expect his followers to take his statement of "father against son and son against father" and "mother against daughter and daughter against mother" literally? Or was he intentionally using a figure of speech to emphasize the choice and cost of following him above all else? Jesus used a typical Hebrew hyperbole (a figure of speech which uses strong language and exaggeration for emphasis) to drive home an important lesson. We often do the same when we want to emphasize something very strongly. Jesus' hyperbole, however, did contain a real warning that the Gospel message does have serious consequences for our lives.

When Jesus spoke about division within families he likely had in mind the prophecy of Micah: a man's enemies are the men of his own household (Micah 7:6). The essence of Christianity is loyalty to Jesus Christ - the Son of God and Savior of the world - a loyalty that takes precedence over every other relationship. The love of God compels us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship (or anything else) above God is a form of idolatry.

Who do you love first and foremost? 

Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)?

The Gospel message is good news for those who seek pardon, peace, and the abundant life which God offers us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus offers true freedom to those who believe in him - freedom from slavery to sin, Satan, and the oppressive forces of hatred and evil that can destroy body, mind, and spirit. Do you listen to the voice of your Savior and trust in his word? Commit your ways to him, obey his word, and you will find true peace, joy, and happiness in the Lord your God.

Lord Jesus, may the fire of your love consume me and transform my life that I may truly desire nothing more than life with you. Fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit that I may always seek to please you and do your will.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Prayer for Healing

Father, thank you for loving us 

and calling out of darkness.

There are those of us 

in need of your healing virtue today, 

by His Stripes we are healed.

Father, we bind up all sickness and disease, 

and loose your healing virtue unto your children.

For those going into surgery, 

we loose guidance to the hands of the surgeons. 

Touch all the sick today 

and restore health to their bodies. 

In Jesus' precious name, 

Amen.

Prayer

Father, hold us in your caring arms.

Embrace us with your life-giving love.

Apply your resurrecting hands to our wounded places.

It is your power that heals, 

it is your will that we live in good health 

as our souls seek you.

Now in our time of need, deliver us from our afflictions. 

Amen.

Miraculous Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, you who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideal, you who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget all the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything, and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. To that end and submitting to God�s holy will, I ask from you� (mention your favour). Amen

*** This prayer should be said for 3 consecutive days. After the 3rd day, your sincere wish will be granted no matter how difficult it may be. Promise to offer thanksgiving by sharing it and expressing it on granting of your favour. The idea is to spread the wonder of the Holy Spirit.

source: Aria Maddison

Prayer to Holy Mother of the Son of God

Holy Mother of the Son of God, 

I pray to You for Your help in my hour of need. Holy Mother, please help me deliver my request to the Lord Jesus Christ 

(make request) 

and send the Holy Spirit to help me make this wish or miracle to become a reality. 

Forgive my sins and allow me 

to walk proudly as God�s servant. 

I accept Jesus Christ as my Savior and teacher to guide me towards the path of the righteous way of life. Thank You and praise the Lord God. 

Amen. 

*** Say prayer for 3 days then publish. The miracles you asked for will become a reality.

source: CLM

Praise God! No matter what

The deepest level of worship is praising God

in-spite of the pain,

thanking God during trials,

trusting Him when we are tempted 

to lose Hope and Loving Him,

when He seem so distant and far away.

At my Lowest, 

God is my Hope.

At my darkest,

God is my Light.

At my weakest,

God is my Strength.

At my saddest,

God is my Comforter.

Prayer seeking God's Grace

Lord, I know you are merciful. I've been taught that you provide grace and mercy in spite of my behaviour and in spite of my sins. You are a good God that comes to those that need You, no matter what. And Lord, I need you now in my life more than ever. I know that I'm not perfect. I know that my sins are not hidden from you. I know that, at times, I sin knowing it's a sin. I'm human, Lord, and while that's no excuse, I know you love me despite my human nature. Lord, I need you today to provide for me. I need your grace in my life to provide strength because I am weak. I face temptations every day, and I wish I could say that I always walk away. I cannot do it alone anymore. I just can't. I need you to give me the strength and provide me with the guidance to overcome these desires to sin. I need you to give me direction in darker times when I wonder if I can even face the next day. You can move the mountains that block my way in life. You can give to me what I need in my life. Please, Lord, I ask of you to come into my life and offer your grace. I am open to it and ready to accept it. Allow my heart to always be focused on You and make my desire to live for You. Lord, I know from the scripture that your grace is bestowed no matter what, so I just ask for it today. I may not always be perfect, but I strive to be better. Lord, help me be better. Help me see the clear, narrow path in front of me so I can walk in your ways and in your glory. In your name, Jesus I pray. Amen.

God bless, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Thanks be to God for the care and blessing that the Lord has showered upon our loving Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He is one of the best Holy Father. We love you, dear Emeritus papal Benedict XVI. He may have aged but he looks great in spirit and health. We pray that all untrue stories and rumours will stop, and let our dear Emeritus Benedict XVI be in peace of mind. Thank you Vatican for the speedy counter-action on the rumour.

�If you follow the will of God, you know that in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge. You know that the foundation of the world is love, so that even when no human being can or will help you, you may go on, trusting in the One that loves you.� 

~ Pope Benedict XVI ~

�To have Christian hope means to know about evil and yet to go to meet the future with confidence. The core of faith rests upon accepting being loved by God, and therefore to believe is to say Yes, not only to him, but to creation, to creatures, above all, to men, to try to see the image of God in each person and thereby to become a lover. That's not easy, but the basic Yes, the conviction that God has created men, that he stands behind them, that they aren't simply negative, gives love a reference point that enables it to ground hope on the basis of faith.� 

~ Pope Benedict XVI ~

�The ways of the Lord are not easy, but we were not created for an easy life but for great things, for goodness.�

~ Pope Benedict XVI ~

�Help each other to live and to grow in the Christian faith so as to be valiant witnesses of the Lord. Be united, but not closed. Be humble, but not fearful. Be simple, but not naive. Be thoughtful, but not complicated. Enter into dialogue with others, but be yourselves.�

~ Pope Benedict XVI ~

Lord, I need You. Lord, come and help me.

Lord I know I'm not worthy of You because of my sins. Lord, have mercy on a sinner like me. Hear my cries O Lord, I need You Lord, without You I am nothing, only You can do the impossible thing beyond me. You are the creator and there is no other power greater than You, You are the greatest. Lord, I am desperately and urgently in need of Your healing, save me and rescue me Lord from the difficulties I am going through. Do not show Your anger and wrath upon me but by Your great mercy and love heal me, save me, provide for me and keep from all shame and disgrace. Lord, things are really beyond me, I am only human and I worry. All I do, all my actions and all I have is the trust and hope in You alone. Lord, You alone can make a way out for me, by Your miraculous wonders save me now. In your precious and mightiest name JESUS, I pray.  AMEN.

I need raise RM5000 to overcome my difficulties. JESUS, You are my only hope. Lord, I am confident of Your healing and deliverance, By just calling Your name JESUS, I will be saved.

St.Jude, saint of the desperate and hopeless, pray and intercede with Jesus for me. Amen.

THIS IS NOT A SCAM, I am really going through hard times. If you have the Heart and Willing to Help, you may send me a email at

stanx4christ@gmail.com

and I will provide you with details or directly make your help available through my PAYPAL link page.

or

direct deposit my Hong Leong Bank account (Malaysia only)

Stanley

Act no: 158-50-09065-0

Yesus Menghentikan Badai Tornado di Filipina

Badai Tornado sangat berbahaya, sebab bukan hanya Manusia, bahkan Tornado mampu Menghancurkan Rumah, Mobil, dan segala sesuatu yang dilewatinya.

Ketika anak-anak Tuhan melihat Tornado Penghancur datang Meneror, merekapun Melawannya didalam nama Yesus. Dan hasilnya Amazing...!!

Silahkan Lihat sendiri Videonya berikut ini

5 Prayer of Fatima

The prayers taught to the 3 children at Fatima, Lucia dos Santos (10), and her cousins Francisco (8) and Jacinta Marto (7).

PARDON PRAYER 

My God, I believe, I adore, I trust, and I love thee! 

I beg pardon for those who do not believe, 

do not adore, do not trust, and do not love thee. 

THE ANGEL�S PRAYER 

With the Blessed Sacrament suspended in the air, the angel at Fatima prostrated himself, and recited the prayer: 

O most Holy Trinity

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

I adore thee profoundly. 

I offer thee the most Precious Body, Blood, Soul, 

and Divinity of Jesus Christ

present in all the tabernacles of the world

in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges, and indifference 

by which He is offended. 

By the infinite merits of 

the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 

I beg the conversion of poor sinners. 

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER 

This prayer stresses that most beautiful truth�that the all-powerful, all-loving God is upon the altar at every Catholic Mass. 

Most Holy Trinity, I adore You! 

My God, my God, I love You in the Most Blessed Sacrament. 

SACRIFICE PRAYER 

Our Lady taught the children a prayer to be said when they would have something to offer up to God . . . such as some suffering, or an act contrary to what they wanted to do but which was necessary in order to please God. 

O my Jesus, it is for love of You, 

in reparation for the offenses committed 

against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 

and for the conversion of poor sinners. 

DECADE PRAYER 

Our Lady asked that the following prayer be inserted after each decade of the Rosary: 

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins; 

save us from the fires of hell; 

lead all souls into Heaven, 

especially those who are in most need of thy mercy.

Fatima Angel's Prayer

MOST Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I adore Thee profoundly. 

I offer Thee the Most Precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity 

of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, 

in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges, and indifference 

by which He is offended. And through the infinite merit 

of His Most Sacred Heart, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 

I beg of Thee the conversion of poor sinners.

(3 times)

*** Given to the three children by Te prayer from the Angel who preceded Our Lady's first appearance at Fatima to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta.

This is an evil generation; it seeks a sign

Do you pay attention to warning signs? Many fatalities could be avoided if people took the warning signs seriously. When the religious leaders demanded a sign from Jesus, he gave them a warning to avert spiritual disaster. 



It was characteristic of the Jews that they demanded "signs" from God's messengers to authenticate their claims. When the religious leaders pressed Jesus to give proof for his claims he says in so many words that he is God's sign and that they need no further evidence from heaven than his own person.

The Ninevites recognized God's warning when Jonah spoke to them, and they repented. And the Queen of Sheba recognized God's wisdom in Solomon. Jonah was God's sign and his message was the message of God for the people of Nineveh. Unfortunately the religious leaders were not content to accept the signs right before their eyes. They had rejected the message of John the Baptist and now they reject Jesus as God's Anointed One ( Messiah) and they fail to heed his message. Simeon had prophesied at Jesus' birth that he was"destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that inner thoughts of many will be revealed" (Luke 2:34- 35). Jesus confirmed his message with many miracles in preparation for the greatest sign of all - his resurrection on the third day.

The Lord Jesus came to set us free from slavery to sin and hurtful desires. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit he pours his love into our hearts that we may understand his will for our lives and walk in his way of holiness. God searches our hearts, not to condemn us, but to show us where we need his saving grace and help. He calls us to seek him with true repentance, humility, and the honesty to see our sins for what they really are - a rejection of his love and will for our lives.

God will transform us if we listen to his word and allow his Holy Spirit to work in our lives. Ask the Lord to renew your mind and to increase your thirst for his wisdom. James says that the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity (James 3:17). A double-minded person cannot receive this kind of wisdom. The single of heart desire one thing alone - God's pleasure. God wants us to delight in him and to know the freedom of his truth and love. Do you thirst for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14)?

Lord Jesus, give me a heart that loves what is good and in accord with your will and fill me with your wisdom that I my understand your ways. Give me the grace and the courage to reject whatever is evil and contrary to your will.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

What makes the heart clean and holy?

Is the Lord Jesus welcomed at your table and are you ready to feast at his table? A Pharisee, after hearing Jesus preach, invited him to dinner, no doubt, because he wanted to hear more from this extraordinary man who spoke the word of God as no one else had done before. 


It was not unusual for a rabbi to give a teaching over dinner. Jesus, however, did something which offended his host. He did not perform the ceremonial washing of hands before beginning the meal. Did Jesus forget or was he deliberately performing a sign to reveal something to his host? Jesus turned the table on his host by chiding him for uncleanness of heart.

What makes the heart clean and holy? 

Which is more important to God - clean hands or a clean mind and heart? Jesus chided the Pharisees for harboring evil thoughts that make us unclean spiritually - such as greed, pride, bitterness, envy, arrogance, and the like. Why does he urge them, and us, to give alms? When we give freely and generously to those in need we express love, compassion, kindness, and mercy. And if the heart is full of love and compassion, then there is no room for envy, greed, bitterness, and the like. Do you allow God's love to transform your heart, mind, and actions toward your neighbor?

Lord Jesus, fill me with your love and increase my thirst for holiness. Cleanse my heart of every evil thought and desire and help me to act kindly and justly and to speak charitably with my neighbor.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Saifuddin Ibrahim Sindir Ustad beristri 4

Saifuddin Ibrahim kembali memberikan kritikan - kritikan yang Berani, Tajam, namun sangat Lucu dan Menghibur. Yang terhits adalah issue tentang kebiasaan Ustad Berpolygami, berkaitan tentang issue Ustad Arifin Ilham yang kembali menambah Koleksi Istrinya.

Berikut adalah Videonya.

You are anxious - one thing is needful

Does the peace of Christ reign in your home and in your personal life? Jesus loved to visit the home of Martha and Mary and enjoyed their gracious hospitality. In this brief encounter we see two very different temperaments in Martha and Mary. Martha loved to serve, but in her anxious manner of waiting on Jesus, she caused unrest. 



Mary, in her simple and trusting manner, waited on Jesus by sitting attentively at his feet. She instinctively knew that what the Lord and Teacher most wanted at that moment was her attentive presence.

Give your concerns and pre-occupations to the Lord 

Anxiety and preoccupation keep us from listening and from giving the Lord our undivided attention. The Lord bids us to give him our concerns and anxieties because he is trustworthy and able to meet any need we have. His grace frees us from needless concerns and preoccupation. Do you seek the Lord attentively? And does the Lord find a welcomed and honored place in your home?

Always welcome the Lord into your home and heart 

The Lord Jesus desires that we make a place for him, not only in our hearts, but in our homes and in the daily circumstances of our lives as well. We honor the Lord when we offer to him everything we have and everything we do. After all, everything we have is an outright gift from God (1 Chronicles 29:14). Paul the Apostle urges us to give God glory in everything: "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17).

When you sit, eat, sleep and when you entertain your friends and guests, remember that the Lord Jesus is also the guest of your home. Scripture tells us that when Abraham opened his home and welcomed three unknown travelers, he welcomed the Lord who blessed him favorably for his gracious hospitality (Genesis 18:1-10; Hebrews 13:2). The Lord wants us to bring him glory in the way we treat others and use the gifts he has graciously given to us. God, in turn, blesses us with his gracious presence and fills us with joy.

Lord Jesus, to be in your presence is life and joy for me. Free me from needless concerns and preoccupations that I may give you my undivided love and attention.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Go and do likewise

If God is all-loving and compassionate, then why is there so much suffering and evil in this world? Many agnostics refuse to believe in God because of this seemingly imponderable problem. If God is love then evil and suffering must be eliminated in all its forms. What is God's answer to this human dilemma? 


Jesus' parable about a highway robbery gives us a helpful hint. Jesus told this dramatic story in response to a devout Jew who wanted to understand how to apply God's great commandment of love to his everyday life circumstances. In so many words this religious-minded Jew said: "I want to love God as best as I can and I want to love my neighbor as well. But how do I know that I am fulfilling my duty to love my neighbor as myself?"

Jesus must have smiled when he heard this man challenge him to explain one's duty towards their neighbor. For the Jewish believer the law of love was plain and simple: "treat your neighbor as you would treat yourself." The real issue for this believer was the correct definition of who is "my neighbor". He understood "neighbor" to mean one's fellow Jew who belonged to the same covenant which God made with the people of Israel. Up to a certain point, Jesus agreed with this sincere expert but, at the same time, he challenged him to see that God's view of neighbor went far beyond his narrow definition.

God's love and mercy extends to all 

Jesus told a parable to show how wide God's love and mercy is towards every fellow human being. Jesus' story of a brutal highway robbery was all too familiar to his audience. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho went through a narrow winding valley surrounded by steep rocky cliffs. Many wealthy Jews from Jerusalem had winter homes in Jerico. This narrow highway was dangerous and notorious for its robbers who could easily ambush their victim and escape into the hills. No one in his right mind would think of traveling through this dangerous highway alone. It was far safer to travel with others for protection and defense.

Our prejudice gets in the way of mercy 

So why did the religious leaders refuse to give any help when they saw a half-dead victim lying by the roadside? Didn't they recognize that this victim was their neighbor? And why did a Samaritan, an outsider who was despised by the Jews, treat this victim with special care at his own expense as he would care for his own family? Who was the real neighbor who showed brotherly compassion and mercy? Jesus makes the supposed villain, the despised Samaritan, the merciful one as an example for the status conscious Jews. Why didn't the priest and Levite stop to help? The priest probably didn't want to risk the possibility of ritual impurity. His piety got in the way of charity. The Levite approached close to the victim, but stopped short of actually helping him. Perhaps he feared that bandits were using a decoy to ambush him. The Levite put personal safety ahead of saving his neighbor.

God expects us to be merciful as he is merciful

What does Jesus' story tell us about true love for one's neighbor? First, we must be willing to help even if others brought trouble on themselves through their own fault or negligence. Second, our love and concern to help others in need must be practical. Good intentions and showing pity, or emphathizing with others, are not enough. And lastly, our love for others must be as wide and as inclusive as God's love. God excludes no one from his care and concern. God's love is unconditional. So we must be ready to do good to others for their sake, just as God is good to us.

Jesus not only taught God's way of love, but he showed how far God was willing to go to share in our suffering and to restore us to wholeness of life and happiness. Jesus overcame sin, suffering, and death through his victory on the cross. His death brought us freedom from slavery to sin and the promise of everlasting life with God. He willingly shared in our suffering to bring us to the source of true healing and freedom from sin and oppression. True compassion not only identifies and emphathizes with the one who is in pain, but takes that pain on oneself in order to bring freedom and restoration.

The cross shows us God's perfect love and forgiveness 

Jesus truly identified with our plight, and he took the burden of our sinful condition upon himself. He showed us the depths of God's love and compassion, by sharing in our suffering and by offering his life as an atoning sacrifice for our sins upon the cross. His suffering is redemptive because it brings us healing and restoration and the fulness of eternal life. God offers us true freedom from every form of oppression, sin, and suffering. And that way is through the cross of Jesus Christ. Are you ready to embrace the cross of Christ, to suffer for his sake, and to lay down your life out of love for your neighbor?

Lord Jesus, may your love always be the foundation of my life. Free me from every fear and selfish-concern that I may freely give myself in loving service to others, even to the point of laying my life down for their sake.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

St.Jude Feast & Novena ~ 2017, Church of St.Jude Rawang

Feast of St.Jude Thaddeus

20 ~ 29 October, 2017

Your Names are Written in Heaven

Do you know and experience in your personal life the joy of the Lord? The Scriptures tell us that " the joy of the Lord is our strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). Why does Jesus tell his disciples to not take joy in their own successes, even spiritual ones? Jesus makes clear that the true source of our joy is God himself, and God alone. Regardless of the circumstances, in good times and bad times, in success or loss, God always assures us of victory in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus assures his disciples that he has all power over all evil, including the power of Satan and the evil spirits (demons) - the fallen angels who rebelled against God and who hate men and women who have been created in God's image and likeness (Genesis 1:29). Jesus told his disciples that he came into the world to overthrow the evil one (John 12:31). That is why Jesus gave his disciples power over Satan and his legion of demons (rebellious angels). We, too, as disciples of Jesus have been given spiritual authority and power for overcoming the works of darkness and evil (1 John 2:13-14).

Self-centered pride closes the mind to God's revelation and wisdom 

Jesus thanks the Father in heaven for revealing to his disciples the wisdom and knowledge of God. What does Jesus' prayer tell us about God and about ourselves? First, it tells us that God is both Father and Lord of earth as well as heaven. He is both Creator and Author of all that he has made, the first origin of everything and transcendent authority, and at the same time, goodness and loving care for all his children. All fatherhood and motherhood is derived from him (Ephesians 3:14-15).

Jesus' prayer also contains a warning that pride can keep us from the love and knowledge of God. What makes us ignorant and blind to the things of God? Sinful pride springs from being self-centered and holding an exaggerated view of oneself. Pride closes the mind to God's truth and wisdom for our lives. Lucifer, who was once the prince of angels, fell into pride because he did not want to serve God but wanted to be equal with God. Through his arrogant pride he led a whole host of angels to rebel against God. That is why the rebellious angels (whom Scripture calls evil spirits, devils, and demons) were cast out of heaven and thrown down to the earth. They seek to lead us away from God through pride and rebellion.

How can we guard our hearts from sinful pride and rebellion? The virtue of humility teaches us to put our trust in God and not in ourselves. God gives strength and help to those who put their trust in him. Humility is the only true remedy against sinful pride. True humility, which is very different from the feelings of inferiority or low self-esteem, leads us to a true recognition of who we are in the sight of God and of our dependence on God.

Humility is the only soil where God's grace and truth can take root 

Jesus contrasts intellectual pride with child-like simplicity and humility. The simple of heart are like "babes" or "little children" in the sense that they see purely without pretense or falsehood and acknowledge their dependence and trust in one who is greater, wiser, and more trustworthy. They seek one thing - the "summum bonum" or "greatest good" who is God himself. Simplicity of heart is wedded with humility, the queen of virtues, because humility inclines the heart towards grace and truth.

Just as pride is the root of every sin and evil inclination, so humility is the only soil in which the grace of God can take root. It alone takes the right attitude before God and allows him as God to do all. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6). The grace of Christ-like humility inclines us towards God and disposes us to receive God's wisdom and help. Allow the Lord Jesus to heal the wounds of pride in your heart and to fill you with the joy of the Holy Spirit who transforms us into the likeness of Christ himself - who is meek and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29).

Nothing can give us greater joy than the knowledge that we are God's beloved and that our names are written in heaven. The Lord Jesus has ransomed us from slavery to sin, Satan, and death and has adopted us as God's beloved sons and daughters. That is why we no longer belong to ourselves - but to God alone. Do you seek to be like Jesus Christ in humility and simplicity of heart?

The Lord Jesus wants us to know him personally - experientially

Jesus makes a claim which no one would have dared to make: He is the perfect revelation of God - he and the Father are perfectly united in a bond of unbreakable love and fidelity. One of the greatest truths of the Christian faith is that we can know the living God. Our knowledge of God is not simply limited to knowing something about God, but we can know God personally. The essence of Christianity, and what makes it distinct from Judaism and other religions, is the knowledge of God as our Father. Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally know God as our Father. Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote: "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love."

Seek God with expectant faith and trust 

To see Jesus is to see what God is like. In Jesus we see the perfect love of God - a God who yearns over men and women, who cares intensely for them and who shows them unceasing kindness, mercy, and forgiveness. That is why the Father sent his only begotten Son who laid down his life for us on the cross. Jesus taught his followers to confidently pray to the Father with expectant faith, "Our Father who art in heaven ...give us this day our daily bread." Do you believe in your heavenly Father's care and love for you and do you pray with confident trust and hope that he will give you what you need to live as his son or daughter?

Most High and glorious God, enlighten the darkness of our hearts and give us a true faith, a certain hope and a perfect love. Give us a sense of the divine and knowledge of yourself, so that we may do everything in fulfillment of your holy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.(Prayer of Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226)

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East