Greetings beloved,
Today in verse 19 of chapter 4 of the Gospel of St. Luke, we see Christ finishing His reading of the Messianic prophecy from the book of Isaiah.
The people of Nazareth didn't realize that the prophecy was being fulfilled right there; before there very eyes. They all believed that the Messiah would come sometime in the future. Jesus finished by saying that the Messiah was sent also: "To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD" and that "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:19,20).
Most of the people at Nazareth were unaware of the significance of their times. They were too busy with little unimportant things, but Christ was there with them. He was the Messiah they had been waiting for, He was offering them the ability to share in all of the blessings that had been predicted. The opportunity was there.
People today still procrastinate just as they did some two thousand years ago. When it comes to God we tend to put Him off until later. First it's school and friends, then it's our job and our friends, then our marriage, then children, etc. Our priorities are seriously skewed and although we may believe in God, He barely enters our thoughts. Most people don't even respect Him enough to give Him one or two hours a week out of their lives on Sunday morning. The Bible tells us to: "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6). The opportunity is not always going to be available to us, God will not strive with man forever (Psalm 103:9), life goes on, but there is still time for a decision. The Bible says, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (II Corinthians 6:2). Death itself will make the decision for us if we don't make it first. Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? When was the year of the Lord in your life?
Pray with me... Almighty God, we are so glad that Your faithfulness is complete and eternal. Help us to recognize our need for You, to accept and always rely on You, rather than on human beings or this material world. We know that You will never fail us. In our Savior's blessed name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Friday, January 25, 2008
Jan. 25 - Liberty For All
Greetings beloved,
We see in St. Luke's Gospel chapter 4 verse 18, that Jesus was continuing to teach in Nazareth concerning the Messiah and how He had also come to correct social problems.
The status of women at the time of Christ was not unlike an animal, to be bought and sold. They were subjugated as second class citizens, and their treatment was based on how they performed. Many of them were beaten. In some parts of the world today, women are still treated in this ungodly manner. Jesus said that the Messiah had come; " ...to set at liberty those who are oppressed;" (Luke 4:18).
When people are committed to following Jesus' way of life, they can change from being an "oppressor" or "oppressed" to being completely free. Jesus says to those who believe in Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31,32). The most hardcore, violent criminal under the influence of God's Holy Spirit and Christ's discipleship can become gentle, honest persons. The impatient child beaters can learn to handle their tempers, and wife abusers can learn to love their wives as themselves. Being gentle or meek doesn't mean being weak. Weakness is a lack of strength. Meekness is knowing when and when not to use your strength. Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).
Our world today still prefers violence whether in the movies, music or video games. Statistics show that on the television, the higher ratings are for the shows that are most degrading to women and the most violent. Secular society continues to influence and encourage the wrong choices of those who oppress others. One of the aims of the Women's Liberation Movement is to provide freedom from wife beating. Child abuse is another area of major social concern that is being addressed. Truth is, no one will ever experience true freedom from any of these abuses until they come to Jesus. Jesus came to deliver us, the Bible says: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1). Are you now or have you ever oppressed someone physically or verbally?
Pray with me... Sovereign Lord Jesus, it doesn't matter how we are hurt -- by affliction -- by physical danger -- verbal abuse -- or by spiritual bonds, You are our Savior and our Deliverer. May we all experience your love and healing presence. We pray in Jesus' name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
We see in St. Luke's Gospel chapter 4 verse 18, that Jesus was continuing to teach in Nazareth concerning the Messiah and how He had also come to correct social problems.
The status of women at the time of Christ was not unlike an animal, to be bought and sold. They were subjugated as second class citizens, and their treatment was based on how they performed. Many of them were beaten. In some parts of the world today, women are still treated in this ungodly manner. Jesus said that the Messiah had come; " ...to set at liberty those who are oppressed;" (Luke 4:18).
When people are committed to following Jesus' way of life, they can change from being an "oppressor" or "oppressed" to being completely free. Jesus says to those who believe in Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31,32). The most hardcore, violent criminal under the influence of God's Holy Spirit and Christ's discipleship can become gentle, honest persons. The impatient child beaters can learn to handle their tempers, and wife abusers can learn to love their wives as themselves. Being gentle or meek doesn't mean being weak. Weakness is a lack of strength. Meekness is knowing when and when not to use your strength. Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).
Our world today still prefers violence whether in the movies, music or video games. Statistics show that on the television, the higher ratings are for the shows that are most degrading to women and the most violent. Secular society continues to influence and encourage the wrong choices of those who oppress others. One of the aims of the Women's Liberation Movement is to provide freedom from wife beating. Child abuse is another area of major social concern that is being addressed. Truth is, no one will ever experience true freedom from any of these abuses until they come to Jesus. Jesus came to deliver us, the Bible says: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1). Are you now or have you ever oppressed someone physically or verbally?
Pray with me... Sovereign Lord Jesus, it doesn't matter how we are hurt -- by affliction -- by physical danger -- verbal abuse -- or by spiritual bonds, You are our Savior and our Deliverer. May we all experience your love and healing presence. We pray in Jesus' name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Jan. 24 - Now I See
Greetings beloved,
Today we will continue to examine Christ's word's from the fourth chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke verse 18. Jesus is continuing to read the prophecy about the Messiah to the Nazareth congregation.
The truth is that everyone who was there to hear Jesus, could see with their eyes physically, but the majority were spiritually blind. Jesus said that God sends the Messiah to preach: "...recovery of sight to the blind" (Luke 4:18).
During Jesus' ministry, He miraculously healed blind persons. He also healed spiritual blindness. Those who listened had the eyes of their understanding enlightened by God's spirit. In this way, Jesus was the Light of the world.
God's spirit still guides scientists and surgeons as they restore sight to the blind. The Spirit still opens the eyes of those who are spiritually blind through Christians as we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We can help contribute to these types of miracles around the world by supporting Gospel and medical missions. Do you appreciate the sight and insight that God has given you?
Pray with me... Heavenly Father, we thank You for our physical eyesight. For the ability to see the beauty of Your creation. Grant us we pray; understanding and insight into Your will, your Word, our identity in Christ, who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. Help us to be lead by You and to lead others to you as their spiritual eyes are opened. In Christ Jesus' holy name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Today we will continue to examine Christ's word's from the fourth chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke verse 18. Jesus is continuing to read the prophecy about the Messiah to the Nazareth congregation.
The truth is that everyone who was there to hear Jesus, could see with their eyes physically, but the majority were spiritually blind. Jesus said that God sends the Messiah to preach: "...recovery of sight to the blind" (Luke 4:18).
During Jesus' ministry, He miraculously healed blind persons. He also healed spiritual blindness. Those who listened had the eyes of their understanding enlightened by God's spirit. In this way, Jesus was the Light of the world.
God's spirit still guides scientists and surgeons as they restore sight to the blind. The Spirit still opens the eyes of those who are spiritually blind through Christians as we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We can help contribute to these types of miracles around the world by supporting Gospel and medical missions. Do you appreciate the sight and insight that God has given you?
Pray with me... Heavenly Father, we thank You for our physical eyesight. For the ability to see the beauty of Your creation. Grant us we pray; understanding and insight into Your will, your Word, our identity in Christ, who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. Help us to be lead by You and to lead others to you as their spiritual eyes are opened. In Christ Jesus' holy name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Jan. 23 - Freeing the Prisoners
Greetings beloved,
We are still looking at chapter 4 of the Gospel of St. Luke where Christ continued to preach his sermon at a synagogue in Nazareth. We see in verse 18 that part of the prophecy of the Messiah dealt with prisoners.
Of course, those who were there in the synagogue knew people who were in jail. Some were friends and relatives. But the listeners were also prisoners of their own sins. Jesus said to them that God had sent the Messiah, "...to proclaim liberty to the captives..." (Luke 4:18).
Jesus as the Messiah had come to free both types of prisoners. Those who were being punished for crimes that they committed would have to pay their debt to society but could be reconciled to God. Those who accepted Jesus and followed His way of life in the kingdom of God wouldn't commit crimes. To those who were captive to their sin he offered freedom through forgiveness.
There are thousands of prisons around the world. almost everywhere the prison conditions are bad. Prisoners have great difficulty living in the prison environment. Christians have the responsibility to visit them and help them to experience the love and forgiveness of our Messiah. Remember what Jesus said, "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me" (Matthew 25:31-45). How active are you in prison ministry?
Pray with me... Lord help us to love one another as You have loved us, to forgive as you have forgiven. Including those persons who are in prison, whom we may not think deserve it. Help us to always remember that Christ died once for ALL, and that we have no right to say who can hear the Gospel or not. In Jesus' holy name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
We are still looking at chapter 4 of the Gospel of St. Luke where Christ continued to preach his sermon at a synagogue in Nazareth. We see in verse 18 that part of the prophecy of the Messiah dealt with prisoners.
Of course, those who were there in the synagogue knew people who were in jail. Some were friends and relatives. But the listeners were also prisoners of their own sins. Jesus said to them that God had sent the Messiah, "...to proclaim liberty to the captives..." (Luke 4:18).
Jesus as the Messiah had come to free both types of prisoners. Those who were being punished for crimes that they committed would have to pay their debt to society but could be reconciled to God. Those who accepted Jesus and followed His way of life in the kingdom of God wouldn't commit crimes. To those who were captive to their sin he offered freedom through forgiveness.
There are thousands of prisons around the world. almost everywhere the prison conditions are bad. Prisoners have great difficulty living in the prison environment. Christians have the responsibility to visit them and help them to experience the love and forgiveness of our Messiah. Remember what Jesus said, "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me" (Matthew 25:31-45). How active are you in prison ministry?
Pray with me... Lord help us to love one another as You have loved us, to forgive as you have forgiven. Including those persons who are in prison, whom we may not think deserve it. Help us to always remember that Christ died once for ALL, and that we have no right to say who can hear the Gospel or not. In Jesus' holy name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Jan. 22 - Healing Broken Hearts
Greetings beloved,
We continue in our commentary of Christ's words from the Gospel of St. Luke chapter 4. Those who were listening to Jesus as He spoke in the synagogue at Nazareth were a normal group of people. Some of them were happy and some were sad.
Those who were sad and brokenhearted no doubt had many reasons for being so. Some were mourning for loved ones who had recently passed. Others had friends or relatives who were seriously ill. Still others had been rejected in love, some lost their jobs and most of them were tired of living under Roman rule.
Jesus said, "...He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted..." (Luke 4:18). This was another prophecy concerning what the Messiah would do. Jesus had compassion on those who were heart-sick, hurting, downtrodden and disappointed. Throughout His ministry He repeatedly demonstrated the love of God, by healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead and finally by dying on that cruel cross of Calvary to save mankind from their sin.
As a child I was taught (erroneously) that a man is not supposed to cry. Now days, its a rare thing to see an adult who is crying. Even though some people don't cry outwardly, they're most likely crying on the inside. If we're sensitive, there will be times that we can tell and therefore have the opportunity to share God's love and comfort the brokenhearted. God is merciful and loving; a comfort to all! When you are brokenhearted, do you go to the Lord for help?
Pray with me... Help us Holy father to seek You when our heart is broken, and to teach others to seek you as well. We thank You for loving us and setting us free. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
We continue in our commentary of Christ's words from the Gospel of St. Luke chapter 4. Those who were listening to Jesus as He spoke in the synagogue at Nazareth were a normal group of people. Some of them were happy and some were sad.
Those who were sad and brokenhearted no doubt had many reasons for being so. Some were mourning for loved ones who had recently passed. Others had friends or relatives who were seriously ill. Still others had been rejected in love, some lost their jobs and most of them were tired of living under Roman rule.
Jesus said, "...He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted..." (Luke 4:18). This was another prophecy concerning what the Messiah would do. Jesus had compassion on those who were heart-sick, hurting, downtrodden and disappointed. Throughout His ministry He repeatedly demonstrated the love of God, by healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead and finally by dying on that cruel cross of Calvary to save mankind from their sin.
As a child I was taught (erroneously) that a man is not supposed to cry. Now days, its a rare thing to see an adult who is crying. Even though some people don't cry outwardly, they're most likely crying on the inside. If we're sensitive, there will be times that we can tell and therefore have the opportunity to share God's love and comfort the brokenhearted. God is merciful and loving; a comfort to all! When you are brokenhearted, do you go to the Lord for help?
Pray with me... Help us Holy father to seek You when our heart is broken, and to teach others to seek you as well. We thank You for loving us and setting us free. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Jan. 21 - Gospel to the Poor
Greetings beloved,
In the Gospel of St. Luke chapter 4, we see that Jesus went to Nazareth for a visit. As it was the Sabbath, He went into the synagogue to worship and was asked to give commentary.
They didn't realize who He truly was, so Jesus selected a passage from the book of the prophet Isaiah which predicted what the Messiah would do when He came. It's what we call a 'Messianic' passage, and it read; "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD" (Luke 4:18,19).
The Messiah was to bring the good news of the Gospel to both the physically and spiritually poor. Of course, God is concerned that people have food, clothing and shelter, but He is more concerned for those whose spiritual lives are lacking.
America is the wealthiest country in the world, but there are still people all around us that are poor in money and even poorer in spirit. Usually those who are the richest in money are the poorest spiritually and those rich in spirit are often the poorest in money. Even within the Church. John Baptist De La Salle has said, "Its not a sin to have riches, but it is a sin to fix our hearts upon them." Unfortunately the western Church has been caught up in the pursuit of riches. Its rare to attend services where money isn't the main focus of the sermon or at least mentioned. We must remember what Christ has said concerning this, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [riches]" (Matthew 6:24). Those who are true servants of the Lord are busy doing what they can to reduce both types of poverty. What have you done to help the poor lately?
Pray with me... Loving Heavenly Father, we thank You for all that You have given us and all that You do for, in and through us. Keep us ever mindful that the only prosperity that matters is spiritual prosperity. In Jesus' name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
In the Gospel of St. Luke chapter 4, we see that Jesus went to Nazareth for a visit. As it was the Sabbath, He went into the synagogue to worship and was asked to give commentary.
They didn't realize who He truly was, so Jesus selected a passage from the book of the prophet Isaiah which predicted what the Messiah would do when He came. It's what we call a 'Messianic' passage, and it read; "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD" (Luke 4:18,19).
The Messiah was to bring the good news of the Gospel to both the physically and spiritually poor. Of course, God is concerned that people have food, clothing and shelter, but He is more concerned for those whose spiritual lives are lacking.
America is the wealthiest country in the world, but there are still people all around us that are poor in money and even poorer in spirit. Usually those who are the richest in money are the poorest spiritually and those rich in spirit are often the poorest in money. Even within the Church. John Baptist De La Salle has said, "Its not a sin to have riches, but it is a sin to fix our hearts upon them." Unfortunately the western Church has been caught up in the pursuit of riches. Its rare to attend services where money isn't the main focus of the sermon or at least mentioned. We must remember what Christ has said concerning this, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [riches]" (Matthew 6:24). Those who are true servants of the Lord are busy doing what they can to reduce both types of poverty. What have you done to help the poor lately?
Pray with me... Loving Heavenly Father, we thank You for all that You have given us and all that You do for, in and through us. Keep us ever mindful that the only prosperity that matters is spiritual prosperity. In Jesus' name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Jan. 20 - Bringing in the Sheaves
Greetings beloved,
Okay, I promise that today is the last day that we'll spend commenting on chapter 4 of the Gospel of St. John.
After Jesus' dialogue with the Samaritan woman she left to tell others she had found the Messiah, and the disciples arrived back at the well with food and urged Him to eat. Jesus declined saying to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" (John 4:34,35).
When Jesus looked out over this world He didn't see a world of no good, wicked people with no hope. Instead, He saw a world full of sinners ready to be harvested for God's kingdom. Jesus saw potential in us; potential to become children of the Living God, and that's the reason He was sent. Jesus charges His disciples with the task of 'Bringing in the Sheaves' when He says to them, "...he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors" (John 4:36-38).
It takes a team of farm workers to produce a crop. In the grape business one group plants, another dresses the vines, a third group does the picking. All have the satisfaction of contributing to the final product. Likewise, when a person is lead to accepting Christ as their Savior, the harvest is only the final step in the process. As Jesus commissioned His disciples to go out into the harvest and labor, so too are we under the same charge.
Bringing in the Sheaves is a popular Protestant hymn. The lyrics were written in 1874 by Knowles Shaw, who was inspired by Psalm 126:6, "He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Shaw also wrote music for these words, but they are now usually set to a tune by George Minor, written in 1880 and the lyrics succinctly sum up the responsibility of every Christian.
Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Refrain
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves,Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves,
Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,Fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;By and by the harvest, and the labor ended,We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Refrain
Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master,Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;When our weeping’s over, He will bid us welcome,We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Refrain
Are you Bringing in the Sheaves?
Pray with me... Heavenly Father, we ask that you help us to see the same potential in others as You do in us, and inspire within us a sincere desire to labor in Your fields which are ready for harvesting. Help us to be productive and teach us to Bring in the Sheaves. In Christ Jesus' holy name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Okay, I promise that today is the last day that we'll spend commenting on chapter 4 of the Gospel of St. John.
After Jesus' dialogue with the Samaritan woman she left to tell others she had found the Messiah, and the disciples arrived back at the well with food and urged Him to eat. Jesus declined saying to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" (John 4:34,35).
When Jesus looked out over this world He didn't see a world of no good, wicked people with no hope. Instead, He saw a world full of sinners ready to be harvested for God's kingdom. Jesus saw potential in us; potential to become children of the Living God, and that's the reason He was sent. Jesus charges His disciples with the task of 'Bringing in the Sheaves' when He says to them, "...he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors" (John 4:36-38).
It takes a team of farm workers to produce a crop. In the grape business one group plants, another dresses the vines, a third group does the picking. All have the satisfaction of contributing to the final product. Likewise, when a person is lead to accepting Christ as their Savior, the harvest is only the final step in the process. As Jesus commissioned His disciples to go out into the harvest and labor, so too are we under the same charge.
Bringing in the Sheaves is a popular Protestant hymn. The lyrics were written in 1874 by Knowles Shaw, who was inspired by Psalm 126:6, "He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Shaw also wrote music for these words, but they are now usually set to a tune by George Minor, written in 1880 and the lyrics succinctly sum up the responsibility of every Christian.
Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Refrain
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves,Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves,
Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,Fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;By and by the harvest, and the labor ended,We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Refrain
Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master,Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;When our weeping’s over, He will bid us welcome,We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Refrain
Are you Bringing in the Sheaves?
Pray with me... Heavenly Father, we ask that you help us to see the same potential in others as You do in us, and inspire within us a sincere desire to labor in Your fields which are ready for harvesting. Help us to be productive and teach us to Bring in the Sheaves. In Christ Jesus' holy name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Jan. 19 - The Anointed One
Greetings beloved,
Surprise, surprise! We're still in the Gospel of John chapter 4, examining at the account of the Woman at the well. In verse 25 the Samaritan woman, unaware of His true identity tells Jesus that she knows that Messiah is coming, and when He does He will explain everything. Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He" (John 4:26).
"Messiah" is a Hebrew word which means 'Anointed One.' In those days, prophets, priests and kings were all anointed when they took office. Jesus was anointed by God the Father to be all three. The Messiah is our intermediary between God and mankind, our Redeemer, our King of kings. The Jews wanted a Messiah that would satisfy their selfish national and political interests, one who would overthrow the Romans. But Jesus had other plans.
The Septuagint uses the word "Christos" (Christ) meaning 'anointed' 40 times to translate the word Hebrew word 'Messiah.' Most of today's world thinks that Christ is Jesus' last name and has completely forgotten the significance of the Messiah, our "Anointed One." Is Jesus just a good religious teacher to you or is He the Messiah, our anointed High Priest, our Eternal and Everlasting King?
Pray with me... Thank you, Oh Living and Eternal king for redeeming us and restoring our souls,
keep us ever mindful of the fact that You are our great and majestic Savior. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Surprise, surprise! We're still in the Gospel of John chapter 4, examining at the account of the Woman at the well. In verse 25 the Samaritan woman, unaware of His true identity tells Jesus that she knows that Messiah is coming, and when He does He will explain everything. Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He" (John 4:26).
"Messiah" is a Hebrew word which means 'Anointed One.' In those days, prophets, priests and kings were all anointed when they took office. Jesus was anointed by God the Father to be all three. The Messiah is our intermediary between God and mankind, our Redeemer, our King of kings. The Jews wanted a Messiah that would satisfy their selfish national and political interests, one who would overthrow the Romans. But Jesus had other plans.
The Septuagint uses the word "Christos" (Christ) meaning 'anointed' 40 times to translate the word Hebrew word 'Messiah.' Most of today's world thinks that Christ is Jesus' last name and has completely forgotten the significance of the Messiah, our "Anointed One." Is Jesus just a good religious teacher to you or is He the Messiah, our anointed High Priest, our Eternal and Everlasting King?
Pray with me... Thank you, Oh Living and Eternal king for redeeming us and restoring our souls,
keep us ever mindful of the fact that You are our great and majestic Savior. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Jan. 18 - Spiritual or Physical?
Greetings beloved,
Continuing to extrapolate on Chapter 4 of St. John's Gospel, we pick up at verses 17-19 and we see that because Jesus told the Samaritan woman about her past sinful condition, she believed He was a prophet.
This woman had been taught to go and worship at the Samaritan temple on Mt. Gerazim, but the Jews claimed that the only true temple was in Jerusalem, and so she proceeded to ask Him which was the right place to worship (John 4:19).
Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:21-24). In other words, it doesn't make a difference where you worship God, but how you worship Him. Because God is a Spirit, we must worship Him spiritually--with our hearts, not just with an outward show. Worship must be from the heart; honest and true.
God is not limited to one church building or location. We are able to worship God in prayer, praise, and the proclamation of His word whenever and wherever we are. Worship should be a way of life for the Christian individual. Robert Barclay says it like this; "All true and acceptable worship to God is offered in the inward and immediate moving and drawing of His own Spirit, which is neither limited to places, times, or persons."
The Bible says, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God..." (I Corinthians 6:19). Today, society spends countless hours and millions of dollars on physical fitness and body sculpting. If only there was as much time and effort spent building ourselves up spiritually. There needs to be a balance between the physical and spiritual. As the Bible tells us; "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (III John 1:2). Are you keeping in shape spiritually?
Pray with me... Heavenly Father, we do not have enough words to praise You, Lord You are beyond our ability to completely understand or express, we can only worship You in our hearts, lifting up our lives to You. Help us to build ourselves up on our most holy faith. In Jesus' name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Continuing to extrapolate on Chapter 4 of St. John's Gospel, we pick up at verses 17-19 and we see that because Jesus told the Samaritan woman about her past sinful condition, she believed He was a prophet.
This woman had been taught to go and worship at the Samaritan temple on Mt. Gerazim, but the Jews claimed that the only true temple was in Jerusalem, and so she proceeded to ask Him which was the right place to worship (John 4:19).
Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:21-24). In other words, it doesn't make a difference where you worship God, but how you worship Him. Because God is a Spirit, we must worship Him spiritually--with our hearts, not just with an outward show. Worship must be from the heart; honest and true.
God is not limited to one church building or location. We are able to worship God in prayer, praise, and the proclamation of His word whenever and wherever we are. Worship should be a way of life for the Christian individual. Robert Barclay says it like this; "All true and acceptable worship to God is offered in the inward and immediate moving and drawing of His own Spirit, which is neither limited to places, times, or persons."
The Bible says, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God..." (I Corinthians 6:19). Today, society spends countless hours and millions of dollars on physical fitness and body sculpting. If only there was as much time and effort spent building ourselves up spiritually. There needs to be a balance between the physical and spiritual. As the Bible tells us; "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (III John 1:2). Are you keeping in shape spiritually?
Pray with me... Heavenly Father, we do not have enough words to praise You, Lord You are beyond our ability to completely understand or express, we can only worship You in our hearts, lifting up our lives to You. Help us to build ourselves up on our most holy faith. In Jesus' name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Jan. 17 - Five Husbands?
Greetings Beloved,
From the account of the woman at the well, in chapter 4 of St. John's Gospel we see Jesus telling the Samaritan woman that His "Living Water" would last forever. She replied almost jokingly, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water" (John 4:15). If only the woman knew how serious He was. Jesus Knew all about her past and as we saw in Day 15's commentary, He revealed her sin by telling her to go and call her husband. The woman replied, "I have no husband" (John 4:16,17).
Jesus then said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband..." (John 4:17,18). Even though Jesus knew her sin, He was still there offering her the "Living Water" that would become in her a spring of water welling up into eternal life.
Now days there are so many broken marriages, both in the Christian and secular world. Of course, no marriage is perfect, husbands and wives offend each other but someone has to say, "I'm sorry," and that's hard. It's easier to walk out than to try and resolve the issues. Nevertheless, forgiveness is essential. Jesus said, "But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses" (Mark 11:26). A responsible relationship to the Lord and towards each other will keep marriages together and other relationships healthy. Are your relationships Christ centered or self-centered?
Pray with me... Almighty, Everlasting Father, we thank You that You are the source of our light, our love and our understanding. We pray that Your love will explode within us and in all of our relationships. Teach us to live without harsh words or unkind actions and keep us mindful that we shall give account of every word that proceeds from our mouths. We pray in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
From the account of the woman at the well, in chapter 4 of St. John's Gospel we see Jesus telling the Samaritan woman that His "Living Water" would last forever. She replied almost jokingly, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water" (John 4:15). If only the woman knew how serious He was. Jesus Knew all about her past and as we saw in Day 15's commentary, He revealed her sin by telling her to go and call her husband. The woman replied, "I have no husband" (John 4:16,17).
Jesus then said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband..." (John 4:17,18). Even though Jesus knew her sin, He was still there offering her the "Living Water" that would become in her a spring of water welling up into eternal life.
Now days there are so many broken marriages, both in the Christian and secular world. Of course, no marriage is perfect, husbands and wives offend each other but someone has to say, "I'm sorry," and that's hard. It's easier to walk out than to try and resolve the issues. Nevertheless, forgiveness is essential. Jesus said, "But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses" (Mark 11:26). A responsible relationship to the Lord and towards each other will keep marriages together and other relationships healthy. Are your relationships Christ centered or self-centered?
Pray with me... Almighty, Everlasting Father, we thank You that You are the source of our light, our love and our understanding. We pray that Your love will explode within us and in all of our relationships. Teach us to live without harsh words or unkind actions and keep us mindful that we shall give account of every word that proceeds from our mouths. We pray in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Jan. 16 - Living Water
Greetings beloved,
Today we will be continuing to examine the account of the 'Woman at the Well,' from the fourth chapter of St. John's Gospel. When Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a drink, He told her that if she knew who He was she would ask Him for a drink of "Living Water" (John 4:7-10).
She didn't understand what Jesus was speaking about and she said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:11-13).
Samaria was a dry and arid country as was most of Palestine, and in that environment water meant life. Because of this, prophets would often make a connection between the way people needed water and how a person's soul thirsted for God.
Now, most of us live where there is plenty of running water, but there are people not just around the world but here in our own country who are dying for the lack of it. In like manner there are souls all around us who are thirsty for God and dying for a lack of Him. Have you offered anyone a cup of "Living water" lately?
Pray with me... Lord, help us daily to see that others are perishing for a lack of You, that they need the Living Water that You provide and give us the boldness to offer it to them. In Jesus' name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Today we will be continuing to examine the account of the 'Woman at the Well,' from the fourth chapter of St. John's Gospel. When Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a drink, He told her that if she knew who He was she would ask Him for a drink of "Living Water" (John 4:7-10).
She didn't understand what Jesus was speaking about and she said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:11-13).
Samaria was a dry and arid country as was most of Palestine, and in that environment water meant life. Because of this, prophets would often make a connection between the way people needed water and how a person's soul thirsted for God.
Now, most of us live where there is plenty of running water, but there are people not just around the world but here in our own country who are dying for the lack of it. In like manner there are souls all around us who are thirsty for God and dying for a lack of Him. Have you offered anyone a cup of "Living water" lately?
Pray with me... Lord, help us daily to see that others are perishing for a lack of You, that they need the Living Water that You provide and give us the boldness to offer it to them. In Jesus' name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Jan. 15 - Give Me a Drink
Greetings beloved,
Chapter 4 of St. John's Gospel relates the account of Jesus and His disciples as they were passing through Samaria. It was noon on a hot, dry day when they stopped in a city called Sychar. Noticing that Jacob's well was there, after sending the Disciples to town to buy food Jesus being tired and thirsty sat down and rested.
As Jesus was sitting there, a Samaritan woman came to draw some water. Normally, Jews had a certain level of animosity towards Samaritans and didn't speak to them or have any dealings with them, but Jesus in all of His wisdom and compassion spoke to her saying, “Give Me a drink” (John 4:7).
St. John impresses upon us here that Jesus was human as well as divine, He was the 'Only Begotten Son of the Father,' but He was also the 'Word made Flesh' and He was tired and thirsty. He had no prejudice against the Samaritans and no doubt startled the woman when He asked her for a favor. Not only was Jesus willing to talk to a "woman" who was a "Samaritan," but she was probably an outcast from the town as noon was normally not the time for women to draw water.
What follows is a marvelous example of personal evangelism as Jesus had related to her on a physical level by asking for a drink (John 4:7). He then shifted the conversation to that of spiritual things by talking to her about "Living Water" (John 4:10). And this not only caught her deepest interest, it opened the way for a discussion about the inner life. Jesus was always sensitive to the needs of people that He met, and He knew how great her need was when He asked her to “Go, call your husband, and come here” (John 4:16).
She responded to this test of honesty when she said, “I have no husband” (John 4:17). Then being led by the Holy Spirit, Jesus exposed her sin, for she'd had five husbands and the man that she was presently living with wasn't her husband (John 4:18). When She realized that Jesus was a prophet (John 4:19), she tried to change the subject by asking Him if it was right to worship God on their Mount Gerazim instead of Jerusalem. Jesus responded by telling her, "...salvation is of the Jews" (john 4:22), and shifted their dialogue back to the spiritual. And finally, He revealed Himself as the Messiah (John 4:26).
The Samaritan Woman had been honest with Jesus, and whenever we come in honest faith to God, that faith is confirmed in His gracious acceptance. Her life was transformed and she left her burden of sin for a new moral start.
Some of us have trouble with prejudice. We've been taught to be proud of our cultural roots, proud of our nationality, education and social level. But we must remember that God created all persons equally and He is without prejudice. When we transcend our differences, lives can be changed and God can be exalted. He loved everyone, and He commands us to do the same. Is prejudice keeping you from faith and fellowship?
Pray with me... Father God, thank You for loving us all the same. Help us to see one another the way You see us, and help us to recognize the spiritual in our daily lives. In Christ Jesus' name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Chapter 4 of St. John's Gospel relates the account of Jesus and His disciples as they were passing through Samaria. It was noon on a hot, dry day when they stopped in a city called Sychar. Noticing that Jacob's well was there, after sending the Disciples to town to buy food Jesus being tired and thirsty sat down and rested.
As Jesus was sitting there, a Samaritan woman came to draw some water. Normally, Jews had a certain level of animosity towards Samaritans and didn't speak to them or have any dealings with them, but Jesus in all of His wisdom and compassion spoke to her saying, “Give Me a drink” (John 4:7).
St. John impresses upon us here that Jesus was human as well as divine, He was the 'Only Begotten Son of the Father,' but He was also the 'Word made Flesh' and He was tired and thirsty. He had no prejudice against the Samaritans and no doubt startled the woman when He asked her for a favor. Not only was Jesus willing to talk to a "woman" who was a "Samaritan," but she was probably an outcast from the town as noon was normally not the time for women to draw water.
What follows is a marvelous example of personal evangelism as Jesus had related to her on a physical level by asking for a drink (John 4:7). He then shifted the conversation to that of spiritual things by talking to her about "Living Water" (John 4:10). And this not only caught her deepest interest, it opened the way for a discussion about the inner life. Jesus was always sensitive to the needs of people that He met, and He knew how great her need was when He asked her to “Go, call your husband, and come here” (John 4:16).
She responded to this test of honesty when she said, “I have no husband” (John 4:17). Then being led by the Holy Spirit, Jesus exposed her sin, for she'd had five husbands and the man that she was presently living with wasn't her husband (John 4:18). When She realized that Jesus was a prophet (John 4:19), she tried to change the subject by asking Him if it was right to worship God on their Mount Gerazim instead of Jerusalem. Jesus responded by telling her, "...salvation is of the Jews" (john 4:22), and shifted their dialogue back to the spiritual. And finally, He revealed Himself as the Messiah (John 4:26).
The Samaritan Woman had been honest with Jesus, and whenever we come in honest faith to God, that faith is confirmed in His gracious acceptance. Her life was transformed and she left her burden of sin for a new moral start.
Some of us have trouble with prejudice. We've been taught to be proud of our cultural roots, proud of our nationality, education and social level. But we must remember that God created all persons equally and He is without prejudice. When we transcend our differences, lives can be changed and God can be exalted. He loved everyone, and He commands us to do the same. Is prejudice keeping you from faith and fellowship?
Pray with me... Father God, thank You for loving us all the same. Help us to see one another the way You see us, and help us to recognize the spiritual in our daily lives. In Christ Jesus' name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Friday, January 18, 2008
Jan. 14 - Pardon Me
Greetings beloved,
Getting back to Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in the Gospel of St. John chapter 3. Jesus had told Nicodemus that God freely offers eternal life in His kingdom, and He spelled out the broad outlines of the offer.
Jesus tells him that everyone is under the death penalty of sin and they can accept Jesus as their savior only during their lifetime. He says; "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18).
You see God requires a perfect keeping of His laws (the Ten Commandments). Unfortunately none of us can keep His laws perfectly, as it is written: “ There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one” (Romans 3:10-12). Sin is the breaking of these laws and all have sinned and fall short of God's glory (I John 3:4; Galatians 3:22; Romans 3:23). Furthermore, the penalty for breaking God's law is spiritual death. God has said in His word, "The soul who sins shall die... " (Ezekiel 18:20). Through faith in Jesus and His substitutionary death on the cross of Calvary our sins can be forgiven and we can be saved.
There are thousands of men and women in prisons around the world who are under the sentence of death and live out their days waiting for it to happen to them. Likewise, the death sentence has already been passed on to all of us (Romans 5:12), But God in His great love has provided a way to save us from it (II Peter 3:9; John 3:16). Are you still under the death penalty of sin or have you accepted God's pardon?
Pray with me... Heavenly Lord Jesus, because of You we are eternally safe from the death penalty of sin. Thank Youfor pardoning us. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Getting back to Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in the Gospel of St. John chapter 3. Jesus had told Nicodemus that God freely offers eternal life in His kingdom, and He spelled out the broad outlines of the offer.
Jesus tells him that everyone is under the death penalty of sin and they can accept Jesus as their savior only during their lifetime. He says; "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18).
You see God requires a perfect keeping of His laws (the Ten Commandments). Unfortunately none of us can keep His laws perfectly, as it is written: “ There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one” (Romans 3:10-12). Sin is the breaking of these laws and all have sinned and fall short of God's glory (I John 3:4; Galatians 3:22; Romans 3:23). Furthermore, the penalty for breaking God's law is spiritual death. God has said in His word, "The soul who sins shall die... " (Ezekiel 18:20). Through faith in Jesus and His substitutionary death on the cross of Calvary our sins can be forgiven and we can be saved.
There are thousands of men and women in prisons around the world who are under the sentence of death and live out their days waiting for it to happen to them. Likewise, the death sentence has already been passed on to all of us (Romans 5:12), But God in His great love has provided a way to save us from it (II Peter 3:9; John 3:16). Are you still under the death penalty of sin or have you accepted God's pardon?
Pray with me... Heavenly Lord Jesus, because of You we are eternally safe from the death penalty of sin. Thank Youfor pardoning us. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Jan. 13 - Mind Your Own Business
Greetings beloved,
Today is the Octave of the Epiphany, or the last of the Feast Days of Epiphany. While most Churches are remembering the Baptism of our Lord, I choose to comment on the Gospel reading for today as contained in the 1928 BCP. It is the account of a young Christ in the temple having dialogue with the religious scholars, and it's found in the Gospel of St. Luke chapter 2 verses 41-50. This account is the only glimpse we have in any of the Gospels of Jesus' boyhood.
Following all the events surrounding His birth, St. Luke tells us here that Jesus' parents were leaving Jerusalem after being there for a whole week celebrating the three feasts (the Feast of Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of First-fruits), and going back to Nazareth. Joseph and Mary had been travelling for a full day before they discovered that Jesus wasn't among them. Now they weren't being lax in their parental supervision; they were treating Jesus as an adult, which now that He was a twelve year old their custom demanded, and they thought that Jesus would meet up with them at a given point. When He didn't, they searched for Him among their kinsfolk and then turned and traveled back to Jerusalem to find Him.
After three days (referring to the third day after originally leaving Jerusalem), they found Jesus in the temple sitting in the midst of the most famous bible scholars of the day. St. Luke says that Jesus was, "...both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers" (Luke 2:46,47). Mary who undoubtedly had been worried said to Jesus, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously” to which Jesus replied; “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:48,49). In responding this way, Jesus was in no way discounting His love and loyalty for Joseph, His earthly father. Rather, I believe that Jesus' answer here was inspired by the Holy Spirit to awaken Mary and Joseph to His true mission and purpose, attending to His Heavenly Father's business.
ONE of the key component to living a happy, fulfilling and rewarding life is to live your life with a purpose.... WHY? Because if you are not living a life with any purpose, then you're not getting the most out of life. Instead, you'll be living for the sake of living and in many ways - living the life that other people dictate. Well the truth is, you were made by God and you were made for God. And until you understand that, life isn't going to make much sense. God says in Jeremiah 29:11; "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." God has a plan for our lives. We might try to live our lives the way we want to, but we will only really be of great value to anyone when we are doing what God has planned for us, when we are about His business. He has a very important plan for each of us, and God wants us to find it and fulfill it--all with His help, of course! When we discover what God’s business is for us, we find great joy in being what God made us to be. As a matter of fact, we’ll find a lot of satisfaction in doing things we never dreamed of. Are you busy doing your Heavenly Fathers business?
Pray with me... Everlasting Father, we thank you that you have a plan for our lives. Help us to discover Your business plans and and purposes for our lives and help us to be obedient to them. We want to be useful to you. In Jesus’ glorious name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Today is the Octave of the Epiphany, or the last of the Feast Days of Epiphany. While most Churches are remembering the Baptism of our Lord, I choose to comment on the Gospel reading for today as contained in the 1928 BCP. It is the account of a young Christ in the temple having dialogue with the religious scholars, and it's found in the Gospel of St. Luke chapter 2 verses 41-50. This account is the only glimpse we have in any of the Gospels of Jesus' boyhood.
Following all the events surrounding His birth, St. Luke tells us here that Jesus' parents were leaving Jerusalem after being there for a whole week celebrating the three feasts (the Feast of Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of First-fruits), and going back to Nazareth. Joseph and Mary had been travelling for a full day before they discovered that Jesus wasn't among them. Now they weren't being lax in their parental supervision; they were treating Jesus as an adult, which now that He was a twelve year old their custom demanded, and they thought that Jesus would meet up with them at a given point. When He didn't, they searched for Him among their kinsfolk and then turned and traveled back to Jerusalem to find Him.
After three days (referring to the third day after originally leaving Jerusalem), they found Jesus in the temple sitting in the midst of the most famous bible scholars of the day. St. Luke says that Jesus was, "...both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers" (Luke 2:46,47). Mary who undoubtedly had been worried said to Jesus, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously” to which Jesus replied; “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:48,49). In responding this way, Jesus was in no way discounting His love and loyalty for Joseph, His earthly father. Rather, I believe that Jesus' answer here was inspired by the Holy Spirit to awaken Mary and Joseph to His true mission and purpose, attending to His Heavenly Father's business.
ONE of the key component to living a happy, fulfilling and rewarding life is to live your life with a purpose.... WHY? Because if you are not living a life with any purpose, then you're not getting the most out of life. Instead, you'll be living for the sake of living and in many ways - living the life that other people dictate. Well the truth is, you were made by God and you were made for God. And until you understand that, life isn't going to make much sense. God says in Jeremiah 29:11; "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." God has a plan for our lives. We might try to live our lives the way we want to, but we will only really be of great value to anyone when we are doing what God has planned for us, when we are about His business. He has a very important plan for each of us, and God wants us to find it and fulfill it--all with His help, of course! When we discover what God’s business is for us, we find great joy in being what God made us to be. As a matter of fact, we’ll find a lot of satisfaction in doing things we never dreamed of. Are you busy doing your Heavenly Fathers business?
Pray with me... Everlasting Father, we thank you that you have a plan for our lives. Help us to discover Your business plans and and purposes for our lives and help us to be obedient to them. We want to be useful to you. In Jesus’ glorious name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Jan. 12 - God So Loved You That...
Greetings beloved,
Let us continue looking at the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus from the third chapter of the Gospel of St. John.
Knowing that Nicodemus was worried about his sins and judgement day Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
Eternal life with God is offered as a free gift, not as a reward; "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). A gift can't be earned, it can only be given and received. The Bible says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9). God loved YOU and I so much that, "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Christ's death on the cross of Calvary was the only remedy for the sins of this world, and it should ever be the object of our faith. By it God has proven His great love for all mankind, even those who bitterly hate Him.
God's offer still stands. It's a contract kept and protected by Him, all we need do is believe in and trust in Christ's substitutionary death on the cross. He died in our place, paying the penalty for the sins of this world. Have you accepted God's free love gift?
Pray with me... Father God, thank You for loving us so much that You gave up Your Son Jesus to die in our place. Thank You Jesus for going to the cross willingly, and for being our Savior. Strengthen our faith in and reliance upon Your finished work at Calvary. We plead this in Christ's name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Let us continue looking at the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus from the third chapter of the Gospel of St. John.
Knowing that Nicodemus was worried about his sins and judgement day Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
Eternal life with God is offered as a free gift, not as a reward; "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). A gift can't be earned, it can only be given and received. The Bible says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9). God loved YOU and I so much that, "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Christ's death on the cross of Calvary was the only remedy for the sins of this world, and it should ever be the object of our faith. By it God has proven His great love for all mankind, even those who bitterly hate Him.
God's offer still stands. It's a contract kept and protected by Him, all we need do is believe in and trust in Christ's substitutionary death on the cross. He died in our place, paying the penalty for the sins of this world. Have you accepted God's free love gift?
Pray with me... Father God, thank You for loving us so much that You gave up Your Son Jesus to die in our place. Thank You Jesus for going to the cross willingly, and for being our Savior. Strengthen our faith in and reliance upon Your finished work at Calvary. We plead this in Christ's name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Jan. 11 - What Do You Believe?
Greetings beloved,
Following yesterday's commentary from the Gospel of St. John chapter 3 we see the religious leader, Nicodemus still questioning Jesus (verses 9-12).
Nicodemus was a religious teacher but he still didn't understand. Jesus tried to use an earthly Illustration to help him understand the work of the Holy Spirit, but Nicodemus had another problem; he wasn't willing to believe what he was hearing about a new way of life. Jesus said to him, "If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?" (John 3:12). He spoke to Nicodemus with the authority and wisdom of the One who came from God. His life was different from all other men. His relationship with God the Father was intimate, and none like it had ever been seen. No one ever taught as Jesus did.
Jesus had all the credentials to speak about heavenly things, and those things are recorded in the Bible for our benefit and they are relevant for our day to day lives. Yet if we are unwilling to believe, nothing that Jesus said can help us. Do you believe what Jesus taught?
Pray with me... Thank You Heavenly Father for the words and teachings of Jesus in the Bible, they reach into the depths of our inner being, enable us to see clearly, and helps to put our thoughts aright. Help us to have faith in It and live according to what it says. In Christ's Holy name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Following yesterday's commentary from the Gospel of St. John chapter 3 we see the religious leader, Nicodemus still questioning Jesus (verses 9-12).
Nicodemus was a religious teacher but he still didn't understand. Jesus tried to use an earthly Illustration to help him understand the work of the Holy Spirit, but Nicodemus had another problem; he wasn't willing to believe what he was hearing about a new way of life. Jesus said to him, "If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?" (John 3:12). He spoke to Nicodemus with the authority and wisdom of the One who came from God. His life was different from all other men. His relationship with God the Father was intimate, and none like it had ever been seen. No one ever taught as Jesus did.
Jesus had all the credentials to speak about heavenly things, and those things are recorded in the Bible for our benefit and they are relevant for our day to day lives. Yet if we are unwilling to believe, nothing that Jesus said can help us. Do you believe what Jesus taught?
Pray with me... Thank You Heavenly Father for the words and teachings of Jesus in the Bible, they reach into the depths of our inner being, enable us to see clearly, and helps to put our thoughts aright. Help us to have faith in It and live according to what it says. In Christ's Holy name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Jan. 10 - Born of the Spirit
Greetings beloved,
The Bible relates in the Gospel of St. John chapter 3 how Jesus had been performing miracles in the temple. The Jewish leaders were carefully observing Him and one of them, Nicodemus, desiring to know more about the kingdom of God and to meet Jesus face to face, went to Him secretly at night.
Nicodemus said to Jesus “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:2-6).
To follow Jesus into the kingdom of God requires an inner spiritual change. In order to turn towards God, to receive Jesus Christ and receive this inner change we must turn away from our sinful ways (Repent). To repent is to change our minds. It's a conscious act of will; it means to turn our backs on our sins, and to experience a change of direction. Once we do this, God will begin speaking to our conscience through His Holy Spirit and His Word (the Bible). Baptism is the outward symbolism which signifies this inward change.
Today's world looks at Christians with disdain, considering Christians to be uneducated, narrow-minded dolts who place their faith in a handful of cleverly crafted fables. This could not be farther from the truth. Like Nicodemus, they just don't understand. Once a person is led by God's Holy Spirit to turn from their sins, stop trusting in themselves, and accept Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives, they become new people in attitude and motivation. Their eyes are opened to God's truth and His truth sets them free. This is what it means to be Born of the Spirit. Are you born of the Spirit?
Pray with me... Almighty God and Everlasting Father, help us to repent and turn from our sinful ways, grant us a change of heart, mind and direction. Help us to acknowledge Your Son Jesus as the Lord and Master of our everyday lives. Place Your Spirit within us that we may be born of Your Spirit. In Jesus precious name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
The Bible relates in the Gospel of St. John chapter 3 how Jesus had been performing miracles in the temple. The Jewish leaders were carefully observing Him and one of them, Nicodemus, desiring to know more about the kingdom of God and to meet Jesus face to face, went to Him secretly at night.
Nicodemus said to Jesus “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:2-6).
To follow Jesus into the kingdom of God requires an inner spiritual change. In order to turn towards God, to receive Jesus Christ and receive this inner change we must turn away from our sinful ways (Repent). To repent is to change our minds. It's a conscious act of will; it means to turn our backs on our sins, and to experience a change of direction. Once we do this, God will begin speaking to our conscience through His Holy Spirit and His Word (the Bible). Baptism is the outward symbolism which signifies this inward change.
Today's world looks at Christians with disdain, considering Christians to be uneducated, narrow-minded dolts who place their faith in a handful of cleverly crafted fables. This could not be farther from the truth. Like Nicodemus, they just don't understand. Once a person is led by God's Holy Spirit to turn from their sins, stop trusting in themselves, and accept Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives, they become new people in attitude and motivation. Their eyes are opened to God's truth and His truth sets them free. This is what it means to be Born of the Spirit. Are you born of the Spirit?
Pray with me... Almighty God and Everlasting Father, help us to repent and turn from our sinful ways, grant us a change of heart, mind and direction. Help us to acknowledge Your Son Jesus as the Lord and Master of our everyday lives. Place Your Spirit within us that we may be born of Your Spirit. In Jesus precious name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Jan. 9 - Prophetic Proof
Greetings Beloved,
In St. John's Gospel chapter 2 verses 13 - 25, we read that during the most important religious event of the Judaic year, how Jesus went up to Jerusalem to celebrate passover and to worship in the temple.
Upon arriving, Jesus found the temple overrun by merchants and money changers. After making a whip of cords He drove them out of the temple saying, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”
Now the religious leaders had heard rumors that people thought Jesus to be the Messiah that was promised by God, but they didn't believe it and they demanded proof by saying: “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” Jesus replied, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
To the religious leaders this statement seemed ridiculous. It had taken hundreds of people years to build the temple, how could one man rebuild it in three days? But Jesus was talking about His physical body and not the temple built by Herod. Jesus was proclaiming His divinity by prophesying His resurrection that would occur only three days after His death on the cross. Three years later, Christ proved to them what He prophesied when He rose from the dead.
Throughout His lifetime, Jesus made a series of claims about His own divine nature. When the religious leaders of the day challenged Him on it, He told them, "...You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” and “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He..." (John 8:23,24, 28). The Original Greek Texts of the New Testament do not contain the word 'He' in these verses, they actually read; "...if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins" and "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I AM..." Jesus purposefully used these phrases to point to His deity.
Mohammad is said to have been a prophet. Buddha is described as one who sought enlightenment. Confucius was merely a teacher of worldly wisdom. Only Jesus Christ claimed to be the eternal Son of God. He is God and He proved this when He fulfilled His own prophecy and was raised from the dead after three days. About five hundred people were witness to the fulfillment of That prophetic proof. Do you believe in this and other fulfilled prophecies that prove Jesus is God?
Pray with me... Lord Jesus, You are the rest for our souls. You are the peace for our inner man. You are the bread for our spiritual hunger. You are the healer of our diseases and the Saviour of our souls. You are God of God; Light of Light, Very God of Very God; help us to ever be mindful of this and worship You as the Lord and Master of our lives. In Your matchless name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
In St. John's Gospel chapter 2 verses 13 - 25, we read that during the most important religious event of the Judaic year, how Jesus went up to Jerusalem to celebrate passover and to worship in the temple.
Upon arriving, Jesus found the temple overrun by merchants and money changers. After making a whip of cords He drove them out of the temple saying, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”
Now the religious leaders had heard rumors that people thought Jesus to be the Messiah that was promised by God, but they didn't believe it and they demanded proof by saying: “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” Jesus replied, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
To the religious leaders this statement seemed ridiculous. It had taken hundreds of people years to build the temple, how could one man rebuild it in three days? But Jesus was talking about His physical body and not the temple built by Herod. Jesus was proclaiming His divinity by prophesying His resurrection that would occur only three days after His death on the cross. Three years later, Christ proved to them what He prophesied when He rose from the dead.
Throughout His lifetime, Jesus made a series of claims about His own divine nature. When the religious leaders of the day challenged Him on it, He told them, "...You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” and “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He..." (John 8:23,24, 28). The Original Greek Texts of the New Testament do not contain the word 'He' in these verses, they actually read; "...if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins" and "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I AM..." Jesus purposefully used these phrases to point to His deity.
Mohammad is said to have been a prophet. Buddha is described as one who sought enlightenment. Confucius was merely a teacher of worldly wisdom. Only Jesus Christ claimed to be the eternal Son of God. He is God and He proved this when He fulfilled His own prophecy and was raised from the dead after three days. About five hundred people were witness to the fulfillment of That prophetic proof. Do you believe in this and other fulfilled prophecies that prove Jesus is God?
Pray with me... Lord Jesus, You are the rest for our souls. You are the peace for our inner man. You are the bread for our spiritual hunger. You are the healer of our diseases and the Saviour of our souls. You are God of God; Light of Light, Very God of Very God; help us to ever be mindful of this and worship You as the Lord and Master of our lives. In Your matchless name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Jan. 8 - God's Abundant Grace
Greetings Beloved,
In the Gospel of St. John chapter 2 we find the first recorded miracle of Christ's public ministry, when He turned water into wine at the wedding of Cana in Galilee. We see that Mary Jesus' mother was invited to this wedding party which lasted several days. Jesus and five of His followers also attended.
The host of the wedding party quickly ran out of wine, and Mary appealed to Jesus saying, “They have no wine,” to which He replied, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” Knowing her son's gracious goodness and sincere compassion for others Mary confidently instructed the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Jesus then commanded the servants to take the jugs, fill them to the brim with water, draw some out and take them to the host (John 2:7,8).
The jugs or water pots were religious vessels, part of a traditional ritual cleansing ceremony, and each one held approximately 30 gallons of water. Jesus Changed the water to wine and the host proclaimed to the bridegroom that it was the best wine and praised him for saving the best till last. God's grace through Jesus is like the best wine; pleasing, abundant and excellent. The Bible says, "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11). His grace provides more than enough to meet our needs. Are you enjoying the abundance of God's grace in Jesus Christ?
Pray with me... Thank You Almighty, Loving Heavenly Father for the amazing reality of Your grace revealed to us through Jesus Christ Your Son. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
In the Gospel of St. John chapter 2 we find the first recorded miracle of Christ's public ministry, when He turned water into wine at the wedding of Cana in Galilee. We see that Mary Jesus' mother was invited to this wedding party which lasted several days. Jesus and five of His followers also attended.
The host of the wedding party quickly ran out of wine, and Mary appealed to Jesus saying, “They have no wine,” to which He replied, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” Knowing her son's gracious goodness and sincere compassion for others Mary confidently instructed the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Jesus then commanded the servants to take the jugs, fill them to the brim with water, draw some out and take them to the host (John 2:7,8).
The jugs or water pots were religious vessels, part of a traditional ritual cleansing ceremony, and each one held approximately 30 gallons of water. Jesus Changed the water to wine and the host proclaimed to the bridegroom that it was the best wine and praised him for saving the best till last. God's grace through Jesus is like the best wine; pleasing, abundant and excellent. The Bible says, "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11). His grace provides more than enough to meet our needs. Are you enjoying the abundance of God's grace in Jesus Christ?
"The Grace of God is found in His great love for sinners, in His longing to do them good. His Son Jesus Christ personifies grace, for by the offering up of His body, sinners are made whole and pure, once and for all." --- John Bunyan
Pray with me... Thank You Almighty, Loving Heavenly Father for the amazing reality of Your grace revealed to us through Jesus Christ Your Son. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Monday, January 7, 2008
Jan. 7 - An Honest Skeptic
Greetings beloved,
St. John's gospel records for us in chapter 1 verses 43-50, how Jesus went to the town of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee. This was the hometown of Andrew, Peter and Philip whom too had decided to follow Jesus. In the same way that Andrew had brought Peter to Jesus, Philip brought his friend Nathaniel.
Now, Nathaniel was a skeptic (a person who questions the validity or authenticity of something purporting to be factual). When Philip approached him concerning Jesus he said, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" to which Philip replied, “Come and see.” As they drew near, Jesus saw them and having already judged his character proclaimed of Nathaniel; “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” In other words, "Here is an honest man." Even though he was a skeptic, when he met Jesus, he changed his mind and in honest humility said, "You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"
When we try to explain Christianity to someone or the joys of following Christ, we often have a difficult time getting others to understand, especially unbelievers. The words we tend to hear are, "I just don't understand," or "I just don't see it." Of course you don't, you're spiritually blind. Try to explain a sunset to a blind man or the colors of a rainbow, he can't understand it, he's blind to it. The only way to see it or understand it is to have the spiritual blindness removed from your eyes, and only Christ can do that. Just as He opened Nathaniel's eyes, to the truth, He can open your eyes right now, and you can start to live and see a whole new world that you never knew existed if you will just honestly open yourself up to Him. If your first judgements of Christ and Christianity were wrong, will you be honest enough to change?
Pray with me... Almighty Everlasting Father, we humbly ask that You give sight to all who are spiritually blinded today, reveal Your truth to them that they might be set free. We give You thanks as we pray in Your Son Jesus' name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
St. John's gospel records for us in chapter 1 verses 43-50, how Jesus went to the town of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee. This was the hometown of Andrew, Peter and Philip whom too had decided to follow Jesus. In the same way that Andrew had brought Peter to Jesus, Philip brought his friend Nathaniel.
Now, Nathaniel was a skeptic (a person who questions the validity or authenticity of something purporting to be factual). When Philip approached him concerning Jesus he said, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" to which Philip replied, “Come and see.” As they drew near, Jesus saw them and having already judged his character proclaimed of Nathaniel; “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” In other words, "Here is an honest man." Even though he was a skeptic, when he met Jesus, he changed his mind and in honest humility said, "You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"
When we try to explain Christianity to someone or the joys of following Christ, we often have a difficult time getting others to understand, especially unbelievers. The words we tend to hear are, "I just don't understand," or "I just don't see it." Of course you don't, you're spiritually blind. Try to explain a sunset to a blind man or the colors of a rainbow, he can't understand it, he's blind to it. The only way to see it or understand it is to have the spiritual blindness removed from your eyes, and only Christ can do that. Just as He opened Nathaniel's eyes, to the truth, He can open your eyes right now, and you can start to live and see a whole new world that you never knew existed if you will just honestly open yourself up to Him. If your first judgements of Christ and Christianity were wrong, will you be honest enough to change?
Pray with me... Almighty Everlasting Father, we humbly ask that You give sight to all who are spiritually blinded today, reveal Your truth to them that they might be set free. We give You thanks as we pray in Your Son Jesus' name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Jan. 6 - Reflections on Epiphany
Greetings beloved,
January 6 is a day that the Church has chosen to celebrate the coming of the Wise Men, and they called it Epiphany, a Greek word that means appearance. There is another Greek word that has long been associated with that one, and it is Theophany, which means an appearance of God. In choosing to take on human form and be born of a woman for us, God’s great love is shown by His desire to be known by us, and to save us.
The “Magi” (Wise Men), arrived in Jerusalem from the East after following the Star of Bethlehem for many, many miles, which they believed was leading them to the birthplace of a new king. These religious scholars had no doubt been reminded by such scriptures as Genesis 49:10 and Micah 5:2 which tells where the Messiah would be born. After a brief encounter with Herod, they continued on and did indeed find Jesus Mary and Joseph living in a house in Bethlehem. They worshipped Jesus as King of kings and presented their gifts, and then were warned by God in a dream not to go back through Jerusalem or to report to Herod what they had found.
Just as the Magi worshipped Jesus with their best gifts, so too, when we approach Jesus in our daily relationship, we should worship Him with our best gift, ourselves. Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Under the Old Testament some of the Jews did not offer their best and were condemned for it. In Malachi 1:8 we read, "And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil?" Is it not just as evil today when we do not give God our best?
Under the New Testament we no longer offer animal sacrifices as the Jews did under the Old Testament; but we are to give our lives in service to Him as a living sacrifice. In doing this we must give Him our all. Anything we do for God must be our very best. Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” All our heart, soul, and mind, or in other words, our total being must be offered in our worship. Are you giving Jesus your best today?
Pray with me… Father God, as we worship you, help us to put aside all of our wants and wishes, and seek You first, Your kingdom and Your righteousness, with all that we are, heart, soul and mind. Help us Lord to be living sacrifices to You. In Jesus holy name we pray. AMEN!
God’s blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
January 6 is a day that the Church has chosen to celebrate the coming of the Wise Men, and they called it Epiphany, a Greek word that means appearance. There is another Greek word that has long been associated with that one, and it is Theophany, which means an appearance of God. In choosing to take on human form and be born of a woman for us, God’s great love is shown by His desire to be known by us, and to save us.
The “Magi” (Wise Men), arrived in Jerusalem from the East after following the Star of Bethlehem for many, many miles, which they believed was leading them to the birthplace of a new king. These religious scholars had no doubt been reminded by such scriptures as Genesis 49:10 and Micah 5:2 which tells where the Messiah would be born. After a brief encounter with Herod, they continued on and did indeed find Jesus Mary and Joseph living in a house in Bethlehem. They worshipped Jesus as King of kings and presented their gifts, and then were warned by God in a dream not to go back through Jerusalem or to report to Herod what they had found.
Just as the Magi worshipped Jesus with their best gifts, so too, when we approach Jesus in our daily relationship, we should worship Him with our best gift, ourselves. Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Under the Old Testament some of the Jews did not offer their best and were condemned for it. In Malachi 1:8 we read, "And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil?" Is it not just as evil today when we do not give God our best?
Under the New Testament we no longer offer animal sacrifices as the Jews did under the Old Testament; but we are to give our lives in service to Him as a living sacrifice. In doing this we must give Him our all. Anything we do for God must be our very best. Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” All our heart, soul, and mind, or in other words, our total being must be offered in our worship. Are you giving Jesus your best today?
Pray with me… Father God, as we worship you, help us to put aside all of our wants and wishes, and seek You first, Your kingdom and Your righteousness, with all that we are, heart, soul and mind. Help us Lord to be living sacrifices to You. In Jesus holy name we pray. AMEN!
God’s blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Jan. 5 - Not By Bread Alone.
Greetings Beloved,
In the gospel of St. Matthew chapter 4, we see Jesus, after being baptized, was led by the Holy Spirit out into the wilderness for prayer and meditation on God's word. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, not eating any bread or food, and afterwards He was hungry. Then the devil appeared to Him and tempted Jesus to eat by saying, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” Jesus rebuked him sternly with His reply; “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
As human beings we are composed of three aspects; spirit, soul, and body (Hebrews 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:23), and as such we must realize that just as it is important to feed and nourish our physical body, we must also nourish our spiritual self. God's word the Bible is spiritual food, and if we do not read it and meditate on it we can become spiritually weak, and ineffective as His witnesses.
Now days our society is super conscious of diet and nutrition, so much so that we have a television network devoted to food and hundreds of books containing the latest fad diets lining the shelves at our local bookstores. Truth is that bread, milk, fruits and vegetables aren't enough. We need to get our daily dose of spiritual nourishment as well. In my experience, the best way to accomplish this is an early morning quiet time with God for Bible reading and prayer (like the Daily Office). Contemplate the words of the Psalmist; "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:103-105). Are you spiritually starving or are you feeding on God's word?
Pray with me... Heavenly Father, help us to tap into the rich spiritual resources that Your word holds for us. As we read Your word Lord, we pray that You would nourish our spirits and cleanse our thoughts. Set our minds aright that we may see clearly to worship You. In Your Sons holy name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
In the gospel of St. Matthew chapter 4, we see Jesus, after being baptized, was led by the Holy Spirit out into the wilderness for prayer and meditation on God's word. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, not eating any bread or food, and afterwards He was hungry. Then the devil appeared to Him and tempted Jesus to eat by saying, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” Jesus rebuked him sternly with His reply; “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
As human beings we are composed of three aspects; spirit, soul, and body (Hebrews 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:23), and as such we must realize that just as it is important to feed and nourish our physical body, we must also nourish our spiritual self. God's word the Bible is spiritual food, and if we do not read it and meditate on it we can become spiritually weak, and ineffective as His witnesses.
Now days our society is super conscious of diet and nutrition, so much so that we have a television network devoted to food and hundreds of books containing the latest fad diets lining the shelves at our local bookstores. Truth is that bread, milk, fruits and vegetables aren't enough. We need to get our daily dose of spiritual nourishment as well. In my experience, the best way to accomplish this is an early morning quiet time with God for Bible reading and prayer (like the Daily Office). Contemplate the words of the Psalmist; "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:103-105). Are you spiritually starving or are you feeding on God's word?
Pray with me... Heavenly Father, help us to tap into the rich spiritual resources that Your word holds for us. As we read Your word Lord, we pray that You would nourish our spirits and cleanse our thoughts. Set our minds aright that we may see clearly to worship You. In Your Sons holy name we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Jan. 4 - Follow Me.
Greetings Beloved,
In chapter 4 of the gospel of St. Matthew in verses 18-22, we see Jesus walking along the shore by the Sea of Galilee. This sea was not a sea at all but rather a fresh water lake about 13 miles long, approximately 8 miles wide and about 160 ft deep. Along its shores were fishing villages and the fisherman were out working on their nets and catching fish. Jesus says, "Come, follow me... and I will make you fishers of men."
Two of the men who responded to Jesus' call were James and John the sons of Zebedee. They immediately left their nets and their boats and they followed Jesus. They left their homes, families and their livelihood to become disciples of Jesus and fishers of men. they would later be given the nickname the "Sons of Thunder." Along with Peter, they eventually became Jesus key followers.
Friends, having been a missionary myself, let me say that its not easy to give up home and family and all the luxuries of American living that we take for granted on a daily basis. As a matter of fact its rare for anyone to leave all and follow the Lord into the world. Missionaries represent only about .05% of our U.S. population. These are the selfless individuals who leave all that they know and travel to the ends of the Earth to do the Lords work.
The Bible says, "And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:27-30,33). In one of my favorite Christian Rock songs called "Crawl to China" by the band Tourniquet they beg the question; "Is God asking you to crawl to China - or just to cross the street?" Are you willing to go anywhere to serve the Lord?
Pray with me... Almighty and Everlasting Father, make us Your witnesses, that we might minister to the needs of others. Take us out into the world, Lord that we might share Your healing love with all. Use us we pray, in Jesus' name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Jan. 3 - Come and See!
Greetings beloved,
Following yesterdays commentary; two of John the Baptists disciples sought a dialogue with Jesus. They didn't want just a brief conversation but rather to fellowship with Him and a detailed interaction. And so, they asked Jesus, “where are You staying?” to which Jesus replied, “Come and see.” (John 1:38-39).
Jesus shows His interest in them by inviting them to where He was staying. Jesus took time to listen to them and most likely talked with them for hours, and the text further suggests that He led one of the two men, Andrew, to a new relationship with God.
When we encounter others who are seeking a right relationship with God, even those who lack a relationship with God, we should take time to meet with them, listen to them. A great way to evangelize others is to invite them into our homes. Remember Jesus' words, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32). Have you ever invited someone, a friend or a loved one into your home for the purpose of introducing them to Jesus?
Pray with me... Thank You Father that You are our Lord and Savior, help us to be Your witnesses in word and deed. For Your glory and in the name of Jesus Christ we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Following yesterdays commentary; two of John the Baptists disciples sought a dialogue with Jesus. They didn't want just a brief conversation but rather to fellowship with Him and a detailed interaction. And so, they asked Jesus, “where are You staying?” to which Jesus replied, “Come and see.” (John 1:38-39).
Jesus shows His interest in them by inviting them to where He was staying. Jesus took time to listen to them and most likely talked with them for hours, and the text further suggests that He led one of the two men, Andrew, to a new relationship with God.
When we encounter others who are seeking a right relationship with God, even those who lack a relationship with God, we should take time to meet with them, listen to them. A great way to evangelize others is to invite them into our homes. Remember Jesus' words, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32). Have you ever invited someone, a friend or a loved one into your home for the purpose of introducing them to Jesus?
Pray with me... Thank You Father that You are our Lord and Savior, help us to be Your witnesses in word and deed. For Your glory and in the name of Jesus Christ we pray. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Jan. 2 - What Do You Seek?
Greetings beloved,
After Christ's wilderness experience, Jesus returned to where John had baptized Him. The Bible says, in John chapter 1 verses 35-38 that, "Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” "
Jesus wanted to know what the two disciples were looking for. Were they God seekers looking for a spiritual leader, were they looking for religious rhetoric or debate. Maybe they wanted political discussion about the Romans?
You see friends, what we are seeking is a direct clue to what we value in our lives. some people are looking for political power with control of government and society. Others want health, wealth and financial security. Intellectuals pursue the satisfaction of knowledge and understanding, and some seek right relationships with each other and God. The Bible says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). What are you seeking?
Pray with me... Heavenly Father, help us to seek You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love others as ourselves. In Jesus name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
After Christ's wilderness experience, Jesus returned to where John had baptized Him. The Bible says, in John chapter 1 verses 35-38 that, "Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” "
Jesus wanted to know what the two disciples were looking for. Were they God seekers looking for a spiritual leader, were they looking for religious rhetoric or debate. Maybe they wanted political discussion about the Romans?
You see friends, what we are seeking is a direct clue to what we value in our lives. some people are looking for political power with control of government and society. Others want health, wealth and financial security. Intellectuals pursue the satisfaction of knowledge and understanding, and some seek right relationships with each other and God. The Bible says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). What are you seeking?
Pray with me... Heavenly Father, help us to seek You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love others as ourselves. In Jesus name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Jan. 1 - Worship God Only.
Greetings beloved,
The Bible tells us in the Gospel of St. Matthew chapter 4 verses 8 through 11 that, "Again, the devil took Him (Jesus) up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him."
The first of the Ten Commandments states, “I am the LORD your God... You shall have no other gods before Me." The devil knew this but he rejected God and His will, so he tried to tempt Jesus in His humanity saying, "Fall down and worship me and I'll give you all these things that you see." For Jesus to bow down before Satan it would have been for Him to acknowledge the devil's lordship. Such a proposition deserved Christ's immediate and direct rebuke. Jesus didn't strike Satan down with a mighty lightning bolt from heaven, but rather He defeated him with the written word of God used by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, a means that is still available to every Christian. Jesus said it, we must worship the LORD our God, and Him only shall we serve. Furthermore it is written, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him" (John 4:23).
The Ten Commandments are still in effect today. They are: (1) worship God only (2) no profanity (3) no idols (4) honor your parents (5) keep Sunday holy (6) no killing (7) no adultery (8) no stealing (9) no lying and (10) no jealousy [Exodus 20:1-17]. We love God and worship Him by keeping his commandments (John 14:15, 21; 15:10). What or whom do you worship these days?
Pray with me... We thank you oh living and eternal King for restoring our souls within us and for loving us enough to sacrifice your only begotten Son on our behalf. Help us to worship you by keeping Your commandments, for Your word says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever" (Psalm 111:10). In the name of our glorious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
The Bible tells us in the Gospel of St. Matthew chapter 4 verses 8 through 11 that, "Again, the devil took Him (Jesus) up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him."
The first of the Ten Commandments states, “I am the LORD your God... You shall have no other gods before Me." The devil knew this but he rejected God and His will, so he tried to tempt Jesus in His humanity saying, "Fall down and worship me and I'll give you all these things that you see." For Jesus to bow down before Satan it would have been for Him to acknowledge the devil's lordship. Such a proposition deserved Christ's immediate and direct rebuke. Jesus didn't strike Satan down with a mighty lightning bolt from heaven, but rather He defeated him with the written word of God used by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, a means that is still available to every Christian. Jesus said it, we must worship the LORD our God, and Him only shall we serve. Furthermore it is written, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him" (John 4:23).
The Ten Commandments are still in effect today. They are: (1) worship God only (2) no profanity (3) no idols (4) honor your parents (5) keep Sunday holy (6) no killing (7) no adultery (8) no stealing (9) no lying and (10) no jealousy [Exodus 20:1-17]. We love God and worship Him by keeping his commandments (John 14:15, 21; 15:10). What or whom do you worship these days?
Pray with me... We thank you oh living and eternal King for restoring our souls within us and for loving us enough to sacrifice your only begotten Son on our behalf. Help us to worship you by keeping Your commandments, for Your word says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever" (Psalm 111:10). In the name of our glorious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
Happy New Beginnings!
Greetings Beloved,
First let me wish you all a belated merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Let me also ask you to forgive me for not posting in a while, my family and I moved and it took us some time to get our internet connected. That plus all the hub-bub of the holiday season has kept me away, but praise God I'm back. For this new year, in the spirit of new beginnings I have resolved to post a daily commentary from the gospels and the book of Acts. Our journey will bounce back and forth through the gospels and prayerfully conclude in the book of Acts. I sincerely hope that you will join me everyday as we explore some of the sayings of our Lord from His word.
Furthermore, as this is the beginning of a brand new year, which is a new beginning of sorts, let me say that Jesus offers to every person a new beginning in their lives, regardless of what their past has been like. New Years resolutions come and go, but if you will resolve to make Jesus the Lord of your life (this is for believers as well as unbelievers), and realize that all past sins have been totally forgiven, all past debts paid in full, settled through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, you truly can have a new beginning that will never fail you! The Bible says; "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame" (Romans 10:9-11).
Pray with me... Heavenly Father, as we begin this new year, help us to trust in you to a greater degree, Lord we ask for your guidance in all that we say and do, and that you fill us with your Holy Spirit. Inspire us and empower us to serve you unashamedly. Warm our hearts, blossom our intellects, stimulate our imaginations and strengthen our physical bodies with health and longevity. Almighty God, as we seek you grant that we may serve you with joy and may our minds, hearts and hands reach out to those who are lost, suffering and in need. And this we beg for Jesus Christ's sake. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
First let me wish you all a belated merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Let me also ask you to forgive me for not posting in a while, my family and I moved and it took us some time to get our internet connected. That plus all the hub-bub of the holiday season has kept me away, but praise God I'm back. For this new year, in the spirit of new beginnings I have resolved to post a daily commentary from the gospels and the book of Acts. Our journey will bounce back and forth through the gospels and prayerfully conclude in the book of Acts. I sincerely hope that you will join me everyday as we explore some of the sayings of our Lord from His word.
Furthermore, as this is the beginning of a brand new year, which is a new beginning of sorts, let me say that Jesus offers to every person a new beginning in their lives, regardless of what their past has been like. New Years resolutions come and go, but if you will resolve to make Jesus the Lord of your life (this is for believers as well as unbelievers), and realize that all past sins have been totally forgiven, all past debts paid in full, settled through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, you truly can have a new beginning that will never fail you! The Bible says; "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame" (Romans 10:9-11).
Pray with me... Heavenly Father, as we begin this new year, help us to trust in you to a greater degree, Lord we ask for your guidance in all that we say and do, and that you fill us with your Holy Spirit. Inspire us and empower us to serve you unashamedly. Warm our hearts, blossom our intellects, stimulate our imaginations and strengthen our physical bodies with health and longevity. Almighty God, as we seek you grant that we may serve you with joy and may our minds, hearts and hands reach out to those who are lost, suffering and in need. And this we beg for Jesus Christ's sake. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
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