Living above the Circumstances of life

The promise is for you

2009-11-07T11:10:55-08:00

Just as promised, God raised His Son Jesus back to life -- eternal life -- on the third day after His burial. He was seen by His closest friends and over 500 of His followers before He went up into heaven before their very eyes. After His resurrection, his close friend Peter told a great crowd to repent from their sins and believe in Jesus Christ to be saved, "for the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call." This promise is for you!

There are many religions and prophets, but no one but Jesus Christ offers complete forgiveness from your sins and eternal life with God. He has already died for your sins; now you must put your faith in Him. "For 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." If you believe in Jesus, you can pray a prayer like this right now and receive the gift of eternal life.

Saturday's Gospel: "Lord Jesus, may the fire of your love burn in my heart

2009-11-07T18:47:27-08:00

Scripture: Luke 16:9-15

9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations.

10 "He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.

11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?

12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?

13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they scoffed at him.

15 But he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

ReflectionsWhat does "tainted money" (or "unrighteous mammon") have to do with heavenly treasure and eternal life? Jesus exhorts his disciples to be like the shrewd steward who used money generously to make friends and win for himself a secure and happy future (see the parable of the dishonest steward in Luke 16:1-9). Generous giving is connected with almsgiving – giving financial assistance to those in need (sell your possessions and give alms -Luke 12:33).

Those who receive alms become your friends because you are merciful to them in their time of need, just as God is merciful to you in your need for his forgiveness and help. What is the enemy of generosity? It's greed, the excessive desire for personal gain and security. True generosity does not impoverish the giver, but enriches that person a hundredfold! Generosity expands the soul; greed contracts it. God is generous and superabundant in lavishing his gifts upon us. We can never outgive God in what he has already given to us. Do you know the joy and freedom of generosity and liberality in giving to others what God has so richly given to you?

Jesus concludes his parable with a lesson on what controls or rules our lives. Who is the master (or ruler) in charge of your life? Our "master" is that which governs our thought-life, shapes our ideals, controls the desires of the heart and the values we choose to live by. We can be ruled by many different things – the love of money or possessions, the power of position, the glamor of wealth and prestige, the driving force of unruly passions and addictions.

Ultimately the choice boils down to two: God and "mammon". What is mammon? "Mammon" stands for "material wealth or possessions" or whatever tends to "control our appetites and desires". There is one Master alone who has the power to set us free from the slavery of sin and addiction. That Master is the Lord Jesus Christ.

God loves generosity and he gives generously and liberally to those who share his gifts with others. The Pharisees, however, had no room in their hearts for God. The gospel says they were lovers of money. Love of money and wealth crowd out love of God and love of neighbor. Jesus makes clear that our heart must either be possessed by God's love or our heart will be possessed by the love of something else. What does your heart most treasure?

The fairest flower

2009-11-07T19:00:11-08:00

Genuine humility isn't something we can announce very easily. To claim this virtue is, as a rule, to forfeit it. Humility is the fairest and rarest flower that blooms. Put it on display and instantly it wilts and loses it's fragrance. No, humility is not something to be announced. It simply belongs in one's life, in the private journal of one's walk with God.

Let's look up at the Virgin Mary and her humility...

There are two simple and quick ways God says the true condition of the heart is revealed. The first is through the eyes and the second is through the mouth. Keen counselors and wise people are careful to listen to words and watch the eyes of the others. You soon discover that the heart is like a well and the eyes are the tongue are like buckets that draw water from the same well. If true humility is not in the heart, the eyes will show it.

Sunday's Gospel: Joy and freedom of giving liberally to God

2009-11-07T22:57:00-08:00

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

38 And in his teaching he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes, and to have salutations in the market places

39 and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts,

40 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."

41 And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums.

42 And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny.

43 And he called his disciples to him, and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.

44 For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living."

ReflectionsWhat is true religion and devotion to God? Jesus warns his disciples against the wrong kind of religion. In his denunciation of the scribes (the religious experts of his day), he warns against three things: the desire for prominence rather than selfless service; the desire for deference and recognition (and seeking esteem from others) rather than seeking to promote the good of others through humble service and love; and thirdly, attempting to use one’s position (even a religious position) for self-gain and self-advancement.

True religion is relating rightly to God and to one’s neighbor with love, honor, and respect. The Lord puts his Holy Spirit within us that we may be filled with the joy of his presence, the joy of true worship, and the joy of selfless giving and love for others. True reverence for God frees the heart to give liberally, both to God and to neighbor.

Jesus taught his disciples a dramatic lesson in giving with love. Love doesn't calculate; it spends lavishly! Jesus drove this point home to his disciples while sitting in the temple and observing people offering their tithes. Jesus praised a poor widow who gave the smallest of coins in contrast with the rich who gave greater sums. How can someone in poverty give more than someone who has ample means? Jesus' answer is very simple: love is more precious than gold! Jesus taught that real giving must come from the heart. A gift that is given with a grudge or for display loses most of its value.

But a gift given out of love, with a spirit of generosity and sacrifice, is invaluable. The amount or size of the gift doesn't matter as much as the cost to the giver. The poor widow could have kept one of her coins, but instead she recklessly gave away all she had! Jesus praised someone who gave barely a penny – how insignificant a sum – because it was everything she had, her whole living.

What we have to offer may look very small and not worth much, but if we put all we have at the Lord's disposal, no matter how insignificant it may seem, then God can do with it and with us what is beyond our reckoning. Do you know the joy and freedom of giving liberally to God and to neighbor with gratitude and love?

Monday's Gospel: God's word enlightens our minds and purifies our hearts

2009-11-07T23:03:00-08:00

Scripture: John 2:13-22 [alternate reading: Luke 17:1-6]

13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers at their business.

15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.

16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; you shall not make my Father's house a house of trade."

17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for thy house will consume me."

18 The Jews then said to him, "What sign have you to show us for doing this?"

19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

20 The Jews then said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?"

21 But he spoke of the temple of his body.

22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.

ReflectionsWhat can keep us from the presence of God? Jesus’ dramatic cleansing of the temple was seen by his disciples as a prophetic sign of God’s action. The temple was understood as the dwelling place of God among his people. When God delivered his people from slavery in Egypt, he brought them through the sea, and finally to Mount Sinai where he made a covenant with them and gave them a new way of life embodied in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17).

God gave Moses instruction for worship and for making the Tabernacle, or tent of meeting, which was later replaced by the temple. The New Testament tells us that these “serve as a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary” – God’s Temple in heaven (Hebrews 8:5). Jesus’ cleansing of the temple is also a prophetic sign of what he wants to do with each of us. He ever seeks to cleanse us of sin and make us living temples of his Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Do you want to be holy as God is holy?

Jesus referred to the temple as his Father’s house which was being made into “house of trade” (John 2:16) or “den of robbers” (Mark 11:17). That is why he used physical force to expel the money-chargers. The prophecy of Malachi foretold the coming of the Lord unexpectedly to his Temple to “purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, till they present right offerings to the Lord” (Malachi 3:1-4).

Jesus' disciples recalled the words of Psalm 69: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” This was understood as a Messianic prophecy. Here the disciples saw more clearly Jesus as the Messiah who burned with zeal for God's house. The Jewish authorities, however, wanted proof that Jesus had divine authority to act as he did. They demanded a sign from God to prove Jesus right, otherwise, they would treat him as an imposter and a usurper of their authority. Jesus replied that the sign God would give would be Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the tomb: "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

The Jews did not understand that the temple Jesus referred to was his own body. The “tent of his body” had to be destroyed to open the way to the presence of God for us. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus not only reconciles us with God, but he fills us with his Holy Spirit and makes us temples of the living God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). God's word enlightens our minds and purifies our hearts that we may offer God fitting worship and enjoy his presence both now and forever. Do you burn with zeal for the Lord’s house?

Developing secure children

2009-11-08T11:42:27-08:00

If parents were to ask me, " What is the greatest gift we could give our young child?" i would answer rather quickly : a sensitive spirit. That is especially rare among busy parents who live under the demands of hurried schedules, constantly doing battle with the tyranny of the urgent. Nevertheless, my counsel to you would be, give your child the time it takes to find out how he or she is put together. Help your child know how he or she is. Discuss those things with your children. Help them know themselves so they would know how to love and accept mistakes. Then as they move into a society that seems commited to pounding them into another shape, they will remain true to themselves, secure in their independent walk with God.

I have begun to realize that secure, mature people are best described in fifteen words. They know who they are.. they like who they are.. they are who they are.. They are real.

Tuesday's Gospel: Pour out my life in loving service

2009-11-09T07:42:26-08:00

Scripture: Luke 17:7-10

7 "Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit down at table'?

8 Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink'?

9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?

10 So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"

ReflectionsAre you ready to give the Lord your best, regardless of what it might cost you? Perhaps we are like the laborer in Jesus' parable who expected special favor and reward for going the extra mile? How unfair for the master to compel his servant to give more than what was expected! Don't we love to assert our rights: "I will give only what is required and no more!" But who can satisfy the claims of love? Jesus used this parable of the dutiful servant to explain that we can never put God in our debt or make the claim that God owes us something.

We must regard ourselves as God's servants, just as Jesus came "not to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28). Service of God and of neighbor is both a voluntary or free act and a sacred duty. One can volunteer for service or be compelled to do service for one's country or one's family when special needs arise. Likewise, God expects us to give him the worship and praise which is his due. And he gladly accepts the free-will offering of our lives to him and to his service. What makes our offering pleasing to God is the love we express in the gift of self-giving. True love is sacrificial, generous, and selfless.

How can we love others selflessly and unconditionally? Scripture tells us that God himself is love (1 John 4:16) because he is the author of life and source of all relationships. He created us in love for love and he fills our hearts with the boundless love that gives whatever is good for the sake of another (Romans 5:5). If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12).

God honors the faithful servant who loves and serves others generously. He is ever ready to work in and through us for his glory. We must remember, however, that God can never be indebted to us. We have no claim on him. His love compels us to give him our best! And when we have done our best, we have simply done our duty. We can never outmatch God in doing good and showing love. God loves us without measure. Does the love of God compel you to give your best?

If...

2009-11-09T07:44:08-08:00

God corresponds with our prayers through the world, through the people around us, through our loved ones whom God entrusted to us, and through the special graces we receive in our constant human efforts to know Him and understand Him through our faith.

IF I leave the community where I currently belong and decide to live my life outside its portals, then that decision is purely coming from my heart . The action is not against God. I am not challenging God nor going against His commands with my action to leave His sanctuary. I am not defying Him nor dropping Him like a hot potato nor crushing Him like a fly on the ground.

MY faith in God does not end inside the confines of a Religious House. My faith in God continues to keep me alive and breathing and allows me to keep myself in constant communion and communication with Him even if I have to live within the abyss of a darkened city.

My faith in God is co-terminus with my life here down the earth and there up in Heaven. I am His child. He created me, so then; my personal relationship with Him should never end. If I leave the portals in a Religious community, then, the decision is coming from my heart and so God will understand me and will support me in this undertaking.

I will still see Him and meet with Him in the eyes of every ordinary human being in the world outside the four walls of a Religious dwelling place. I will still serve Him and rest assured that God will continue to love me and care for me and shower me with His bountiful blessings for as long as keep His precepts and commands.

eKaiser Insurance

2009-11-09T14:39:27-08:00

I would have to say most people do not undersand the importance of life insurance until they have lived through a the tragedy of a loved ones death and the impact of inadequate insurance coverage. Many people mean well and and always plan to have the insurance they need, but too many wait until it is too late. One of the number one reasons people die without the proper coverage is procrastination...and believe me I have heard all the reasons… can’t afford it,not enough time,shopping for the right coverage, so called work coverage and many more.

Are you looking for health insurance? Kaiser Insurance Colorado rate quotes are easily accessible online. You can find information about rates and plans for kaiser permanente Colorado in minutes, which offer competitive pricing and high quality coverage. And once you decide to become a member, you also have access to kp.org, the online service where you can email doctors, get information and refill prescriptions in minutes.

Kaiser Permanente offers health insurance plans aimed at meeting your needs. For details regarding coverage, click on each plan for a description of the Plan Highlights in their kaiser permanente site

Luckily , a friend of mine whol live in California can also get his plan to kaiser permanente California.

Insurance is important to protect yourself, your loved ones and others. It can be expensive and may seem like a waste of money when you don't make a claim. However, one time you really need it, you will realize how important insurance is to you.

Inward Equalities

2009-11-09T18:13:23-08:00

What is God looking for? He is looking for men and women whose hearts are completely His- completely.

God is not looking for magnificent specimens of humanity. He's looking for deeply spiritual, genuinely humble, honest-to-the-core servants who have integrity.

Today we live in a world that says, in many ways, If you just make a good impression, that's all that matters" But you will never be a man or woman of God that's your philosophy. Never.

You cannot fake it with Almighty. He is not impressed with externals. He always focuses on the inward equalities.. those things that take time and discipline to cultivate.

Wednesday's Gospel: Give thanks in all circumstances

2009-11-09T23:19:00-08:00

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Sama'ria and Galilee.

12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance

13 and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."

14 When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed.

15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice;

16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.

17 Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."

ReflectionsWhat can adversity teach us about the healing power of love and mercy? Proverbs states: A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17). When adversity strikes you find out who truly is your brother, sister, and friend. The gospel records an unusual encounter between people who had been divided for centuries. The Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with one another.

And they were openly hostile whenever their paths crossed. In this gospel narrative we see one rare exception – a Samaritan leper in company with nine Jewish lepers. Sometimes adversity forces us to drop our barriers or to forget our prejudices. When this band of lepers saw Jesus they made a bold request. They didn't ask for healing, but instead asked for mercy.

The word mercy literally means "sorrowful at heart". But mercy is something more than compassion, or heartfelt sorrow at another's misfortune. Compassion empathizes with the sufferer. But mercy goes further; it removes suffering. A merciful person shares in another's misfortune and suffering as if it were his own. And he or she will do everything in their power to dispel that misery. Mercy is also connected with justice. Thomas Aquinas said that mercy "does not destroy justice, but is a certain kind of fulfillment of justice. ..Mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; (and) justice without mercy is cruelty." Pardon without repentance negates justice.

So what is the significance of these ten lepers asking for mercy? They know they are in need of healing, not just physical, but spiritual healing as well. They approach Jesus with contrition and faith because they believe that he can release the burden of guilt and suffering and make restoration of body and soul possible. Their request for mercy is both a plea for pardon and release from suffering. Jesus gives mercy to all who ask with faith and contrition.

Why did only one leper out of ten return to show gratitude? Gratefulness is related to grace – which means the release of loveliness. Gratitude is the homage of the heart which responds with graciousness in expressing an act of thanksgiving. The Samaritan approached Jesus reverently and gave praise to God. If we do not recognize and appreciate the mercy shown to us we become ungrateful.

Ingratitude is forgetfulness or a poor return for kindness received. Ingratitude easily leads to lack of charity and intolerance towards others, as well as to other sins, such as discontent, dissatisfaction, complaining, grumbling, pride and presumption. How often have we been ungrateful to our parents, pastors, teachers, and neighbors? Do you express gratitude to God for his mercy towards you and do you show mercy to your neighbor?

Mercy for the miserable

2009-11-10T07:15:44-08:00

Mercy is a concern for the people in need. it has to do with assisting for those who suffer the consequence of disappointment, disease and distress. One of my mentors used to say," mercy is God's ministry to the miserable" And it does not stop with compassion or sadness over someone in dire straits; it means identifying with those who are hurting and imagining pain the pain they are having to endure, then doing something about it.

It's not simply some feeling of sympathy or sadness over somebody in trouble, but really getting inside the other person's skin, feeling what they feel, understanding their misery, and then helping them through it.

real happiness

2009-11-10T07:38:10-08:00

Real happiness is the ultimate goal of human life. This is the real measure of human purpose. The Purpose of God in creating the world and the human race is to be able to show and share His love for the world and for the human creatures as well as any living creature that He created.

The deepening relationship with God is such a big relative issue. All humans have their own level of understanding God. Such understanding is what makes the human person achieve faith. Faith is developed as the human person is born.

From childhood to adulthood, the human person is exposed to the so-many possibilities and realities that shaped his/her faith in God. Faith is developmental in a human person.

A child of five may have developed faith of the highest level than a 50-year old person whose faith is easily shattered and wrecked at the slightest provocation.

Faith is earned. We need such type of faith that will make us able to sustain enough understanding and knowledge of God and His existence. We need such kind of faith that will nourish our steadfast love for God and complete trust in His loving grace and merciful love. We need such kind faith that will enliven our lives with hopes for a better life ahead of us and well-being as a result of making good judgments of choosing human actions in realizing our goal to achieve real happiness in life.

If God so loved the world and His human creatures, will He do actions that will hurt His human creatures and cause them pain and suffering? I don’t think so. I would say, God loves His human creatures so much so that he even gave His only begotten Son and allowed Him to suffer and die for the sake of His redemptive act of love to humankind. Do you believe that? I do

when we commit mistakes

2009-11-10T08:10:18-08:00

When we commit errors, genuine errors I shall call them, because these errors are unintentionally done by our rationalizing minds, these errors must be noted, observed and understood, suffered through before they can be corrected. I have suffered so much from my errors in life which stole my freedom.

Errors need to be corrected. Humans are always open to commit errors in making decisions because humans do not always understand completely the rudiments of living life to the fullest. Humans do make errors that I can attest you. But humans can do reparations and errors can be corrected in matters of time. You know where to turn to in times when you bog down and mess up in life! Jesus Christ!

not a vengeful One...

2009-11-10T08:39:31-08:00

So, where does God taking revenge come in these pictured arguments? Have you violated the Precepts of God? Did you go against His words and commands? If you do, then you are liable to it and are therefore accountable to it.

But there is still hope for you. Want to get rid of the evil of such error you have committed against the commands of God? Then, grace is just what you need to be able to re-align your being with God’s grace.

The grace stripped from you is still the same grace that’s waiting for you to get re-installed and received through the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Go find a priest and confess your errors to God through His ordained minister. God does not take His revenge. Only humans do.

It is a fact: God does not take His revenge. God is not an avenging God. Is that what your religion teacher taught you in the elementary Christian Living education?

Is that what the ancient pre-Vatican II Church authorities taught the Christian believers?

Safe guarding

2009-11-10T08:50:57-08:00

Camera cases become convenient particularly if the person is a traveler or a tourist because while traveling to exotic places one has to walk around with the camera safely and the best way to protect the cameras are through camera cases.

Camera cases are very handy accessory which protects and safeguards our camera from being damaged to a great extent. Such camera cases are always preferred since it is always advisable to keep things handy so that those special photographic moments are captured.

Camera cases are generally meant for protecting and safeguarding the digital cameras from any kind of external shocks. Generally at the time of buying a camera, the shopkeepers provide a camera case, in case they don’t offer one should immediately opt for buying a camera case and sling camera bag as well.

Camera cases and bags are built in such a way that they ensure no humidity; dust or any other harmful substance can affect our cameras. It also provides shock resistance, so that in case the camera falls down it is still safe.

fridge locker

2009-11-10T08:52:46-08:00

Accidents are the main cause of injury and even death in children. People only relate accidents to traffic accident or accidents in outdoor activities. However, as a matter of fact, the place where people regard as the safest place–home–hides many “hazards”. The main cause of home accident is general negligence of safety at home. http://www.fridgelocker.com/ aims at providing fridge locker in preventing home accident.

Some food needs to be kept in the fridge to help stop bacteria from growing on it, such as food with a 'use by' date, cooked food and ready-to-eat food such as desserts and cooked meats. However, there are certain food that prohibit to kids.

It's normal to be a little anxious about our children's safety. The fact is, no matter how careful you are, they will have accidents, get hurt and get sick. If you're very fortunate...that's all. Knowing this, it wouldn't hurt to ask for a little more help than these tips can offer. The biggest child safety tip I can think of is to get help and wisdom from God. He can protect your child, heal an injured child and help you with the child safety anxiety all parents have. If you want God's help, click on help me God.

SEO company launches sites

2009-11-10T08:55:24-08:00

It is understood that the success of all businesses depend on the quality of the leads we are able to generate for that business. This is not limited to offline businesses alone, even online businesses require quality leads for its success. Online lead generation techniques vary greatly when compared to the offline lead generation methods.

One of the drawbacks of online businesses is that people will never come to know about your business unless you are highly visible on the internet. With the current level of competition in all the niche markets, gaining the needed visibility online is not that easy. Every business online is saturated with competition. If it is an offline business, it will at least attract curious visitors who pass by that side.

This is not the case when it comes to online businesses. We need to be aggressive with our lead generation strategies. Otherwise, our business will be virtually non-existent to your customers. There is no use having such a business.

Increasing online visibility is the goal of most online business owners. After all, without visibility, you have no traffic and thus no business. However, when you start to research how to increase your online visibility, you discover so many options, yet have so little time for research and implementation. Where does an online entrepreneur turn first to get the visibility (and traffic) you seek to help you promote your online venture?

SEO company does it for you.Getting relevant visitors, and changing them into paying customers. It's actually a pretty simple philosophy, but there's no one magic solution (except plain old hard work) that gets it done. By employing a series of 'best practices' across both your site and all internet marketing, Seo bring you the business you're looking for.

Thursday's Gospel: Be the Ruler of my heart and the Master of my life

2009-11-10T23:24:00-08:00

Scripture: Luke 17:20-25

20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, he answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed;

21 nor will they say, `Lo, here it is!' or `There!' for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you."

22 And he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you will not see it.

23 And they will say to you, `Lo, there!' or `Lo, here!' Do not go, do not follow them.

24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of man be in his day.

25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

ReflectionsWhat can lightning tell us about the coming of the Lord and his kingdom? The Jews is Jesus' time were watching in great anticipation for some sign which would indicate when the Messiah would appear to establish the kingdom of God. The Pharisees' question on this matter was intended to test Jesus since they did not accept him as the Messiah. Jesus surprised them with the answer that the kingdom or reign of God was already here!

Jesus spoke of the coming of God's kingdom as both a present event and an event which would be manifested at the end of time. The "Day of the Lord" was understood in the Old Testament as the time when God would manifest his glory and power and overthrow the enemies of his people, Israel. The prophet Amos declared that the "Day" also meant judgment for Israel as well as the nations (Amos 5:18-20). The prophet Joel proclaimed that at this "Day" those who truly repented would be saved, while those who remained enemies of the Lord, whether Jew or Gentile, would be punished (see Joel 2).

Why did Jesus associate lightning with the "Day of the Lord"? In the arrid climate of Palestine, storms were infrequent and seasonal. They appeared suddenly and unexpectedly, seemingly out of nowhere, covering everthing in thick darkness. With little or no warning lightning filled the sky with its piercing flashes of flaming light.

Its power struck terror and awe in those who tried to flee from its presence. Jesus warned the Pharisees that the "Son of man" (a title for the Messiah given in the Book of Daniel 7:13-15) would come in like manner, quite suddenly and unexpectedly, on the clouds of heaven to bring God's judgment on the "Day of the Lord". No special sign will be needed to announce his appearance. Nor will his presence and power be veiled or hidden, but all will recognize him as clearly as the lightning in the sky.

Jesus identified himself with the "Day of the Lord". "Son of man" was understood as a Messianic title for the one who would come not only to establish God's kingdom but who would come as Judge of the living as well as the dead. Jesus points to his second coming when he will return to complete the work of restoration and final judgment. While we do not know the time of his return, we will not mistake it when it happens.

It will be apparent to all, both believers and non-believers as well. When the Pharisees asked Jesus what sign would indicate the "Day of the Lord", Jesus replied that only one sign would point to that day and that sign was Jesus himself. Jesus surprised the Jews of his time by announcing that God's kingdom was already present among them in his very person – the Son of God sent from the Father to redeem the world from sin and destruction.

In Jesus we see the power and the glory of God's kingdom. His power overthrew the powers of darkness and sin. Jesus knew that the only way to victory was through the cross. On that cross he defeated death and canceled the debt of sin for us. The victory of his cross opens the way for us to become citizens of God's kingdom. Do you seek the coming of God's kingdom with joyful hope?

leave behind the past

2009-11-11T06:42:23-08:00

If we continue to live in illusions of the past and the fantasies of tomorrow, we will miss the presence of the risen Christ now at the present moment.

Let us start all over again. From the mistakes we have committed, God has forgiven us. Let us leave behind our past pains, hurts and wounds.

There is certainly a gateway to going back to life and be whole again from the brokenness and death of our lives caused by our past hurts, pains from wounds and traumas inflicted to us by our family members or loved ones.

From past sins we have committed, God has forgiven us. So, we must go on and forget the past. Let us trust in the mercy of God and go on with the ordinary things we normally do and we will discover God is there with us and for us.

from the heart

2009-11-11T07:24:26-08:00

When we do things from the heart, we are not afraid to be crazy and impractical.

When we do things from the heart, we are willing to act extravagantly and without self-consciousness.

When I call the biblical widow's gesture one from the heart, I do not only mean it was a gesture of emotion or feeling. Actions from the heart, are actions from the soul, right within, with or without emotion. That is why the widow was praised.

For the rest of our lives, we will be asked to make decisions.

If we could put more heart, more soul, into our decision-making, and less of analysis, planning and foresight, then we will hear the same blessing , addressed to the widow, addressed to us.

Online shopping of Bailey 44 dress

2009-11-11T07:49:45-08:00

The significance and the importance of the occasion of Anniversary can not be described in words. Are you wondering how to make this even mspecial occasion ore extra-special? Then why not give her Bailey 44 dress?

Bailey 44 clothes are designed to provide an extraordinary fit. Whether she prefer the look of an easy-breezy or are drawn to the simple lines of a Bailey 44 top or jacket, there is truly something for everyone in this contemporary line.These modern styles work on so many different levels - for the office, for social gatherings and so much more. She can wear these clothes again and again, giving them a prominent place in her closet for many years to come.

M. Fredric brings you an online shopping experience with the same men's, women's and children's trendy clothing that is offered in the chic M. Fredric designer boutiques in Southern California. The high-end fashion that they offer to their online customers includes designer shirts, dresses, shorts, jeans and so much more. Check out their site to look for a one of a kind gift.

You can make your marriage bond even more secured and memorable with the help of gifts.The anniversary gift can conveniently express your love and affection that you posses for your better half.

We all know this common saying that ‘Marriages are made in heaven’. The occasion of anniversary makes the sacred bond of marriage even more important. And with these great anniversary gift you can find the perfect gift to celebrate and wish your loved ones a happy wedding anniversary.

Affordable but looks expensive

2009-11-11T07:50:59-08:00

For many people, unique gifts are personalized special gifts that would not only surprise a person, but would also pass on a special message that would stay on forever.

After researching on different site to find unique gift for a friend, I came across to Spacify site wherein I found the real unique gift.Contemporary furniture will undoubtedly make a home look gorgeous. I do believe that a unique gift would be beautiful and have artistic value and of course can last forever. It also be affordable but looks expensive. Definitely brings surprises to the recipient.

God shows Himself to us in our darkest moments

2009-11-11T08:01:18-08:00

Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.

Who is more foolish, the child afraid of the dark or the man afraid of the light?

You must be strong now. You must never give up. And when people make you cry and you are afraid of the dark, don't forget the light is always there.

Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don't give up.

All of us are born with a set of instinctive fears - of falling, of the dark, of lobsters, of falling on lobsters in the dark, or speaking before a Rotary Club, and of the words "Some Assembly Required."

Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light. We all walk in the dark and each of us must learn to turn on his or her own light.

We all need to look into the dark side of our nature - that's where the energy is, the passion. People are afraid of that because it holds pieces of us we're busy denying.

A person will worship something, have no doubt about that. We may think our tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of our hearts, but it will out. That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping we are becoming.

God is the One we need to give us light in the darkest moments of our lives.

Folkloric beings

2009-11-11T08:06:16-08:00

This time, let's try the unimaginable ones. How about dealing with the dark sides of the world? Let me say, vampires, hmmm, sounds scary huh!...

We only see them in movies and oftentimes in books and legends passed on from generation to generation.

Vampires are mythological or folkloric beings who subsist by feeding on the life essence (generally in the form of blood) of living creatures regardless of them being undead or a living person. In folkloric tales, vampires often visited loved ones and caused mischief or deaths in the neighbourhoods they inhabited when they were alive.

However we cannot deny the fact that Dracula is so popular especially during Halloween season. Join the fun with other Vampire fans instantly in the FREE live-streaming webcam chatrooms! With tons of users, live webcams and tons of Vampire pictures and videos vampire chat room is the very best Vampire community online! Time to loosen up... Time to relax. Time to work on our imaginations on the scary stuff. The best medicine for an ailing stressful life brought about by the circumstances of life is not only to give ourselves that best smile, but to enjoy and be relaxed!