Inflame Their Hearts

Jesus said to his disciples: "Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you if I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned."

Lord Jesus, the Advocate is with us, inspiring, guiding, protecting, and leading us on the pathway to our way home to you. Although we cannot see him, our hearts are on fire for you because of him. Grant us the grace to remain faithful to the truth. And for those who are struggling in their lives with difficulties of this pressure filled life, that the presence of the Holy Spirit will inflame their hearts with your love and peace. Amen.

The Answer in a Song

Day after day destruction

When will we get along

Baiters separate us all

Is the answer in a song

Take the high road if abused

A blow for peace, be amused

Reaction is the natural to do

Maybe the answer is a song

Work together for peace and harmony

We all belong, the answer is a song

Find a pathway to healing

Resist the wheeling dealing

Decide to make real change

Even if they call you strange

Words of wisdom for the wise

Together finding compromise

Righting the many wrongs

Finding answers in a song

Work together for peace, in harmony

The words belong, the answer in a song

She Prevailed on Us

We set sail from Troas, making a straight run for Samothrace, and on the next day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, a leading city in the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We spent some time in that city. On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river where we thought there would be a place of prayer. We sat and spoke to women who had gathered there. One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in a purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, "if you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on us. 

Consideration: Dear Lord, may we follow the persuasion of our hearts with discernment, always mindful that in doing so we will exercise good judgement and the gift of the Spirit that resides in us. Amen.

The Spirit of Truth

I will never leave you, trust in me

In my commandments, follow me

Soon your hearts will long for me

The Father with love waits for me

I will be with you in a special way

You will never be alone if you pray

I will hear you and come quickly

You will never be orphans, believe

When you struggle, I will guide you

Fearful; I will calm the stormy way

Remember it was I that chose you

With faith, dwell in my love always

One day we shall be together again

There is much work to do until then

I am with you in everything you do  

The Advocate; and Spirit of Truth

Words of Truth

Jesus said to his disciples, "if you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot except, because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him, because he remains in you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will realize that I am in the Father and you are in me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."

Lord Jesus, help us to remain faithful and to keep your commandments. Allow the Holy Spirit to reside in our hearts that we may reside in your heart always. We love you dear Jesus, because you have revealed yourself to us in your words of truth.

Extend His Love and Peace

A long day in the ER room full of uncertainty. We never know what may come our way. Activity in the adjoining space, people in and out all day. The emotion was heavy in this grief filled room. I knew the feeling well, having been there myself. One by one, in and out of the door. Talked to a young man in the corridor. A somber look on his face, I said to him, "I'm sorry for your pain." "He's, my dad." He said to me. I asked him his name; "Douglas." he said. "I will say a prayer for him." With thanks he turned away. I prayed that the Lord would have mercy on his soul; and grant him eternal rest. Never be surprised if the Lord opens a door to serenity and places you there to extend his love and peace.

If the World Hates You

Jesus said to his disciples: "If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. if you belong to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, 'No slave is greater than its master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they keep my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all the things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me."

​Consideration: Jesus tells us when we are criticized and persecuted for our faith we have been chosen by him. Stand firm always and hold your head high when others scrutinize how you conduct your life, especially when it comes to faith, and family affairs. You have heard the Son; and know and believe in the Father who sent him. Amen.