Be Made Clean

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, "Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean." He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I do will it. Be made clean." His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them."

Consideration: The leper believed that Jesus could heal him; so much so that he had the faith and courage to approach Jesus and ask for this miracle. Jesus, moved with love and compassion, granted his request. 

Do we possess the faith of this man; and believe that our Lord is always near to us; ready to extend his love and compassion for us as well?

Pray for Peace

Believe it will come, it will come

Believe it will come, it will come

Believe it will come, it will come

Praying for love...Praying for peace

Believe it will come, it will come

No matter how dark it is

Believe it will come, it will come

If you give all you can give

Believe it will come, it will come

Reach out, in front of you

Praying for love...Praying for peace

Believe, believe, believe, believe

No mountain to high

Believe, believe, believe, believe

You have wings to fly

Believe, believe, believe, believe

Believe in the power of love

Believe it will come, it will come

Believe it will come, it will come

Believe it will come, it will come

Believe in love...believe in peace

Believe in love...Pray for peace...Believe!

Solidly on Rock

Jesus said to his disciples: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name? Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.' 

Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like the wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like the fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined."

​Consideration: Solid as a rock are not just words; they are words carved in stone. A structure built on solid ground adds to the stability and strength of what is placed on it. Jesus' analogy is true in building, and true in life. The more time we spend building our lives on the "Word of God" the more likely we are to survive and persevere through difficulties that are sure to come our way in life. Amen. 

The Works They Do

Jesus said to his disciples: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them."

Consideration: if you really want to know a person, don't listen to their alluring, or enticing words; watch their actions. Look at the people surrounding them, and, if what they say and do has a positive impact on those they claim to help. Is there sincere goodness and peace in the works they do? Many in authority have selfish, self-centered motivations. The words of Jesus are so true in every aspect of life: "By their fruits you will know them." So true! Amen.

The Narrow Gate

Jesus said to his disciples: Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. 
"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law of the Prophets.
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." 

Consideration: it is so easy to do the wrong thing in life. How many of us hear people say, "Everyone one is doing it." We know it's wrong, and yet, sometimes we give into the pressure and regret it afterwards. Remember, the Lord sent us the grace ahead of our action to realize it was sinful. How great it feels when we refuse to take the bait and resist the trap set before us. The Lord rewards those who stand firm to resist and pass through the narrow gate and constricted road; the reward that leads to eternal life. Amen.

Christ the King

​Empty words, silent chords, rhythms and melodies with no soul

I wish I could play gratitude for you; how much I love you in a song

I wonder if angels sing harmonies, adoring and praising, in eternity

 
What a joyous time it will be, when we hear the heavens rejoicing

Glory and praise to our God, he who is and will ever be 
Glory and praise to our God, all and all of all majesty
Glory and praise to our God, I Am of love everlasting
Glory and praise to our God, praise to Christ the King 

One day when time is no more, we will find our way home

There where peace resides, and love will forever live on

Our voices alive, words will flow out in melodies of praise

We shall be home with our Lord, forever praise his name

Glory and praise to our God, he who is and will ever be 
Glory and praise to our God, all and all of all majesty
Glory and praise to our God, I Am of love everlasting
Glory and praise to our God, praise to Christ the King

Stop Judging

Jesus said to his disciples: "Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you see the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye."

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us these simple words of truth. We are quick to condemn our brothers, without first condemning ourselves of being guilty of much worse. Grant us the grace necessary never to ridicule and condemn others; that we may assist each other on the road to glory. Amen.