July 18 - Actions

I've heard it said that to argue with a fool proves there are two in the room. We have but one truth, the living Word of God. No spoken words can be as profound. Yet even these do not break the barrier unless we are willing to act on them. Jesus showed the purest example of stating a case when He stood before Pontius Pilot. He spoke no words but Truth and let His actions say the rest.

It is God's Will that by your good deeds you should silence the ignorant talk of fools. - 1 Peter 1:15

Monday, February 11, 2013 - Actions

Yes, we know God can, but are we truly worthy enough that He would want to? If He wants to, is it right for Him to intervene? Would helping me hurt someone else? Am I more loved because he spared me and not another? Questions abound that can make our faith very shaky. And as long as we brood on these questions, we will never have an answer. Actions speak louder than words. When we find ourselves questioning God's motives, stop, for in all probability, we will never find the answers while we are still on this earth. What we must do is keep moving forward in faith. Place your thoughts into actions and become His hands to help another, His heart to love each other, and His voice to speak for another. When times are hard, we can be there in His compassion and hope. When we put our thoughts into action, we will find our answers. - Becki


They begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed - Matthew 14:36

Friday, February 8, 2013 - Self Knowledge

My mother used to say, "Be careful what you ask for.  It just may come true." Many times temptation enters into a split second decision. Pressure to act immediately may very well send us down a wrong path. For a person of prayer, these moments are less frightening when they occur. Walking closely with our Lord, makes us receptive to His discernment and our decisions become a whole lot easier. Facing a choice is so much easier with a clean heart and clear conscience.

When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." - Psalm 27:8

Thursday, January 24, 2013 - More

I love this quote:  "Jesus expects more from you because when you are with Him, you can do more". - Daniel Cardinal DiNardo in his homily to the St. Thomas Essay Finalists on January 23. May we always remember that Jesus is right there with us. - Becki

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

Friday, January 18, 2013 - Lies

Life is hard. We get stuck in a routine, a habit, or a job, and we lose site of the fact that our motives and perceptions have altered. Our views of success, morality, and integrity, become compromised with the viewpoints of the world and the unaccepted becomes the acceptable. We profess to be Christians, but live with a different perspective. We are caught in a lie. Sometimes our friends discover we are lying well before we realize it ourselves. They've seen us as we are, not as we want to be, and the good friend will point out our shortcomings in a loving way. Daily time with God is essential in learning to pass over the temptations of the world. Friendships based on Christ's love, bring accountability to one another and help us all walk a life of Truth. - Becki

 

Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous. – 1 John 3:7

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - Success

I have a to do list at work that spans over 30 pages of notes.  These notes are just the surface.  Beyond each prompt, lies an action that has to be completed in order for the project to be successful. To move forward, I have to do more than just read the notes, I have to react, respond, and physically complete the task. If I omit any part, the projected result is failure. God sends us multiple pages of notes and prompts: His Word given as Scripture. These notes for our life mean nothing unless we read through them, respond in prayer, and take action to make a difference in God's Kingdom. God has taken the first initiative, it is our turn now. In His Word, we will find success. - Becki

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11