Jesus is the way

02/01/2017

10/12/2013

Showing Faith

Read Matthew 13:1 through 14:36

“Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus (Matthew 14:29).

When the disciples saw someone walking on water, they were unsure who it was. Then, Jesus announced himself, and Peter asked to walk on the water. At first he walked, but then he started to sink. Jesus rescued Peter and admonished him for doubting when he saw the waves. However, the other disciples had sat in the boat and done nothing. Peter had little faith, but he had enough faith to get out of the boat.

Every day, Christians are challenged to demonstrate their faith. Some days this challenge is simply to not sin. At the same time, they have to show positive actions for Christ.

Such demonstrations of faith can be difficult, especially the first time, but each time you show your faith in Christ, it gets a little easier. At first, you may have trouble even telling your neighbor that you go to church. Later, you easily share your faith with people you’ve just met.

Challenge for Today: Find a way to demonstrate your faith.

Quicklook: Matthew 14:22–35

10/11/2013

Rest for the Weary

Read Matthew 10:1 through 12:50

For may people in the current live-fast society, the thought of rest seems too good to be true. The thought of taking a break from work and home projects is simply more than many people think they can plausibly do. However, continual work with no rest makes people more prone to errors, and the quality of their work goes down. Even though an old saying states that there is no rest for the weary, Jesus promises the opposite.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Personal problems can be just as wearing as work, maybe even more so. Fortunately, Jesus can take those too.

Imagine unloading whatever weighs you down, work or personal, and letting someone else take it. Jesus has promised that He will take your heavy burden from you. The burden He gives in exchange is light and easy to manage. When you are renewed, you will be able to do even greater things.

Prayer Suggestion: Ask Jesus to give you rest from a wearisome burden.

Quicklook: Matthew 11:25–30

10/10/2013

Is religious freedom the latest casualty of the government shutdown? Some priests are being actively prevented from ministering to service members and their families, even on a volunteer basis, and they run the risk of arrest if they disobey.

10/10/2013

Not Called to Comfort

Read Matthew 7:1 through 9:38

Some people come to God thinking that He will make everything in life great. While it sounds good, that is not the way things work. God does not take away a person’s problems, but He walks beside the hurting believer through troubled times. During His ministry, Jesus had problems in life even to the extent of not having a place to live.

Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).

Jesus lost followers because of this. They wanted to serve Him, but they wanted their security more. However, Jesus wants people who will follow even in the toughest times. He warned potential disciples so they could make informed decisions.

In your Christian walk, you will face trials. It may be tempting to pray that God will remove you from the situation, but you can serve Him wherever you are. You have been called to serve regardless of your comfort.

Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will use you in your current trials.

Quicklook: Matthew 8:14–22

10/10/2013

How far would you go to help someone you didn't even know? Sometimes when we think we've really got it bad until we hear...

10/09/2013

Motivated to Glorify God

Read Matthew 5:1 through 6:34

“Why did you do that, Becky?”

Becky shrugged. At first, she didn’t tell Elsa what she was thinking when she placed fifty dollars in the hat for Gavin, a coworker whose wife had just lost her job. She had put a note on the bills that read, “From Jesus.” Finally, she said, “He needs the money more than I.”

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

God doesn’t need the glory, but Gavin needed to know that Someone bigger than his problems cared. Many times, people only want to do the right thing so that others praise them. But God knows a person’s heart and motivation. It is better to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing.

Others often remember when Christians lose their temper or cheat. These actions give God a black eye, but the right actions show others how God has changed a person. And the right actions give others a reason to glorify God.

Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can do something to glorify Him.

Quicklook: Matthew 5:14–20

10/08/2013

Each of your prayer requests will be prayed for individually during our daily staff Rosary or in partnership with other prayer groups. Please fill out the form below and we will gladly add your prayer requests. Thank you. If you need to contact us…Read more ›

10/08/2013

Worthy of the Kingdom

Read Matthew 1:1 through 4:25

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham” (Matthew 3:8–9).

John the Baptist showed his repentance by living a life worthy of God. He did not rely on his ancestry to secure a place in heaven. He knew he had to have faith and live the life himself. When John spoke, people listened because they knew he was anointed. However, John also made powerful enemies and was killed for serving God. Yet, his actions are remembered even today because he lived a godly life.

God calls His people to live faithfully, even if they have to die for doing so. The testimony of a godly person’s life speaks volumes for the power of God. God can make anyone clean, but that person is then called to show it in daily life.

Living worthily is the best testimony anyone can have for what God has done in them.

Challenge for Today: Be faithful to God even in the small things.

Quicklook: Matthew 3:1–10

Daily Prayer Emphasis

10/07/2013

Doctors have been informed that they can carry out sex-selective abortions in certain circumstances, the Director of Public Prosecutions has disclosed.

10/07/2013

God Sees Your Service

Read Malachi 1:1 through 4:6

Does it seem like those who don’t serve God get all the glory? They advance in the business world and rise above others at work. They have nice houses and cars. Sometimes it may feel like Christians just keep plugging away, serving God, and feeling like they’ve gotten the short end of the stick, but it won’t always be this way.

“You will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not” (Malachi 3:18).

While others may not see a person’s service to God, God does, and one day God will make that service known.

In the meantime, remember that the unrighteous who seem to be getting ahead may have problems you don’t know about. And, unlike you, they can’t take those problems to God for help.

In the future, God will reward those who have served Him. That’s His promise and you can be sure that He will keep it.

Thought for Today: Even if your service today is not noticed by others, God notices.

Quicklook: Malachi 3:13–18