Matthew 8:24-26

Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”

Is this not what happens in each of our lives? Everything is going well when a sudden “storm” hits and pulls the rug out from under our “happy” lives. One of the most quoted comments of Jesus in the New Testament is, “Do not be afraid.” Know that in the midst of whatever storm you are experiencing…Jesus is ready to embrace you and be with you. The storms may still happen…but Jesus will bring you inner calm and peace. Try Him!

Dear Jesus…I am full of questions. Please be with me in my struggles!

Psalm 128:1

Happy are all those who fear the Lord, who walk in the ways of God.

We know that when we reverence God and when we are doing what honors God…we are indeed happy. But…we also know that many times we find ourselves doing the exact opposite…and then feeling disgusted inside. Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus revealed that our God knew that we were weak…but loved us anyway…and that he was willing to show us mercy, compassion and forgiveness…even when we rejected Him?

Lord…help me to do the same!

Matthew 7:21

“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.”

Don’t let Jesus’ words scare you. He is all about unconditional love! Jesus says this to shake us from the thought that we can “enter the kingdom” by lip service…or doing any kind of works. You can enter the kingdom in this moment…or shall we say…enter into God’s will for you…by following Jesus and cultivating a relationship with Him. As Jesus later makes clear in verse 23 in today’s reading…what He wants is to know you! When you know Jesus…the Kingdom of God enters the present and you will experience inner peace.

Acts 13:2-3

While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off.

When was the last time you “heard” the Holy Spirit “speak” to you? We believe the Holy Spirit is alive and well. The Spirit is still among us and “speaking”…but we must be open to “hearing.” Try taking five minutes of quiet time to clear your mind…sitting in silence…perhaps after reading a bible verse. You will certainly begin to “feel” in your heart…more than “hear” with your ears…the nudges of the Holy Spirit who is calling you to a unique mission for God.

1 Corinthians 3:4

Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.

St. Paul knew the love of God through the risen Christ. The God of destruction and punishment was the God Saul believed in before he was transformed by love into Paul…the man who now believed in and followed Christ. Jesus showed us how to love perfectly…loving despite being persecuted and finally hung on a cross…and still loving there…forgiving those whom had crucified Him. This is our God. Open yourself to this Love!

Matthew 5:14-15

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.”

You have a light inside you given by God…a light that is a reflection of your Creator. Remember…you are made in God’s image! Your unique light was meant to shine God’s light into the darkness of the world to bring hope, compassion, mercy and forgiveness. How will you shine your light the rest of this year…in the next month…in this day…in the next moment? You are the light of the world!

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The world says, “Happy are you who are rich in possessions, for yours is the kingdom of power, wealth and prestige.” Jesus says, “Happy are you who are attached to nothing…for yours is God’s kingdom…now!” In the Our Father we pray, “Thy kingdom come.” Dear God, give us the grace to let go of our attachments to things that will not last…so we can experience the joy of Your everlasting love.

Psalm 146:6-7

The maker of heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free.

God wants to set you free from whatever is oppressing you…whatever is holding you in bondage…whatever fixation is blocking you from God’s free-flowing, unconditional love. God wants to feed you where you are hungry and set you free. What in my life is my top priority? Is it God? Dear God…free me from what is oppressing me…and then open me to being Your instrument in freeing others from oppression…and feeding those who are hungry.

Mark 12:34

“You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

Jesus had just explained to a man questioning Him that the greatest commandment was to love God with all your soul, mind and strength…and to love your neighbor as yourself. When Jesus saw that the man believed this in his heart…He told him that he was “not far from the kingdom of God.” God’s kingdom breaks into the present when you are loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself. Dear God, help me to be a part of making “thy kingdom come” today!