Not a hair of your head will perish

If the Gospel message is good news, then why do so many people treat Christians with contempt and hostility for their beliefs and practices? Jesus warns his followers that they will be confronted with wickedness, false teaching, persecution, as well as the temptation to renounce their faith when it is put to the test.

Satan destroys and kills - God restores and gives life 

The real enemy of the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ - is Satan (also called Lucifer), the powerful leader of the fallen angels who rebelled against God and who were cast out of heaven. Satan opposes God and all who follow his rule of peace and righteousness (moral goodness) on the earth. Jesus calls Satan a "murderer" who turns brother against brother and the "father of lies" who twists the truth and speaks falsehood (John 8:44). Satan not only opposes God's rule, he seeks to destroy all who would obey God. Satan will use any means possible to turn people away from God. He tempts people through envy, deception, hatred, and fear to provoke hostility towards those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is Jesus' response to hostility and persecution? Love, forbearance, and forgiveness. Only love - the love which is rooted in God's great compassion and faithfulness - can overcome prejudice, hatred, and envy. God's love purifies our heart and mind of all that would divide and tear people apart. Knowing God as our compassionate Father and loving God's word of truth and righteousness (moral goodness) is essential for overcoming evil. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear those who would oppose us or treat us harshly for following the Lord Jesus. He promises to give us supernatural strength, wisdom, and courage as we take a stand for our faith and witness to the truth and love of Christ.

The Gospel is good news for the whole world because it is God's eternal word of truth, love, pardon, and salvation (being set free from sin and evil) through his Son, Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus has won the victory for us through his atoning death on the cross for our sins and his rising from the grave - his resurrection power that brings abundant life and restoration for us. That is why the Gospel has power to set people free from sin, fear and death, and bring peace, pardon, and new life.

Endurance never gives up hope in God 

Jesus tells his disciples that if they endure to the end they will gain their lives - they will inherit abundant life and lasting happiness with God. Endurance is an essential strength which God gives to those who put their trust in him. Endurance is the patience which never gives up hope, never yields to despair or hatred. Patience is long-suffering because it looks beyond the present difficulties and trials and sees the reward which comes to those who persevere with hope and trust in God. That is why godly endurance is more than human effort. It is first and foremost a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to bear up under any trial or temptation.

Endurance is linked with godly hope - the supernatural assurance that we will see God face to face and inherit all the promises he has made. Jesus is our supreme model and pioneer who endured the cross for our sake (Hebrews 12:2). "God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus willingly shed his blood for us - to win for us pardon and peace with God. Our joy and privilege is to take up our cross each day to follow the Lord Jesus.

True martyrs live and die as witnesses of Christ and the Gospel of peace 

The word "martyr" in the New Testament Greek means "witness". The Book of Revelation says that "Jesus was the faithful witness ...who freed us from our sins by his blood" (Revelation 1:5). Tertullian, a second century lawyer who converted when he saw Christians singing as they went out to die by the hands of their persecutors, exclaimed: "The blood of the martyrs is seed." Their blood is the seed of new Christians, the seed of the church.

The third century bishop, Cyprian said: "When persecution comes, God's soldiers are put to the test, and heaven is open to martyrs. We have not enlisted in an army to think of peace and to decline battle, for we see that the Lord has taken first place in the conflict." True martyrs live and die as witnesses of the Gospel. They overcome their enemies through persevering hope and courage, undying love and forbearance, kindness, goodness, and compassion.

God may call some of us to be martyrs who shed their blood for bearing witness to Jesus Christ. But for most of us, our call is to be 'dry' martyrs who bear testimony to the joy and power of the Gospel in the midst of daily challenges, contradictions, temptations and adversities which come our way as we follow the Lord Jesus.

We do not need to fear our adversaries 

What will attract others to the truth and power of the Gospel? When they see Christians loving their enemies, being joyful in suffering, patient in adversity, pardoning injuries, and showing comfort and compassion to the hopeless and the helpless. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear our adversaries. God will give us sufficient grace, strength, and wisdom to face any trial and to answer any challenge to our faith. Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ and to bear witness to the joy and freedom of the Gospel?

Lord Jesus Christ, by your atoning death on the cross you have redeemed the world. Fill me with joyful hope, courage, and boldness to witness the truth of your love for sinners and your victory over the powers of sin, Satan, and death.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

They did not want me to reign over them

How does God establish his kingdom here on the earth? The Jews in Jesus' time had a heightened sense that the Messiah would appear soon to usher in the kingdom of God's justice, love, and peace on the earth (Isaiah 11:1-9). Jesus, in fact, spoke in messianic terms of the coming reign of God. Perhaps his entry into Jerusalem would bring about such a change and overthrow of Roman domination.

Advent ~ a season of self-preparation for the coming of Jesus

"Advent is synonymous with hope: 

not the vain waiting for a faceless god, 

but concrete and certain trust 

in the return of him who has already visited us," 
~ * ~ Pope St John Paul II ~ * ~

Repentance,
Penance,
and
Renewal

"the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,"
* Matthew 1:23 *

Work your miraculous wonders Lord, help me Lord sent forth your miraculous help, hear my cries in this time of affliction

The state of Penang in Malaysia was badly hit by flash-flood over the last weekend due to heavy rain downpour which started since 4th November mid-day, and continue till Sunday morning. Rain became heavier at about 2am Sunday early morning and with strong wind bring down trees, road signs and blowing of roofs. 

My house was also badly hit with water level raising above the knee. The flood water entered and rose very fast, therefore making it difficult for me to salvage and move thing higher. Many item were badly damage like wall in-built power outlets, electrical appliances, furniture, kitchen equipment and mattresses. The rain had stop and water subside, but the water level at river has not subsided and sea is high. 

Sky and weather does look that promising and I am worried the flood may come again if it rains heavily again. Please pray for me and all those effected by the flood that everything will be normal again and help will come to help replace/cover the lost and damage. 

I truly believe when we pray together for the same cause, he is with us and miracles will happen as the Lord has said � For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, hope, trust, and believe. Amen.

Heavenly Father, we come to you trusting in your mercy and knowing that your steadfast love endures forever. Look with mercy on those who have been affected by the floods. Grant them your strength to meet the days ahead and allow them to experience your peace which surpasses all understanding and new hope in the resurrection. 

Move in those who are able to give aid, that we may be your hands and heart on the earth. Be with all who offer your assistance; may your Spirit uphold them. To you face the challenges ahead. Give us the assurance of your presence even in this time so that we can cling to your promise of hope and life shown us through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.

Prayer for Peace of Mind and Heart

Eternal, Holy God, 

I come to You burdened 

with worries, fears, doubts, and troubles.

Calm and quiet me 

with peace of mind.

Empty me of the anxiety 

that disturbs me, 

of the concerns

that weary my spirit,

and weigh heavy on my heart.

Lord, You are with me today, tomorrow and for all eternity ~ Prayer

God, I cannot see Your face,

but my heart knows you are here.

I feel Your hand upon me 

when I am in need

and my soul hears Your whispering

"peace, be still"

when the storms of this world threaten me.

I look and Your work is easy to see

and I praise You 

for the miracles given to me.

Others may believe what the wish,

but as for me

there is no doubt at all in my mind,

You were with me yesterday,

You are with me today, 

tomorrow and for all eternity.

Amen.

Morning Prayer

O Lord God, Almighty

and everlasting Father,

You have brought me in safety

to this new day.

Lord, preserve me with Your Mighty power,

that I may not fall into sin,

nor be overcome by adversity,

and in all i do,

direct me to fulfilling

of Your purpose,

through Jesus Christ 

my Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

Grace to stand strong ~ Prayer

Father, I thank You 

for Your grace to stand strong

no matter what I am facing.

I choose to stay in faith.

I choose to keep praying.

I choose to keep believing, 

knowing that victory

is on the way for me

in Jesus' name. 

Amen.

Prayer for good weather

St. Medard, Patron Saint Against Bad Weather. St. Medard was born around 456 in Salency (near Noyon), France. He was one of the most honored bishops of his time. St. Medard died of an illness in 545 at the age of 89. Legend says that when he was a child, St. Medard was once sheltered from the rain by a hovering eagle.

Christ lives in me

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, 

but Christ lives in me. 

The life I now live in the body, 

I live by faith in the Son of God, 

who loved me and gave himself for me.

Lord, teach me the right way to pray.... Holy Spirit guide me

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" 

(Matthew 7:7)

"You do not have because you do not ask" 

(James 4:2)

"You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, 

that you may spend it on your pleasures" 

(James 4:3)

The necessity of prudent foresight

Do you make good use of your money and possessions? Jesus seemed to praise a steward (a manager entrusted with his master's goods) who misused his employer's money. What did the steward do that made Jesus praise him? The steward was responsible for managing his wealthy landowner's property. 

Home flooded - prayer needed, Lord in time of distress, hear us and grant your miraculous help

The state of Penang in Malaysia was badly hit by flash-flood over the last weekend due to heavy rain downpour which started since 4th November mid-day, and continue till Sunday morning. Rain became heavier at about 2am Sunday early morning and with strong wind bring down trees, road signs and blowing of roofs. 

The Litany of our Lady of Hope

*** Also known as Our Lady of Pontmain

Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Response for the following: Pray for us.

Love God above all things

"You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength."

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself"

Recall the Last Supper, He is surrounded by his disciples. He tells them a new commandment, "Love one another as I have loved you." So now, He says that our love for one another has to mirror Jesus' love for us. And, how did He love us? You can scarcely count the ways. For the love of us He became human, born of a teenage Jewish girl and grew up in a small village where everyone knew His every secret, except the big secret that He was not Joseph's son, but God's. For the love of us He walked the long dusty roads of Palestine, healing the sick and raising the dead, comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. He was hungry and thirsty with no place to lay His head.

Each word, each gesture was shaped of love and all of this crowned by the last great act of love, crucifixion. No greater love than this to lay down your life for your friend or for an enemy. Even crucifixion was not enough. He never stops giving, giving His very self. How many times have you heard these words, "This is my body given for you."? What does this all mean to you? With all that crowds in upon us, how is it possible today to love God above all things? The only way I know how to do that is not to just know about God but to come to know God, to have in some way experienced Him, to have Him touch you and you touch Him. Get to know God. You cannot love someone you do not know.

source: this week's reflection, Fr.Bob Warren, SA

Every one who believes in him will be raised up at the last day

Is your hope in this present life only? What about the life to come after our physical death? God puts in the heart of every living person the desire for unending life and happiness. While physical death claims each of us at the appointed time, God gives us something which death cannot touch - his own divine life and sustaining power.

God does not abandon us to the realm of the dead 

One of the greatest examples of faith and hope in the promise of everlasting life with God is the testimony of Job in the Old Testament. God allowed Job to be tested through great trial, suffering, and the loss of everything he had. In the midst of his sufferings Job did not waver in trusting God. In chapter 19 of the Book of Job, he exclaims:

" For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another" (Job 19:25-27).

Through testing and purification God strengthened Job in faith and abundantly rewarded him for his trust and hope in God's promises.

King David also expressed his unwavering hope in the promise of everlasting life with God. In Psalm 16 David prays,

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:9-11 NIV translation).

We wait with hope for the Lord to raise us up to everlasting life 

Jesus made an incredible promise to his disciples and a claim which only God can make and deliver: Whoever sees and believes in Jesus, the Son of God, shall have everlasting life and be raised up at the last day (John 6:40)! How can we see Jesus? The Lord makes his presence known to us in the reading of his word (John14:23), in the breaking of the bread, and in his church, the body of Christ.

The Lord Jesus reveals himself in many countless ways to those who seek him with eyes of faith (Hebrews 12:2, 11:27). When we read the word of God in the Bible the Lord Jesus - who is the Word of God - speaks to us and reveals to us the mind and heart of our heavenly Father. When we approach the table of the Lord, Jesus offers himself as spiritual food which produces the very life of God within us ( I am the bread of life, John6:35). He promises unbroken fellowship and freedom from the fear of being forsaken or cut off from everlasting life with God. And he offers us the hope of sharing in his resurrection - being raised again with him to abundant life that will never end. Do you recognize the Lord's presence in your life and do you long for the day when you will see him face to face?

The Holy Spirit is the key to growth in faith 

What is the source of faith and how can we grow in it? Faith is an entirely free gift which God offers us through his Son Jesus Christ. We could not approach God if he did not first approach us and draw us to himself. The Lord Jesus gives us his Holy Spirit who works in us to open our ears to hear God's word and to respond to it with trust and submission. The Holy Spirit is the key to our growing in faith. The Holy Spirit is our teacher and guide who makes our faith come alive as we cooperate with his help and and to his wisdom and instruction.

To live, grow, and persevere in faith to the end we must nourish it with the word of God. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) said: I believe, in order to understand; and I understand, the better to believe. Jesus promises that those who accept him as their Lord and Savior and submit to his word will be raised up to everlasting life with him when he comes again at the close of this age. Is your life securely anchored to the promises of Christ and his kingdom of everlasting peace,joy, and righteousness?

Lord Jesus Christ, your death and resurrection brought life and hope where there was once only despair and defeat. Give me unwavering faith, unshakeable hope, and the fire of your unquenchable love that I may know you fully and serve you joyfully now and for ever in your everlasting kingdom.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

All Saints Day (1 November) - Petition for the Prayers of the Saints

Oh all you saints and angels,

who see Him face to face,

and thou, most especially, ever blessed Virgin Mary,

in whose sacred womb He was conceived

and borne for nine months�

I most humbly beg the assistance of your prayers and intercession,

that I may in such a manner receive Him here in this place of banishment

and to be brought, one day,

to behold Him with you in our true home

and there to praise and bless Him for ever and ever. 

Amen.

Have you ever run away from God?

Thus says the LORD of hosts, 

"Return to Me," declares the LORD of hosts, 

"that I may return to you," says the LORD of hosts.

Zechariah 1:3

In reality it is hard to run away from a God 

who is everywhere.

God is merciful and compassionate.

see: Jonah 1-2

The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 

(2 Peter 3:9)

Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. 

(1 Peter 1:13-14)

Call upon our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ

Jesus is always there for us.

Saint Helen & A Prayer for Intercession

St. Helen, also known as St. Helena (d. 327 A.D.), was a woman of humble means from Asia Minor. She married the future Roman Emperor Constantius Chlorus, and their son Constantine was born in c. 272. Constantius divorced Helen in c. 293 to marry Emperor Maximian�s daughter for the sake of political gain. When her son Constantine became the Roman Emperor, St. Helen was given the imperial title �Augusta� and was treated like royalty. After Constantine legalized Christianity across the Roman Empire, St. Helen, a Christian convert, went to the Holy Land in search of the actual cross on which Christ was crucified, despite being in her 80�s. Helen questioned local Christians and Jews and learned that the cross was buried under the Temple of Venus. Helen had the temple demolished and excavated. There she discovered the Holy Sepulcher, three crosses, the board with Pilate�s inscription, and the nails which pierced Jesus� Sacred Body. In order to determine which cross was the Lord�s, the Bishop of Jerusalem touched them to a corpse, causing the man to come back to life. A second miraculous healing of a sick woman confirmed the discovery of the True Cross. Christians flocked to Jerusalem to venerate the Holy Cross. St. Helen then visited all the holy places of Jesus� life and built many churches over their locations, including at Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives, and the Garden of Gethsemane. St. Helen is the patron of divorced people, empresses, difficult marriages, converts, and archaeologists. Her feast day is 18 August.

source: MorningOfffering@FB

* * * * * *

A Prayer to St. Helena, for Intercession 

Holy and blessed Saint Helena, 

with the anguish and devotion 

with which you sought the Cross of Christ, 

I plead that you give me God's grace 

to suffer in patience the labors of this life, 

so that through them 

and through your intercession and protection, 

I will be able to seek and carry the Cross, 

which God has placed upon me, 

so that I can serve Him in this life 

and enjoy His Glory ever after. 

Amen.

All Soul Day - 2 November

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and 

let perpetual light shine upon them.

May the souls of the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God,

rest in peace.

Amen.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven

What is the good life which God intends for us? And how is it related with the ultimate end or purpose of life? Is it not our desire and longing for true happiness, which is none other than the complete good, the sum of all goods, leaving nothing more to be desired? Jesus addresses this question in his sermon on the mount. 

Holy Archangels Invocation

Archangel Michael 

stands in front of me.

Archangel Raphael 

stands to my left.

Archangel Uriel

stands behind me.

Archangel Gabriel

stands to my right.

Thank you for your

protection, healing light,

guidance, and divine communication.

Amen.

Connect with me now, Holy Archangels.

Prayer to the Archangels

St.Michael, St.Gabriel, and St.Raphael, please be with me today. Please hear and answer my prayers with your divine grace, intervention, and kindness, I love you all, please help me so that my prayer request all come true quickly, Amen.

(mention your request here)

Heavenly Father, you have given us Archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. Saint Michael is our protector, I ask him to come to my aid, fight for all my loved ones, and protect us from danger. Saint Gabriel is a messenger for the Good News, I ask him to help me clearly hear your voice and to teach me the truth. Saint Raphael is the healing angel, I ask to take my need for healing and that of everyone I know, lift it up to your throne of grace and deliver back to us the gift of recovery. Help us O Lord to realise more fully the reality of the Archangels and their desire to serve us. Holy Angels pray for us. Amen.

Thank you for Answering my prayers.

*** Say this for 3 days and then on the third day publish it.

Prayer before and after meals

Prayer before meals

Bless us, O Lord 

and these Your gifts 

which we are about to receive 

from Your bounty. 

Through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Prayer before meals

We give you thanks, 

Almighty God, 

for all Your benefits, 

who live and reign, 

forever and ever. 

Amen. 

May the souls of the faithful departed, 

through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

Amen.

Majesty of God ~ Psalm 93:1-2

The Lord is king, he is robed in majesty;

the Lord is robed, he is girded with strength.

He has established the world; it shall never be moved;

2 your throne is established from of old;

you are from everlasting.

God made you stronger ....

God didn't make you stronger than others 

so you could hurt them. 

God made you stronger than others 

so you can help them.

I came to cast fire upon the earth

Do you want to be on fire for God? Jesus shocked his disciples when he declared that he would cast fire and cause division rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind here?

Prayer for Healing

Father, thank you for loving us 

and calling out of darkness.

There are those of us 

in need of your healing virtue today, 

by His Stripes we are healed.

Father, we bind up all sickness and disease, 

and loose your healing virtue unto your children.

For those going into surgery, 

we loose guidance to the hands of the surgeons. 

Touch all the sick today 

and restore health to their bodies. 

In Jesus' precious name, 

Amen.

Prayer

Father, hold us in your caring arms.

Embrace us with your life-giving love.

Apply your resurrecting hands to our wounded places.

It is your power that heals, 

it is your will that we live in good health 

as our souls seek you.

Now in our time of need, deliver us from our afflictions. 

Amen.

Miraculous Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, you who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideal, you who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget all the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything, and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. To that end and submitting to God�s holy will, I ask from you� (mention your favour). Amen

*** This prayer should be said for 3 consecutive days. After the 3rd day, your sincere wish will be granted no matter how difficult it may be. Promise to offer thanksgiving by sharing it and expressing it on granting of your favour. The idea is to spread the wonder of the Holy Spirit.

source: Aria Maddison

Prayer to Holy Mother of the Son of God

Holy Mother of the Son of God, 

I pray to You for Your help in my hour of need. Holy Mother, please help me deliver my request to the Lord Jesus Christ 

(make request) 

and send the Holy Spirit to help me make this wish or miracle to become a reality. 

Forgive my sins and allow me 

to walk proudly as God�s servant. 

I accept Jesus Christ as my Savior and teacher to guide me towards the path of the righteous way of life. Thank You and praise the Lord God. 

Amen. 

*** Say prayer for 3 days then publish. The miracles you asked for will become a reality.

source: CLM

Praise God! No matter what

The deepest level of worship is praising God

in-spite of the pain,

thanking God during trials,

trusting Him when we are tempted 

to lose Hope and Loving Him,

when He seem so distant and far away.

At my Lowest, 

God is my Hope.

At my darkest,

God is my Light.

At my weakest,

God is my Strength.

At my saddest,

God is my Comforter.

Prayer seeking God's Grace

Lord, I know you are merciful. I've been taught that you provide grace and mercy in spite of my behaviour and in spite of my sins. You are a good God that comes to those that need You, no matter what. And Lord, I need you now in my life more than ever. I know that I'm not perfect. I know that my sins are not hidden from you. I know that, at times, I sin knowing it's a sin. I'm human, Lord, and while that's no excuse, I know you love me despite my human nature. Lord, I need you today to provide for me. I need your grace in my life to provide strength because I am weak. I face temptations every day, and I wish I could say that I always walk away. I cannot do it alone anymore. I just can't. I need you to give me the strength and provide me with the guidance to overcome these desires to sin. I need you to give me direction in darker times when I wonder if I can even face the next day. You can move the mountains that block my way in life. You can give to me what I need in my life. Please, Lord, I ask of you to come into my life and offer your grace. I am open to it and ready to accept it. Allow my heart to always be focused on You and make my desire to live for You. Lord, I know from the scripture that your grace is bestowed no matter what, so I just ask for it today. I may not always be perfect, but I strive to be better. Lord, help me be better. Help me see the clear, narrow path in front of me so I can walk in your ways and in your glory. In your name, Jesus I pray. Amen.