Live the best Single Mingle Christian Sharing Lifestyle [even if you are married ;) ]: June 2008

Monday, June 30, 2008

ALLS - One Bread, One Body, 7/1/2008

Join us for the 22nd Annual Bible Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 25 -
August 2, 2008. The featured speaker this year is Dan Schneider. Much is
offered during this spirit-filled event so visit the link below for more
information. Online registration is now available.

http://www.presentationministries.com/bibleinst
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Tuesday, July 1, 2008, Bl. Junipero Serra

Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12, Psalm 5, Matthew 8:23-27
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/070108.shtml

ALLS

" 'What sort of man is this,' they said, 'that even the winds and the sea
obey Him?' " —Matthew 8:27

Jesus is all-knowing. "If evil befalls a city, has not the Lord caused
it?" (Am 3:6) Although the good God is not the immediate cause of evil, He
permits it and is aware of it. God knows everything.

Jesus is all-revealing. "Indeed, the Lord God does nothing without
revealing His plan to His servants, the prophets" (Am 3:7). The
all-knowing God does not keep His knowledge to Himself, but reveals His
plan to us, His people.

Jesus is all-powerful. There is nothing He cannot do. For example, He can
stop a violent storm with a simple command (see Mt 8:26).

Jesus is all-loving. He wants us to know what's happening so we can have
victory in all circumstances. He cares about us because He loves us.

Because Jesus is all-knowing, all-revealing, all-powerful, and all-loving,
we can be all-secure in His love and all-victorious over sin and Satan.

"Yet in all this we are more than conquerors because of Him Who has loved
us. For I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor
principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor powers, neither
height nor depth nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from
the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord" (Rm 8:37-39).

Give your "all" to the Lord, "so that God may be all in all" (1 Cor
15:28).

Prayer: Father, may I give all to enter Your kingdom (see Mt 13:44-46).

Promise: "The Lord God speaks — who will not prophesy!" —Am 3:8

Praise: Bl. Junipero Serra was untiring in his efforts to spread the
gospel to distant lands.

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from June
1, 2008 through July 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, January 4, 2008

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

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Sunday, June 29, 2008

"BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD MORALS"(1 Cor 15:33) - One Bread, One Body, 6/30/2008

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Monday, June 30, 2008, First Martyrs of Rome

Amos 2:6-10, 13-16, Psalm 50, Matthew 8:18-22
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/063008.shtml

"BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD MORALS"(1 Cor 15:33)

"When you see a thief, you keep pace with him, and with adulterers you
throw in your lot." —Psalm 50:18

Not many of us run the streets with thieves and adulterers (Ps 50:18) or
take our children to participate in immoral activities (Am 2:7-8). Yet
before we dismiss the above passage as irrelevant to our lives, let us
examine who we let into our lives through TV, movie screens, magazines, or
Internet browsers. It's commonly known that some entertainers are publicly
engaged in continuing lifestyles of adultery, fornication, or other
perversities. Any trip through an average supermarket checkout line
confirms this. Do we throw in our lot with adulterers (Ps 50:18) when we
can't wait to see their latest sitcom or movie, or hear their latest song?

Entertainers have no monopoly on sin. Athletes, government officials,
members of the media, "religious" people, parents, youth, and any other
human being can live unrepentant, sinful lifestyles. Amos accuses his
audience of not only being soft on sin, but of keeping up with sinners,
sin for sin. The psalmist eloquently describes the progression of falling
into a sinful lifestyle (see Ps 1:1):
* First, we listen to the thoughts of unrepentant sinners rather than
listen to God's thoughts on the subject.
* Next, we "keep pace" (Ps 50:18) with them, that is, imitate them by
walking "in the way of sinners" (Ps 1:1).
* Finally, we sit "in the company" of those who are firmly entrenched
in these lifestyles. That is, we join them and are hooked into that
lifestyle.

Repent of affection for sin by permissiveness toward sinners.

Prayer: Father, may those in the public eye who do not believe in You
repent, be converted, and lead many into Your kingdom.

Promise: "He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies Me." —Ps 50:23

Praise: The First Martyrs of Rome were able to courageously face death
because their strength came from the Victor over death.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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PM eNewsletter Sts. Peter and Paul apostles

June 29th, Sts. Peter and Paul apostles

Lord, your Church was started by You, and Your making
St. Peter the rock, and the leader of the apostles.

You also brought us the gentiles into Your church through
the preaching and teachings of St. Paul.

Jesus, give us this apostolic ferver to truly focus on You
as the most important person in our lives.

Let us truly make our lives revolve around You.

Let us realize that if we don't have You first in our lives,
all the cares and problems of living will eventually drag
us down, and put us into depression and anxiety.

You, oh! Jesus, are the way, the truth and the life, let
that fact cause us to be Christed in all of our ways, and
trusting You, and You alone, to bring all things to good.

Let us be light to this darkened world. Amen and Amen.

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.
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For more on the teachings of Father Al Lauer see the
home page of Presentation Ministries? Please take a look.

http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp
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One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday MAKE A BREAK

http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/29/2008

"The chains dropped from Peter's wrists." —Acts 12:7

Often we put ourselves in self-made jails of sin, fear, self-hatred,
unforgiveness, or confusion. We may even merit being
persecuted and thrown into a real jail. Nonetheless, no matter
what kind of jail we're in, we all need to know how to get out
of jail.

Like Peter, we get out of jail by:

communal prayer. "Peter was thus detained in prison, while
the Church prayed fervently to God on his behalf" (Acts 12:5).

putting on our belts (Acts 12:8). The truth is the belt which
protects our loins, the area of our sexual organs (Eph 6:14).
True, holy, committed relationships with brothers and
sisters in Christ help us overcome sexual temptations and
can get us out of jail.

putting on our sandals (Acts 12:8). Our sandals represent
"zeal to propagate the gospel of peace" (Eph 6:15). As we
proclaim the good news of forgiveness and reconciliation in
Jesus, we set ourselves and many others free from jail.

putting on our cloaks (Acts 12:8). In the Bible, the cloak is
sometimes a sign of discipleship (see 1 Kgs 19:19). When
we obey Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations
(Mt 28:19), we will not only be out of jail ourselves, but also
break others out of jail.

Jesus frees us from jail by calling us to communal prayer,
empowering us to be sexually pure, sending us to proclaim
reconciliation and forgiveness, and commanding us to be His
disciples and to make disciples of all nations. You can break
out of jail anytime you decide to accept God's grace. "Make a break."

Monday "BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD MORALS"(1 Cor 15:33)

http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/30/2008

"When you see a thief, you keep pace with him, and with
adulterers you throw in your lot." —Psalm 50:18

Tuesday ALLS

http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=7/1/2008

" 'What sort of man is this,' they said, 'that even the winds and
the sea obey Him?' " —Matthew 8:27

For more readings and inspiration from Presentation Ministries,
check us out at
http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp

Share an OBOB e-mail with a friend today! It's easy and
quick and it will make Jesus smile!

http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobDriveEmail.asp
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Brochures

" Over 90 Biblically based brochures. Many on topics you
don't usually hear addressed."

This Week's Featured Brochures

· How to Get Your Kids to go to Church and go to Heaven

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/KidsChurch.asp

· Paying and Receiving Interest

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/PayReceiv.asp

· Mission Impossible?

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/MissionImpossible.asp

· The Lord Laughs

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/TheLordLaughs.asp

Anecdotes on My Ministry of Evangelization
"Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!" —Philippians 4:4

I, Father Al Lauer, have had the privilege of preaching the
good news of Jesus throughout the USA and Canada for
several years. I have found the Lord to be always faithful
and often funny. The following anecdotes indicate this.

FAN MAIL
"For to His angels He had given command about you, that
they guard you in all your ways." —Psalms 91:11

Why do fan belts choose to wear out at 2:30 a.m. on the
expressway near Cleveland, Tennessee in the rain? Fan
belts could give out a block from home, on the driveway,
at the gas station, but that would be no fun. So they
wear out in the dark of the night, in a torrential downpour,
and in parts of the country that have just barely
discovered electricity. Even if your fan belt makes
a ...........

· Adoration and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/Adoration.asp

View All Brochures

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PM Internet Prayer Requests
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp

Please pray for Margaret that her fianancial needs will be
quickly resolved; and that reconciliation will take place with
her son. For my sister Pat who is a widow and hax not be
paid the rent owed her for the last five months. She is very
kind to the poor but ends up with financial diffculty with her
tenants who are needy.
(Anonymous, 6/28/2008 7:01:03 PM)

Dear brethren, Request you to join me in praying for all
people around us devoid of a job and not in a position to
support their dependants. I also pray for all catholic souls
who have left the church and are now away from salavation.
I pray for all those who are badly affected in their current
jobs because of bad managers, favoritism and politics.
Lord please hearken to the prayers of your children, we
are unworthy to stand before you but we know you care
for us and love us beyond our reasoning. Lord my God
please hear the cries of your children.
(A., India, 6/28/2008 11:54:39 AM)

Please pray from health and happiness for all my family
members. Please pray for blessing of our family business.
Please pray for my directions in life. Please pray for leading
me to my future wife. Thank you.
(T.D., Tyngsboro, MA, 6/28/2008 10:20:06 AM)

Never was it known that anyone who came before Thee
and asked for assistance was left unaided, Blessed Mother
I turn to Thee and ask for assistance with our tax troubles,
that they may be resolved with our being able to pay this
on a monthly basis; that MJ and her family are able to get
through M's cancer and treatments; that M, M and M all
give up some of their beer drinking; that B,H and M quit
smoking; that H is able to get into this new program and
able to lose half the weight she is carrying around for her
hearth sake; that J is able to be returned home to his
Mom 's house soon; that K and G are able to make things
work between them and that my Faith is deepened - for
this I pray.
(E., A small town, United States, 6/28/2008 7:41:08 AM)

Heavenly Father, in Jesus Christ's Holy Name I pray: For
the healing of marriages and the call of the young to three
vocations: Single for Chirst, Married and Religious
Consecration. I pray for an end to abortion and conversion
of the cultures of death to civilizations of love. I pray for the
healing and strengthening of all families. I pray for renewal
and revival in my own heart and throughout the world. I
pray that my gifts may be used only for Your greater glory
and never for wrongful reasons. I ask forgiveness and your
plans for all whom I have sinned against and I forgive
everyone who has done anything to offend me. Be merciful
on us all O Lord for we are a stiff-necked people. Teach
and bestow on us Fear of the Lord which is the beginning
of all wisdom while there is still time. Thank you Father; I
believe in you and trust you through the grace of you only
Son Jesus the Lord.
(D.N., 6/28/2008 6:52:47 AM)

Please pray for my friend Terry & I. Bless us with a strong
& comprehensible faith so that You are in the centre of our
lives always. Guide us so the choices we make are always
pleasing to You & are according to Your will. Forgive us for
all the sexual sins we have committed. Release us from all
ungodly soul ties created as a consequence of sin. Forgive
us for our involvement with the occult & please command
all connected spirits to leave us at once never to return.
Help us to change our sinful ways. Fill us with Your light &
love. Pour Your protection over us. Lord you know that I
have strong feelings for Terry & would like him to be the one
whom You choose for my spouse. Please reveal Your Will
in this matter. Terry has a girlfriend who has very little faith.
Since he has been with her he has stopped attending church.
Please do not allow him to be separated from You. Terry is
also struggling with his uni degree; please assist him &
guide him so that he passes.
(K., Australia, 6/28/2008 5:21:12 AM)

Please follow link to additional prayer intentions.
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp
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MP3 4 You

The internet ministry for PM is highlighting our downloadable
tapes online. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
are featured as well as The Acts of the Apostles Part 1 thru 4.
Take a moment and check the link below
http://presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?pubID=269
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Small Christian Communities

We believe the Lord is calling us to build hundreds of more
communities by raising up leaders who will form communities

PM's Small Christian Community Network
Learn about the Communities in our Network

http://presentationministries.com/community/hbcNetwork.asp

Small Christian Community Resources
Introduction to Small Christian Community

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/IntroCommunity.asp

"Unless the Lord Build the House..." — Psalm 127:

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/UnlessTheLordBuild.asp

Building Small Christian Communities (Team Manual)

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/CommunityManual.asp

Building Small Christian Communities (Guide Book)

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/CommunityGuidebook.asp

For more information contact: community@presentationministries.com
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Bible Telephone Line 2 NEW NUMBERS!

Atlanta 770 521-8570
Cleveland 440 572-4366
Cincinnati 859 291-7000
Columbus 614 470-0020
Dayton 937 640-2740
Indianapolis 317 767-5413
Long Island 631 574-2413
*Los Angeles 213 455-0872
*Miami 305 356-7638
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Listen Online!
Inspired teaching on the daily Scripture readings of the
Catholic Church by Fr. Al Lauer

Best of Daily Bread Radio Program
http://www.presentationministries.com/dbread/dbread.asp

__________________________________________________

Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth

Notable quotations from Pope Benedict XVI and official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

FREEDOM

"NEW HORIZONS"
This freedom in truth brings in its wake a new and liberating
way of seeing reality. When we put on "the mind of Christ" ...,
new horizons open before us.

"UNCHANGING TRUTHS"
May you find the courage to proclaim Christ ... and the
unchanging truths which have their foundation in Him.... These
are the truths that set us free!

THE SPIRIT AND FREEDOM
.. St. Paul tell[s] us that all creation is even now "groaning"
in expectation of that true freedom which is God's gift to His
children..., a freedom which enables us to live in conformity
to His will.

(Sources: Homily, Washington Nationals Stadium, 4/17/08;
Homily, Yankee Stadium, 4/ 20/08)
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2008-06.asp?navlink=latest
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PM Ministry List

" The Lord works through PM in many different ways. Below
you can find information about some of our ministries.

Bible Institute http://presentationministries.com/bibleinst/bi2005Home.asp

Word Gifts Ministry

http://presentationministries.com/general/prophecies.asp
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2008 RETREATS
Online Registration

2008 RETREATS

Jun 30 - Jul 1
Worship and Evangelization
Evangelization is simply inviting others to a personal encounter
with Jesus. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes
upon you, and you will be my witnesses... to the ends of the
earth" - Acts1:8. "Worship pleasing ...

Jul 1 - 2
Intercession and Healing
The Lord gave us authority over planet Earth (see Gen 1:28).
Thus, we have the responsibility to pray and ask in all
circumstances. The Lord also calls us to take one another's
place in prayer (see Ez 22:30). Probably every ..

Jul 3
Day of Eucharistic Adoration
"To adore means to love enough to want to converse with
Jesus present before us in the Blessed Sacrament. Learn to
give our Lord a detailed account of your soul and your life.
Know how to tell Him your thoughts, your desires, ..

Jul 4 - 5
How to Renew Your Parish
Pope John Paul II teaches: "It is necessary that in light of
the faith all rediscover the true meaning of the parish" (The
Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People). Imagine a church
of Spirit-filled people overflowing with ...

Jul 7 - 9
Building Christian Community
Christian community, by God's standards, is to accept
God's grace to become one with the Lord and our brothers
and sisters in Christ as the Father and Jesus are one
(Jn 17:21). Christian community is what we see in Jesus' ...

http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
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Saturday, June 28, 2008

MAKE A BREAK - One Bread, One Body, 6/29/2008

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Sunday, June 29, 2008, Sts. Peter & Paul

Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, Psalm 34, Matthew 16:13-19
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062908.shtml

MAKE A BREAK

"The chains dropped from Peter's wrists." —Acts 12:7

Often we put ourselves in self-made jails of sin, fear, self-hatred,
unforgiveness, or confusion. We may even merit being persecuted and thrown
into a real jail. Nonetheless, no matter what kind of jail we're in, we
all need to know how to get out of jail.

Like Peter, we get out of jail by:
* communal prayer. "Peter was thus detained in prison, while the Church
prayed fervently to God on his behalf" (Acts 12:5).
* putting on our belts (Acts 12:8). The truth is the belt which
protects our loins, the area of our sexual organs (Eph 6:14). True, holy,
committed relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ help us
overcome sexual temptations and can get us out of jail.
* putting on our sandals (Acts 12:8). Our sandals represent "zeal to
propagate the gospel of peace" (Eph 6:15). As we proclaim the good news of
forgiveness and reconciliation in Jesus, we set ourselves and many others
free from jail.
* putting on our cloaks (Acts 12:8). In the Bible, the cloak is
sometimes a sign of discipleship (see 1 Kgs 19:19). When we obey Jesus'
command to make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19), we will not only be
out of jail ourselves, but also break others out of jail.

Jesus frees us from jail by calling us to communal prayer, empowering us
to be sexually pure, sending us to proclaim reconciliation and
forgiveness, and commanding us to be His disciples and to make disciples
of all nations. You can break out of jail anytime you decide to accept
God's grace. "Make a break."

Prayer: Jesus, on this great feast day of Peter and Paul, set me free so I
will really be free (Jn 8:36).

Promise: "I will entrust to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." —Mt
16:19

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who broke our chains to mortality.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

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Friday, June 27, 2008

HOW MUCH MORE - One Bread, One Body, 6/28/2008

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Saturday, June 28, 2008, St. Irenaeus

Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19, Psalm 74, Matthew 8:5-17
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062808.shtml

HOW MUCH MORE

"Sir, my serving boy is at home in bed paralyzed, suffering
painfully." —Matthew 8:6

Imagine that you are the paralyzed servant. How traumatic to be unable to
move parts of your body! In addition, this servant was "suffering
painfully." (Paralysis and pain are an overwhelming combination.) The
servant was dramatically and instantaneously healed by Jesus, although
Jesus was not even near him (Mt 8:13). This long-range healing possibly
saved the servant's life and may very well have been the greatest event in
his life. How thankful this servant must have been to Jesus! How eager he
must have been to meet and even follow the Man Who saved his life!

Jesus has done much more for us than He did for the paralyzed servant.
Jesus has not just healed us from paralysis and pain, but saved us from
sin, Satan, hell, damnation, slavery, self-hatred, and misery. Jesus made
our salvation possible by dying and rising almost two thousand years ago.
This long-range salvation was the greatest event in history, and, if we
believe in Jesus, it will be the greatest event in our lives. How thankful
we must be to Jesus! How happy we must be to live for Jesus and follow
Him! How eager we must be to die in His grace, go to heaven, and see Him
face to face! (see 1 Cor 13:12)

Prayer: Jesus, may I rejoice to serve You, die for You, and see You.

Promise: "Many will come from the east and the west and will find a place
at the banquet in the kingdom of God." —Mt 8:11

Praise: St. Irenaeus converted heretics, wrote Against Heresies, and was
martyred for his faithful love for Jesus.

(For a related teaching, order our Risen Life series of tapes starting
with "Meeting the Risen Christ", a set of seven audio tapes starting with
AV 4A-1 or two set series of video tapes starting with V-4A.)

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Thursday, June 26, 2008

DIS-MEMBERED? - One Bread, One Body, 6/27/2008

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Friday, June 27, 2008, St. Cyril of Alexandria

2 Kings 25:1-12, Psalm 137, Matthew 8:1-4
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062708.shtml

DIS-MEMBERED?

"How could we sing a song of the Lord in a foreign land? If I forget you,
Jerusalem, may my right hand be forgotten! May my tongue cleave to my
palate if I remember you not, if I place not Jerusalem ahead of my
joy." —Psalm 137:5-6

For decades, I have been a cantor, musician, and worship leader. In these
roles, I constantly use my right hand and my tongue. God gave me these
members of my body, along with musical gifts, for use in His service. So I
can especially appreciate the oath sworn by the exiled psalmist. He
pledged to his Babylonian captors that he would rather lose his hand and
tongue, and therefore his primary way to make a living, than use his
God-given talents in a sacrilegious way (Ps 137:5-6).

Starving singers and actors often face the temptation to use their
God-given talents and physical beauty to accept roles in objectionable
films as a stepping stone to making it big. A politician might be tempted
to use his God-given "people-skills" illegally "just this once" to score a
big victory. When times are hard and people are just trying to get by,
they are strongly tempted to cheat, exploit the powerless at work, utilize
artificial contraception, sterilization, or abortion, etc. rather than
take up their cross and follow Jesus in faithfulness and trust (Lk 9:23).

It's better to lose our hands, tongue (2 Mc 7:10), or eyes (Mt 5:29) than
to use the gifts God gave us to act contrary to His will. God gave us
these gifts, and He also will give us whatever else we need (Mt 6:30).
"Seek first His kingship over you, His way of holiness, and all these
things will be given you besides" (Mt 6:33).

Prayer: Father, may I always glorify You in my body (1 Cor 6:20).

Promise: "Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him and said, 'I do
will it. Be cured.' Immediately the man's leprosy disappeared." —Mt 8:3

Praise: St. Cyril used his gifts to speak and preach the truth. God used
St. Cyril to foster unity in a conflicted church.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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When Kings go out to battle

There are many examples of David's valor. As a young man, for instance,
while others trembled, David was ready and eager to face Goliath. David is
an example of one whom God chose, whose passions for God sustained him for
most of his life.

Yet David also provides an example of what happens to good people when they
go passive when they should be fighting. For there was an occasion when
David did not pursue his enemies and the consequences were grave. It
happened because he allowed a passive spirit to subdue his will.

"Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle,
that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they
destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at
Jerusalem" (2 Sam.11:1).

During a time of war, the king allowed a passive spirit to immobilize his
soul. Soon we find this great warrior king almost helpless to resist the
unfolding spiritual attack.

"Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the
roof of the king's house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the
woman was very beautiful in appearance" (2 Sam. 11:2).

The woman was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. From the moment David accepted
the influence of that passive spirit, his resistance was weakened; a
paralysis of conscience occurred. Scripture says that "when evening came
David arose from his bed." Perhaps it was customary to rest in the
afternoon, but it strikes me as inconsistent for David to nap while his men
fought. It is possible that this nap was not a response to a bodily need but
an expression of the slumber that gripped his soul. He was in bed until
"evening."

This heaviness of soul resting on David was actually part of a larger,
synchronized spiritual attack. The other part of that battle was the quiet,
inner prompting that stirred Bathsheba to bathe in a place where David could
see her. Finally, unable to resist, and in defiance of his noble qualities,
David "sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with
her" (2 Sam. 11:4).

Dear friend, remember: This terrible moral failure was not driven by David's
lust or flagrant rebellion to God. A passive spirit introduced David to his
sin! The problem was simply that, in a time when the kings went forth to
war, David stayed at home.

We ourselves are in a time of war. The Spirit of God is calling us to fight
for our souls as well as our families, cities and nations. Indeed, God's
Word reveals that "The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His
zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry.
He will prevail against His enemies" (Isa. 42:13).

Is that holy fight in you? Is there a war cry in your spirit? If you are
born again, that cry is within you, even if it has been muted by lethargy.

We will never succeed as overcomers without carrying in our spirits the war
cry of God. We must stop resisting the call to prayer; we must embrace the
reality of spiritual warfare; and we must fight with the weapons of warfare
that God has given us, both for our own progress and also on behalf of those
we love.

Know, however, that the moment you accept a passive spirit, you should
anticipate that a temptation appropriate to your weakness will soon follow.
It may not be Bathsheba; it may be pornography on the Internet. Or it may be
a co-worker who begins to look attractive at a time when you and your spouse
are struggling. Whatever the area of weakness in your life, Satan will
attack that area. It will likely not be a bold frontal assault; if you first
drop your guard and relax your fight, he will disarm you with a passive
spirit. If the enemy succeeds in his assault, you will find yourself wrapped
up in something that can devastate you and your loved ones.

One may argue, "I'm walking with God. I'm a bond-servant of the Lord. I'm
not vulnerable." Remember what the Lord warned the church in Thyatira: "I
have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls
herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so
that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols"
(Rev. 2:20) .

Jesus was concerned, not only for the corrupting influence of Jezebel in the
world; He was concerned that the leaders of the church had grown tolerant.
More, her seductions not only targeted the wayward or new believers, but she
led God's bond-servants astray.

Although it does not identify this seductive spirit by name, Proverbs warns
of the temptations of the Jezebel spirit. Speaking of "the woman of folly,"
she calls out "to those who pass by, who are making their paths straight:
Whoever is naive, let him turn in here" (see Prov. 9:14-18).

Who is this spirit after? Those "who are making their paths straight."

Beloved, it is springtime here in the northern hemisphere. It is that time
of the year when seduction begins to call out "to those who pass by." Let us
not become passive in a time of war. Rather, let us fight for our nation,
our cities, our families and, especially, our own souls.

It is time for kings to go to war.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The preceding message is adapted from a chapter in Francis' book, This Day
We Fight (published by Chosen Books). For more information on this book,
please visit the Arrow Bookstore at www.arrowbookstore.com.

Useful link: www.frangipane.org

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

GIFTS PLUS - One Bread, One Body, 6/26/2008

http://www.presentationministries.com/bibleinst
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Thursday, June 26, 2008

2 Kings 24:8-17, Psalm 79, Matthew 7:21-29
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062608.shtml

GIFTS PLUS

"Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? Have we not exorcised
demons by its power? Did we not do many miracles in Your name as
well?" —Matthew 7:22

Jesus clearly states that we won't get to heaven by using our spiritual
gifts, but by doing the will of our heavenly Father (Mt 7:21). Some who
have prophesied, driven out demons, and worked miracles may hear the
dreadful words from Jesus: "I never knew you. Out of My sight, you
evildoers!" (Mt 7:23) Some people wrongly conclude from this that the
gifts of the Spirit are not important. However, unless we obey God's
command to set our hearts on the spiritual gifts (1 Cor 14:1), we will not
be doing His will.

In addition to commanding us to seek His gifts, the Lord specifically
commands us to exercise certain gifts. For instance, He commands us to use
at least three spiritual gifts (i.e. healing, miracles, deliverance) in
the statement: "Cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, expel
demons" (Mt 10:8). Furthermore, the Lord commands us to use the gifts of
hospitality (Heb 13:2), redemptive suffering (2 Tm 1:8), ministry (1 Pt
4:10), intercession (1 Tm 2:1), mercy (Mt 18:33), encouragement (Heb
10:24-25), etc. Consequently, if we are not using the gifts of the Spirit,
we are disobeying several of the Lord's commandments and so are not doing
the will of our heavenly Father. Therefore, to enter God's kingdom, we
must both use our spiritual gifts and obey the Lord in what He commands
us. Using our spiritual gifts is an essential part, but only a part, of
entering God's kingdom.

Prayer: Father, may I live "a life of obedience" (1 Pt 1:2).

Promise: "Help us, O God our Savior, because of the glory of Your name;
deliver us and pardon our sins for Your name's sake." —Ps 79:9

Praise: Helen ventured out from her comfort zone and spoke words that the
Lord placed upon her heart which were prophetic for her fellow Christians.

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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

ARE YOU A "NO-KNOW"? - One Bread, One Body, 6/25/2008

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3, Psalm 119:33-37, 40, Matthew 7:15-20
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062508.shtml

ARE YOU A "NO-KNOW"?

"When the king had heard the contents of the book of the law, he tore his
garments." —2 Kings 22:11

Contrary to the old saying, what we don't know does hurt us. For example,
if we don't know the Bible or don't even try to know it, we usually don't
know Christ. St. Jerome stated: "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance
of Christ" (Catechism, 133). Most of the world doesn't know that we must
become new creations by faith in Jesus and by being baptized. Not to know
this condemns a person to slavery, darkness, and frustration bordering on
despair. Not to know the truth is to be an unprotected sheep in the midst
of wolves (see Mt 7:15). The Lord laments: "My people perish for want of
knowledge!" (Hos 4:6)

This explains why King Josiah tore His garments in sorrow and contrition
when he heard a recently recovered part of the Bible read (2 Kgs 22:11).
He knew that what the people of God didn't know would hurt them. Thus
Josiah "had the entire contents of the book of the covenant that had been
found in the temple of the Lord, read out to" the people (2 Kgs 23:2).

For many Christians, all or part of the Bible is still lost. The
consequences of this are devastating for the whole body of Christ. We need
new Josiahs who care enough to cry, repent, and to proclaim God's word.

Prayer: Father, may my reading of Your word help me hear You more clearly
and believe in You more deeply (see Rm 10:17).

Promise: "You can tell a tree by its fruit." —Mt 7:20

Praise: When the meaning of the Scripture was suddenly opened up to Rosa
through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, she had to share it
immediately — and has been ever since.

(Proclaim God's word by being a Bible teacher. For encouragement, order
our tapes on the "Bible Teachers Series". Our six-tape audio series starts
with AV 117-1. Our three-part video series starts with V-117.)

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Monday, June 23, 2008

YOU AND THE NATIONS - One Bread, One Body, 6/24/2008

Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"Freedom" at:
--> http://www.presentationministries.com/BST/latestBST.asp

Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth is designed as a bulletin insert
which you can use at your local church to keep up to date on what the Holy
Father is saying. You are free to reproduce it for this purpose.
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Tuesday, June 24, 2008, Birth of St. John the Baptizer

Isaiah 49:1-6, Acts 13:22-26, Psalm 139, Luke 1:57-66, 80
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062408.shtml

YOU AND THE NATIONS

"I will make you a light to the nations, that My salvation may reach to
the ends of the earth." —Isaiah 49:6

God has raised up multitudes of incredibly zealous and dedicated people
who for years have passed on One Bread, One Body to others because of
their love of God's word and of Holy Mass. Through God's grace, these
teachings "become known afar off" (Sir 24:30) and, incredibly, reach many
throughout the world. The Lord has raised up others who type, edit, print,
post, and link these teachings for the world to read. All of these blessed
people are "a light to the nations." God has enabled our humble ministry
to reach "to the ends of the earth" (Is 49:6).

What about you? Do you consider yourself too insignificant for Almighty
God to use powerfully? We are all unworthy to serve Jesus (Acts 13:25),
but that doesn't stop God from using us powerfully. You are, like St. John
the Baptizer, a prophet by virtue of your baptism (Catechism, 1268). You
are even greater than John (Mt 11:11). God is telling you: "You are My
servant...through whom I show My glory" (Is 49:3). Allow the Lord to shine
through you as He wills.

Prayer: Father, I am totally Yours. Be glorified through my life.

Promise: "His mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to
speak in praise of God." —Lk 1:64

Praise: St. John the Baptizer gave encouragement to his mother and praise
to his Savior even before he was born.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Sunday, June 22, 2008

THE SIN OF PERMISSIVENESS - One Bread, One Body, 6/23/2008

Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"Freedom" at:
--> http://www.presentationministries.com/BST/latestBST.asp

Monday, June 23, 2008

2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18, Psalm 60, Matthew 7:1-5
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062308.shtml

THE SIN OF PERMISSIVENESS

"Stop passing judgment." —Matthew 7:1

Jesus commands us not to judge. The misunderstanding and misrepresenting
of this command in the last few generations has led to a permissiveness
which has warped and/or destroyed millions of people. Permissiveness is
not love; it is either ignorance, the selfishness of apathy, or cowardice.

When Jesus commands us not to judge, He means we should not judge without
having first removed the plank of sin from our own eyes (Mt 7:5). Then we
should judge what is sinful according to the teachings of the Church and
the Bible. Thus we know what needs to be removed from others' eyes. We
call others to repentance by speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15). We
must love others enough to correct them to keep them from harming
themselves further (see Lk 17:3; Mt 18:15). We hate the sin because we
love the sinner. We must not stand by idly while people hurt themselves
(see Lv 19:16).

Permissiveness is not avoiding the sin of judging others, but is
committing sins of apathy and cowardice. Not judging sins as sinful is
committing another sin. Refusing to call a sin "a sin" is also a sin.
Refusing to correct a sinner is yet another sin.

Don't judge others without first repenting yourself. Don't condemn others,
but certainly love them enough to correct them. Don't judge sinners, but
do judge sin so as to help sinners become saints.

Prayer: Father, may I love sinners so much that I hate sin intensely.

Promise: "Give us aid against the foe, for worthless is the help of
men." —Ps 60:13

Praise: Cathy keeps advocating chastity even when she is laughed at for
doing so.

(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Do Not Judge Others" on audio
AV 58-1 or video V-58.)

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PM eNewsletter twelth Sunday in Ordinary time

June 22nd, twelth Sunday in Ordinary time

This week, oh! Christ, your church celebrates the birth of
St. John the Baptist.

He was the last of the prophets, and the greatest.

His greatness came because he saw You, and believed
that You were the Lamb of God, who came to take away
the sins of the world.

Let us also believe with that same intensity as St. John
did, so that we may be as willing to live for the soul
purpose of just focusing our lives on You.

Let all our work, our living, and our loving, give praise and
glory to You.

Let us be prophets to all, and let us be willing to proclaim
You, to all who ask "why are you different?"

Let us truly help others come to know and believe, that
You, truly are the Lamb of God. Amen and Amen.

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.
__________________________________________________

For more on the teachings of Father Al Lauer see the home
page of Presentation Ministries? Please take a look.

http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp
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One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday FEAR NOT
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/22/2008

"Do not be afraid of anything." —Matthew 10:31

Our reaction to fear will be among the best or worst aspects
of our lives. We will either let ourselves be manipulated by
fear into sinful compromises and eventual damnation, or we
will refuse to be controlled by fear and eventually push it out
of our lives (see 1 Jn 4:18). Therefore, Jesus repeatedly
commands us: "Do not let them intimidate you" (Mt 10:26). "
Do not fear those who deprive the body of life but cannot
destroy the soul" (Mt 10:28). "Do not be afraid of anything"
(Mt 10:31).

Our response to fear should be faith. Jesus told Jairus after
his daughter died: "Fear is useless, only believe" (Mk 5:36,
our transl.). When his friends had turned against him in
vengeance, Jeremiah had the faith to fearlessly proclaim:
"The Lord is with me, like a mighty Champion: my
persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph" (Jer 20:11).
Even when we are enduring our own agony in the garden
or suffering on our own Calvary, by faith we can refuse to
be manipulated by fear. We can "say with confidence: 'The
Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to
me?' " (Heb 13:6) By faith we can proclaim: "The Lord is
my life's Refuge; of whom should I be afraid?...Though an
army encamp against me, my heart will not fear"
(Ps 27:1, 3). Fear not.

Monday THE SIN OF PERMISSIVENESS

http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/23/2008

"Stop passing judgment." —Matthew 7:1

Tuesday YOU AND THE NATIONS

http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/24/2008

"I will make you a light to the nations, that My salvation
may reach to the ends of the earth." —Isaiah 49:6

For more readings and inspiration from Presentation Ministries,
check us out at
http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp

Share an OBOB e-mail with a friend today! It's easy and
quick and it will make Jesus smile!

http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobDriveEmail.asp
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Brochures

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you don't usually hear addressed."

This Week's Featured Brochures

· How to Get Your Kids to go to Church and go to Heaven

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· Paying and Receiving Interest

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· Mission Impossible?

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/MissionImpossible.asp

· The Lord Laughs

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Anecdotes on My Ministry of Evangelization

"Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!" —Philippians 4:4

FAN MAIL
"For to His angels He had given command about you,
that they guard you in all your ways." —Psalms 91:11

· Adoration and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

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View All Brochures

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PM Internet Prayer Requests
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp

Please pray that we receive a check we have been waiting
on for 2 months. Please pray for all on my prayer intentions
list. Please pray for this country and for the gas prices that
are hurting everyone. Please pray for our troops all over the
world and for peace in this world. Please pray for a friend
and her relationship with her mother and her boyfriend.
(Anonymous, 6/21/2008 6:25:38 PM)

I need you to pray for my brother Nelson Diaz that God
guide him and get him out of the problem he is going thru
and use it as a testimonial that God cares for his childrens
(V., coozal, puerto rico, Puerto rico, 6/21/2008 3:22:19 PM)

Please pray for my husband Joe... His drinking alcohol is
becoming a problem... He souldn't be drinking at all...
Please pray for his deliverance from addictions...!!!
(C.C.H., CA, United States, 6/21/2008 1:49:33 PM)

I am so much confused.I can feel i'm down in spirit for the
so many sins i have committed. I always pray for forgiveness.
But it seems that taught of what i have done keep showing
up from time to time and it make me feel guilty. Pls i need
prayers. Thank you.
(J.S. K.D, Accra, Gh, Ghana, 6/21/2008 9:44:35 AM)

Dear Lord, I thank you for slowly healing me and now
making me almost panic free over the months..I know its
only your grace and power and I want to thank you. There
is work to be done yet Lord I know you will help me and
guide me. I want direction Lord in the job I have to take
and knowing who is the right person you've chosen for me.
please enlighten me Lord and give me strength and
wisdom to take the right decision. I make this prayer in
Lord Jesus name, Amen.
(Anonymous, 6/21/2008 9:29:46 AM)

We are so much in debt for our back taxes that awe will
never in this lifetime be able to catch up - please pray
that the people we have working on a reduction for us are
able to make it so that we can afford to live without losing
all. In Jesus name I pray the Lord to hear my prayer.
(EK, NC, 6/21/2008 7:32:16 AM)

My brother has left the church and claims to be an atheist
now. Please pray that the Lord will touch his heart in a
special way so as to regain his faith.
(A., Kansas, United States, 6/21/2008 7:22:06 AM)

I need to report prayers answered: the unemployment
issue was resolved in our favor in that we do not have to
pay it back. The results of the hearing still stand, but
that is ok. I would like to request prayers for help in
becoming debt free; it seems like everytime I try to do
this disaster comes in the form of family problems, and
I know this is the evil one at work. I take this to the foot
of the cross.
(S., Flagstaff, 6/21/2008 6:10:22 AM)

Please pray for Gilli who has a bacterial stomach
infection. For a quick and speedy recovery. Thanks
for your prayers. God bless and Amen.
(Ana, 6/21/2008 5:08:39 AM)

Please follow link to additional prayer intentions.
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Small Christian Communities

We believe the Lord is calling us to build hundreds of more
communities by raising up leaders who will form communities

PM's Small Christian Community Network
Learn about the Communities in our Network

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Small Christian Community Resources
Introduction to Small Christian Community

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"Unless the Lord Build the House..." — Psalm 127:

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Building Small Christian Communities (Team Manual)

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Building Small Christian Communities (Guide Book)

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For more information contact: community@presentationministries.com
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Bible Telephone Line 2 NEW NUMBERS!

Listen Online!

Inspired teaching on the daily Scripture readings of the
Catholic Church by Fr. Al Lauer

Best of Daily Bread Radio Program
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Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth

Notable quotations from Pope Benedict XVI and official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

FREEDOM

"THE MYSTERY OF LOVE"

The Gospel teaches us that true freedom, the freedom of
the children of God, is found only in the self-surrender which
is part of the mystery of love.

"TRUE FREEDOM"

True freedom blossoms when we turn away from the burden
of sin, which clouds our perceptions and weakens our
resolve, and find the source of our ultimate happiness in
Him Who is infinite love, infinite freedom, infinite life. "In
His will is our peace."

"REAL FREEDOM"

Real freedom ... is God's gracious gift, the fruit of
conversion to His truth which makes us free.

PM Ministry List

" The Lord works through PM in many different ways. Below
you can find information about some of our ministries.

Bible Institute http://presentationministries.com/bibleinst/bi2005Home.asp

Word Gifts Ministry

http://presentationministries.com/general/prophecies.asp
__________________________________________________

2008 RETREATS
Online Registration

2008 RETREATS

Jun 23 - 24
Gifts of the Spirit

Come and hear about more than 30 spiritual gifts mentioned
in the Scriptures: Isaiah 11:2-3 — RENEWAL GIFTS:
Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Strength, Knowledge,
Fear of the Lord. Romans 12:6-8 — UNITY GIFTS: Prophecy, ...

Jun 24 - 25
Proclaiming God's Word

Twelve simple men began the race (see 2 Tm 4:7) that
carried the good news to the "ends of the world" (Ps 19:5).
Now the disciples have passed the baton to us. Millions of
Christians with the charism of the spiritual gift of ...

Jun 26
Day of Eucharistic Adoration

"For every Christian generation, the Eucharist is
indispensable food that sustains us as we cross the desert
of this world, dried by ideological and economic systems
that do not promote life, but repress it. A world in which the ...

Jun 27 - 28
Prophecy & Deliverance (and Co-Workers' Retreat)

Prophecy is the gift to be sought above all the other gifts
(1 Cor 14:1)...and Jesus taught us to pray, "Deliver us from
evil, Amen."

Jun 30 - Jul 1
Worship and Evangelization

Evangelization is simply inviting others to a personal
encounter with Jesus. "You will receive power when the
Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my
witnesses... to the ends of the earth" - Acts1:8. "Worship
pleasing ...

Jul 1 - 2
Intercession and Healing

The Lord gave us authority over planet Earth (see Gen 1:28).
Thus, we have the responsibility to pray and ask in all
circumstances. The Lord also calls us to take one another's
place in prayer (see Ez 22:30). Probably every ..

Jul 3
Day of Eucharistic Adoration

"To adore means to love enough to want to converse with
Jesus present before us in the Blessed Sacrament. Learn
to give our Lord a detailed account of your soul and your
life. Know how to tell Him your thoughts, your desires, ..

Jul 4 - 5
How to Renew Your Parish

Pope John Paul II teaches: "It is necessary that in light
of the faith all rediscover the true meaning of the parish"
(The Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People). Imagine a
church of Spirit-filled people overflowing with ...

Jul 7 - 9
Building Christian Community

Christian community, by God's standards, is to accept
God's grace to become one with the Lord and our
brothers and sisters in Christ as the Father and Jesus
are one (Jn 17:21). Christian community is what we see
in Jesus' ...

http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
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Saturday, June 21, 2008

FEAR NOT - One Bread, One Body, 6/22/2008

Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"Freedom" at:
--> http://www.presentationministries.com/BST/latestBST.asp

Sunday, June 22, 2008, 12th Sunday Ordinary Time

Jeremiah 20:10-13, Romans 5:12-15, Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35, Matthew
10:26-33
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062208.shtml

FEAR NOT

"Do not be afraid of anything." —Matthew 10:31

Our reaction to fear will be among the best or worst aspects of our lives.
We will either let ourselves be manipulated by fear into sinful
compromises and eventual damnation, or we will refuse to be controlled by
fear and eventually push it out of our lives (see 1 Jn 4:18). Therefore,
Jesus repeatedly commands us: "Do not let them intimidate you" (Mt 10:26).
"Do not fear those who deprive the body of life but cannot destroy the
soul" (Mt 10:28). "Do not be afraid of anything" (Mt 10:31).

Our response to fear should be faith. Jesus told Jairus after his daughter
died: "Fear is useless, only believe" (Mk 5:36, our transl.). When his
friends had turned against him in vengeance, Jeremiah had the faith to
fearlessly proclaim: "The Lord is with me, like a mighty Champion: my
persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph" (Jer 20:11). Even when we
are enduring our own agony in the garden or suffering on our own Calvary,
by faith we can refuse to be manipulated by fear. We can "say with
confidence: 'The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do
to me?' " (Heb 13:6) By faith we can proclaim: "The Lord is my life's
Refuge; of whom should I be afraid?...Though an army encamp against me, my
heart will not fear" (Ps 27:1, 3). Fear not.

Prayer: Father, may my awareness that You are in me make me fearless. May
Your love push fear out of my life (see 1 Jn 4:18).

Promise: "For if by the offense of the one man all died, much more did the
grace of God and the gracious gift of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound
for all." —Rm 5:15

Praise: Praise Jesus, Who won victory over sin and death so that we may
live. Alleluia!

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Hold Fast to the Faith" on audio
AV 71-1 or video V-71.)

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Friday, June 20, 2008

FAITHFUL TILL DEATH? - One Bread, One Body, 6/21/2008

The June issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:

Pope Emphasizes Conversion And Witness
Grandparents Are A Treasure
In Defense of Life: A Church Divided
Modesty — God's Gift

http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Saturday, June 21, 2008, St. Aloysius Gonzaga

2 Chronicles 24:17-25, Psalm 89:4-5, 29-34, Matthew 6:24-34
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062108.shtml

FAITHFUL TILL DEATH?

"After the death of Jehoiada, the princes of Judah came and paid homage to
the king, and the king then listened to them. They forsook the temple of
the Lord." —2 Chronicles 24:17-18

After the death of Jehoiada the priest, the Israelites forsook the temple
of the Lord and served false gods. After a change of pastors, some
parishioners don't go to church as much anymore. After young people leave
home, many leave the practice of their faith. After Christians are
rejected by fellow parishioners, some drop out of ministry or become less
active in their churches.

Our faith in Jesus, worship of the Lord, and service to His people change
because circumstances change. Our faith should move mountains, rather
than mountains or even foothills moving our faith (see Mt 17:20).
However, this firmness in our faith can only happen by God's grace and our
willingness to accept His grace. If we realize we are weak and changeable,
we will "be solicitous" to make our "call and election permanent" (2 Pt
1:10). We will discipline our bodies and master them (1 Cor 9:27). We will
cry out in prayer for God's grace, live in His word (Jn 8:31), surround
ourselves with His people (Heb 12:1), and obey the Pope and the leaders of
the Church. When we realize we need all the help we can get to persevere
in the faith, we will seek and find all the help we need. Be solicitous to
be faithful.

Prayer: Father, if I'm living during the time of the mass apostasy (see 2
Thes 2:3), may I not be unfaithful, no matter how many turn away from You.

Promise: "Let tomorrow take care of itself." —Mt 6:34

Praise: St. Aloysius died at age twenty-four as a result of selflessly
attending to the victims of an epidemic.

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Am I Going to Heaven?" on audio
AV 54-3 or video V-54.)

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Thursday, June 19, 2008

TREASURY BONDS - One Bread, One Body, 6/20/2008

The June issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:

Pope Emphasizes Conversion And Witness
Grandparents Are A Treasure
In Defense of Life: A Church Divided
Modesty — God's Gift

http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Friday, June 20, 2008

2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20, Psalm 132, Matthew 6:19-23
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062008.shtml

TREASURY BONDS

"Make it your practice instead to store up heavenly treasure, which
neither moths nor rust corrode nor thieves break in and steal." —Matthew
6:20

Athaliah, the wicked queen of Israel, stored up earthly treasure. She
built up her treasury by killing off the whole royal family (2 Kgs 11:1).
But wealth gained out of wickedness is like a flash flood: it rises
quickly, flourishes for a short time, and then "suddenly, once and for
all, comes to an end" (Sir 40:13-14). This proved true for Athaliah, as
she suddenly lost not only her wealth, but also her life. The point is
that earthly treasure can quickly vanish (Mt 6:19; Lk 12:16ff). Anyone who
lived through the stock market crash in the U.S. in 1929 can testify to
that.

Jehosheba's courageous act of hiding the baby king, Joash, in the temple
(2 Kgs 11:3) prefigures Jesus' admonition to store up heavenly treasure
(Mt 6:20). Heavenly treasure, such as acts of charity, almsgiving, and
prayer, is also "hidden in the temple of the Lord" (2 Kgs 11:3) and
cannot be destroyed (Mt 6:20). Just as a United States savings bond
reaches full financial maturity after seven years, so did Jehosheba's
treasure mature as the boy-king Joash spent his first seven years of life
in the safety of the temple (2 Kgs 11:4).

Our heavenly treasure will always yield a return. It will never be lost or
stolen. It is like seed which a farmer sowed in a field. Day after day, it
slowly matures without our knowing how it happens (Mk 4:26ff). When the
time is ready, our heavenly treasure yields a sure, indestructible return.

Prayer: Father, may I use my finances to bring many into Your kingdom.

Promise: "Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart is also." —Mt
6:21

Praise: Though tempted to turn her attention elsewhere, Susan prays the
rosary daily.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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The God of second chances

Source: Charles F. Stanley

Have you ever looked at your circumstances and thought, I would love to have
a chance to do that again? Or If I could just change that, I would. I need a
fresh start. That is what grace is all about.

John chapter 8 tells the story of a woman caught in adultery. The Jewish law
declared that marital unfaithfulness was punishable by stoning. Religious
leaders brought the woman to Jesus to see if He would follow the law of
Moses and condemn her to death. But to their surprise, Jesus did not accuse
her. After writing on the ground, Christ said, "He who is without sin among
you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her" (v. 7). The group slowly
dispersed, the oldest people leaving first.

After everyone left, Jesus looked at the woman lying at His feet. She knew
He was a man of God. How exposed and embarrassed she must have felt. That
is, until Jesus revealed His word of forgiveness and hope to her heart: "I
do not condemn you . . . Go. From now on sin no more" (v. 11). He forgave
her and set her free.

Perhaps there is something in your life that you wish you could erase. Just
the thought of it brings feelings of condemnation and sorrow. Jesus gave the
woman caught in adultery a second chance, and that's what He gives you. If
there is sin in your distant or recent past, know that when you ask God for
forgiveness, it is done. He will never bring the matter up again.

In fact, the only cure for sin of any kind is God's grace applied to our
lives. This changes the stumbling sinner into a person living victoriously
for Jesus Christ. His death on the cross was sufficient payment for all your
sins. Only Almighty God can love you so much.

Second chances encourage us not to give up, even when the whispers of the
world around us seem to say the opposite. I don't mean we get another chance
after death to receive the Lord Jesus as Savior. I mean in this lifetime, He
lavishes His forgiving love on us after we have thoroughly blown it. We are
never outside of God's grace.

For instance, many people hear the gospel several times before they receive
the Lord. He does not give up wooing them to Himself. That is grace. He is
the God of the second chance-and often a thousand chances. Sometimes a
person rejects the gospel for years, until one day, because the Father
pursued the indivdual in grace, he or she finally becomes a child of God.

If we received what we deserve for our sin, we'd all be condemned. There
would be no second chances. We want what we don't deserve, and that is
grace.

The Bible teaches that salvation has nothing to do with our works. Ephesians
2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one
may boast." In other words, salvation is a gift we receive by faith.

Even the ability to believe comes from God. So salvation is grace from start
to finish-not something that we work up or work on. Good deeds have nothing
to do with being saved. Otherwise, we could boast, "I did this" or "I did
that." Only the heavenly Father can rightfully boast, "I did this: I
provided all that these sinners need through My Son."

God loved you before you knew Christ. He cared so much that He sent His Son
to earth to give you new life: "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in
that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).

Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were God's supreme brush stroke of
grace across the canvas of creation. Christ is the embodiment of all hope.
If you have received Him as your Savior, His life is within you, and His
grace is sufficient to remove every hint of sin's stain. Let Him give you a
second chance.

Adapted from Charles F. Stanley's "Handbook for Christian Living" (1996) and
"Enter His Gates" (1998).

Useful link: www.intouch.org

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

THE KEY TO THE TREASURE CHEST - One Bread, One Body, 6/19/2008

The June issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:

Pope Emphasizes Conversion And Witness
Grandparents Are A Treasure
In Defense of Life: A Church Divided
Modesty — God's Gift

http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Thursday, June 19, 2008, St. Romuald

Sirach 48:1-14, Psalm 97, Matthew 6:7-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/061908.shtml

THE KEY TO THE TREASURE CHEST

"Forgive us the wrong we have done as we forgive those who wrong
us." —Matthew 6:12

When Jesus taught us the "Our Father," He was trying to teach us to pray
(Mt 6:9), to trust in our Abba, and to seek first His kingdom (Mt 6:33).
Jesus was not that successful using the "Our Father" to teach us, for most
of us don't pray very frequently or fervently. Moreover, many Christians
are anxious, fearful, and jealous, as if they couldn't trust their Abba
(see Mt 6:31-32). Also, we see more people seeking the things of the
world's kingdom than seeking first God's kingdom. For many Christians, the
"Our Father" is a locked treasure chest. We carry it around, display,
touch and shake it, but don't open it and receive its treasures.

Jesus put the key to the "Our Father" right next to the "Our Father" in
the Bible. The five verses of the "Our Father" are followed by a two verse
explanation of the command in the "Our Father" to forgive (Mt 6:14-15).
When we forgive, we can learn to pray (see Mk 11:25). When we forgive, we
remove an obstacle to receiving our Abba's love. Seeking first God's
kingdom is also a matter of forgiveness (Mt 18:23ff). Forgiveness is the
key to the "Our Father." Turn the key.

Prayer: "Father, forgive" (Lk 23:34).

Promise: "You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end
to wrath before the day of the Lord, to turn back the hearts of fathers
toward their sons, and to reestablish the tribes of Jacob." —Sir 48:10

Praise: St. Romuald gave his life to Jesus as a sacrifice offered on
behalf of his father, who had committed a murder.

(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Praying the Our Father" on
audio AV 67-3 or video V-67.)

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Tuesday, June 17, 2008

STAYING POWER - One Bread, One Body, 6/18/2008

The June issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:

Pope Emphasizes Conversion And Witness
Grandparents Are A Treasure
In Defense of Life: A Church Divided
Modesty — God's Gift

http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

2 Kings 2:1, 6-14, Psalm 31, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/061808.shtml

STAYING POWER

"You have asked for something that is not easy." —2 Kings 2:10

Elijah was about to be taken up to God. Elisha, his successor, asked
Elijah: "May I receive a double portion of your spirit?" (2 Kgs 2:9).
Elijah told him that he had "asked for something that is not easy" (2 Kgs
2:10). However, Elisha did receive what he asked for, because he
persevered and stayed with Elijah, no matter what. Mary Magdalene stayed
with Jesus, whether she had to be at the foot of the cross, or at His tomb
(Jn 19:25; 20:1ff). Both Elisha and Mary received power because they
stayed.

Often in the beginning of a new ministry or spiritual venture, there is a
period of freshness, a "spiritual honeymoon." Like St. Peter, we want to
stay in the "honeymoon" graces of the mountaintop (Mk 9:5). Yet Jesus
moves elsewhere (Mk 1:38). As His disciples, we follow in His footsteps.
For us, there can be no joy apart from Jesus (Jn 15:5). If Jesus moves on,
we stay by His side. Wherever He leads, we "will not leave" Him (2 Kgs
2:6).

Staying with Jesus seems easy on the spiritual honeymoon. Eventually,
however, Jesus goes to places we'd just as soon not go. As He leads us to
the cross, we're tempted to stay put rather than stay with Him. But if we
don't stay with Jesus, the power of the Spirit doesn't stay with us.

Staying with Him is "something that is not easy." Jesus, the Suffering
Servant, looks at us and asks, "Can you stay with Me, no matter what?"
(see Mk 14:37) Where is Jesus leading you now? Will you stay with Him?

Prayer: Jesus, "I will not leave You" (2 Kgs 2:6).

Promise: "Keep your deeds of mercy secret, and your Father Who sees in
secret will repay you." —Mt 6:4

Praise: James stayed with his wife and his marriage vows even when it
seemed most difficult.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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