Live the best Single Mingle Christian Sharing Lifestyle [even if you are married ;) ]: February 2009

Saturday, February 28, 2009

BELIEVING IS SEEING - One Bread, One Body, 2/28/2009

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

Fighting Poverty Is Crucial In Building Peace
Lay Ministry Remains Urgent
In Defense of Life: In The News
Pope Telegrams President Obama

http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Isaiah 58:9-14, Psalm 86, Luke 5:27-32
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022809.shtml

BELIEVING IS SEEING

"Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become
for you like midday." —Isaiah 58:10

Do you believe that during this day and this Lent, many people — even
those living very sinful lives — will give their lives to the Lord? (see
Lk 5:27-28) Do you believe that Sauls are turning into Pauls even as you
read this sentence? (see Acts 9) Do you believe that this Lent will be the
time when many abortionists, atheists, drug dealers, murderers, and
rapists will repent and turn to Jesus? Some people respond to the above
questions by saying they'll believe it when they see it.

Actually, it's the other way around. They'll see it when they believe it.
The Lord in His infinite love is drawing all people to Him. Even our most
extreme Lenten expectations are much less than He wants (see Eph 3:20). If
we would only pray, fast, and witness by faith and not by sight (2 Cor
5:7), we would be part of the greatest Lent of our lives, and would impact
the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Believe the Lord is living and loving. Believe His love will not fail (1
Cor 13:8). Believe for the Lent of a lifetime. Believe He will change your
heart.

Prayer: Father, by faith help me do greater by far than Jesus did (Jn
14:12).

Promise: "The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake, and the
foundations from ages past you shall raise up; 'Repairer of the breach,'
they shall call you, 'Restorer of ruined homesteads.' " —Is 58:12

Praise: Rick publicly shares his story of how God transformed him from an
atheist to a minister.

(For the Lent of a lifetime, order our leaflet, "Lent and the Renewal of
our Baptismal Promises", or our tape series "Baptismal Promises" on audio
AV 83-1, AV 83-3, AV 84-1, AV 84-3 or our video series starting with
V-83.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Friday, February 27, 2009

DOING IMITATIONS - One Bread, One Body, 2/27/2009

For Lent read our brochure entitled, "The Secret of Fasting"

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretFasting.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, February 27, 2009

Isaiah 58:1-9, Psalm 51, Matthew 9:14-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022709.shtml

DOING IMITATIONS

"Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? This, rather, is
the fasting that I wish." —Isaiah 58:5-6

Lent means imitating Jesus when He fasted forty days in the desert. It's
difficult for us to imitate anyone because we want to do our own thing. We
would have to die to self to imitate Christ. It's also difficult for us to
imitate Jesus' forty-day fast because we like to eat. Even if we do
imitate Jesus exteriorly by fasting in some way for the forty days of
Lent, we still may not be imitating His interior spirit. When Jesus fasted
for forty days, He resisted Satan's temptations to doubt His identity as
the beloved Son of God (Lk 4:3, 9). We must imitate not only Jesus'
fasting but also His assurance concerning His relationship with the Father
and His victory over Satan.

When we fast, we should not try to get the Lord to look at us. "Why do we
fast, and You do not see it? afflict ourselves, and You take no note of
it?" (Is 58:3) We should be looking intently at Him, to imitate Him
exactly. When we have such humility and love that we want to imitate Jesus
to a "T," then our voice will be "heard on high" (Is 58:4). When our
Father sees in us such a good imitation of Jesus, He is well pleased and
His favor rests on us (see Lk 3:22). When we imitate Jesus, we pray and
fast in Jesus' name, and thus all that we ask the Father in Jesus' name,
He will give us (Jn 15:16).

Prayer: Father, help me act and look like Jesus, the "exact
Representation" of You (Heb 1:3).

Promise: "Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound
shall quickly be healed." —Is 58:8

Praise: Fr. Mike, in imitation of Jesus, fasts frequently for his
parishioners.

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet "The Secret of Fasting "or our
audio tape AV 46-1 or video V-46.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Dust and Debris

Source: J. John

Last week I was having problems with my computer mouse - it wouldn't follow
my instructions. I called Chris, our Office Manager. Chris first suggested
that he have a look and see if it needs a clean. Sure enough, when Chris
opened the mouse he found it was infected with dust and debris. After a
clean, my mouse began working wonderfully well and it's doing what I expect
it to do.

I was thinking how much dust and debris we accumulate in our lives without
knowing it's there and then finding that we are not functioning as well as
we should. Even if we've been given a new heart by connecting with Jesus, we
might have blocked arteries. The dust and debris blocking our arteries could
result from hurts, habits, hang-ups or just plain sin.

In Jewish society in order to prepare for the Passover the whole family
spends a week scouring the house for every crumb of yeast they can find.
They do that because God commanded, "For seven days no yeast is to be found
in your houses" (Exodus 12:19). They weren't just getting rid of the yeast
that happened to be lying around in the kitchen. They had to look in every
nook and cranny - every hidden corner of their home - to find the leaven and
remove it.

Instead of just cleaning our computer mouses, let's take the advice in
Ephesians 4:31-32: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and
slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each
other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has
forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:31-32). Sadly, bitter people never seem to
contain their bitterness as they want to spread it. I came across the story
of a customer who for some reason had become infuriated with his bank. He
plotted a 'stinking' scheme to vent his anger. So he rented one of the bank's
safety deposit boxes under an assumed name and carefully filled it with
something. Within days a foul smell was being permeated throughout the bank
and all the staff were frantic to find the cause. Finally, after several
days, the stink was tracked down. Inside the recently rented safety deposit
box were the remains of three large fish!

Bitterness can seep out and contaminate a pure atmosphere in the same way as
the stinking smell of those fish. It can affect anything from a marriage, a
family home to a church. If we feel bitter about something it's likely we
feel wronged in some way, and that's when we're in danger of doing all the
things that the Apostle Paul advises us against in that Ephesians passage -
venting our anger, uttering harsh words and maybe even inadvertently
slandering other people.

We need to remember Jesus' words, recorded in Matthew 5:43-44: "You have
heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbour' and hate your enemy. But I
say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"

If this seems difficult to do, maybe we should remember the reminder in
Psalm 51:10 that we can pray for our lives to be cleaned: "Create in me a
clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me."

Let us pray to be cleansed from dirt and debris and filled with the Holy
Spirit so that we may spontaneously rise above any bitterness and do the
will of God.

Agapé

J.Joh

Useful link: www.philotrust.com

SELF-DENIAL AND LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 2/26/2009

For Lent read our brochure entitled, "The Secret of Fasting"

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretFasting.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 1, Luke 9:22-25
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022609.shtml

SELF-DENIAL AND LOVE

"Whoever wishes to be My follower must deny his very self, take up his
cross each day, and follow in My steps." —Luke 9:23

Jesus says those who wish to follow Him must first deny their very selves.
The world, however, tells us we should avoid self-denial at all costs. It
proclaims that the purpose of life is to maximize our pleasure and
minimize our pain. Yet Jesus says living a pleasure-seeking lifestyle is
the worst mistake we can make. "Whoever would save his life will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. What profit does he
show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process?" (Lk
9:24-25)

If we give up on feeling good, doing our own thing, and having fun, we
will discover the true meaning of life. The Lord said: "I have set before
you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life" (Dt 30:19).
Jesus, not self, is the Meaning of life. We choose life by denying
ourselves pleasure and by living in love. We should die for love rather
than live for pleasure.

This Lent, the Lord is giving us the opportunity to seek Him first (Mt
6:33) and be crucified to the world (Gal 6:14). Through almsgiving,
prayer, and fasting, we can come to the "surpassing knowledge" of Jesus
Christ (Phil 3:8). We will then reappraise as loss those things we once
considered gain (Phil 3:7). We will rate all as loss and forfeit
everything so Christ may be our Wealth (Phil 3:8).

Prayer: Father, reorder my life according to Your will, no matter how many
changes You must make.

Promise: "Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live." —Dt
30:19-20

Praise: Mary and Steven deprived themselves of numerous material goods in
order to give their sons a richer legacy: their faith.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

THE FAST TRACK TO JOY - One Bread, One Body, 2/25/2009

For Lent read our brochure entitled, "The Secret of Fasting"

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretFasting.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, February 25, 2009, Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:12-18, 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2, Psalm 51, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022509.shtml

THE FAST TRACK TO JOY

"Give me back the joy of Your salvation." —Psalm 51:14

Today, hundreds of millions of Catholics throughout the world unite
together in a forty-day period of repentance, fasting, and reparation. The
Church calls an assembly, proclaims a fast, and preaches a return to God
(Jl 2:13-16). She focuses all her power into synchronized prayer and
fasting, the first and most effective weapons against the power of evil
(Gospel of Life, Pope John Paul II, 100). If millions of Catholics fasted
seriously this Lent in united holiness, Satan's kingdom of darkness would
be rocked to its core. Uncounted demons would be driven out (Mt 17:21,
NAB).

Imagine a scenario where Satan's strongholds have been cleaned out and
restored to the lordship of Jesus (2 Cor 10:4-5). "Planned Parenthood"
would become "Holy Family Parenthood." The entertainment industry would
only create movies rated "H" for Holy. Manufacturers of artificial
contraceptives would close down for lack of business. Poverty and
injustice would be eliminated because millions of people repented and
refused to tolerate them anymore. Today would indeed be a day of joy,
"the day of salvation!" (2 Cor 6:2)

God says: "Return to Me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping,
and mourning" (Jl 2:12). This begets sorrow, but "sorrow for God's sake
produces a repentance without regrets, leading to salvation" (2 Cor 7:10).
When sorrow leads us to salvation, we pray for the Lord to give us back
the joy of our salvation (Ps 51:14), a joy that no one can take from us
(Jn 16:22).

Prayer: "Have mercy on me, O God,...Thoroughly wash me from my guilt, and
of my sin cleanse me" (Ps 51:3-4).

Promise: "Your Father Who sees in secret will repay you." —Mt 6:4

Praise: Praise the Holy Spirit, Who leads us into the desert with the Son
to find the Father.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

GREAT EXPECTATIONS - One Bread, One Body, 2/24/2009

Check out the PM retreat schedule and pray about coming to a retreat. Our
next retreat is Sat. Feb 28 and is called "Seek First the Kingdom of God".
It is at St. Michael's in Sharonville, OH.

http://www.presentationministries.com/general/event.asp?eventID=165

http://www.presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreat.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Sirach 2:1-11, Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40, Mark 9:30-37
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022409.shtml

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

"When you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials." —Sirach
2:1

To prepare ourselves for trials, we must expect them. "Anyone who wants to
live a godly life in Christ Jesus can expect to be persecuted" (2 Tm
3:12). Expect it. "Christ suffered in the flesh; therefore arm yourselves
with His same mentality" (1 Pt 4:1).

The psalmist stated: "If an enemy had reviled me, I could have borne
it...but you, my other self, my companion and my bosom friend!" (Ps 55:13,
14) It is hardest to take sufferings inflicted by those closest to us,
because we don't expect them to hurt us.

However, we must be like Jesus. He knew and expected that His apostles and
disciples would abandon Him, Peter would deny Him three times, and Judas
would betray Him. Jesus even knew and expected that each one of us would
share in crucifying Him through our sins. Jesus prepared Himself for the
greatest of all trials.

Expect suffering, but don't dread it. Rather, in love for Jesus, rejoice
in suffering (1 Pt 4:13; Col 1:24).

Prayer: Father, purify me through trials.

Promise: "If anyone wishes to rank first, He must remain the last one of
all and the servant of all." —Mk 9:35

Praise: God has shown Joanna what a privilege it is to be chosen for the
job of dealing with a son who has mental health issues.

(Women, plan to begin the season of Lent on March 4th with a retreat that
focuses on issues that affect your role and dignity as women. The retreat
takes place at the Paul Jansen Discipleship Center in the Appalachian
setting of rural Adams County, near Peebles, Ohio. Call 937-587-5464 or
513-373-2397 for more information or to register.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Monday, February 23, 2009

"WILL HE FIND FAITH?" (Lk 18:8, RSV-CE) - One Bread, One Body, 2/23/2009

For Lent follow our Bible reading schedule called, "A Prophetic Lent"

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/APropheticLent.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, February 23, 2009, St. Polycarp

Sirach 1:1-10, Psalm 93, Mark 9:14-29
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022309.shtml

"WILL HE FIND FAITH?" (Lk 18:8, RSV-CE)

"What an unbelieving lot you are!" —Mark 9:19

Sometimes the Lord does things in our lives whether or not we have faith.
Often, however, the Lord wants us to make a free decision to accept His
grace. We express our freedom by faith. For example, Jesus told the father
of a demon-possessed son: "Everything is possible for anyone who has
faith" (Mk 9:23, JB). The father realized that Jesus was calling him to
have faith. So he exclaimed: "I do believe! Help my lack of faith!" (Mk
9:24, our transl.)

In that situation, Jesus called not only the father to faith but also
Jesus' disciples and the large crowd with them. Jesus said: "What an
unbelieving lot you are! How long must I remain with you? How long can I
endure you?" (Mk 9:19) Jesus felt frustrated with those who did not have
faith or exercise it. Jesus promised: "I assure you, if you had faith the
size of a mustard seed, you would be able to say to this mountain, 'Move
from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible for
you" (Mt 17:20). We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8). "Without
faith, it is impossible to please" God (Heb 11:6). But Jesus exclaimed:
"When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?" (Lk 18:8,
RSV-CE)

Let us cry out to God: "I do believe! Help my lack of faith!" (Mk 9:24,
our transl.)

Prayer: Father, increase my faith, even if I have to suffer.

Promise: "Fear of the Lord warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and
length of days." —Sir 1:10

Praise: St. Polycarp, a student of St. John the Evangelist for nearly
sixteen years, was one of those early Christians honored by God to give
his life in martyrdom for his King.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Sunday, February 22, 2009

PM eNewsletter Seventh Sunday in ordinary time

February 22nd Seventh Sunday in ordinary time

Jesus, as we receive ashes this Wednesday, let it truly
remind us that we are born into this life as a pilgram on a
journey to get us into true life, eternal life, with You.

Lord, let us see in the ashes, our reminder to life in, to and
through, You, in everything.

Let us see that we were baptised into kinship with You,
and that someday, we will enter that heavenly kingdom,
where we will rejoice and praise the triune God forever.

Jesus, let us never fear death, but see it as a natural
progression to get us into Your eternal presence.

Let us prepare for our home coming this Lent. 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

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
________________________________________________

One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=2/22/2009

"When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man,
'My son, your sins are forgiven.' " —Mark 2:5

There is "more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner"
(Lk 15:7). The fact that the Lord has forgiven our sins is a
great cause of joy for every Christian. The Lord has not
only forgiven our sins but also forgotten them (Is 43:25). He
has wiped them out (Is 43:25), removed them as far as the
east is from the west (Ps 103:12), and drowned them in
the depths of the sea (Mi 7:19). All of us would have been
damned because of our sins against the all-holy, all-just
God, Who is Love Himself. However, by the blood and
death of Jesus, we have the opportunity to be forgiven. If we
have accepted this opportunity through repentance,
Baptism, and Confession, we have reason to rejoice forever.

The Church has taught throughout the centuries: "When
Christ's faithful strive to confess all the sins that they can
remember, they undoubtedly place all of them before the
divine mercy for pardon" (Catechism, 1456). When we go
to Confession, the Lord forgives all our sins even if we have
accidentally forgotten to confess any of them or have not
expressed them well. We are completely forgiven and truly
free. We have reason to be full of joy. Let us "celebrate and
rejoice" (Lk 15:32) because we who have been dead in sin
have come back to life. Alleluia!

Monday "WILL HE FIND FAITH?" (Lk 18:8, RSV-CE)
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=2/23/2009

"What an unbelieving lot you are!" —Mark 9:19

Tuesday GREAT EXPECTATIONS
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=2/24/2009

"When you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for
trials." —Sirach 2:1

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
________________________________________________

Brochures

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

This Week's Featured Brochures
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/HowToRead.asp

· A Prophetic Lent
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/APropheticLent.asp

· The Secret of Confession
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretConfession.asp

WHY DO I HAVE TO CONFESS MY SINS TO A PRIEST?

"Any forgiving I have done has been for your sakes, and,
before Christ, to prevent Satan -- whose guile we know too
well -- from outwitting us."(2 Corinthians 2:10-11)

We confess our sins to a priest simply because Jesus said
so. He gave the apostles authority to forgive sins in His
name. (Jn 20:23) God, of course, does all the forgiving and
all the healing, teaching, counseling, feeding, etc.
Everything good is done by God's power, but He often
works through people, members of the body of Christ, and
He has decided to use people as His instruments in
teaching, feeding, counseling, etc., and even in forgiving.
We are open to God using a person to feed us but when it
comes to forgiveness, we are reluctant to involve other
people and think we should talk to God alone. But God
commands: "Declare your sins to one another, and pray
for one another, that you may find healing." (Jas 5:16)

So, Biblically, we are to confess our sins not only to God
but also to other human beings. But why a priest? A priest
represents the family of God, our community, the local body
of Christ. We confess our sins to a representative of the
Christian family because our sins hurt others in the family,
and to be reconciled fully we must ask forgiveness not only
of God Whom we have disobeyed and those immediately
affected by .......................................

· Be Holy, For I Am Holy
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/BeHoly.asp

· The Secret of Fasting
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretFasting.asp

FASTING AND DELIVERANCE

Pope John Paul II has taught: "Jesus Himself has shown
us by His own example that prayer and fasting are the
first and most effective weapons against the forces of
evil (cf. Mt 4:1-11). As He taught His disciples, some
demons cannot be driven out except in this
way (cf. Mk 9:29)" (Gospel of Life, 100). Fasting sets
us free (Is 58:6). Even Ahab, the worst sinner in the
world, was temporarily freed from destruction by turning
to fasting (1 Kg 21:25-29). The Ninevites were also freed
from imminent destruction through fasting (Jon 3:5-10).
Esther's fasting helped free the Jewish nation from
extermination (Est 4:16). Joel announced the same
call (Jl 2:15). All these people knew the secret. Fasting
frees us from the most impossible circumstances, even
from Satan.

For example, in our fight for life and against abortion, we
are in humanly impossible circumstances. The pro-death
forces dominate the government, business, entertainment,
education, and mass media. We are like David
fighting ........................................

· Lent and the Renewal of Our Baptismal Promises
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/LentRenewal.asp

Brochures by Topic
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/brochures.asp
________________________________________________

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

Dear LORD, I pray in thanksgiving for the protection,
guidance, and love You have blessed us with. I pray that
You will continue to protect, guide, and love us all in Your
mercy. LORD, I pray that we will remain ever faithful to
You and live our lives according to Your word. Please
continue to bless us all and be with us always. Thank
You for helping my family, my grandma in particular,
begin healing after the death of my grandpa. I pray that
You will continue to help us all find peace with his
passing and bless us with understanding and love.
LORD, I also pray that my family will continue on the
path that leads to You and Your kingdom and can
spread the WORD daily. In the name of JesusI pray, Amen.
(M., 2/21/2009 7:29:26 PM)

Please pray for my wife Adair and I to be a pefect
vibrational match for each other. Thank You so
much. M.B.
(M.B., St.Paul, MN, United States, 2/21/2009 5:35:22 PM)

For Julie's friend who needs healing of sinus cancer.
She is the young mother of 3 small children.
(L., Cincinnati, OH, 2/21/2009 4:47:26 PM)

Praise the leaving Jesus Amen, We want to Thank God
for his unlimited Mercy, forgiveness, patients and love,
thank you holy spirit for husband second job. we are so greatful.
(C., United States, 2/21/2009 1:11:03 PM)

Ray Satola just had surgery to repair a hiatal hernia.
Please keep him in prayer. It is a very dangerous
operation because of his age and heart condition.
Thank you. PRAISE REPORT: BILL came home from
the hospital yesterday (Friday) 2 days ahead of
schedule. He is having a miraculous recovery. Your
prayers are being answered in an awesome way.
Thank you all so much. Praise God!
(D., 2/21/2009 11:26:41 AM)

pls pray for my brother william who is planning to take
his own life
(D., new york, new york, United States, 2/21/2009 10:25:39 AM)

Please pray for the preparations of my wedding on
Sunday, May 17th, 2009. I ask you to pray that
everything will be fine and God's will be done. I thank
Lord for bringing my soul mate. I also pray for him,
for his health, for his business and that our love is
true to one another. Please pray that our marriage
will be sacred in front of His Eyes. Thank you and
God bless.
(Anonymous, 2/21/2009 9:00:18 AM)

Help with parental problems or issues- i can hardly
walk through the house without painful anxiety
(Anonymous, 2/21/2009 8:38:04 AM)

Your prayers are requested for Sean to be willing to
return to Our Lord, lifted from depression and past
hurts, and to overcome addictions to prescribed
medications. May blessings return to you who offer
your prayers in support of others who are unable to
pray for themselves. Thank you.
(A Mother, 2/21/2009 8:06:15 AM)

Please follow link to additional prayer intentions.
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp
________________________________________________

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 are The Acts of the Apostles Part 1 thru 4, 1
Corinthians Part 1 & 2, Romans Parts 1-3. Also many MP3
formatted Audio tapes of most epistles in the bible and
numerous 15 minute Bible studies by Fr. Al Lauer.

Take a moment and check the link below
http://presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?pubID=269
________________________________________________

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
________________________________________________

Bible Telephone Line

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
________________________________________________

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

LENT AND FASTING

"A GREAT HELP"

The Sacred Scriptures and the entire Christian tradition
teach that fasting is a great help to avoid sin and all that
leads to it.

"FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD"

Since all of us are weighed down by sin and its
consequences, fasting is proposed to us as an instrument
to restore friendship with God.

"INTIMACY WITH THE LORD"

The faithful practice of fasting contributes ... to conferring
unity to the whole person, body and soul, helping to avoid
sin and grow in intimacy with the Lord.

(Source: Message for Lent, dated 12/11/2008)
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2009-02.asp?navlink=latest
________________________________________________

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
________________________________________________

2009 RETREATS
Online Registration

2009 RETREATS

· "Seek First The Kingdom of God" (Feb 27-28)
· Women's Retreat (Mar 28)
· "Living in Reality" (Apr 17-18)

http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
________________________________________________

--------------------------------------------------

Visit Presentation Ministries at http://www.presentationministries.com

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS - One Bread, One Body, 2/22/2009

For Lent follow our Bible reading schedule called, "A Prophetic Lent"

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/APropheticLent.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday, February 22, 2009, 7th Sunday Ordinary Time

Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Psalm 41, Mark
2:1-12
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022209.shtml

THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS

"When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, 'My son, your
sins are forgiven.' " —Mark 2:5

There is "more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner" (Lk 15:7). The
fact that the Lord has forgiven our sins is a great cause of joy for every
Christian. The Lord has not only forgiven our sins but also forgotten them
(Is 43:25). He has wiped them out (Is 43:25), removed them as far as the
east is from the west (Ps 103:12), and drowned them in the depths of the
sea (Mi 7:19). All of us would have been damned because of our sins
against the all-holy, all-just God, Who is Love Himself. However, by the
blood and death of Jesus, we have the opportunity to be forgiven. If we
have accepted this opportunity through repentance, Baptism, and
Confession, we have reason to rejoice forever.

The Church has taught throughout the centuries: "When Christ's faithful
strive to confess all the sins that they can remember, they undoubtedly
place all of them before the divine mercy for pardon" (Catechism, 1456).
When we go to Confession, the Lord forgives all our sins even if we have
accidentally forgotten to confess any of them or have not expressed them
well. We are completely forgiven and truly free. We have reason to be full
of joy. Let us "celebrate and rejoice" (Lk 15:32) because we who have been
dead in sin have come back to life. Alleluia!

Prayer: Father, may I joyfully invite others to reconciliation (see 2 Cor
5:18).

Promise: "God is the One Who firmly establishes us along with you in
Christ; it is He Who anointed us and has sealed us, thereby depositing the
first Payment, the Spirit, in our hearts." —2 Cor 1:21-22

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Whose first act after He rose from the
dead was to offer His disciples peace and reconciliation (Jn 20:19, 23).
Praise You, Jesus, "rich in mercy" (Eph 2:4).

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Saturday, February 21, 2009

FAITH IS... - One Bread, One Body, 2/21/2009

For Lent follow our Bible reading schedule called, "A Prophetic Lent"

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/APropheticLent.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, February 21, 2009, St. Peter Damian

Hebrews 11:1-7, Psalm 145, Mark 9:2-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022109.shtml

FAITH IS...

"Faith is confident assurance." —Hebrews 11:1

We're saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8). "All depends on faith" (Rm
4:16). "Without faith, it is impossible to please" God (Heb 11:6). Only
those who have faith conquer the world (1 Jn 5:5).

Clearly we must have faith in God. "Faith is confident assurance...and
conviction about things we do not see" (Heb 11:1). Assurance and
conviction about invisible things result from a personal relationship with
Jesus and through Him to the Father and in the Spirit.

Faith is an assurance that comes from a good relationship. That's why
faith comes through hearing (Rm 10:17). Personal relationship deepens as
we communicate and listen to each other. In particular, we are able to
hear the Lord especially through His word. Our experience of hearing Him
in the Bible gives us a point of reference by which we can tell when we're
hearing the Lord in other ways. Therefore, St. Jerome was right when he
said: "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ" (Catechism,
133). In other words, if we don't know the Bible, we'll have difficulty
hearing the Lord. This in turn will make it difficult for us to have a
deep personal relationship with the Lord.

Furthermore, this lack of depth in our personal relationship with the Lord
means we will not have a strong, confident assurance. Our faith will be
weak. In summary, to have the assurance which is faith, we need a deep
personal relationship with the Lord. This comes from hearing Him, and our
hearing is greatly helped by hearing God's word.

Prayer: Father, as I read the Scriptures for each day, may my hearing
improve significantly (Is 50:4).

Promise: "This is My Son, My Beloved. Listen to Him." —Mk 9:7

Praise: St. Peter Damian's faith enabled him to fight against scandals in
the priesthood that were occurring over a thousand years ago.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Friday, February 20, 2009

LOSERS - One Bread, One Body, 2/20/2009

What is Presentation Ministries? We've recently posted a video about the
ministry on our website. Check it out.

http://www.presentationministries.com/general/aboutPM.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, February 20, 2009

Genesis 11:1-9, Psalm 33, Mark 8:34—9:1
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022009.shtml

LOSERS

"Whoever would preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life
for My sake and the gospel's will preserve it." —Mark 8:35

Jesus commands us to lose our lives for His sake and the gospel's. Losing
our lives includes:
* denying our very selves,
* taking up Jesus' cross,
* following in Jesus' steps, and
* not being ashamed of Jesus and His teachings (Mk 8:34, 38).

Doing these things results in losing our lives because these things seem
absurd (see 1 Cor 1:18) and even threatening to "this faithless and
corrupt age" (Mk 8:38). Because we don't belong to the world, it hates us
and makes sure that we are losers by worldly standards (Jn 15:19).

Therefore, if we live a godly life, we should expect to be persecuted (2
Tm 3:12) and deprived of "worldly" opportunities. However, we're losing
nothing of lasting value, for "the world with its seductions is passing
away" (1 Jn 2:17).

So we laugh at the world's pleasures, positions, and power. If we gain it
all, we would gain nothing and destroy ourselves in the process (Mk 8:36).
We Christians may look like losers now, but the worst losers are those who
lose their immortal souls forever. Win now and lose everything later. Lose
now and rejoice forever in heaven.

Prayer: Jesus, make me happy to be insulted, persecuted, and slandered for
Your sake, for my reward will be great in heaven (Mt 5:11-12).

Promise: "The plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of His heart,
through all generations." —Ps 33:11

Praise: Susan could have been a star in Hollywood but chose "the better
portion" (see Lk 10:42), that is, to serve God quietly in a convent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Which Bird Are You?

I believe that people watch our lives and notice what kind of character we
have. I also believe that people want to see Jesus and are crying out, "If
He's real, show us!"

The Bible says that Christians are God's personal representatives. Christ
lives in us and we are the home of God. As His representatives, He makes His
appeal to the world through us. And we are supposed to live our lives with
excellence so that people want what we have-Jesus!

What I'm talking about is having godly character in our lives. Character is
expressed through our behavior patterns, or natural responses to things.

Isaiah 40:31 says, But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for,
and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall
lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the
sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or
become tired.

The eagle is used here as a simile, something that compares two unlike
objects. God wants us to have characteristics of an eagle because they
reflect godly qualities.

Now, there's a large variety of birds in the world, just like there are a
lot of different kinds of Christians. Here are some examples of what I mean.

There are a lot of "chicken Christians." Chickens are generally afraid of
life, and they seldom fly or reach their potential in life. And when a storm
comes, all they seem to do is flap around the chicken yard, stirring up dirt
and running to the chicken house.

Then there's the magpie. Magpies are overly aggressive bullies who abuse and
drive others away. They are selfish, arrogant, self-centered, harsh and
pushy.

Kookaburras think life is just one big party. They don't seem to take
anything seriously and are the big clown, insensitive to those around them.
They often hurt and offend others.

The buzzard enjoys the filth of life and has the smell of death all about
him. Buzzard Christians rip people apart by spreading rumors and are
attracted to people with problems. They think nothing of destroying someone's
reputation.

Parrots and cockatoos are the talkers and they mimic what they hear. This
type of Christian can "talk the talk," parroting others, but doesn't "walk
the walk." They have head knowledge but no experience-all noise and no
action.

Eagles, however, are bold, strong and fiercely devoted. They are reliable
mates and devoted parents. They dwell on the rocks and in the high places of
the earth. Eagles are also confident enough to stand alone against the
storms of life and spread their wings, soaring above the clouds of
destruction. They are truly magnificent creatures.

God compares us to this bird to motivate us to strive to rise to our
potential in life. And the verse in Isaiah says we will mount up [close to
God] as eagles [mount up to the sun] when we wait for the Lord. Waiting on
God means spending time with Him, taking time to be in His presence. And as
we spend time with God, we can become "one" with Him so that His character
is developed in us.

So what kind of Christian are you? Who are you spending time with and
listening to? It's time to come up higher and become the "eagle Christians"
God has created us to be!

Useful link: www.joycemeyer.org

CROSS-ROADS - One Bread, One Body, 2/19/2009

Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"Lent and Fasting" 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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Genesis 9:1-13, Psalm 102, Mark 8:27-33
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/021909.shtml

CROSS-ROADS

Jesus "began to teach them that the Son of Man had to suffer much, be
rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, be put to
death, and rise three days later." —Mark 8:31

When Peter did not accept the revelation of Jesus' suffering, rejection,
and death on the cross, Jesus called Peter "satan" (Mk 8:33). This word
means "adversary." If we downplay the necessity of the cross, we are
adversaries of Jesus, enemies of God (see Jas 4:4), antichrists (see 1 Jn
2:18), "enemies of the cross" (Phil 3:18).

Jesus wants us to embrace the cross, kiss it, take it up each day (Lk
9:23), speak of nothing but Christ crucified (1 Cor 2:2), and boast of
nothing but the cross (Gal 6:14). It is the sign of our salvation and of
the Lord's perfect love for us. We put crosses in our churches, around our
necks, and in our pockets. More importantly, we choose to take up crosses
of persecution, self-sacrifice, or rejection.

We are the people of the cross. With St. Francis of Assisi, the prayer of
our heart is: "We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your
holy cross You have redeemed the world!"

Lift high the cross!

Prayer: Father, may I be near the cross with Mary (see Jn 19:25).

Promise: "In the image of God has man been made." —Gn 9:6

Praise: David accepted his cross when his conversion to Christianity
caused his Jewish family to reject him.

(Through reading the Bible every day, we will grow in carrying our
crosses. We have several tape series that may help you. "Overview of the
Bible" is six audio tapes starting with AV 10A-1 or three video tapes
starting with V-10A. "15-minute Bible Teaching - New Testament" is 40
audio tapes starting with #700. "An Introduction to each Book of the
Bible" is 32 audio tapes starting with AV 21-1 or 17 video tapes starting
with V-21.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS - One Bread, One Body, 2/18/2009

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

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22, Psalm 116, Mark 8:22-26
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/021809.shtml

SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS

"Some people brought Him a blind man." —Mark 8:22

Because of our sin, we are all spiritually blind to some degree. We
probably are even blind to being blind, so we won't even ask Jesus to heal
our blindness. Other Christians will have to see our blindness, bring us
to Jesus, and beg Him to touch us (Mk 8:22).

Jesus is more than willing to restore our sight and answer the prayer of
our Christian brothers and sisters, but we must cooperate. When Jesus
takes our hands and leads us, we must follow (Mk 8:23). When He puts
spittle on our eyes and lays His hands on us, we must trust Him, even if
we don't understand what He's doing (Mk 8:23). When Jesus asks us: "Can
you see anything?" (Mk 8:23), we must repent of denying our blindness and
tell Jesus the truth.

Finally, after Jesus heals us, we must obey Him by not going where He
forbids us to go and by going where He tells us to go (see Mk 8:26). We
can be healed of spiritual blindness "with a little help from our
friends." Yet we must cooperate by following Jesus, trusting Him, telling
Him the truth, and obeying Him. Jesus will heal us if we let Him.

Prayer: Father, I repent of blinding myself (see Is 29:9) by following my
sinful desires (2 Cor 4:4).

Promise: "As long as the earth lasts, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat,
summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." —Gn 8:22

Praise: Paula denied her addiction until God opened her eyes and empowered
her to deny herself, take up her cross, and follow the Way.

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Spiritual Blindness" on audio AV
65-1 or video V-65.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

HEARTBROKEN GOD - One Bread, One Body, 2/17/2009

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

Tuesday, February 17, 2009, Founders of the Servites

Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10, Psalm 29, Mark 8:14-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/021709.shtml

HEARTBROKEN GOD

"When the Lord saw how great was man's wickedness on earth, and how no
desire that his heart conceived was ever anything but evil, He regretted
that He had made man on the earth, and His heart was grieved." —Genesis
6:5-6

The human heart became so evil that during Noah's time nobody desired
anything but evil. This evil condition of the human heart broke God's
heart, "and His heart was grieved." God in His broken heart sent prophets
to challenge and encourage us to change our hearts. Jeremiah exclaimed:
"More tortuous than all else is the human heart" (Jer 17:9-10).

If we believed Jeremiah, we would cry out to God for a heart transplant.
The Lord promised: "I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit
within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you
natural hearts" (Ez 36:26). David was inspired by God to teach us how to
pray for this new heart. He prayed: "A clean heart create for me, O
God...My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and
humbled, O God, You will not spurn" (Ps 51:12, 19).

These prophecies and prayers for a new heart were fulfilled and answered
when God became man and received a human heart. Paradoxically, when this
divine and human heart was pierced and broken on Calvary, the human heart
was changed and God's broken heart was loved (see Jn 19:34). Sacred Heart
of Jesus, we place our trust in You!

Prayer: Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, make my heart like Yours (Mt
11:29).

Promise: "The Lord is enthroned above the flood; the Lord is enthroned as
King forever." —Ps 29:10

Praise: The Servite founders honored God in their service and gave their
hearts to Him and His mother.

(Come, refresh your heart and soul this April 17-25, for one day or for
all nine days of retreats at our Discipleship Center in Adams County,
Ohio. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 for information.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Monday, February 16, 2009

THE BEST OR THE REST? - One Bread, One Body, 2/16/2009

We invite you to join the US bishop's pro-life postcard campaign. This
campaign works to keep current pro-life laws and stop the Freedom of
Choice Act.

http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/FOCA/postcard.shtml
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, February 16, 2009

Genesis 4:1-15, 25, Psalm 50, Mark 8:11-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/021609.shtml

THE BEST OR THE REST?

"Abel, for his part, brought one of the best firstlings of his
flock." —Genesis 4:4

Both Cain and Abel brought offerings to the Lord. God accepted Abel and
his offering, but He did not look with favor on Cain and his offering.
Although we don't know the details of this event, Scripture does provide
us with a clue into what God looks for in a sacrifice. Abel brought to the
Lord his "best" (Gn 4:4). Cain simply brought "an offering" (Gn 4:3).

The Lord repeatedly emphasizes offering the best we have, without blemish
(see Lv 1:10). What we give to the Lord should be as perfect as we are
capable of making it. The prophet Malachi bluntly accused priests of
despising the Lord when they offered tarnished sacrifices (Mal 1:6ff).
These priests kept the best lambs for their own meals, and burned the
weak, blind, and lame ones as offerings to the Lord, in opposition to the
command of the law of Moses. Malachi says to those who offered these
halfhearted, self-seeking sacrifices: "Present it to your governor; see if
he will accept it, or welcome you" (Mal 1:8).

Would our boss be happy to receive the same quality we give to the Lord,
Who created our boss? Do we give our best time to our jobs, recreation,
TV, or friends, and then give God the leftovers? Give the Lord your best,
and He will multiply the rest (see Mal 3:10).

Prayer: Father, I give You my life, my energies, my entire will.

Promise: "If you do well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a
demon lurking at the door: his urge is toward you, yet you can be his
master." —Gn 4:7

Praise: James tries to give the Lord his best by attending daily Mass
before going to work.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (Are you
giving God your best? Attend our "Seek First the Kingdom" retreat on Feb.
27 & 28 in the Cincinnati area and re-order your priorities. Call
937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 to register.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Sunday, February 15, 2009

PM eNewsletter Sixth Sunday in ordinary time

February 15th Sixth Sunday in ordinary time

This week, Jesus, is the week before the start of Lent.

Let us, right now, decide what we should do that will give
the most praise and glory to You.

Lord, help us to look at our lives, and see the areas that
need improvement or correction.

Then grace us, Lord, to be willing to give that problem, or
difficulty, over to You, to do with it, as You will.

Let us right now pray, and trust that You have something
that You want us to give You, as a gift for You, to present
to the Father on Holy Saturday.

Lord, let this Lent be the best Lent we have ever had.

Thank You Jesus, for loving us always. 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

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
________________________________________________

One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday OUT OF TOUCH?
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=2/15/2009

The leper "shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the
camp." —Leviticus 13:46

Those Israelites afflicted with leprosy still belonged to the
people of Israel, but could not participate in society due to
their contagious state. Whenever anyone came near, the
lepers had to "cry out, 'Unclean, unclean!' " (Lv 13:45), so
that others wouldn't catch what they had.

In Christian circles, modern-day lepers might include those
who are divorced or separated, suffer from depression, have
unruly or retarded children, have an "unequally-yoked" spouse,
etc. These suffering leper-Christians come to church services,
but find that they often must "dwell apart," because their
fellow parishioners act as though they'll catch "leprosy"
themselves by getting too closely involved.

"Jesus stretched out His hand, touched" a leper, and he was
cured (Mk 1:41-42). If you are not a Church-leper, "imitate
Christ" (1 Cor 11:1). Reach out to them, touch them, and
restore them to full fellowship with the community.

If you are this kind of leper, take heart. Jesus especially
identifies Himself with your condition (see Heb 13:12), so
"go to Him outside the camp, bearing the insult which He bore"
(Heb 13:13). He is "moved with pity" for you (Mk 1:41). He
wills for you to be cured and restored in every way (Mk 1:41).

Monday THE BEST OR THE REST?
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=2/16/2009

"Abel, for his part, brought one of the best firstlings of his
flock." —Genesis 4:4

Tuesday HEARTBROKEN GOD
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=2/17/2009

"When the Lord saw how great was man's wickedness on
earth, and how no desire that his heart conceived was ever
anything but evil, He regretted that He had made man on the
earth, and His heart was grieved." —Genesis 6:5-6

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

Brochures

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

This Week's Featured Brochures
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/HowToRead.asp

· A Prophetic Lent
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/APropheticLent.asp

· How to Get Your Kids to go to Church and go to Heaven
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/KidsChurch.asp

· The Secret of Confession
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretConfession.asp

WHY DO I HAVE TO CONFESS MY SINS TO A PRIEST?

"Any forgiving I have done has been for your sakes, and,
before Christ, to prevent Satan -- whose guile we know too
well -- from outwitting us."(2 Corinthians 2:10-11)

We confess our sins to a priest simply because Jesus said
so. He gave the apostles authority to forgive sins in His name.
(Jn 20:23) God, of course, does all the forgiving and all the
healing, teaching, counseling, feeding, etc. Everything good
is done by God's power, but He often works through people,
members of the body of Christ, and He has decided to use
people as His instruments in teaching, feeding, counseling,
etc., and even in forgiving. We are open to God using a person
to feed us but when it comes to forgiveness, we are reluctant
to involve other people and think we should talk to God alone.
But God commands: "Declare your sins to one another, and
pray for one another, that you may find healing." (Jas 5:16)

So, Biblically, we are to confess our sins not only to God but
also to other human beings. But why a priest? A priest
represents the family of God, our community, the local body
of Christ. We confess our sins to a representative of the
Christian family because our sins hurt others in the family,
and to be reconciled fully we must ask forgiveness not only
of God Whom we have disobeyed and those immediately
affected by .......................................

· Be Holy, For I Am Holy
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/BeHoly.asp

· The Secret of Fasting
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretFasting.asp

· Lent and the Renewal of Our Baptismal Promises
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/LentRenewal.asp

Brochures by Topic
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/brochures.asp
________________________________________________

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

Pray for all who seek you here today and all days Abba
-please make the medication for my husband stop his
arthritis and put it into remission-take away my angst from
all my worries with the business that still lingers-bless my
children their husbands and my grandbabies- show me
your way abba my sweet jesus and strong holy spirit bless
me and all that pass my way-extend boundaries and place
your hand upon me-your humble child judith
(J., little egg harbor, new jersey, 2/14/2009 8:15:40 PM)

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEGGY, louie and all members of
my family
(Anonymous, 2/14/2009 5:39:30 PM)

please pray for my niece life. god show the good way to
her. she got trouble from her relationship. lord give peace
for her. lord give your compassion on her. thanks
(Anonymous, 2/14/2009 2:08:23 PM)

Please pray to our dear God that my heart will soon stop
aching and that I will no longer be sad. That I can let go of
all this hate in my heart towards the person who had broke
it. May I learn to forgive, and let go of the all the hurt, lies,
deception, and ultimate betrayal, which I was put through.
That I may learn to understand he was not the man I
thought he was. He did not have the integrity or the
courage to stand up for what he wanted. That I may be
blessed with a good man like Saint Joseph. Please also
pray for the health of my parents, whom I love and miss
dearly, it's been over a year since I've seen them. Also for
my Aunt Ruby Mae, may her heart and mind be enlightened
and to drop the case of wanting to take her parents house.
Ultimately please pray for us all to be happy and healthy.
Thank you very much.
(Anonymous , Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2/14/2009 2:57:47 AM)

i pray for my ex boyfriend to stop acting stupid and to
give me back my phone and everything that belong to me
because i dont want to open a case for him.pls stop him
from threatening me and stalking me amen
(M.B., Johannesburg, gauteng, South Africa, 2/14/2009 2:32:44 AM)

need to get out of sin. i have been fighting- i wonder what
is causing that- fear? that night i felt something tell me it
was god - and it was not- i am sad. i feel like something is
bothering me- i wanted to be holy i guess- but something
went wrong - i got misled by feelings.- i need help with that.
TRUTH- or certainty of things- stable faith in true things help
-i hearde something that was n 't to me- and i need help
tho resolve it. -shall it go to Jesus? i think it is not personal
- .period. i ask pray for help with getting that stuff out- and
rejecting things- ie before i know for sure. appearances.
judgements i pray to stop taking things personally-
(Anonymous, 2/13/2009 11:12:34 PM)

Please follow link to additional prayer intentions.
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp
________________________________________________

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 are The Acts of the Apostles Part 1 thru 4, 1
Corinthians Part 1 & 2, Romans Parts 1-3. Also many MP3 f
ormatted Audio tapes of most epistles in the bible and
numerous 15 minute Bible studies by Fr. Al Lauer.

Take a moment and check the link below
http://presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?pubID=269
________________________________________________

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
________________________________________________

Bible Telephone Line

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

LENT AND FASTING

"EXPERIENCE GOD'S POWER"

At the beginning of Lent, which constitutes an itinerary of
more intense spiritual training, the Liturgy sets before
us ... three penitential practices that are very dear to the
biblical and Christian tradition — prayer, almsgiving,
fasting — to prepare us to better celebrate Easter and
thus experience God's power.

FOCUS ON FASTING

I wish to focus my reflections especially on the value and
meaning of fasting.... Lent recalls the forty days of our
Lord's fasting in the desert, which He undertook before
entering into His public ministry.

"A SERIOUS BATTLE"

Jesus ... through prayer and fasting, prepared Himself for
the mission that lay before Him, marked at the start by a
serious battle with the tempter.

(Source: Message for Lent, dated 12/11/2008)
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2009-02.asp?navlink=latest
________________________________________________

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
________________________________________________

2009 RETREATS
Online Registration

2009 RETREATS

· "Seek First The Kingdom of God" (Feb 27-28)
· Women's Retreat (Mar 28)
· "Living in Reality" (Apr 17-18)

http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
________________________________________________

--------------------------------------------------

Visit Presentation Ministries at http://www.presentationministries.com

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

OUT OF TOUCH? - One Bread, One Body, 2/15/2009

We invite you to join the US bishop's pro-life postcard campaign. This
campaign works to keep current pro-life laws and stop the Freedom of
Choice Act.

http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/FOCA/postcard.shtml
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday, February 15, 2009, 6th Sunday Ordinary Time

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46, 1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1, Psalm 32, Mark 1:40-45
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/021509.shtml

OUT OF TOUCH?

The leper "shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the
camp." —Leviticus 13:46

Those Israelites afflicted with leprosy still belonged to the people of
Israel, but could not participate in society due to their contagious
state. Whenever anyone came near, the lepers had to "cry out, 'Unclean,
unclean!' " (Lv 13:45), so that others wouldn't catch what they had.

In Christian circles, modern-day lepers might include those who are
divorced or separated, suffer from depression, have unruly or retarded
children, have an "unequally-yoked" spouse, etc. These suffering
leper-Christians come to church services, but find that they often must
"dwell apart," because their fellow parishioners act as though they'll
catch "leprosy" themselves by getting too closely involved.

"Jesus stretched out His hand, touched" a leper, and he was cured (Mk
1:41-42). If you are not a Church-leper, "imitate Christ" (1 Cor 11:1).
Reach out to them, touch them, and restore them to full fellowship with
the community.

If you are this kind of leper, take heart. Jesus especially identifies
Himself with your condition (see Heb 13:12), so "go to Him outside the
camp, bearing the insult which He bore" (Heb 13:13). He is "moved with
pity" for you (Mk 1:41). He wills for you to be cured and restored in
every way (Mk 1:41).

Prayer: Father, work through me to make this "a year of favor" (Lk 4:19)
for the outcast, the lowly, and the captives in my midst.

Promise: "I try to please all in any way I can by seeking, not my own
advantage, but that of the many, that they may be saved." —1 Cor 10:33

Praise: Praise Jesus, "the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (Jn 14:6),
Who still embraces the lepers and shows them great mercy.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Saturday, February 14, 2009

FOREVER-FOOD - One Bread, One Body, 2/14/2009

We invite you to join the US bishop's pro-life postcard campaign. This
campaign works to keep current pro-life laws and stop the Freedom of
Choice Act.

http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/FOCA/postcard.shtml
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, February 14, 2009, Sts. Cyril & Methodius

Genesis 3:9-24, Psalm 90, Mark 8:1-10
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/021409.shtml

FOREVER-FOOD

"He must not be allowed to put out his hand...and thus eat of it and live
forever." —Genesis 3:22

God provided wonderful food for Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Gn
1:29-30; 2:16-17). However, Adam and Eve wanted control of the menu. So
they ate the food God had forbidden them to eat (Gn 3:11). Because of
their rebellion, God would not allow humanity to eat of the food of the
tree of life, which would cause them to live forever (Gn 3:22).

However, God so loved the world that He sent His only Son (Jn 3:16). At
Calvary, Jesus was nailed to the tree of life. He left us a new food, His
own body and blood, the Eucharist. In Jesus, God offers us a new chance to
eat from the tree of life that grows in His garden (Rv 2:7). Now we are
once again allowed to eat of food that will enable us to live forever (Jn
6:51, 54).

Through Jesus, eating has been transformed. The Mass is now the new Eden,
the new Passover, the new paradise. In the Mass, our "deserted" lives (Mk
8:4) are nourished as Jesus feeds us with food that fills and satisfies us
perfectly (see Wis 16:20; Ps 145:16).

Adam and Eve ate to please themselves. In the Eucharist, we eat to please
Jesus. The Lord asks us: "When you were eating and drinking, was it not
for yourselves that you ate, and for yourselves that you drank?" (Zec 7:6)
Are you eating forever-food (Jn 6:58) or perishable food (Jn 6:27)? Repent
of any rebellion against God's menu-planning. Accept Jesus as the Lord of
your eating.

Prayer: Father, I renounce the food "of corruption and wickedness" and
devote my life to eating the Eucharist, the "Bread of sincerity and truth"
(1 Cor 5:8).

Promise: "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd." —Mk 8:2

Praise: Sts. Cyril and Methodius were blood brothers and apostles to the
Slavic nations. They translated the Bible into the Slavic language.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Friday, February 13, 2009

ANSWER THE FALL - One Bread, One Body, 2/13/2009

Join us for the 23rd Annual Bible Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 24 -
August 1, 2009. The featured speaker this year is Michael Cumbie. Much is
offered during this spirit-filled event so visit the link below for more
information.

http://www.presentationministries.com/bibleinst
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, February 13, 2009

Genesis 3:1-8, Psalm 32, Mark 7:31-37
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/021309.shtml

ANSWER THE FALL

"The woman answered the serpent." —Genesis 3:2

We read today's first reading and we want to shout: "Oh, Eve! Flee from
the serpent! Don't give him the time of day. Oh, Adam! Don't eat it! Throw
the fruit away!"

Through the disobedience of Adam and Eve, we have inherited a world
polluted with sin and death (Rm 5:12). It's so tempting to want to put all
the blame on Adam and Eve: "Now look what you've done. You messed up the
whole world and now we have to live in your mess. It's all your fault."
Yet that is exactly what Adam did: he shifted the blame from himself to
Eve (Gn 3:12). Eve took her cue from Adam and shifted the blame to the
serpent (Gn 3:13).

We have inherited a fallen nature from our first human parents, Adam and
Eve. It's in our genes, and we can't help it. We are programmed to sin,
and then to blame others for the consequences. Nonetheless, God is rich in
mercy: He sent His only Son, Jesus, into the world to conquer sin and
death. Jesus came to redeem us from our sins. Through His obedience, all
of us can become just (Rm 5:19). We rejoice with the words of the Easter
Vigil liturgy: "O happy fault! O necessary sin of Adam that gained for us
so great a Redeemer!"

Adam and Eve shifted the blame onto others. We have done the same. But God
has shifted the weight of our sins onto Jesus. Give your fallen nature to
Jesus, and receive His risen life.

Prayer: "I confess my faults to the Lord" (Ps 32:5). "O God, be merciful
to me, a sinner" (Lk 18:13).

Promise: "Their amazement went beyond all bounds: 'He has done everything
well! He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak!' " —Mk 7:37

Praise: After being humbled by the Lord, Mark was finally able to receive
Him on a deeper level.

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Our Main Sponsor

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Friday, February 27, 2009

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Monday, February 23, 2009

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Friday, February 20, 2009

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Monday, February 16, 2009

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Friday, February 13, 2009