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

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

NOW OR NEVER? - One Bread, One Body, 6/30/2009

Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"New Digital Technologies" 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 30, 2009, First Martyrs of Rome

Genesis 19:15-29, Psalm 26:2-3, 9-12, Matthew 8:23-27
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/063009.shtml

NOW OR NEVER?

"Lot's wife looked back, and she was turned into a pillar of
salt." —Genesis 19:26

Jesus said: "Whoever puts his hand to the plow but keeps looking back is
unfit for the reign of God" (Lk 9:62). Paul said: "I give no thought to
what lies behind but push on to what is ahead. My entire attention is on
the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me — life on
high in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13-14). The author of Hebrews remarks that
if men and women of faith "had been thinking back to the place from which
they had come, they would have had the opportunity of returning there. But
they were searching for a better, a heavenly home. Wherefore, God is not
ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them" (Heb
11:15-16).

If we look back, we're not fit for God's kingdom, we lose the race.
Moreover, the Hebrews text quoted above even implies that God might be
ashamed to be called our God. If you still have any leftover sins from the
past in your life, repent, be healed, and move on. The Lord does not want
us living in the past or the future. We must live in the "now."

We thank God for what has been and rejoice in what will be, but live in
what is. We learn from the past and walk into the future but love God in
the present. The past is over, the future may not be. "Now is the
acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" (2 Cor 6:2)

Prayer: Father, I love You now, I love the now.

Promise: "Then He stood up and took the winds and the sea to task.
Complete calm ensued." —Mt 8:26

Praise: Many of the first martyrs of Rome willingly gave their lives for
Jesus and were burned at the stake in the public arena. Their deaths lit a
fire in the church of Rome (see Lk 12:49). "You are the light of the
world...your light must shine before men" (Mt 5:14, 16).

(A study of "Paul's letter to the Romans" will be held at our Discipleship
Center July 13-16. Call 937-587-5464 for details.)

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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, 2009 through July 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, January 5, 2009

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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Monday, June 29, 2009

"THE DAY OF THE LORD" - One Bread, One Body, 6/29/2009

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

Monday, June 29, 2009, Sts. Peter & Paul

Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, Psalm 34:2-9, Matthew 16:13-19
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/062909.shtml

"THE DAY OF THE LORD"

"From now on a merited crown awaits me; on that Day the Lord, just Judge
that He is, will award it to me." —2 Timothy 4:8

In many countries throughout the world, today is a holy day. This means
that today is very special, and God wants to do something very special in
our lives. In today's first Scripture reading, Peter is miraculously freed
from jail (Acts 12:7ff). Today can be our day of liberation from our
prisons of sin, fear, compulsive behavior, and self-hatred. Even if we
have been in these prisons for most of our lives, Jesus can set us free
today. In today's Gospel reading, Jesus asks the question: "Who do you say
that I am?" (Mt 16:15) If by faith we acknowledge Jesus as Messiah, Son of
God, Lord, and Savior, today will be not only the day of liberation, but
also "the day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:2).

Paul said: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have
kept the faith. From now on a merited crown awaits me" (2 Tm 4:7-8). Like
Paul, a few readers of this book are on the threshold of dying, going to
heaven, and seeing Jesus face to face. Today could be their "Day of the
Lord," the last on earth, the first in heaven. Today is a holy day, an
unforgettable day, a day of liberation, salvation, death, and life. "This
is the day the Lord has made" (Ps 118:24).

Prayer: Father, today I allow You to love me with no reservations.

Promise: "The Lord will continue to rescue me from all attempts to do me
harm and will bring me safe to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory
forever and ever. Amen." —2 Tm 4:18

Praise: "Who can free me from this body under the power of death? All
praise to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Rm 7:24-25)

(Come to our retreat July 10-12 on "Worship and Evangelization" and be
equipped to bring others to Christ. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 for
information or to register.)

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eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

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Sunday, June 28, 2009

PM eNewsletter Thirteenth Sunday in ordinary time

June 28th Thirteenth Sunday in ordinary time.

This week Jesus, open us up to really calling You our Lord
and God.

Give us the grace to let go of any fears and problems that
stop us from walking with You all the time.

Let that grace enter into us so strongly that we will be
driven to come and sit with You in adoration and receive
Your precious Body and Blood.

Let that grace strengthen us to continue on this journey
of life with as much peace of heart as possible.

Let us become more and more other Christs to all people,
let us die to self and so willingly give to all others.

Thank You for loving and dying for us. 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 HOW TO RISE FROM THE DEAD
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/28/2009

"God formed man to be imperishable; the image of His own nature
He made him." —Wisdom 2:23

The Lord wants us to rise from the dead. He will do this by His
almighty power, but we must let it be done (see Lk 1:38). We let
the Lord raise us from the dead by believing in Him. Jesus told
Jairus at the news of his daughter's death: "Fear is useless,
only believe" (Mk 5:36, our transl.). At the cemetery following
Lazarus' death, Jesus likewise said: "I am the Resurrection and
the Life: whoever believes in Me, though he should die, will
come to life" (Jn 11:25-26).

We believe Jesus not only concerning the resurrection, but in
everything. We believe Jesus' words that if we feed on His flesh
and drink His blood, we have life eternal and will be raised
from the dead (Jn 6:54). We believe that, if we die with Jesus
through baptism and daily self-denial, we will live with Jesus
forever (see 2 Tm 2:11). We believe that Jesus baptizes us in
the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:8) and we even believe that the Spirit
dwelling within us will raise us from the dead (Rm 8:11).

Our resurrection from the dead is part of our salvation in Jesus.
Therefore, resurrection is a free gift to be claimed by faith.
Let us believe in Jesus and look forward with joy to our deaths.
In Jesus, our spirits will rise immediately at our death, and our
bodies will rise on the last day when Jesus comes again (Catechism, 997).

Monday "THE DAY OF THE LORD"
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/29/2009

"From now on a merited crown awaits me; on that Day the Lord,
just Judge that He is, will award it to me." —2 Timothy 4:8

Tuesday NOW OR NEVER?
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/30/2009

"Lot's wife looked back, and she was turned into a pillar of
salt." —Genesis 19:26

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

· Simple Bible Reading Guide
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/BibleReadingGuideIndex.asp

· The Presentation Story
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/PresentationStory.asp

· An Urgent Message to Godparents
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/Godparents.asp

· Spiritual Warfare
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/Warfare.asp

Brochures by Topic
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/brochures.asp
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PM Internet Prayer Requests
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp

Please pray for both of my parents health - mentally and
physically. Things are changing rapidly in them with Alzheimer's
and physical problems. The Alzheimer's is making one of my
parent's very mean and it is making life more difficult. I
cannot bear to lose how my parents are as they were. Please
continue to pray with me that God will give me back my parents
healthy both mentally and physcially and that there is more
love between them. I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT THEM - THEY ARE MY
LIFE! PLEASE!!!
(B., Cleveland, OH, United States, 6/27/2009 6:43:51 PM)

Sacred Heart of Mary intercede to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
to look down upon all our priests and give them strength
profess the teaching of Your Church. Also for Deacons Sisters
and Nuns. For the souls who especially venerate and glorify
Jesus' mercy. That the Blessed Mother Mary will intercede to
the Sacred Heart of Jesus to pour out his blood on all which
are on the verge of committing a mortal sin and they would
see the love and mercy of our Lord. Join in praying for the
soul of US Army chaplain Timothy Vakoc whose funeral Mass was
offered on Friday June 26, 2009. Let us also pray for all
Military Chaplains.
(K., Texas, 6/27/2009 6:41:45 PM)

Please pray for Maria Cristina Bonilla & Mauro Bianco.
(Anonymous, 6/27/2009 4:59:27 PM)

lord help us to sell the shop without any problem with my
brother in law.
(Anonymous, 6/27/2009 4:07:43 PM)

Help to quit porn, and all other sinful behavior in my life,
(Anonymous, 6/27/2009 1:49:14 PM)

For special intentions.
(Anonymous, 6/27/2009 1:46:30 PM)

Let us pray for Christ's return to earth to claim His Glorious
Bride the Catholic Church,, I pray I for Christ defeat of satan
and satan's workers of iniquity,,,,, let us not forget that the
Immaculate Heart of Mary who will also Triumph over satan,,,,,,
,,,,let us act on Christ's Gift of Savation while we still can,,
prior to death and the Final Judgment,,,the reward of Heaven to
the Torments and Pains of hell,,,let us choose wisely,,,Amen
(Anonymous, 6/27/2009 11:51:00 AM)

We lift up our prayers to You O' Lord,,,AMEN
(Anonymous, 6/27/2009 10:12:01 AM)

Please pray for my son who is struggling at his work place, as
he is not able to understand the work, and also is not given
any assistance or guidance. He is very much under performing,
as he does not know the work, though is a hard worker.Please
pray that God gives him wisdom an intelligence to understand
the work, or provide a helper to support him.
(Mrs.C.DS., Dubai, 1555, United Arab Emirates, 6/27/2009 4:52:34 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, and Romans Parts 1-3. Also available,
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

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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

RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS

"A SPECIAL GIFT OF GOD"

The vocation to the priesthood and to the consecrated life
constitutes a special gift of God which becomes part of the
great plan of love and salvation that God has for every man
and woman and for the whole of humanity.

"GIVE THANKS TO GOD"

.Responding to the Lord's call and docile to the movement
of the Holy Spirit,... countless ranks of priest and consecrated
persons placed themselves totally at the service of the Gospel
in the Church. Let us give thanks to God, because even today
He continues to call together workers into His vineyard

"UNSHAKABLE CERTITUDE"

While it is undoubtedly true that a worrisome shortage of
priests is evident in some regions of the world, and that the
Church encounters difficulties and obstacles along the way,
we are sustained by the unshakable certitude that the one
who firmly guides her in the pathways of time towards the
definitive fulfillment of the Kingdom is He, the Lord, Who freely
chooses persons of every culture and of every age and invites
them to follow Him according to the mysterious plans of His
merciful love.

(Source: Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations, May 3, 2009, dated
1/20/09)
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2009-04.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

· Proclaiming God's Word (Jun 29-Jul 2)
· Gifts of the Spirit (Jul 3-4)
· Prophecy & Deliverance (Jul 6-9)

http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
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Visit Presentation Ministries at http://www.presentationministries.com

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HOW TO RISE FROM THE DEAD - One Bread, One Body, 6/28/2009

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

Sunday, June 28, 2009, 13th Sunday Ordinary Time

Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24, 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15, Psalm 30:2, 4-6,
11-13, Mark 5:21-43
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/062809.shtml

HOW TO RISE FROM THE DEAD

"God formed man to be imperishable; the image of His own nature He made
him." —Wisdom 2:23

The Lord wants us to rise from the dead. He will do this by His almighty
power, but we must let it be done (see Lk 1:38). We let the Lord raise us
from the dead by believing in Him. Jesus told Jairus at the news of his
daughter's death: "Fear is useless, only believe" (Mk 5:36, our transl.).
At the cemetery following Lazarus' death, Jesus likewise said: "I am the
Resurrection and the Life: whoever believes in Me, though he should die,
will come to life" (Jn 11:25-26).

We believe Jesus not only concerning the resurrection, but in everything.
We believe Jesus' words that if we feed on His flesh and drink His blood,
we have life eternal and will be raised from the dead (Jn 6:54). We
believe that, if we die with Jesus through baptism and daily self-denial,
we will live with Jesus forever (see 2 Tm 2:11). We believe that Jesus
baptizes us in the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:8) and we even believe that the
Spirit dwelling within us will raise us from the dead (Rm 8:11).

Our resurrection from the dead is part of our salvation in Jesus.
Therefore, resurrection is a free gift to be claimed by faith. Let us
believe in Jesus and look forward with joy to our deaths. In Jesus, our
spirits will rise immediately at our death, and our bodies will rise on
the last day when Jesus comes again (Catechism, 997).

Prayer: Father, give me faith to move mountains (Mt 17:20), even the
mountain of death.

Promise: "Just as you are rich in every respect, in faith and discourse,
in knowledge, in total concern, and in the love we bear you, so may you
abound in this charity." —2 Cor 8:7

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus — "the First-Born of the dead" (Col 1:18).

(For a related teaching, order our tape, "Jesus, the Redeemer", on audio
AV 50-3 or video V-50.)

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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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Saturday, June 27, 2009

STAYING POWER - One Bread, One Body, 6/27/2009

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

Saturday, June 27, 2009, St. Cyril of Alexandria

Genesis 18:1-15, Luke 1:46-50, 53-55, Matthew 8:5-17
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/062709.shtml

STAYING POWER

"Sir, if I may ask You this favor, please do not go on past Your
servant." —Genesis 18:3

Like Abraham, we can have the Lord right in front of us, but if we don't
ask Him to stay, He may go right on past us. For example, when Jesus was
walking on the water, He meant to pass the apostles by (Mk 6:48). But when
they cried out to Him, Jesus "got into the boat with them and the wind
died down" (Mk 6:51). Also, on resurrection day, when Jesus had reached
Emmaus with His two disciples, "He acted as if He were going farther. But
they pressed Him: 'Stay with us'... so He went in to stay with them" (Lk
24:28-29).

In some ways, Jesus appears to be reserved and quiet, "not crying out, not
shouting, not making His voice heard in the street. A bruised reed He
shall not break, and a smoldering wick He shall not quench" (Is 42:2-3).
He won't force Himself on you. He'll let you ignore Him or even crucify
Him. He often whispers (1 Kgs 19:12), and sometimes is silent (Mt 27:12,
14). If you don't want Him around, He'll leave, shaking the dust from His
feet (Mt 10:14). Jesus respects our freedom, almost too much. He'll let us
reject Him forever. He'll even allow us to choose to be separated from Him
forever. That's called hell.

Ask Jesus to stay the night with you, and even the day. Ask Him to stay
forever. He says: "Here I stand, knocking at the door. If anyone hears Me
calling and opens the door, I will enter his house" (Rv 3:20). Invite Him
in.

Prayer: Jesus, give me the grace to get rid of anything that prevents You
from staying with me.

Promise: "He expelled the spirits by a simple command." —Mt 8:16

Praise: In obedience to God's call, St. Cyril gave up his life as a hermit
to serve the Lord in more public ways.

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Hearing God", or on audio AV
45-1 or video V-45.)

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Friday, June 26, 2009

THE LAST LAUGH - One Bread, One Body, 6/26/2009

Check out our brochure entitled "How to Renew Your Parish"

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/HowToRenewParish.asp
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Friday, June 26, 2009

Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22, Psalm 128:1-5, Matthew 8:1-4
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/062609.shtml

THE LAST LAUGH

"Abraham prostrated himself and laughed as he said to himself, 'Can a
child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Or can Sarah give birth
at ninety?' " —Genesis 17:17

Abraham and Sarah laughed at jokes God didn't even tell (Gn 18:12). We
often laugh when God is serious. God is serious about fulfilling His
promises. He's serious about healing the leprous (Mt 8:3) and those
incurable by medical standards. Many times doctors and Christians have
laughed at God before He healed the terminally ill or even raised the dead
(Mt 10:8).

The Lord is also extremely serious about saving us. Nobody in their right
mind cracks a smile at the foot of the cross. He's serious about cleansing
us of our sins in His blood. Shed blood is no laughing matter.

However, the Lord isn't all serious. He laughs at the learned and clever
who take themselves too seriously (Lk 10:21). He gets a laugh out of
mighty nations who think they're something more than a moment in time (Ps
2:4). He considers our preoccupation with money and material possessions
ludicrous. It would be even more hilarious if we weren't so foolish (Lk
12:20).

The Lord laughs a lot and even cries (Lk 19:41). We do the same. Yet do
we laugh and cry for the same reasons as He does?

Prayer: Father, teach me to laugh when You laugh and cry when You cry (Jas
4:9).

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: Timothy jokes that he prayed for boldness and got baldness, but
his prayerfulness inspires many.

(Our retreat on Prophecy and Deliverance" is held July 6-9. The world is
in great need of these gifts of the Spirit. Scripture tells us that
prophecy is to be sought above all other gifts (1 Cor 14:1). Jesus taught
us to pray: "Deliver us from evil" (see Mt 6:13). Call 937-587-5464 or
513-373-2397 for information or to register.)

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eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

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Thursday, June 25, 2009

You can be bitter or better

Source: Joyce Meyer
Did you know that the circumstances in your life can actually make you a
better person? Whether those situations are good or bad, you can choose to
allow your circumstances to make you better or bitter-it's your choice to
make.

It's always been amazing to me how one person can experience something
tragic and it makes them a stronger, better person, while someone else might
have something more minor happen in their life and it seems that they never
get over it. I like the saying, "Life breaks all of us, but some people are
made strong at the broken places; others just stay broken." We have to
realize that we are responsible for choosing how we respond.

There's a great example of choosing forgiveness over bitterness in Numbers
12. In this scripture, Moses' brother and sister came against him. Verses 1
and 2 say, Now Miriam and Aaron talked against Moses [their brother] because
of his Cushite wife.and they said, Has the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses?
Has He not spoken also by us?. (The Amplified Bible).

In this instance, Miriam and Aaron were being critical of Moses because they
were jealous and wanted his position. Jealousy is the root of bitterness and
it prevents people from seeing the greatness of God in their own lives.

It's common for people to act this way when they aren't satisfied with who
they are and where they are in life, which makes them judgmental, critical
and even angry about what God is doing for someone else. We need to know who
we are in Christ and trust that God has a plan for each of us. We have to
stop wanting what we don't have and thank God for what we do have.

Verses 9 through 12 say that God was angry with their sin, and Miriam became
leprous. So how did Moses react? In verse 13 he prayed for Miriam to be
healed! He chose forgiveness.

I was abused throughout my childhood and had every reason to feel sorry for
myself. As a result, I spent years in self-pity, and it never did me any
good. I finally realized that staying angry was not going to change my
situation, and I had to stop feeling sorry for myself. I decided to forgive.

Everyone has opportunities every day to either forgive or become offended or
aggravated, jealous or angry. It can be easy to overlook the little things
that create resentment or aggravation, which causes them to build up inside
us. It seems that most divorces happen because of all the little things that
build up over the years and aren't dealt with. In the end, people don't even
really know why they can't stay together.

In order to forgive - really forgive - you must be committed to walk in
love. If you really want to walk in love, you're going to have to learn to
die to yourself, give some things away that you'd probably rather keep, put
up with some people you'd probably rather get away from, and get really good
at forgiving others.

If you're a person who is unhappy most of the time or if you struggle with
self-pity, it's time to stop blaming others and allowing the circumstances
of your life to make you a bitter, jealous, offended person. And it's time
to stop wanting what someone else has. Understand that God is much more
interested in doing something IN you than FOR you, because if He can't do
anything IN you, He can't work THROUGH you. It's His will to work through
you.

Make the decision to walk in love and learn to forgive. You can allow the
difficult situations of life to make you a better person. You can rise above
them and choose to walk in love and forgiveness. God has a plan for you-a
wonderful plan. And although He may not do for you what He's done for
someone else, He will do something wonderful for you.

For more on this topic, you may order Joyce's four-CD series "Do Yourself a
Favor.Forgive" by visiting www.joycemeyer.org.

Useful link: www.joycemeyer.org

SITTING TIGHT - One Bread, One Body, 6/25/2009

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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16, Psalm 106:1-5, Matthew 7:21-29
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/062509.shtml

SITTING TIGHT

"Go back...and submit." —Genesis 16:9

God told Abram: "Don't just do something, sit there." God did not need
Abram to have a son by Sarai's maid to help God fulfill His promises (see
Gn 15:4). Then Sarai's maid, Hagar, tried to help God protect her by
fleeing into the wilderness. God told her to go back and stay put (Gn
16:9). Sometimes the best thing we can do is nothing. For example, the
Lord told Moses that He would fight for the Israelites against the
Egyptians. Moses had "only to keep still" (Ex 14:14). Isaiah prophesied:
"By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your
strength lies" (Is 30:15).

Although we must not be apathetic when God calls us into action, we must
not be pressured into action when He calls us to stay put. If those
protesting abuses in the Church at the time of the Reformation had stayed
put, we would possibly have a united, renewed Church. If the Christians in
the inner city had not fled to the suburbs, inner-city churches would not
be closed, and the larger Church would be stronger. If rural people were
not pushing into the cities, more families would remain intact, and fewer
young people would be manipulated and dehumanized. If we just stayed put,
we wouldn't see so many immature and unprepared single people getting
married and so many married people getting divorced.

Where are you the most pressured to make a move? Don't give in to the
pressure. Move only in obedience to God.

Prayer: Father, may I "sit tight." I will hope in silence for Your saving
help (Lam 3:26).

Promise: "None of those who cry out, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom
of God but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven." —Mt
7:21

Praise: While other young people experimented with alcohol, David stayed
clean and close to God.

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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

GREAT, GREATER, GREATEST - One Bread, One Body, 6/24/2009

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Wednesday, June 24, 2009, Birth of St. John the Baptizer

Isaiah 49:1-6, Acts 13:22-26, Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15, Luke 1:57-66, 80
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/062409.shtml

GREAT, GREATER, GREATEST

"Was not the hand of the Lord upon him?" —Luke 1:66

John the Baptizer was born of a barren woman (Lk 1:7). His father,
Zechariah, was deaf and dumb throughout the nine months of Elizabeth's
pregnancy (Lk 1:20, 62). Zechariah was miraculously healed at John's
circumcision (Lk 1:64). These astounding events surrounding the conception
and birth of John the Baptizer prompted the question: "What will this
child be?" (Lk 1:66)

The answers to this question are:
* John the Baptizer was the "prophet of the Most High" (Lk 1:76).
* He was the new Elijah (Lk 1:17; Mt 11:14).
* "He was the lamp, set aflame and burning bright" (Jn 5:35).
* John was "a voice in the desert, crying out: 'Make straight the way
of the Lord!' " (Jn 1:23)
* He was not "a reed swaying in the wind" or "someone luxuriously
dressed" (Mt 11:7-8).
* He was not worthy to unfasten Jesus' sandals (Acts 13:25).
* John the Baptizer was the greatest person that had ever been born of
woman up to that time (Mt 11:11).

Yet you and I, "the least born into the kingdom of God," are greater than
John (Mt 11:11). John the Baptizer was the greatest, but we are greater
than the greatest because of what Jesus has done in our lives.

Prayer: Jesus, You are the Greatest, and I am in You and You in me (Jn
6:56).

Promise: "My reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God." —Is
49:4

Praise: St. John the Baptizer set a great example of calling sinners to
God, especially from public and sexual sins. His humility paved the way
for the mission of Jesus.

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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

PEARLS AND PIGS - One Bread, One Body, 6/23/2009

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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Genesis 13:2, 5-18, Psalm 15:2-5, Matthew 7:6, 12-14
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/062309.shtml

PEARLS AND PIGS

"Do not give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before swine. They
will trample them under foot, at best, and perhaps even tear you to
shreds." —Matthew 7:6

Have you ever been tempted to toss your pearls before swine? Even if we
take this command to mean: "Don't share the pearls of the gospel with the
swine-eating Gentiles," it still doesn't seem the Jewish Christians had
trouble restraining themselves from evangelizing the Gentiles. In fact,
the Lord called the Jewish Christians to evangelize the Gentiles, but only
after the Jewish Christians had devoted themselves to evangelizing the
Jews.

Are we saying that God both commands us to toss our pearls before swine
and not to toss our pearls before swine? The point is not the pearls or
the swine but the timing. Could it be that you're working at the church
when you should be working at home? Maybe you're sharing the gospel with
strangers but not with your wife.

What if you're not tossing the pearls of the gospel before swine? What if
your timing's off because you're not obeying God? We should be
evangelizing whether we want to or not. We should be evangelizing first
those closest to us and often the hardest to talk to. We should be
evangelizing those that the Lord assigns to us and not those we have
chosen. We toss our pearls before swine when we do the "right" thing at
the wrong time, to the wrong people, or in the wrong place.

Prayer: Father, may I do it Your way, all the way and all the time.

Promise: "I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth; if
anyone could count the dust of earth, your descendants too might be
counted." —Gn 13:16

Praise: Caroline invited neighbors to a home Bible study where she opened
her home and her heart to all.

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eBook edition, and an online donation form at
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Monday, June 22, 2009

NOT YET - One Bread, One Body, 6/22/2009

Please join us in continuing to pray this 40 day novena for the completion
of our Discipleship Center building. The novena ends June 22. Please
e-mail any insights or prophetic words you feel the Lord has given you.

Prayer for the Building Project

Abba Father, source of all life, you brought each of us into being and
have called us to be a community of faith.

Lord Jesus, Son of the living God, architect and builder of all things,
You have given us the task of proclaiming your Gospel, of being a sign of
your love, and building a place to call home.

Following the wisdom of your Spirit, we have set about to provide
buildings where our faith can be shared from generation to generation, and
your love may be celebrated in your community of faith which we construct
under your guidance and on the chief Cornerstone, Jesus the Christ.

Lord Jesus, we seek your provision for the funds, workers, and resources
necessary to complete the task you have given us. Fortify our faith
stronger than our buildings. Watch over the laborers and keep them safe.
May our work on this project serve to strengthen our church community and
contribute to the building of the Kingdom of Our Lord Jesus Christ, here
on earth and in eternity. Amen.

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Monday, June 22, 2009, St. Paulinus, St. John Fisher

Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:12-13, 18-20, 22, Matthew 7:1-5
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/062209.shtml

NOT YET

"To your descendants I will give this land...Then Abram journeyed
on." —Genesis 12:7, 9

As Abram passed through the land of Canaan, God promised him that his
descendants would inherit that land. However, the Canaanites were still
living in the land at the time (Gn 12:6). Abram then continued his journey
south many miles more to the desert of the Negeb. Abram got the promise
but no land yet.

Joshua led the Israelites into the promised land, but they didn't possess
it right away. God told them they wouldn't occupy the land in one year;
they were not numerous enough. God displaced the peoples who resided there
by sending hornets to drive them out, little by little. Otherwise, the
Lord said, the added responsibilities would prove too much for them (see
Ex 23:28-30; Dt 7:22). So God allowed the Canaanites to stay awhile, to
maintain and upgrade the land and dwellings until the time the Israelites
could take over.

Abram and Joshua both experienced delays. As Joshua discovered, sometimes
a delay is a result of God's kindness. As Abram learned, sometimes a delay
is for the benefit of others, not us, and we are to patiently bear it so
others we may never even meet can be blessed through us (Gn 12:2-3).

Is there a delay in your life that you can't understand? Allow God to use
it to work all things to the good (Rm 8:28).

Prayer: Father, when You tell me "not yet," may I always trust that You
have "already" given me all that I need.

Promise: "The measure with which you measure will be used to measure
you." —Mt 7:2

Praise: St. Paulinus was a public servant, husband, father, hermit, poet
and bishop.

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

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Sunday, June 21, 2009

PM eNewsletter Twelfth Sunday in ordinary time

June 21st Twelfth Sunday in ordinary time.

Jesus in our lives as christians, there really isn't any
ordinary time.

You always call us to come to You more and
more every day of our lives.

We can never say that we know You enough.

We must constantly recommit ourselves to know, love, and
serve You with all of our hearts, souls and minds.

We must also try to love others as You love us.

That takes a lot of effort as our human condition prevents
us from always forgiving those who have hurt us.

But Jesus, You are the way, the truth and the life and so
grace us to let go and let You be our Lord more and more
everyday in every way. 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 A STORMY RELATIONSHIP
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/21/2009

"The Lord addressed Job out of the storm." —Job 38:1

You're in a veritable hurricane of difficulty, and all you
can see of Jesus is that He's asleep. You want to scream,
"Jesus, don't You care?" (see Mk 4:38) However, Jesus "
cares for you" (1 Pt 5:7). "Indeed He neither slumbers nor
sleeps, [your] guardian" (Ps 121:4). Since Jesus never
slumbers on the job of guarding you, His sleeping in the
boat of the Church and of your life must carry another
meaning. Possibly, Jesus' act of sleeping in the boat is
yet another case of Him giving us an example (Jn 13:15).

The disciples, accustomed to the storms of the sea,
finally experienced a storm they couldn't handle. Jesus
was in the same storm and the same boat, but was asleep!
He had perfect peace in the worst storm. What an Example!
(1 Pt 2:21) Facing death, Jesus yawns, arises, and stops
the chaos (Mk 4:39).

Jesus has shared His eucharistic body (Lk 22:19) and
divine nature with us (2 Pt 1:4). Can't you see that He
wants to give you His own peace? (Jn 20:19) He expects us
to follow His example and trust Him in the worst times.
This is evident, because instead of comforting His
panicked disciples, He challenges them, exclaiming: "Why
are you so terrified? Why are you lacking in faith?" (Mk 4:40)

Jesus states that we, His disciples, will undergo storms
and trials (Mt 7:25). "It is a test for you, but it
should not catch you off guard" (1 Pt 4:12). When Jesus
the Good Shepherd judges it to be the proper time, He
will lead you from the stormy waters to the still waters
(Ps 23:2; Ps 107:30). Until He does this, trust Him and
do not fear (Mk 5:36). Jesus is Lord of all storms.

Monday NOT YET
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/22/2009

"To your descendants I will give this land...Then Abram
journeyed on." —Genesis 12:7, 9

Tuesday PEARLS AND PIGS
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/23/2009

"Do not give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls
before swine. They will trample them under foot, at best,
and perhaps even tear you to shreds." —Matthew 7:6

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

· There's No Place Like Home-(Schooling)
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/HomeSchooling.asp

· TV Addiction
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/TVAddiction.asp

· Speak the Truth in Love
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/SpeakTruthLove.asp

· Ten Commandments of Intercession
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/Intercession.asp

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

Please pray that the Lord will help me- heal and reconcile
my relationship with KA. That He sends His messengers to
open the mind and touch the heart of KA. For His guidance
in His path and direction. That He brings us peace,
faithfulness, fill our lives with love and happiness again.
That He helps me in my work too. Thank you and Praise the Lord.
(M., 6/20/2009 7:46:12 PM)

Lord, I pray for healing in my marriage. Fill myself and
my husband with the Holy Spirit, and help him remember our
wedding vows. Please Lord, keep him safe and allow him to
heal. I pray for renewal and optimism in our relationship.
I pray for the young woman who has taken him into her heart,
that she is able to let him go and begin her healing. I pray
that he comes home to me, and that we can start again, renewed
in our faith and love for one another. Lord, bless my dear
friends and family who have supported me during this rough
time. St Joseph, intercede on my behalf, pray that Tim can
find his strength and be reminded of what a good husband he
is. St Padre Pio, pray for us. Holy Mary protect us. Please
Lord, send him home to me. Amen.
(A., Australia, 6/20/2009 6:07:06 PM)

During the third hour, I pray… Sacred Heart of Mary intercede
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to look down upon all our priests
and give them strength profess the teaching of Your Church. For
souls who have become lukewarm…for a cure for Lauren and all
children. For families and children. For the poor and homeless.
For the sick and suffering For all youth. For all missionaries
all over the world. Jesus of Divine Mercy pour out Your Mercy
upon every man, woman and child. For the conversion of poor sinners.
(K., Texas, 6/20/2009 3:56:36 PM)

Let us pray for God's Mercy and God's Love to lift up the souls
of the dead and dying in the streets of Iran, who are seeking
civil and religious freedom from a dictatiorship which has shown
its ugly face through the form of violence on its own people.
Though we may be of a different race and religion the Iranian
people are are bothers and sisters created by Our Universal
God,,,,,my heart cries for Iran,,,AMEN
(Anonymous, 6/20/2009 2:49:19 PM)

Please pray for me and my financial needs. i am disabled and my
rent and utilities haven't been paid. I have been praying but
some help wouldn't hurt. Please remember me in your prayers.
(D.H., Lone Star, morris, United States, 6/20/2009 2:14:16 PM)

Lorg God almighty I pray that you hear my prayer request of
granting me a suitable partner (wife). I pray that you grant
me that woman who will understand my catholic faith and it
profession so that we both can share the same faith. Moreover
blessesd me with a woman has the character of a homemaker so
that I will be fulfilled in Christ Jesus. Amen.
(C.Y.S., Accra, Greater -Accra, Ghana, 6/20/2009 8:16:51 AM)

God in heaven, give my wife passion, wisdom, struggle and don't
angry near in her body. God give my wife love, so she can love
her son and her husband. Give her strength in life daily.
Thanks God. Amen.
(P.K., jakarta, dki jakarta, Indonesia, 6/20/2009 5:40:57 AM)

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

MP3 4 You

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
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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

RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS

"A SPECIAL GIFT OF GOD"

"GIVE THANKS TO GOD"

"UNSHAKABLE CERTITUDE"

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

· Life Style in the Spirit (Jun 26-27)
· Proclaiming God's Word (Jun 29-Jul 2)

http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
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A STORMY RELATIONSHIP - One Bread, One Body, 6/21/2009

Prayer for the Building Project

Abba Father, source of all life, you brought each of us into being and
have called us to be a community of faith.

Lord Jesus, Son of the living God, architect and builder of all things,
You have given us the task of proclaiming your Gospel, of being a sign of
your love, and building a place to call home.

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

Sunday, June 21, 2009, 12th Sunday Ordinary Time

Job 38:1, 8-11, 2 Corinthians 5:14-17, Psalm 107:23-26, 28-31, Mark
4:35-41
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/062109.shtml

A STORMY RELATIONSHIP

"The Lord addressed Job out of the storm." —Job 38:1

You're in a veritable hurricane of difficulty, and all you can see of
Jesus is that He's asleep. You want to scream, "Jesus, don't You care?"
(see Mk 4:38) However, Jesus "cares for you" (1 Pt 5:7). "Indeed He
neither slumbers nor sleeps, [your] guardian" (Ps 121:4). Since Jesus
never slumbers on the job of guarding you, His sleeping in the boat of the
Church and of your life must carry another meaning. Possibly, Jesus' act
of sleeping in the boat is yet another case of Him giving us an example
(Jn 13:15).

The disciples, accustomed to the storms of the sea, finally experienced a
storm they couldn't handle. Jesus was in the same storm and the same boat,
but was asleep! He had perfect peace in the worst storm. What an Example!
(1 Pt 2:21) Facing death, Jesus yawns, arises, and stops the chaos (Mk
4:39).

Jesus has shared His eucharistic body (Lk 22:19) and divine nature with us
(2 Pt 1:4). Can't you see that He wants to give you His own peace? (Jn
20:19) He expects us to follow His example and trust Him in the worst
times. This is evident, because instead of comforting His panicked
disciples, He challenges them, exclaiming: "Why are you so terrified? Why
are you lacking in faith?" (Mk 4:40)

Jesus states that we, His disciples, will undergo storms and trials (Mt
7:25). "It is a test for you, but it should not catch you off guard" (1 Pt
4:12). When Jesus the Good Shepherd judges it to be the proper time, He
will lead you from the stormy waters to the still waters (Ps 23:2; Ps
107:30). Until He does this, trust Him and do not fear (Mk 5:36). Jesus is
Lord of all storms.

Prayer: Jesus, You are my Refuge. I will not be afraid (Ps 27:1).

Promise: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." —2 Cor 5:17

Praise: Praise Jesus, Whom the winds and waves obey.

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

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eBook edition, and an online donation form at
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Saturday, June 20, 2009

SIMPLE BY WHOSE STANDARDS? - One Bread, One Body, 6/20/2009

Prayer for the Building Project

Abba Father, source of all life, you brought each of us into being and
have called us to be a community of faith.

Lord Jesus, Son of the living God, architect and builder of all things,
You have given us the task of proclaiming your Gospel, of being a sign of
your love, and building a place to call home.

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

Saturday, June 20, 2009, Immaculate Heart of Mary

2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Psalm 34:8-13, Luke 2:41-51, or Matthew 6:24-34
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/062009.shtml

SIMPLE BY WHOSE STANDARDS?

"I warn you, then: do not worry about your livelihood, what you are to eat
or drink or use for clothing." —Matthew 6:25

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus commands us three times not to worry
about what we are to eat, drink, or wear (Mt 6:25, 31, 34). When Jesus
originally issued these commands, He was talking to people who hardly had
any possessions, at least by our standards. He was talking to people who
had a coarse loaf of bread, a little water, the clothes on their backs,
and maybe a pair of sandals. How could Jesus warn such "dirt-poor" people
not to worry about food, drink, and clothes?

If the simple people of Jesus' day needed to be warned about being
preoccupied with material possessions, what about us who live in the
richest country in the richest time in history? If Jewish peasants could
fall into the temptation of serving money rather than God, what kind of
temptations do technologically sophisticated Americans face? Even a
radically simplified lifestyle by American standards may not approximate
what Jesus means by seeking first His kingdom (see Mt 6:33). We must
ponder in our hearts the simple, pure, loving Immaculate Heart of Mary,
and live in simple trust as she did. We must repent and pray for a miracle
of simplicity.

Prayer: Father, may I not be conformed to this world (Rm 12:2).

Promise: "My grace is enough for you." —2 Cor 12:9

Praise: "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name;
His mercy is from age to age on those who fear Him" (Lk 1:49-50).

(For a related teaching, order our book, "Living In Reality", or our
four-tape audio series starting with AV 38-1 or two-tape video series
starting with V-38.)

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Friday, June 19, 2009

UNIMAGINABLE LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 6/19/2009

Pray about distributing a bulk order of OBOB in your diocese, city,
parish, prayer group, place of business, doctors' office, hospital,
neighborhood or family.

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Friday, June 19, 2009, Sacred Heart of Jesus

Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9, Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19, Isaiah 12:2-6, John
19:31-37
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/061909.shtml

UNIMAGINABLE LOVE

"Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth
and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love
which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of
God Himself." —Ephesians 3:18-19

God's word promises that by His grace we can grasp fully and personally
experience Christ's love. This is impossible for us, but nothing is
impossible with God (Mk 10:27). It's difficult to imagine experiencing the
fullness of Christ's perfect, infinite, and crucified love. Nonetheless,
He will do in our lives more than we can ever ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).
"Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man
what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor 2:9).

Jesus has given us an experience of His infinite love through the
prophetic vision of the Sacred Heart. No one ever thought of a picture in
which the heart was outside the body. This seems bizarre, even repulsive.
However, the Sacred Heart has communicated the tender, healing, personal
love of God for us. The vision of the Sacred Heart is one of the most
confirmed, powerful, and life-changing prophecies in the history of the
Church. Every day, look at a picture of the Sacred Heart and let the Lord
show His love for you in a way you've never imagined possible.

Prayer: Jesus, may my heart be overwhelmed by Your love for me (see Hos
11:8).

Promise: "It was I Who taught Ephraim to walk, Who took them in My arms; I
drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one
who raises an infant to his cheeks." —Hos 11:3-4

Praise: Joe was abandoned by some of those he loved and served most.
Through a picture of the Sacred Heart in Joe's bedroom, Jesus reassured
Joe of His never-ending love.

(Attend our retreat on July 3-4 to learn about the thirty-plus "Gifts of
the Spirit". Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 for information.)

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Thursday, June 18, 2009

The Blessings of Surrender

Source: Michael Youssef

Most Christians would admit that, at times, their Christian walk feels more
like a crawl. We may feel our relationship with God has dwindled or that our
work for Him is ineffective. We may even feel disillusioned about the path
our life has taken.

God wants much more for us. He wants us to live abundantly and victoriously.
He wants to empower us to do great things for His kingdom. But in order to
live that triumphant life, we must first surrender everything to Him.

In studying the prophet Elisha, we see that God works miraculously to bring
victory to those who surrender to Him. By emptying ourselves before God, He
can fill us to overflowing. Are you in a situation where you feel
inadequate? Do you feel like you have nothing to offer? Have you tried every
human solution possible, only to realise you have no further options? If so,
you can rejoice because your brokenness can be the foundation for God to do
great things in your life. If you surrender to Him, God can bless you and
fill you with the joy that only He can give.

Whatever we go through, whether small or large, God wants us to surrender to
Him. When we lay our problems at the feet of Christ - truly place His will
above ours - God is able to work fully in our lives.

Read 2 Kings 4:1-7. In this passage we read about a woman in a place of
bankruptcy and shame. Her husband had died and left her a debt she could not
possibly pay; the only thing she could do was throw herself upon the mercy
of Elisha.

Elisha did not offer to pay her debts. He instead asked her, "Tell me, what
do you have in your house?" (2 Kings 4:2) God's plan for our lives always
begins with what we have. The widow did not have much - only a little oil.
Yet she offered it to Elisha, hoping he could use it to help her. She did
not try to hoard it or hide it from him. She surrendered the little bit she
had.

Likewise, God does not want us to hold back from Him. He wants us to
surrender whatever we have left. He wants us to come clean with Him and
confess whatever we are trying to hide from Him. When we give God
everything, He can use the tiniest jar of oil to bless us.

Elisha told the widow to borrow as many empty jars as she could, then to
pour the oil into the jars. These borrowed vessels showed the woman's
capacity to receive from God. The more vessels she had, the more she was
going to receive. The more empty the jars were, the more oil that would fill
them. The moment she ran out of empty vessels, the oil stopped flowing.

God will only bless us as much as we make available for Him to bless us. We
cannot pick and choose areas of our lives to allow God to work - we must
surrender everything to Him. Like the widow's jars, if we are filled with
other things - bitterness, a critical spirit, greed, selfishness - then
God's Holy Spirit cannot be poured into us.

Elisha also instructed the widow to close the door when she was pouring the
oil: "Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil
into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side" (2 Kings 4:4).
We need to get into our prayer closets and shut the doors. We need to shut
out all distractions, anxieties, and worldliness that prevent us from
surrendering to God. We need to put our focus on Him alone.

The widow did as Elisha told her: "She left him and afterward shut the door
behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring.
... She went and told the man of God, and he said, 'Go, sell the oil and pay
your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left'" (2 Kings 4:5,7).
God multiplied her few drops of oil into a great blessing.

When we are broken before God, He begins to pour great blessings into our
lives. When we repent and yield completely to Him, He can transform our
lives. Are you broken before God today? Or do you still hold on to areas in
your life - sin, ambition, money, relationships - that you hoard away from
Him? If there is something you haven't surrendered to God? Confess and pray
for the Holy Spirit's help to let go of that and allow God complete control
in your life.

Useful link: www.leadingtheway.org

FATHER'S DAY - One Bread, One Body, 6/18/2009

Join us for the 23rd Annual Bible Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 24 -
August 1, 2009. The featured speakers this year include Michael Cumbie,
Dan Schneider, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk and Archbishop Dennis Schnurr.
Much is offered during this spirit-filled event so visit the link below
for more information. Online registration is open.

http://www.presentationministries.com/bibleinst
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Thursday, June 18, 2009

2 Corinthians 11:1-11, Psalm 111:1-4, 7-8, Matthew 6:7-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/061809.shtml

FATHER'S DAY

"Your Father knows what you need." —Matthew 6:8

The essence of the Christian life is knowing and believing in God the
Father's love for us (1 Jn 4:16). Jesus was sent to reveal the Father's
love (Jn 15:9). The Holy Spirit cries out in our hearts "Abba," that is,
"Father" (Rm 8:15; Gal 4:6). When Jesus taught us to pray, He taught us to
say "Our Father" (Mt 6:9).

When Satan tempts us, he questions whether we are sons and daughters of
God the Father (Mt 4:3, 6). Prayer is primarily expressing and deepening
our relationship with our Father through the Son and in the Spirit. Prayer
is a preoccupation with our Father's name, kingdom, and will (Mt 6:9-10).
Prayer is an experience of our Father as Provider, Forgiver, and Protector
(Mt 6:11-13).

When we pray, we should experience love and security because of Abba's
daily provision, forgiveness, and protection. For us human beings to
function properly, we must constantly breathe in this atmosphere of Abba's
love. "God is Love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in
him" (1 Jn 4:16).

Prayer: Abba, I need Your love more than life itself.

Promise: "I have given you in marriage to one Husband, presenting you as a
chaste virgin to Christ." —2 Cor 11:2

Praise: Sitting in her heavenly Father's presence gives Jane a "peace that
passes all understanding" despite a difficult home life (see Phil 4:7).

(To experience Abba's daily love, read the Bible daily. For encouragement,
order any or all of these audio or video tapes: "Ignorance of Scripture is
Ignorance of Christ", AV 82-1, V-82, "How to Pray the Bible" on audio AV
82-3 or on video V-82, "How to Read the Bible" on audio AV 46-3 or on
video V-46, "Principles of Bible Interpretation", audio AV 79-1, video
V-79, "Biblical Counseling", audio AV 13A-1, AV 13A-3, AV 13B-3 or on
video starting with V-13A.)

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Wednesday, June 17, 2009

GIVING-LIVING - One Bread, One Body, 6/17/2009

http://www.presentationministries.com/bibleinst
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009

2 Corinthians 9:6-11, Psalm 112:1-4, 9, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/061709.shtml

GIVING-LIVING

"He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully
will reap bountifully." —2 Corinthians 9:6

Some people think that God gives sparingly or bountifully depending on
what we deserve. However, God often gives bountifully, no matter what we
do. For example, when humanity was giving sparingly, God gave so
bountifully that He gave His Son in the Incarnation. Our degree of giving
does not so much affect God's degree of giving; rather, it affects our
degree of receiving. When we give bountifully, we open ourselves to
receive God's bountiful giving. Thus, it is better to give than to receive
(Acts 20:35).

Giving is the atmosphere without which Christians cannot function well.
When we cut back giving, we begin choking spiritually. We can't catch our
breath — the breath of the Spirit. Conversely, when we repent of
selfishness and give from the heart, the fresh air of the Spirit fills us,
and we begin to breathe freely. When we give, we pray, fast, worship,
witness, work, and serve better.

In the world, some people go out and buy something when they're down. In
Jesus, we go out and give something to start a revival in our lives. Give!
Take a deep breath of the Spirit! Receive!

Prayer: Father, may I be a free, generous, cheerful, and constant giver.

Promise: "Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure
forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory." —Ps 112:9

Praise: When feeling her lowest, God always provided an opportunity for
Maria to minister to someone in need.

(Become equipped to Proclaim God's Word" to the world at our four-day
retreat June 29--July 2. Those with the gift of teaching are called to put
their gift at God's service. To attend this retreat or for information,
call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397.)

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