1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10, Psalm 149:1-6, 9, Matthew 23:13-22
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082211.cfm
THE PROOF IS IN THE FAITH
"We constantly are mindful before our God and Father of the way you are proving your faith, and laboring in love." -1 Thessalonians 1:3
The Christians of Thessalonica were proving their faith so well that their proven faith was celebrated "not only in Macedonia and Achaia" but "throughout every region" (1 Thes 1:8). Could your faith be accurately called "proven" and "celebrated"? Are you trying to walk by faith, not by sight? (2 Cor 5:7) Are you looking for opportunities to express and even prove your faith? Are you looking for the easy way or the faith-way? Are you looking to take new steps in faith and to grow in faith? Will you try to move a mountain by faith? (Mt 17:20) Do you celebrate others' faith? Do they celebrate yours?
"Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see" (Heb 11:1). Faith is not a quality we have or something we exercise on special occasions. Faith is confident assurance, which is a result of a deep, loving relationship. Our goal as Christians is to make every aspect of our lives expressions of faith. Paul proclaimed: "The life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me...It is a life of faith in the Son of God" (Gal 2:20). Give your life to Jesus; live in His love (Jn 15:9); receive a deeper faith in Him. "All depends on faith" (Rm 4:16).
Prayer: Father, may hearing Your word help me to hear You better. May my improved hearing improve my communication with You and deepen my faith in You (Rm 10:17).
Promise: "Let the faithful exult in glory." -Ps 149.5
Praise: "He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places" (Lk 1:52).
(For a related teaching, order our tape "Hold Fast to the Faith" on audio AV 71-1 or video V-71.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from August 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011
?Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 1, 2011
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2011 Presentation Ministries
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
No comments:
Post a Comment