IN THE “I” OF THE STORM - One Bread, One Body, 12/14/2023

Thursday, December 14, 2023, St. John of the Cross

Isaiah 41:13-20
Psalm 145:1, 9-13
Matthew 11:11-15

View Readings

IN THE "I" OF THE STORM
"I am the Lord, your God, Who grasp your right hand." —Isaiah 41:13

As long as the great I AM is Lord of your life, you have no reason to fear the storms of life (Is 41:13-14). Even if you feel as weak and worthless as a worm or maggot, the great I AM can make you so powerful that you will crush mountains (Is 41:14-15). If you submit your “I” to the I AM, He will open up rivers and springs in the desert to remove your afflictions and provide for your needs (Is 41:17-18). The desert of the “I,” ego, and self will be transformed into the life-giving forest of the I AM (see Is 41:19) — if we die to “I” to live for Him (Lk 9:23).

The main problem in life is that many of us try to solve our problems ourselves. Without Jesus, the great I AM (Jn 8:24, 28, 58), we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not” (Prv 3:5). “Rely not on your wealth; say not: ‘I have the power.’ Rely not on your strength in following the desires of your heart” (Sir 5:1-2). “Commit to the Lord your way; trust in Him, and He will act” (Ps 37:5). The worst mistake you can make is to try to “do it yourself.” The best thing you can do is to “let it be done” to you according to God’s Word (Lk 1:38). The “I’s have it,” that is, the problems. The I AM alone has the answers. Die to “I”; live for the I AM.

Prayer: Father, not my will but Yours be done (Mt 26:39).

Promise: "I solemnly assure you, history has not known a man born of woman greater than John the Baptizer. Yet the least born into the kingdom of God is greater than he." —Mt 11:11

Praise: Once St. John heard Jesus ask him what reward he desired for his works of faith. John replied: "Lord, I ask no other recompense than to suffer and be condemned for Thy love."



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

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 17, 2023"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") 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 the Nihil Obstat 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/series/obob

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

Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, http://mail.presentationministries.com/interface/list-opt#/out/SOC7QQ4j_rSLmMYhpf34KMQHuHAAyjQ9bhZDeEW_NvC66Hj9c4WoK-iiRTQlG-5uOKyTX0hVAMFJqyFfM9TMIxsRMzNkTgJ7r3_fNhhNojXLVBUHHP8oESoqEzsUoZoD0.