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

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

FREE-GIFTS - One Bread, One Body, 12/6/2011

Send us your prayer requests so we can pray for you

http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, December 6, 2011, St. Nicholas

Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13, Matthew 18:12-14
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120611.cfm

FREE-GIFTS

"Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her slavery is at an end." -Isaiah 40:2, our transl.

St. Nicholas is famous not just for giving gifts, but for gift-giving that set people free. His gifts freed three young women from beginning lives of prostitution. What about the gifts you will give this Christmas? Will these gifts set people free, merely distract them from their slavery, or even be one more enslaving factor in their lives? Jesus came and will come this Christmas to "proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind and release to prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord" (Lk 4:18-19). Christ's Christmas coming this year is yet another proclamation of a year of total liberation.
Our Christmas gifts will free people if they lead others to Christ, Who is the Truth that sets us free (Jn 14:6; Jn 8:32, 36). For instance, giving people a Bible, a cross, or prayer can free them. Giving something that you made yourself (e.g. cookies, crafts, poems, or even songs) usually has more power to lead others to freedom in Christ than store-bought items. Giving your time and service to others can be acts of Christian love which free people from depression, fear, confusion, and self-hatred.
This type of gift-giving is not popular in our materialistic world. We may even be ridiculed for such "old-fashioned," "religious" gift-giving. If so, we will then be able to give even greater gifts such as forgiveness, mercy, and unconditional love. These gifts have the greatest power to free people and lead them to Christ.

Prayer: Father, in Jesus, free me from sin and for evangelization.

Promise: "It is no part of your heavenly Father's plan that a single one of these little ones shall ever come to grief." -Mt 18:14

Praise: St. Nicholas was a saintly monk before God raised him to abbot, archbishop, and saint. He set a standard for giving gifts of generosity and freedom.

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

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012
?Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 27, 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

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

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, December 5, 2011

SPECIAL EFFECTS - One Bread, One Body, 12/5/2011

Listen to "Praying Together" which is an insightful message from Fr. Al Lauer about the great privilege married couples have to pray together.

http://www.presentationministries.com/player/mp3Info.asp?mp3ID=1123
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, December 5, 2011

Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 85:9-14, Luke 5:17-26
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120511.cfm

SPECIAL EFFECTS

"We have seen incredible things today!" -Luke 5:26

Our society, and our human nature, is fascinated with the sensational. Movie and TV producers understand this, and so they frequently substitute special effects for substance and quality content, knowing that sensationalism attracts people.
The Lord, on the other hand, Whose ways are so high above our ways (Is 55:8-9), focuses on internals rather than on the outward appearance (1 Sm 16:7). He knows that the most spectacular events can't cause a hardened heart to change (see Lk 16:31). The Lord will not comply with a faithless request for signs, which springs from a desire for entertainment rather than a sincere quest for the truth (see Mt 16:1-4; Lk 23:8ff).
However, God, Who is "rich in mercy" (Eph 2:4), does attract millions of people with His own "special effects." He has provided His Church with seven sacraments. The sacraments are outward "signs of grace" (Catechism, 1131). Each sacrament is a miracle which cannot fail to attract those with faith (Lk 5:20), who seek the truth rather than entertainment.
Look not so much for the signs of the Lord; look rather in faith for the Lord of the signs. Receive the Eucharist in Mass frequently, even daily. Repent! Make an Advent Confession and let Jesus forgive your sins (Lk 5:20, 24). In His sacraments, you "will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God" (Is 35:2).

Prayer: Father, may I hear what You proclaim (Ps 85:9).

Promise: "My friend, your sins are forgiven you." -Lk 5:20

Praise: Sally participates in Eucharistic Adoration to seek Jesus in the still, small voice.

(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

Sunday, December 4, 2011

PM eNewsletter 2nd Sunday of Advent

December 4th, 2nd Sunday of Advent

This week, oh! Christ, we celebrate the beginning of our salvation history, with Mary our
mother, being conceived without sin in her mothers womb.

Let us celebrate our mother Mary who loves us with a love that can't be fully explained or
understood.

Let us give You thanks and praise for how You set up our salvation, so that You did it all,
and we get the benefit of eternal life.

Thank You Jesus, for loving us and giving us so great a witness of Your never ending love,
Mary, our intercessor with You to the Father.

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 ARE YOU COMMITTED TO REPENTANCE?
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=12/4/2011

"John the Baptizer appeared in the desert, proclaiming a baptism of repentance which led to
the forgiveness of sins." -Mark 1:4

During Advent, we "prepare the way of the Lord" (Is 40:3) as we await His Christmas coming.
Today, the Church proclaims that a major way to prepare is to repent.

John the Baptizer could never be accused of dabbling in repentance. Anyone watching John
live day after day in a hot, arid desert, wearing camel-hair shirts and eating grasshoppers
(Mk 1:6), would conclude that John was committed to repentance.

Anyone watching Jesus stretch out His hands to be nailed to the cross and then hang in
crucified, excruciating agony would have to conclude that Jesus was committed to the
forgiveness of sins. Look at a crucifix for a minute, and you can't come to any other
conclusion but that Jesus was serious when He called us to repent and reform our lives
(Mk 1:15).

Do we merely dabble in repentance, or will we make a commitment to repent? Will our Advent
Confession reflect our commitment to "make every effort to be found without stain or
defilement" in utter holiness? (2 Pt 3:14) Jesus wants "all to come to repentance"
(2 Pt 3:9). "Commit to the Lord your way" (Ps 37:5).

Monday SPECIAL EFFECTS
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=12/5/2011

"We have seen incredible things today!" -Luke 5:26

Tuesday FREE-GIFTS
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=12/6/2011

"Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her slavery is at an end." -Isaiah
40:2, our transl.

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

Mother Mary
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/MotherMary.asp

MARY-WHO IS SHE IN GOD'S PLAN?

"When the designated time had come, God sent forth His Son born of a woman." -Galatians 4:4

Catholics and the Orthodox maintain Mary is the most important human being in God's plan,
except for her Son, the God-Man, Jesus. Others think that .............

Your Christmas Present: The Psalms
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/ChristmasPsalms.asp

"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." John 1:14

The Christmas season is a celebration of God's word. Christmas is the perfect time to
intensify our reading of the Scriptures. In this Christmas season, I invite you to ask
for and accept the grace to read the Psalms in the following 15-day format. In the
Catholic community, 15 days is the briefest possible Christmas season. As you read and
pray the Psalms, you will have the Christmas the Lord wants you to have and begin this
new year with your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Day 1 Psalms 1 - 10
Day 2 Psalms 11 - 21
Day 3 Psalms 22 - 31
Day 4 Psalms 32 - 41
Day 5 Psalms 42 - 51
Day 6 Psalms 52 - 61
Day 7 Psalms 62 - 72

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

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

( check out BTL 3 sections below for another way of sharing prayers)

As recommended to me, I place my pain and grief over SB into the hands of Jesus and Our Lady of
I need prayer for strength. My girlfriend and mother to my child has left me for another man.
I'm so sad and don't know what to do. Pray for me that I may make the best decisions in handling
the custody of my son. Pray for me that I may grow in my relationship with my god and son. Help
deal with my heart ache.
(Oscar, San Antonio , Tx, United States, 12/3/2011 7:26:35 PM)

Please pray for Dolores, Robert , Frederick, Louise and Mary Jo, all deceased. Isabelle, recovers
from her stroke and gets her health back. Jean Marie and Ann Marie, there needs. Private intention.
(Anonymous, 12/3/2011 7:10:44 PM)

Please Lord Help me, I am falling through the cracks, have no where near the help I am needing &
noone to help me to get the follow through yet. Please I beg that my life heals. I am disabled &
cannot do these things for myself anymore. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
(Anonymous, 12/3/2011 6:59:56 PM)

Let us pray for all who are imprisoned.imprisoned by the culture of materialism, selfishness,
greed, etc. who are lost and unable to find the way.to peace, joy and happiness that comes from
giving, sacrifice and love for one another as we await the birth of Our Lord Jesus.the True
meaning of Christmas.Jesus I Trust in YOU!
(Ken, Texas, 12/3/2011 5:44:29 PM)

Lord, I come to you in Thanksgiving for all you have given me -- all the prayers that have been
answered whether I know it or not. I know I am weak, but the pain I am in is so great I can hardly
survive it. Please God, I am begging for Divine Justice for SA. He may not have caused my
daughter's tragic death, but he didn't help. He was mean and cruel to her up to and including her
last day on this Earth. I am not a "widow" or "orphan' as is mentioned in Scripture, but I am a
grieving mother. I cry out to God in my pain for Divine Justice. Not out of revenge, but that he
changes his life to glorify God and honor her memory. We don't want to see this done to another
girl. And an apology to her parents would be appreciated. He is Catholic and received his
Sacraments, so I believe he should know better. And please help me to have the strength to forgive
him, as that is becoming more difficult by the day.
(Carol, Arizona, 12/3/2011 4:49:31 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, and Romans Parts 1-3, thru Revelation. 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

New Technology for Bible Telephone Line Ministry
Local Numbers Double Practically Overnight!

The Bible Telephone Line (BTL) has been in operation for 19 years. Begun by Fr. Al
in 1991, it now continues with three teachers trained by him and by Presentation
Ministries. In cities where local numbers have been established, the BTL provides
callers with a short teaching on the readings for the daily Mass. It is available 24
hours a day and 7 days a week. Callers may also leave a short prayer request which
will be shared on the line with the other callers the next day.

** Please check these listings as a number of changes have been made.**

Akron, OH 330 344-9180
Baltimore, MD 443 529-8282
Bismarck, ND 701 595-5300
Boston, MA 508 591-0911
Cincinnati, OH 513 823-3111
Cleveland, OH 440 572-4366
Columbus, OH 614 210-3111
Detroit, MI 734 418-9101
Fort Worth, TX 817 203-3933
Indianapolis, IN 317 564-9292
Jupiter, FL 561 768-4321
Lexington, KY 859 554-1500
Long Island, NY 631 317-2200
Los Angeles, CA 323 984-7500
Louisville, KY 502 694-3131
Miami, FL 305 520-9922
Pittsburg, PA 412 228-0228
Phoenix, AZ 480 630-3999
St. Augustine, FL 904 414-4142
St Louis, MO 314 561-7411
San Diego, CA 619 272-6111
Toledo, OH 419 318-2211
Toronto, Ontario 647 723-9923
________________________________________________

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
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2011-09.asp?navlink=latest

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

FAITH AND DISCIPLESHIP

WITNESS FOR JESUS

Friendship with Jesus will...lead you to bear witness to the faith wherever you are, even when
it meets with rejection or indifference.

SHARE THE JOY

...Do not keep Christ to yourselves! Share with others the joy of your faith. The world needs
the witness of your faith, it surely needs God.

SURRENDER TO GOD

Faith does not simply provide information about Who Christ is; rather, it entails a personal
relationship with Christ, a surrender of our whole person with all our understanding, will and
feelings, to God's self-revelation.

(Souce: Message for World Mission Sunday, 1/6/11)

http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2011-09.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

John Paul Speaks
http://presentationministries.com/JPS/johnpaulspeaks.asp

My People Newspaper
http://presentationministries.com/mypeople/mypeople24-1.asp?navlink=latest

PM Newsletter
http://presentationministries.com/newsletter/newsletter12-1.asp?navlink=latest

Prophecies from Word Gifts Ministry
http://presentationministries.com/general/prophecies.asp

St. John Bosco Youth Group
http://youth.presentationministries.com/

________________________________________________

2011 RETREATS
Online Registration

2011 RETREATS

No retreats are scheduled at this time. Please check back for an updated schedule in the coming weeks.

Can you help us with the construction of the new Chapel and Retreat Center?
http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/chapel.asp

More information and registration for the Bible Institute
http://presentationministries.com/bibleinst/bi2011Home.asp

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

· Sign-up for the OBOB daily e-mail list
http://presentationministries.com/general/emailList.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

ARE YOU COMMITTED TO REPENTANCE? - One Bread, One Body, 12/4/2011

Sunday, December 4, 2011, Second Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11, 2 Peter 3:8-14, Psalm 85:9-14, Mark 1:1-8
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120411.cfm

ARE YOU COMMITTED TO REPENTANCE?

"John the Baptizer appeared in the desert, proclaiming a baptism of repentance which led to the forgiveness of sins." -Mark 1:4

During Advent, we "prepare the way of the Lord" (Is 40:3) as we await His Christmas coming. Today, the Church proclaims that a major way to prepare is to repent.
John the Baptizer could never be accused of dabbling in repentance. Anyone watching John live day after day in a hot, arid desert, wearing camel-hair shirts and eating grasshoppers (Mk 1:6), would conclude that John was committed to repentance.
Anyone watching Jesus stretch out His hands to be nailed to the cross and then hang in crucified, excruciating agony would have to conclude that Jesus was committed to the forgiveness of sins. Look at a crucifix for a minute, and you can't come to any other conclusion but that Jesus was serious when He called us to repent and reform our lives (Mk 1:15).
Do we merely dabble in repentance, or will we make a commitment to repent? Will our Advent Confession reflect our commitment to "make every effort to be found without stain or defilement" in utter holiness? (2 Pt 3:14) Jesus wants "all to come to repentance" (2 Pt 3:9). "Commit to the Lord your way" (Ps 37:5).

Prayer: Father, may I do no more preparations for this Christmas until I have made an Advent Confession.

Promise: "Near indeed is His salvation to those who fear Him, glory dwelling in our land." -Ps 85:10

Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus. You gave Your all so that You could be our All. "I will extol You, O Lord, for You drew me clear and did not let my enemies rejoice over me" (Ps 30:2).

(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, December 3, 2011

THE LOVE CONNECTION - One Bread, One Body, 12/3/2011

For Advent listen to Fr. Al Lauer's "Daily Bread" radio program on the Internet. There are rich teachings each day to help you prepare for Christmas. You can listen online, download in MP3 format or subscribe to the podcast.

--> http://www.presentationministries.com/dbread/dbread.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, December 3, 2011, St. Francis Xavier

Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26, Psalm 147:1-6, Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5-8
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120311.cfm

THE LOVE CONNECTION

Jesus "proclaimed the Good News of God's reign, and He cured every sickness and disease. At the sight of the crowds, His heart was moved with pity." -Matthew 9:35-36

In a world of bad news, God's Word is Good News. In His Word today, the Lord promises to answer our prayers, provide all our needs, give us clear direction, make us fruitful, be our light, and heal our wounds (Is 30:19-21, 25-26). The Lord loves us and expresses His love in many personal and practical ways.
However, many people do not receive all this love from the Lord. They may have refused to let the Lord be fully involved in their lives, or we the Christian people may be the problem. The Lord Jesus often expresses His love for people through the members of His body, the Church. When Jesus wants to touch somebody, He may use our hands. To visit the sick, He will often use our feet. To speak His Word, He will use our mouths. To love, Jesus will use our hearts. Therefore, if God's people don't obey Him, then many people throughout the world are deprived of fully knowing God's love. So we should pray for many more workers to take Jesus' love to the world (Mt 9:38), and we should be the first to answer our prayer.
This Advent, in a special way, touch, walk, speak, work, and love in Jesus' name. Let His love come to and through you.

Prayer: Father, I allow You to make me a messenger of Your love.

Promise: "The gift you have received, give as a gift." -Mt 10:8

Praise: St. Francis allowed himself to be a messenger of God's love by constantly and sacrificially ministering to the poorest of the poor in India, Sri Lanka, and Japan.

(For a related teaching, order our tape on Divine Love" on audio AV 52-3 or video V-52.)

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

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, December 2, 2011

LET'S OBEY GOD IN DETAIL - One Bread, One Body, 12/2/2011

--> http://www.presentationministries.com/dbread/dbread.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, December 2, 2011

Isaiah 29:17-24, Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14, Matthew 9:27-31
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120211.cfm

LET'S OBEY GOD IN DETAIL

"Jesus warned them sternly, 'See to it that no one knows of this.' But they went off and spread word of Him through the whole area." -Matthew 9:30-31

Jesus healed two blind men, and "warned them sternly" not to let this healing be known (Mt 9:30). It wasn't yet the right time in God's plan to spread the news of Jesus' works. The groundwork for revealing Jesus' identity hadn't yet been fully laid, and without the foundation, misunderstanding could result. Nonetheless, the newly healed men "evangelize," but in disobedience (see Mt 9:31). These men had been marginalized in society. Perhaps they wanted to instantly re-establish their standing in society and weren't willing to wait for Jesus' physical healing to blossom properly into complete societal restoration. A similar "evangelization" occurred after Jesus healed a leper (see Mk 1:44-45), which prevented Jesus from entering towns openly.
We can disobey Jesus by witnessing at the wrong time or with the wrong motives. We can also disobey Jesus by holding our tongues when called to spread the Good News of Jesus throughout the earth.
This Advent, let's "prepare the way of the Lord" (see Mk 1:3) by obeying Jesus quickly, completely, and in detail. Let's not obey Jesus only partially, for that can obstruct details of His plan. By our detailed obedience, we "clear Him a straight path" rather than leaving Him a rocky road (Lk 3:4). "Obedience is better" (1 Sm 15:22).

Prayer: Father, give me "ears open to obedience" (Ps 40:7). Give me a heart quick to obey You in every detail.

Promise: "Because of your faith it shall be done to you." -Mt 9:29

Praise: John was obedient to the Lord and moved with his family to a different area of the country to be part of a ministry to which he felt God was calling them.

(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

Thursday, December 1, 2011

HARD ROCK - One Bread, One Body, 12/1/2011

--> http://www.presentationministries.com/dbread/dbread.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Isaiah 26:1-6, Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27, Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120111.cfm

HARD ROCK

"Anyone who hears My words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock." -Matthew 7:24

On this fifth day of Advent, the Church reads to us about "a strong city" (Is 26:1), "a nation of firm purpose" (Is 26:3), and a house "solidly set on rock" (Mt 7:25). God's Word is calling us to be strong, firm, and solid by building our lives on obedience to the Lord, the "eternal Rock" (Is 26:4). If we are totally committed to Jesus and obey His Word, our lives will stand no matter how terrible the circumstances.
At this time of the year, some parts of the world are hit by major winter storms. This is also true spiritually. We may find ourselves in a "great period of trial" (Rv 7:14), "a great contest of suffering" (Heb 10:32), or "the distress of many trials" (1 Pt 1:6). We may understand all too well what Job went through. We may even fill up in our bodies "what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ" (Col 1:24). When the spiritual weather gets this bad, when it gets this stormy and cold, only those confirmed by the Holy Spirit and trusting in Jesus, the "eternal Rock," will stand.

Prayer: Father, as the weather worsens this Advent, lead me to trust You in ways where I have not trusted You before.

Promise: "Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock." -Is 26:4

Praise: Jesus used Tony's attraction to Christian music to draw him first to Scripture, and then to daily Mass.

(To have a rocklike faith, 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.)

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

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

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Monday, December 5, 2011

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Friday, December 2, 2011

Thursday, December 1, 2011