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Friday, December 5, 2008

GIFTED CLASS - One Bread, One Body, 12/5/2008

Prepare for Christmas with our brochure "An Isaiah Advent." Prepare the
way of the LORD!

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/AnIsaiahAdvent.asp

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Friday, December 5, 2008

Isaiah 29:17-24, Psalm 27, Matthew 9:27-31
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/120508.shtml

GIFTED CLASS

"This I seek..." —Psalm 27:4

Before Jesus healed the blind men in today's Gospel, they had the gift of
faith (Mt 9:28). After they received sight from Jesus, they disobeyed His
orders to keep the healing secret. Instead, the formerly blind men spread
word of Jesus "through the whole area" (Mt 9:31) before Jesus was ready
for that to happen.

On another occasion, Jesus healed a leper (Mk 1:41) who also had humility
and faith. Once healed, this leper likewise disobeyed Jesus' order to keep
the healing secret (Mk 1:44). He went off and spread the report abroad
with the result "that it was no longer possible for Jesus to enter a town
openly" (Mk 1:45). Jesus subsequently had to live in deserted places.

Like the folks above, many of us have been blessed with healings and
faith. Will we also have a single-hearted love for Jesus? It's wonderful
to benefit from the good gifts God gives. However, those who love Jesus
with all their heart (Lk 10:27) are more concerned with what Jesus gets
out of a gift than with how they personally benefit. They ask: "Is Jesus
pleased with the outcome of the gift He gave me? Will His kingdom grow as
a result?"

Prayer: Jesus, You have so many good gifts to give me. May I not be given
these gifts until I am ready to receive them in a way that gives glory to
You. Quickly, make me ready to receive.

Promise: "The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord, and the poor rejoice
in the Holy One of Israel." —Is 29:19

Praise: In her gift giving, Laura tries to find things for others that
enhance or bring out their natural giftedness.

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

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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
December 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 17, 2008

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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Thursday, December 4, 2008

Known by Our Fruit

Weekly Feature
Source: Greg Laurie
A little boy went over to a pastor's house, where the pastor was doing some
carpentry in his garage. The boy simply stood there and watched him for
quite a long time. After a while, the preacher wondered why this boy was
watching him and was finally so curious that he stopped and said, "Son, are
you trying to pick up some pointers on how to build something?" The little
boy replied, "No. I am just waiting to hear what a preacher says when he
hits his thumb with a hammer."

Often, we will find out what we are made of by what comes out of our mouths
in both good and bad circumstances. When we have a change in conduct and
character in our lives, it is a type of spiritual fruit.

Galatians 5:22 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control .
.. . " (NKJV). A Christian's life should be characterised by these things.

Are you producing fruit? Or is the opposite true?

Instead of love, is there hatred, bitterness, or even prejudice in your
life? Instead of joy, is there constant gloom? Instead of peace, is there
turmoil? Instead of gentleness, is there a short temper? Instead of faith,
is there endless worry? Instead of meekness, is there pride and arrogance?
Instead of self-control, are you a victim of your own passions?

If so, then either you don't know God at all or a recommitment to Christ
would be in order.

If you are a Christian, then people should be able to look for-and
find-fruit in your life. Why? Because a disciple of Jesus Christ will
produce spiritual fruit.

Jesus said, " 'My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory
to my Father' " (John 15:8 NLT). Jesus also said, " 'By their fruits you
will know them' " (Matthew 7:20 NKJV).

The metaphor of bearing fruit is used quite often in the Bible. In the
Parable of the Sower, Jesus spoke of seed that falls on different types of
ground, representing different reactions to the truth of the gospel message.
The final category He mentioned in Mark 4:20 was good ground: "But these are
the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear
fruit: some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some a hundred" (NKJV).

In other words, those who have spiritual longevity are those who embrace
this truth and produce fruit. The Bible tells us that we should bear fruit
worthy of repentance (see Matthew 3:8).

The Bible gives us different pictures as to what "bearing fruit" means. For
example, praising and thanking God is a way of bearing fruit in our lives.
Hebrews 13:15 says, "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice
of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name"
(NKJV). When you praise God, that is bearing fruit.

At one of our church services, I noticed a young woman in the front row who
was in a wheelchair. Her legs were gone, and she had only one arm, which was
a partial one.

As we were worshipping, this young woman lifted what she had of her arm to
the Lord. I thought about how this must have pleased God. She didn't have
hands to lift, but what she had, she lifted to the Lord.

Did she have troubles in her life? Did she have difficulty? Of course she
did. But she offered a sacrifice of praise to God.

We don't praise God only when we are in the mood. Rather, we praise God
because He is worthy of our praise. Our word, "worship," comes from the old
English form, worth ship. We praise that which is worthy.

Therefore, we don't praise God because we feel like it. We praise God
because He deserves our praise. When we do this, we are bearing fruit.

What we say is also a type of fruit in our lives. Jesus said, " 'A good
person produces good deeds from a good heart, and an evil person produces
evil deeds from an evil heart. Whatever is in your heart determines what you
say' " (Luke 6:45 NLT).

When you are a true Christian, it will be reflected by what you say. This is
bearing fruit as well.

Can others identify spiritual fruit in your life? Remember, people are
watching you. They are listening to you. I hope that you are pointing them
to Jesus.

Useful link: www.harvest.org

BUILDING LIVES, YEARS, AND CHRISTMAS - One Bread, One Body, 12/4/2008

Prepare for Christmas with our brochure "An Isaiah Advent." Prepare the
way of the LORD!

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/AnIsaiahAdvent.asp

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Thursday, December 4, 2008, St. John Damascene

Isaiah 26:1-6, Psalm 118, Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/120408.shtml

BUILDING LIVES, YEARS, AND CHRISTMAS

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

Jesus, being a carpenter, thinks in terms of building. For instance, He
thinks that life is like building a house. Our lives must be founded on
Him, the Rock-Foundation (1 Cor 3:11), or they will collapse under the
stress of the storms of life (Mt 7:26-27). We found our lives unshakably
on Christ by hearing and obeying His words (Mt 7:24).

This new church year also is like building a house. If we establish and
strengthen our foundation on the Lord during these Advent and Christmas
seasons, we will spend this year building an "edifice of spirit" (1 Pt
2:5) for God's glory. Otherwise, our faith will erode and gradually be
undermined during this new year. We must start the year with a solid
Advent and strong Christmas.

This Advent is also like building a house, the house of Christmas.
Christmas will not just appear twenty-one days from now; it must be built.
As we repent, forgive, go to Confession, pray, fast, evangelize, serve,
and suffer in obedience to the Lord, we will see the Lord, God, Carpenter,
and Baby of Bethlehem form Christmas in us and then in the world.

Prayer: Father, may I obey You this Advent as never before.

Promise: "A nation of firm purpose You keep in peace; in peace, for its
trust in You." —Is 26:3

Praise: St. John Damascene's severed hand was restored through the
intercession of the Blessed Mother.

(Is your life built firmly on Christ? Strengthen your foundation through
Presentation Ministries' retreats this coming year. Call 937-587-5464 or
513-373-2397 for a schedule of events.)

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eBook edition, and an online donation form at
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Wednesday, December 3, 2008

ACCTV December Newsletter

	to all our viewers and readers - merry christmas from everyone at the australian christian channel more info>

// special viewing //

Celebrate Christ this Christmas with ACCTV and join us for whole day of wonderful, positive, uplifting family friendly viewing. Starting the week before Christmas there's music to sing along to, short films, documentary features and special episodes of your favourite programs. Christmas Eve, tune in for the only church run City carols. Carols in the City features many Christian artists and is organised and hosted by the Brisbane Baptist Tabernacle. Christmas Day there's treats for the kids, music and docos for the whole family and much, much more.

more info >

// historical voyage //

Fancy a luxury cruise through the Greek Islands? Or would you like to walk in the steps of the Apostle Paul, tracing his early missionary journeys? Tag along with 13 travellers and their learned tour guide as they visit such locations as Philippi, Corinth and Ephesus. Travel aboard the Orient Queen for a unique mix of modern cruise ship experience and an insightful look at ancient biblical sites.
Rocks, Ruins and Revelations is for travellers and pilgrims alike. Airs Wednesday the 3rd and Sunday the 28th of December at 7:30pm.

more info >

// see in the new year //

Welcome 2009 from the comfort of your lounge room with our fantastic New Years Eve line-up. At 7:30, a lovely animated short feature for the whole family, Michael the Visitor reminds us all to treat everyone we meet with kindness. At 8:00, Timechanger is a movie for the whole family. At 9:45, join the audience of 5000 at London's Royal Albert Hall for the musical event of the season, Prom Praise. At midnight, pause to reflect and pray to thank God for what has been and what is to come. See in the new year with ACCTV from 7:30, December 31st .

more info >

HOLIDAY FUN //

The youngest members of the family are well and truly taken care of this Christmas with stacks of special viewing that is not only fun, safe and positive but reinforces the true 'reason for the season'. Every morning and afternoon the week before Christmas, Christmas morning and evening, share with your children the real meaning behind all the festive cheer, with your Australian Christian Channel.

more info >

PRINT YOUR TV GUIDE //

There's so much to see in December!! With special viewing for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, you'll need to print off the December TV guide right now. Not only does it have all the latest on December's special features, there's a full run down of all our regular programming. Never miss anything again!

more info >

Copyright Australian Christian Channel 2006. Times quoted in Australian eastern daylight savings time. To unsubscribe, please click here.

ADVENT MOUNTAIN - One Bread, One Body, 12/3/2008

Prepare for Christmas with our brochure "An Isaiah Advent." Prepare the
way of the LORD!

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/AnIsaiahAdvent.asp

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Wednesday, December 3, 2008, St. Francis Xavier

Isaiah 25:6-10, Psalm 23, Matthew 15:29-37
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/120308.shtml

ADVENT MOUNTAIN

"For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain." —Isaiah 25:10

The Church begins the Advent season by taking us up a mountain. On Monday,
we were told to "climb the Lord's mountain" (Is 2:3). There we will
receive God's word and God's peace. Yesterday the Lord promised: "There
shall be no harm or ruin on all My holy mountain" (Is 11:9). This will be
done by the Holy Spirit resting on and working through the Messiah and His
followers. Today the Lord promises: "On this mountain the Lord of hosts
will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines...On
this mountain He will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web
that is woven over all nations; He will destroy death forever" (Is 25:6,
7-8).

Where is this mountain upon which the needs of all peoples will be met and
death will be destroyed? Jesus intimated that He knew the answer to this
question when "He went up onto the mountainside" (Mt 15:29), healed the
sick, and multiplied the loaves and fish to feed the masses (Mt 15:38).
Yet even at Multiplication Mountain Jesus did not provide the needs for
all people and destroy death. He did that on the mountain of Calvary. Here
He provided salvation for every human being, rent the veil between God and
humanity (Mt 27:51), and destroyed death. The mountain of Advent
prefigures Mount Calvary.

Prayer: Jesus, I choose to walk up the mountain with You even if I must go
by way of the cross.

Promise: "Behold our God, to Whom we looked to save us!" —Is 25:9

Praise: St. Francis Xavier was changed completely and permanently by the
example of his college friend St. Ignatius.

(Join Our Lady's Holy Mountain Community for a mountain-top retreat in
2009. See www.presentationministries.com for a list of retreats or to
register for upcoming Discipleship Retreats.)

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eBook edition, and an online donation form at
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Tuesday, December 2, 2008

I'LL "PREY" FOR YOU - One Bread, One Body, 12/2/2008

Prepare for Christmas with our brochure "An Isaiah Advent." Prepare the
way of the LORD!

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/AnIsaiahAdvent.asp

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Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72, Luke 10:21-24
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/120208.shtml

I'LL "PREY" FOR YOU

"Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb." —Isaiah 11:6

In our world, when the wolf visits the lamb for supper, the lamb becomes
the main course. The viper bites and poisons any baby venturing within
range, and the lion eats the ox instead of the hay (cf Is 11:6-8). In our
world, the strong survive. It's survival of the fittest. Our world
glamorizes the predators, not the prey. For example, we call our sports
teams Lions, not Lambs or Kids.

On God's holy mountain, there's a new order. The lion passes up red meat
in favor of the salad bar. The lamb shares a meal with the wolf, and the
leopard naps with the kid goat. Little babes, and even their parents, can
sleep with snakes. The Lord promises: "There shall be no harm or ruin on
all my holy mountain" (Is 11:9).

How can this be? We can't relate to this kind of world order; it's like
nothing we've ever experienced or thought possible. God's word reveals
that we can relate to His new creation because "the earth shall be filled
with knowledge of the Lord, as water covers the sea" (Is 11:9).

How can we have this knowledge of the Lord? We must stop preying, start
praying, and "become like little children" (Mt 18:3). In childlike
innocence, we will be able to receive the revelations Jesus shares with
"the merest children" (Lk 10:21).

You are preparing to meet the Baby Jesus on Christmas, Who came to earth
as a little Child. Become a little child yourself, and meet the
Christ-Child at the level of a child. Then you'll be able to partake in
His new world order of innocence and peace.

Prayer: Jesus, tell me things great beyond reach of my knowledge (Jer
33:3). I want to know You (Phil 3:10).

Promise: "Blest are the eyes that see what you see." —Lk 10:23

Praise: Following the example of St. Therese of the Little Flower, Maureen
strives to be like a child before God and remembers that her vocation is
to love.

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

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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
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Monday, December 1, 2008

THE YEAR OF LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 12/1/2008

Prepare for Christmas with our brochure "An Isaiah Advent." Prepare the
way of the LORD!

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/AnIsaiahAdvent.asp

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Monday, December 1, 2008

Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Matthew 8:5-11
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/120108.shtml

THE YEAR OF LOVE

"Just give an order." —Matthew 8:8

Happy new Church year! Happy Advent!

Let's begin the year and our preparations for Christ's Christmas coming by
saying to Jesus: "Just give an order." The Church leads us to pray this
Biblical verse right before Holy Communion. May the desire of our hearts,
the theme of our year, and the meaning of Christmas be: "Just give an
order," that is, "Only say the word." May we no longer live to "do our
thing," but to go when the Lord says "Go," come when He says "Come," and
do what He wants done (Mt 8:9). Then the lives we live will no longer be
our own lives, but will instead be lives of faith in Him (Gal 2:20). We
will lose our lives to gain them (Lk 9:24). Our food and fulfillment in
life will not be our self-centered pursuits, but doing the will of our
Father (Jn 4:34). Our lives will be lives of love.

May the Lord get everything He wants this Christmas. May He get us — our
hearts, our wills, and our lives.

Prayer: Father, may this be a year in which You always get Your way in my
life. May this be a year of love.

Promise: "Come, let us climb the Lord's mountain, to the house of the God
of Jacob, that He may instruct us in His ways, and we may walk in His
paths. For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord
from Jerusalem." —Is 2:3

Praise: Fr. Robert had grown fond of his small congregation, but
obediently moved on to pastor a new parish when his bishop gave an order.

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Developing A Deep, Personal
Relationship with Jesus" on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)

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