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Wednesday, January 21, 2009

BIBLE-EXPLOSIONS - One Bread, One Body, 1/21/2009

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Wednesday, January 21, 2009, St. Agnes

Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17, Psalm 110, Mark 3:1-6
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/012109.shtml

BIBLE-EXPLOSIONS

"And Abraham apportioned to [Melchizedek] one tenth of all his booty. His
name means 'king of justice'; he was also king of Salem, that is, 'king of
peace.' " —Hebrews 7:2

The writer of Hebrews found a wealth of meaning in Genesis 14:17-20. The
Holy Spirit showed this writer the supreme significance of Melchizedek's
name, of the place where he was king, and of Abram's tithe to Melchizedek.
The Spirit even revealed the importance of what was not mentioned in
Genesis 14, that is, Melchizedek's ancestry. The Holy Spirit caused
Genesis 14 to explode for the writer of Hebrews.

The Lord wants to give you amazing revelations (see Jer 33:3). These
revelations will transform your life by giving you new insight into God's
plan of salvation. To receive these revelations, all you have to do is
obey God. He may tell you just to pray quietly. Like Daniel, you may be
called to plead "in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes"
(Dn 9:3). You may need to walk and talk with Jesus for seven miles (Lk
24:13, 32), or spend an evening searching the Scriptures (see Lk 24:45).

The Spirit will teach you the meaning of the Bible in a life-changing way.
Pray for this to happen. Read the Bible daily. Obey the Lord. Soon the
Bible will "jump off the page" and your heart will burn as the Lord opens
the Scriptures to you.


Prayer: Father, may Your word penetrate, divide, and judge me (Heb 4:12).

Promise: Jesus "said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' The man did so
and his hand was perfectly restored." —Mk 3:5

Praise: St. Ambrose wrote that St. Agnes "went to the place of execution
more cheerfully than others to go their wedding."

(To grow in love of His word, read it daily. For encouragement, order our
tape series on "Biblical Counseling" on audio AV 13A-1, AV 13A-3, AV 13B-1
or video starting with V-13A.)

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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.

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

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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Copyright © 2007 Presentation Ministries

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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

ANCHOR-MAN - One Bread, One Body, 1/20/2009

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Tuesday, January 20, 2009, Pope St. Fabian, St. Sebastian

Hebrews 6:10-20, Psalm 111, Mark 2:23-28
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/012009.shtml

ANCHOR-MAN

"Like a sure and firm anchor, that hope extends beyond the veil through
which Jesus, our Forerunner, has entered on our behalf." —Hebrews 6:19-20

Picture a sailing ship several miles offshore being battered by stormy,
raging seas and buffeted by high winds. The captain, prevented by the
storm from getting into the safe harbor, lowers the anchor to the sea
floor to prevent the wind and waves from sweeping the ship away. On the
ship, conditions are stormy and dangerous. At the bottom of the sea,
however, conditions are quiet. The anchor holds "sure and firm" (Heb
6:19). Though the ship is caught in a storm, it is "solidly set on" the
anchor which keeps the ship from being lost (Mt 7:25).

The author of Hebrews likens our hope in Jesus to the ship's "sure and
firm anchor" (Heb 6:19). When we have hope in Jesus, even though
circumstances in our life are stormy, our hope resembles an anchor that
extends from the turmoil of life on earth into the perfect calm of heaven
(Heb 6:19-20). Our interior life is one of peace, not chaos. We know we
won't be swept away by the turmoil of the world. Connected to the anchor
of hope, we live lives of "sure and firm" faith, hope, and love.

"Seize the hope which is placed before" you (Heb 6:18). Cling to Jesus and
never let go. Be "fully assured of that for which you hope" (Heb 6:11).
"This hope will not leave us disappointed" (Rm 5:5).


Prayer: Jesus, encourage those who are losing hope (Sir 17:19). Send your
Spirit on me so I can lead others to hope in You.

Promise: "The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." —Mk 2:28

Praise: Pope St. Fabian was lauded by St. Cyprian as "an incomparable man,
the glory of whose death corresponded with the holiness of his life."

(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.

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

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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Copyright © 2009 Presentation Ministries

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Monday, January 19, 2009

ON TIME - One Bread, One Body, 1/19/2009

Read through the whole Bible in 2009. See our reading schedules at:
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/ThroughBible.asp
and
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/FrAlPlanReadingBible.asp
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Monday, January 19, 2009

Hebrews 5:1-10, Psalm 110, Mark 2:18-22
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011909.shtml

ON TIME

"People came to Jesus with the objection, 'Why do John's disciples and
those of the Pharisees fast while Yours do not?' " —Mark 2:18

The people in today's Gospel reading thought it was time to fast, although
it was time to feast. They had the right idea but the wrong time. You may
be doing something appropriate to the way things were twenty years ago but
inadequate for the present. For example, if you send your children to the
school you attended in your own youth, you may be making a big mistake.
That school had its time, but its time is not now, if you want your
children to be followers of Jesus.

If you talk to your children about sexual temptations as little as your
parents talked to you, you will find that what worked for your parents may
not work for you. Times have changed. If you pray with your children as
little as your parents prayed with you, your family may suffer much more
from its lack of prayer than the family you grew up in.

In our time, prayer has become more and more our only hope. "There is an
appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the
heavens" (Eccl 3:1). Are you on time or out of sync with God's present
unfolding of His plan of salvation?


Prayer: Jesus, be Lord of my time and timing.

Promise: "In the days when He was in the flesh, He offered prayers and
supplications with loud cries and tears to God, Who was able to save Him
from death, and He was heard because of His reverence." —Heb 5:7

Praise: From the Church-required minimum of fasting, Robert has now
practiced fasting two or three days a week and has seen an amazing growth
in his spiritual life.

(Order our tapes to help you increase your prayer life: "Daily Prayers "on
audio AV 62-3 or video V-62, "Liturgy of the Hours "on audio AV 89-3 or
video V-89, "Married Couples Praying Together", audio AV 116-1, video
V-116, "Family Prayer" on audio AV 59-1 or video V-59.)

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

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.

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

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 © 2005 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
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Sunday, January 18, 2009

PM eNewsletter Second Sunday in ordinary time

January 18th Second Sunday in ordinary time

Jesus, help us to truly realize, that in You, there is no
ordinary time.

Everyday, Lord, is a gift, and a call.

A gift, Lord, that says we are loved, and a call that
motivates us to help others.

Jesus, let us not feel ordinary, but feel as we really
are, special in You.

Lord Jesus, let us see that not only are we special,
but all people are special, and deserve our help and love.

Lord, let our light shine in the midst of all the turmoil,
and let us be examples of steady rock in trusting You.

Father, let our homes be filled with Your peace, and let
us truly be at peace in our hearts.

Jesus, let us help lift the darkness for those who have
no peace. 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 SLEEPY HEAD
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=1/18/2009

"Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord where the
ark of God was." —1 Samuel 3:3

Will you sleep through 2009 or will you wake up and answer
God's call? Many people, even religious people, will tell you
to "go back to sleep" (1 Sm 3:5, 6). Instead, you should turn
to God and say: "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening" (1 Sm 3:9).

2009 can be the greatest year of your life. "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).
Some of those reading this will die and go to heaven this year.
Others may be just moments from hell unless they repent and
turn to Jesus. Some will make the most important decisions
and face the greatest challenges of their lives in 2009.

If we knew what will happen internationally in 2009, we would
immediately fall on our knees in prayer. "That is why we read:
'Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will give
you light.' Keep careful watch over your conduct. Do not act
like fools, but like thoughtful men. Make the most of the
present opportunity, for these are evil days. Do not continue
in ignorance, but try to discern the will of the Lord" (Eph 5:14-17).

Monday ON TIME
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=1/19/2009

"People came to Jesus with the objection, 'Why do John's
disciples and those of the Pharisees fast while Yours do not?' " —Mark
2:18

Tuesday ANCHOR-MAN
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=1/20/2009

"Like a sure and firm anchor, that hope extends beyond the
veil through which Jesus, our Forerunner, has entered on
our behalf." —Hebrews 6:19-20


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
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Brochures

" Over 90 Biblically based brochures. Many on topics you
don't usually hear addressed."


This Week's Featured Brochures
ttp://presentationministries.com/brochures/HowToRead.asp

· How to Stop Abortion: Claiming Our Victory Over Satan
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/StopAbortion.asp

· Sexual Sin, Abortion, and the Pill
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/SexSinAbortionPill.asp

· Fr. Al's Plan for Reading the Bible Each Year
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/FrAlPlanReadingBible.asp

· The Challenge of Making Disciples in a "Culture of Death"
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/ChallengeDisciples.asp

· Abortion and Your Taxes
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/AbortTax.asp

· Hope and Healing Through Aborted Children
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/HopeHealing.asp

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

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

Please pray for Christopher's complete healing (mental,
physical, spiritual & emotional) and that his legal problems
will dissipate so that he can move forward in his recovery.
Thank you.
(J., 1/17/2009 4:47:08 PM)

Please God financial help to my family now. Help stop this
constant stress and pressure. May we be granted the
money to pay all our debts in full. Please God grant that
we can afford the holiday we have booked also. Please
bless my family and help with improvements in the
workplace for myself.
(N., uk, uk, United Kingdom, 1/17/2009 11:34:42 AM)

Praying for the site- and for deliverance angelic protection-
(Anonymous, 1/17/2009 11:09:57 AM)

Pray God to help mike in central california start a small
business and make a success of it quickly.
(M. C., central calif, calif, United States, 1/17/2009 10:44:23 AM)

May God rebuke Satan- May God help people and me
and Bridgett - i feel bothered- and oppressed.
(Anonymous, 1/17/2009 9:37:36 AM)

God help- and help Bridgett-please pray for her to make
the right decision- help purity chastity that would take
what- for whatever is needed
(Anonymous, 1/17/2009 7:02:46 AM)

Pls pray that my son Clarence manages to get a car and
also find a proper accomodation. Also that my Charmyne
finds a suitable partner soon and also a good job.
(C.DS., Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 1/17/2009 6:12:51 AM)

Joseph, my 30 yr old nephew (nicknamed Kiddo)
survived bone cancer 12 years ago. For the past months
kiddo has been experiencing respiratory ailment. Now,
the doctor confirmed a stage 4 aggressive Lung cancer
and is fast spreading on his lungs and to his heart.
Kiddo and his wife have 3 kids; 2 boys aged 8 and 4 and
a 1 year old girl. Please , please help us pray and beg
the Lord God for his mercy and healing graces. May God
in his infinite mercy once again lay His healing hands on
Kiddo as he did 12 years ago.
(G., Makati, Philippines, 1/17/2009 3:48:45 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 well as The Acts of the Apostles Part 1 thru
4, 1 Corinthians Part 1 & 2 and Romans Parts 1-3. 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 c
ommunities 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

Atlanta 770 521-8570
Cleveland 440 572-4366
Cincinnati 859 291-7000
Columbus 614 470-0020
Dayton 937 640-2740
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Long Island 631 574-2413
Los Angeles 213 455-0872
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

THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

RICH IN FAITH

To seek this smile of the Virgin Mary ... is the aspiration ,,,
of those who are "the richest of the people" (Ps 44:13). "The
richest" ... in the order of faith, those who have attained the
highest degree of spiritual maturity and know precisely how
to acknowledge their weakness and their poverty before God.

"JOY AND GLORY"

Today Mary dwells in the joy and the glory of the Resurrection.
The tears shed at the foot of the Cross have been transformed
into a smile which nothing can wipe away, even as her
maternal compassion towards us remains unchanged.

"AN UNSHAKABLE CONFIDENCE"

The intervention of the Virgin Mary in offering succor
throughout history ... does not cease to call forth, in the
people of God, an unshakable confidence in her. the
Memorare prayer expresses this sentiment very well.

(Source: Homily, Mass for the Sick, 9/15/08, Lourdes, France)
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2008-12.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
________________________________________________

2008 RETREATS
Online Registration

2008 RETREATS

· Co-Workers' Retreat ~ Focus on St. Paul (Jan 30-31)
· "Seek First The Kingdom of God" (Feb 27-28)
· Women's Retreat (Mar 28)
· "Living in Reality" (Apr 17-18)

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

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SLEEPY HEAD - One Bread, One Body, 1/18/2009

Read through the whole Bible in 2009. See our reading schedules at:
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/ThroughBible.asp
and
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/FrAlPlanReadingBible.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday, January 18, 2009, 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time

1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19, 1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20, Psalm 40, John 1:35-42
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011809.shtml

SLEEPY HEAD

"Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord where the ark of God
was." —1 Samuel 3:3

Will you sleep through 2009 or will you wake up and answer God's call?
Many people, even religious people, will tell you to "go back to sleep" (1
Sm 3:5, 6). Instead, you should turn to God and say: "Speak, Lord, for
Your servant is listening" (1 Sm 3:9).

2009 can be the greatest year of your life. "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). Some of those reading this will die and go to
heaven this year. Others may be just moments from hell unless they repent
and turn to Jesus. Some will make the most important decisions and face
the greatest challenges of their lives in 2009.

If we knew what will happen internationally in 2009, we would immediately
fall on our knees in prayer. "That is why we read: 'Awake, O sleeper,
arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.' Keep careful watch
over your conduct. Do not act like fools, but like thoughtful men. Make
the most of the present opportunity, for these are evil days. Do not
continue in ignorance, but try to discern the will of the Lord" (Eph
5:14-17).


Prayer: Father, thank You for creating me to live for You in 2009.

Promise: "You must know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Who
is within — the Spirit you have received from God. You are not your own.
You have been purchased, and at a price. So glorify God in your body." —1
Cor 6:19-20

Praise: Praise Jesus, Whose Resurrection has given us a "future full of
hope" (Jer 29:11).

(Listen to the Lord at the Paul Jansen Discipleship Center in the rural
setting of Adams County. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 or check
www.presentationministries.com for schedule of events or to visit at
another time.)

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

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.

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

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 © 2009 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

Saturday, January 17, 2009

TOTAL HEALING - One Bread, One Body, 1/17/2009

Read through the whole Bible in 2009. See our reading schedules at:
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/ThroughBible.asp
and
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/FrAlPlanReadingBible.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, January 17, 2009, St. Anthony

Hebrews 4:12-16, Psalm 19, Mark 2:13-17
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011709.shtml

TOTAL HEALING

"People who are healthy do not need a doctor; sick people do." —Mark 2:17

Jesus came "to call sinners," and be a Doctor to the sick and the sin-sick
(Mk 2:17). He sympathizes with them in their weakness (Heb 4:15). He takes
onto Himself their afflictions, infirmities, and sufferings (Mt 8:17), and
gives them His health and freedom.

Jesus not only heals the physically suffering, but also restores the sick
and sin-sick to full status in society. He heals them societally. For
example, when Jesus publicly called attention to the woman healed by
touching the tassel of His cloak (Mk 5:30ff), He was making it clear to
the entire crowd that this woman, "unclean" after twelve years of
hemorrhaging, was no longer to be socially isolated as ritually contagious
(see Lv 15:25ff). Jesus did the same social restoration by commanding the
ten healed lepers to show themselves to the priests (Lk 17:14). By showing
themselves to the priests, who had the power to declare them officially
clean for social purposes, Jesus gave these lepers official social
restoration in a way that no member of Jewish society could question.

"We do not have a High Priest Who is unable to sympathize with our
weakness" (Heb 4:15). Praise Jesus, Who heals body, psyche, soul, mind,
spirit, and social status. Approach Doctor Jesus with great confidence
(Heb 4:16). There is nothing He can't restore.


Prayer: Doctor Jesus, I submit to Your expert diagnosis in every phase of
my life. Do in me whatever You must in order to do through me whatever You
will.

Promise: "God's word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged
sword. It penetrates and divides soul and spirit." —Heb 4:12

Praise: St. Anthony removed himself from the world for God, and his
godliness drew the worldly to him.

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

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

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.

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

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 © 2000 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

Friday, January 16, 2009

Shout Grace!

Source: Francis Frangipane

We sing Amazing Grace, but I don't think we realise how amazing grace
actually is. Grace is God's power, motivated by His mercy, working to fulfil
His compassion.

We are saved by grace, but what culminates in a "day of salvation"
experience is actually months and even years of God quietly, yet powerfully,
working in our hearts. Recall: Jesus said, "No one can come to Me, unless
the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6:44a). Do you remember that drawing
power? Before we knew God, divine power was working invisibly within our
hearts, drawing and wooing us to Christ.

Yet let me take this miracle of grace further, for after Jesus spoke of the
Father's drawing power, He then said, "and I will raise him up on the last
day" (John 6:44b). This is the power and commitment of our Father's love:
from the days of our sin and rebellion even to the days long after we die,
grace continues working to unite our hearts with God's. From our utterly
helpless beginnings to our utterly helpless end, from being dead in sin to
being dead in the grave, grace carries us to the arms of God.

Unlocking the Power of Grace
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved
us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together
with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and
seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that,
in the ages to come, He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in
kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves,
it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:4-8).

Paul says that grace saved us "through faith." Faith unlocks the power of
grace and releases it to function in our world-and faith itself is another
gift of God. The difference between both gifts is, the grace-gift must be
activated by the faith-gift. We must believe that God is "rich in mercy." We
must accept as true that God loves us with "great love." We must not doubt
He atoned for "our transgressions." We must be confident we are "alive
together with Christ."

Grace works through faith. Believing the words of grace unlocks the power of
grace; the power of grace to fully transform us comes through faith. As it
is written, "For of His fulness we have all received, and grace upon grace"
(John 1:16). The true stride of a Christian's walk is "grace upon grace."
The same grace that turned our hearts toward Christ continues to work in us,
transforming even our sufferings and trials into virtue and power. Are you
in a battle? Are you struggling with finances, health, righteousness or
relationships? Your grace-miracle has already been created. But you must
believe that not only has God created a grace-provision for you, but Christ
is motivated by love and actually desires to show you favour.

You may feel like a loser, a sinner, a person others routinely reject---and
perhaps you are! The purpose of redemption was so that, in the ages to come,
God might display through us "the surpassing riches of His grace." You may
be poor in this world, but you can become rich in the transforming grace of
God. Believe Him. A day will come in the future world of God when He will
point to you and I, once fallen and depraved, filthy and isolated creatures,
and display us before heaven and earth as radiant, transformed beings---a
glory to His workmanship and love. And it will come to pass because we
believed in the grace of God to change us.

Who cares what other people think of you? God says He loves you! Indeed, His
grace is working to set you free. God knows you have been struggling with
desperate issues; that's one reason why He has inspired this message. His
grace is reaching to you to deliver you. The means to your victory is not
more prayer or more Bible study, but faith-activated grace. Of course, I
strongly believe in both prayer and study, but the power to release each of
us is a free gift of grace. Don't postpone your breakthrough. Believe that
God's grace is here to release you!

What We Cannot Do On Our Own
We've been taught that grace is God's unmerited favour, which of course, it
is. Yet unmerited favour is only one aspect of grace. In reality, grace is
God's promise to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

The Bible says that "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as
righteousness" (Rom. 4:3). It doesn't mean that Abraham believe there was a
God. No. Demons believe in one God and tremble! When Abraham "believed God"
it meant that he believed what God had promised would come to pass. God
promised to do for Abraham what Abraham and Sarah could not fulfil on their
own. The Lord had promised Abraham he'd be a father of many nations. This is
the glory of God's grace: it accomplishes what is otherwise impossible for
us. You see, grace not only chooses me, saves me eternally and blankets my
life with mercy, but grace also works in me realities unattainable without
divine help.

Consider Zechariah and the story about Zerubbabel, who was governor of
Israel. The Jews had been held in Babylonian captivity for seventy years.
Now, they were being restored to Jerusalem. It was Zerubbabel's task to
oversee the restoration of the city. In the struggle of the battle,
weariness settled on the governor. So, the Lord gave Zechariah a promise for
Zerubbabel. He said,

"'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts"
(Zech. 4:6).

God was saying, in effect, "You have laboured, your enemies are many and
they are strong, but this work I've set before you isn't about your
abilities; it's about what I can do working through you." Likewise, our
salvation isn't about our works or power. It's about believing in the Holy
Spirit's power and the grace of God.

Then the Lord gave Zerubbabel an important word. He said,

"What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain;
and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of 'Grace, grace to it!"
(Zech. 4:7).

Zerubbabel had mountains in his life that were too much for him. He had a
task that was beyond his abilities. Yet God promised His Spirit would help,
and when it was done, multitudes would be shouting "Grace, grace" at the
finished work.

Listen, my friends, don't run from the mountains in your life; face them
with faith---and then shout "Grace, grace" to them. Let God make your
mountains into "a plain."

Let's not mutter an unbelieving whisper about grace, but shout it out loud.
It doesn't say, think about grace, but release your faith and shout "Grace,
grace!" God's unmerited favour has been poured out upon you; now speak to
that mountain of discouragement, sickness or financial need - GRACE, GRACE!

Blessed God, You have drawn me to Yourself and have sheltered my life in the
impenetrable stronghold of Your grace. Forgive me for drifting back into
trusting in my works or abilities. Lord, I believe in Your grace! I shout
"Grace, grace!" to the mountains that stand before me! In Jesus' name!

Useful link: www.frangipane.org