Enlightened by the Spirit

Ch 96 Intelligent Love God deserves all.  How many times do I put other items before God?  I must remember that God has the answers, God brings happiness, and that God is The Way.  All other items bring temporary satisfaction and don't bring true happiness.  Let us ask ourselves, "What are the idols in our lives?" Pray Heavenly Father, Thank you for this day, my health, and Your Love.  Help me to put You first in all things and help me to have the grace to know the times that I am slipping.  I pray this in the name of Jesus.  Amen. 

Gospel Mt 5:13-16 Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father." Thoughts: We need to let our light shine.  We are to bring our Christianity to others.  We should be an example to others and the way we act will draw others to Christ.  Pray: Heavenly Father help me to be a light in this dark world.  Help me to be a true follower of You.  Please show me the way.  I pray this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Reflection Do you know that you will be awarded eternal life?  How do you attain heaven?  Are you a true follower of Christ?  These are all questions that may come to mind when one thinks about the end time.  Stay firmly planted in God and believe in him.  He wants to have a personal relationship with you.  Pray Heavenly Father, please bless me this day.  Help me to realize that heaven is within my grasp.  My life is fleeting and it will come to pass soon enough.  I pray that one day I will be with you in paradise.  I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Curiosity, curiosity, curiosity.  How many of my daily dealings deal with curiosity of others?  The saying, "curiosity killed the cat" should also be mindful of what curiosity can lead to.  I should avoid gossips of others as much as possible.  I should worry about myself and not my neighbor. Pray: Heavenly Father, give me the strength and fortitude to avoid the temptation of gossip.  Worrying about myself first and foremost and blocking out the noise will lead to future successes.  I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Curiosity of the eyes takes a huge amount of self control for a man such as myself.  I captured this image a while back on what power the eyes have on the mind and feel it connects with today's readings.    As you can see the eyes are directly programmed into the brain.  From there it is like a drug and directly gets injected by one's internals.  The eyes are the windows to the soul is indeed something to ponder.   Pray: Heavenly Father, give me self-control as it is a gift of the Holy Spirit.  I can not do it by myself, but need your love and support.  Please help me to over come sins of the flesh and bring me to everlasting life. I pray this in the name of Jesus Amen.

Do not interject yourself into the daily dealings of watercooler gossip.  Who cares about the meaningless aspects of others lives.  Be more productive and avoid distractions.  Concentrate on items that directly affect my life. Pray: Heavenly Father, please assist me in avoiding the daily gossips of the day and help me to make the most of my day.  I should be worrying about myself and not my neighbor's dealings.  I pray this in the Powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Thoughts: Do not be blinded by the world's ambitions, titles, and allures.  God has a plan for you.  Please  accept His Will.  If you follow the world ways it will ultimately end in bitterness.  Worldly pleasures do not bring true happiness.  On a death bed one does not worry about material possessions, but is more focused on their loved ones, their previous life, and getting their heart right with God. Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gifts, talents, and resources you have given me.  Thank you for my friends, job, and family.  I pray that I may make good use of these items for Your Greater Glory and Honor.  I pray this in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

It is human nature for people to criticize.  How do I react when criticized?  I should not engage in gossip and one should change the subject if hearing so.  Speak of others as you would want to be spoken of when absent. Pray Heavenly Father.  Thank you for this day and Thank you for Your Love.  Helmp me to have an inkling of your love towards others to include those who I inherently do not like.  Protect me from my enemies.  i pray this in the powerful name of Jesus.  Amen.

One must not speak ill of others.  Do nt judge, but come to the awareness of getting your own life in order. Pray: Heavenly Father, Grant me the serneity to obey your commands and to love others.  Help me be the man you want me to be. Amen. 

God alone is Mighty and Strong.  God created me out of nothing.  My gifts and talents must be recognized as gitf from God.  Even though one may have many gifts; one is ridiculed with faults and shortcomings.  One must worry about getting their life in order before worrying about the faults of another. Pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gifts and talents you have given me.  Thank you for your love and mery.  I recognize that I am nothing without you.  Help me to accept the good with the bad and help me to work on my faults and shortcomings.  I pray this in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Thoughts: Do not trust in man alone.  Today he could be your friend; tomorrow your enemy.  If you want an example please see no further than Judas Iscariot.  After all he betrayed Jesus with a kiss.  It does not get any lower than this.  Let us think this could never happen to us. Pray: Heavenly Father, please send your Holy Spirit for Wisdom and Counsel.  I need not look to man for advice, but listed to your Spirit.  I pray that you may give me the answer that I desire and know you will guide my life in the proper direction.  Thank you for this answered request;  I pray this in the Name of Jesus the Lord.   Amen.

Thoughts: Curiosity in control can be a positive thing.  One could say all things in moderation.  Self-control is a gift of the Holy Spirit and we need to strive and ask God for it. Pray: Divine Inspirer,  O' Holy Spirit please give me the gift of self-control.  Help me to control my desires and sins of the flesh.  Help me to take control of my life and fight the spiritual battle that is happening all around me.  I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thoughts: Why should one worry about what others think about them?  If one is living a righteous holy life, then they need not worry about this.  Live for God and think about; who does God say that we are? Pray: Heavenly Father, I pray that you may watch over me.  Help me to not worry about what others think about me or my status in the world.  I ask for Your Grace to put You first in my life.  If I strive for Heaven then all else will fall into place.  I pray this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Thoughts: Our days are fleeting.  We are headed in one direction and that is towards death.  Let us enjoy the life that we have while we still have our lives.  If we have our health let us enjoy it.  Let us enjoy our loved ones and spend time with them because no one knows when the last breath will occur.  Cherish the important things in life (i.e. family love). Pray: Heavenly Father, please allow me to know whom I am.  Please let me know who you are and help me to cherish the love that you have for me on a daily basis.  Assist me in spending time with my loved ones and realizing the most important things in life.  Help me to know what will cause regret on my dying bed.  I pray this in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

ANCIENT PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him close in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me. Amen.

Thoughts: How many times do I show a lack of respect or have not been the person God designed me to be due to impatience?  Patience is one thing that is lacking in today's world.  We live in an instant gratification society. There is no patience in the world.  It's a me-me, go-go, and fast-fast world.  Patience is not something that most individuals carry out and could be said to be going extinct.  We as Christians must uphold the gift of patience.  God is calling us to be patient with others and show mercy when called upon.  Mercy will be shown to us as we show mercy. Pray: Heavenly Father, please assist me with being patient.  Guide my day.  Strengthen me in patience and understanding.  I must align my ways with Your Ways.  Lord Jesus, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Light, help my heart be more like thine.  I love You. Amen. 

Ch 80 Anger Thoughts How do I interact with individuals that are confrontational?   What do I say when someone else says something hurtful to me?  When I get angry what other items are going through my mind?  Is there something else bothering me or a root to the problem?  Am I blinded by my rage? One needs to be meek and should follow the prayer of meekness.  Do not let anger blind you to a higher way of thinking.  Do not act on animal instincts, but spiritual ones. Pray: Jesus Meek and Humble of Heart…make my heart like unto Thine. Amen.

Thoughts One should practice a spiritual exercise daily whether they get enjoyment out of it or not.  The best way to do this is to set  a time and a place to do so and base it out of habit.  This will ensure it gets done on the good days and the bad.  By following God's Will it will allow one to become the person that we were designed to be.  God's Will is enough and we need to follow it with our all.   Listen to the still and ask God for His Will to be done. Pray Heavenly Father, please allow me to perform a daily practice of prayer and meditation.  Help me to follow You and understand that Your Will is not always my will.  Your Will we be what I will accept and follow, help me  to know it.  I pray this in the Name of Jesus.  -Amen

Part 4 Overcoming Bad Habits  --"My Daily Bread" Summary/Thoughts It has been stated before that man can become a slave to sin.  Many times individuals get wrapped into a bad habit which one becomes a slave to.  One of the major problems today for many men is pornography.  Many men are enslaved to this issue.  I came across this image over the weekend when I was reading a book and it spoke to me about the damage that pornography does not only to one's soul, but to one's mind.  Not only pornography, but whatever other garbage one is watching on television, internet, etc.  The correlation is the same for all of the senses.  God has designed us for good, but we must fight the spiritual battle that the devil wants us enslaved to sin.  One should practice implementing good habits in their life.  When one practices good habits, it assists in removing negative aspects out of their lives.  Understanding the actions we do in the day and planning out the day is on

Ch 78 God's Word to the Desolate Summary/Thoughts: God's Will is not always our will.  Help me to put my trust in Your Love and Mercy.  Help me to accept Your Will and live my life to the fullest.  Help me to be the man You Want me to be. God knows my inner most secrets.  Nothing is hidden from Him.  God is one of Ultimate Power and Might. None of my belongings belong to myself.  I am only a steward of the gifts God has given me. Pray: Heavenly Father, please continue to bless my life.  Please continue to guide me and assist my trust in You.  Allow me to realize that all positives are a blessing.  Continue to clean up the sinfulness in my life.  Help me to make the best use of the gifts, talents, and resources for Your Greater Glory and Honor.  Help me to understand You more and help me to understand myself.  I am nothing without You.  I pray this in the Powerful, Powerful, Name of Jesus. Amen.

Conforming your life to Christ is no easy task.  One must be united in progressing to this level of maturity.  Don't waste your life, but start preparations at this moment for eternal life.  Time is passing by and we do not know our last day.   Eccl 1:8  All things are full of weariness;      a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing,      nor the ear filled with hearing. Pray: Heavenly Father,  please forgive me of my sins and allow me to align my life with You.  I am nothing without You and ask for You to unite me into Your Love.  I can not perservere by myself.  I ask for Your Grace to assist me in overcoming daily trials and tribulations.  I pray this in the Powerful Name of Jesus.   -Amen

One may get good feelings from prayer, but this may not always be the case.  One must persevere even during these times of desolation.  God does not owe us anything, but we owe him everything. Spirituality should be conducted as an exercise to ensure it will be carried out all time.  Like exercise it takes determination and strong will.  Many individuals make it part of their routine and this assists in conducting the spiritaul exercise daily.  Pray: Heavenly Father,  thank you for this day and for the ability to have free will.  During this time I turn to praise your Heavenly Name.  I love you and ask you to assist me through this day.  Help me during times of desolation and to prepare my heart for this Holy Week.  I pray this is the Name of Jesus.  -Amen

Man is made of 2 elements.  The flesh and the spirit.  We are inclined to sin through original sin, but we also have natural law on our hearts.  Spiritual forces are at battle to pull us either way.  Which way are you headed?  To whom do you listen?  Through a spiritual life and self awareness you can become a better person.  Let us strive to move toward a self-fulfillment that is the Source of True Happiness. Pray: Heavenly Father,  I ask that you instill within me a Spirit of Wisdom that will point me in the right direction.  This Spirit will guide us and protect us.  It will teach us your ways.  Help me to be a man/woman of Psalm 119. Psalm 119 1   Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!  2   Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,  3   who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!  4   Thou hast commanded thy precepts to be kept diligently. 5   O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping thy st

Ch 76 Spiritual Consolation and Desolation Life is full of ups and downs;  peaks and valleys.  One should be fully planted during all tll of these experiences.  Be thankful for the good times and the bad.  Do not waver when storms and trials come.  The end goal is heaven...  Stay focused! Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank you for the situations that I encounter in life.  I thank You for the Vast Blessings that You have given me.  Help me to make use of the time, talents, and resources you have given me for Your Greater Glory.  I only want to live Your Will.  I am nothing without You.  Thank You for loving me and giving me Jesus in my life.  Help me to increase in knowing You.

John 2:1-12 Revised Standard Version (RSV) The Wedding at Cana 2 On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2 Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. 3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now six stone jars were standing there, for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Every man serves t

How does one become calm and peaceful?  One must rest in the Lord and follow His Commandments.  Are my/your plans being brought to the Lord?  How does one handle issues they arise?  Bring them to God first.  Not having duplicity in one's life and being humble are keys to success.  Heavenly Father, assist me in being a humble person and one that trusts in you.  Help me to bring things to you first when things are going wrong.  You have the Power to change me.  I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Understand that life is not based solely on spiritual highs.   Life comes with it’s share of ups and downs.   You were not designed to be a robot, nor does God expect it.   God gave free will and understands the way way we are made.   God calls all to be with him.   Will you choose his way?   Life has peaks and valleys.   This is what makes life a journey.   Strive harder to live life for and with God.  

Ch 74 Knowledge without Virtue Knowledge, Power, and Learning should not generate pride or ego.  One should identify the true source of these blessings.  Staying unified with the Lord will assist with leadership and skillsets.  These gifts are from the Lord.  God can take any of gifts, health, or even life in a fingersnap.  Do not take things for granted.Be thankful for health as illness is all around me.  One must trust in the Lord and be thankful for the great years that one has.  Life is frustrating at times, but be thankful for the blessing bestowed by the Great and Mighty One.

Ch 73 The Dangers of Knowledge Learning is a blessing.  There will be times where one is confident in their ability and other where one feels felt powerless.  Many people think they are so smart/educated and look down on others.  These people are blinded and realistically dumb in God's eyes.  They could care less and prob think belief is a fool's game.  Education and learning is a blessing.  We should continue to learn and progress in life.  God gave us a brain and we need to use it.  What defines true success?

Ch71 Danger of Overconfidence One should be striving to get better and achieve great heights. Being aware of the true source is the answer to overconfidence. We must give God the Glory when great things happen to us. Understanding that we are weak is extremely important. We would be crushed by our own follies if it was not for God's grace. Hell is a real and scary place. Get your mind right and live the life that God wants you to live. The one who plays with fire has the capability to get burned.

Ch 72 Dangers of Overconfidence One should strive to be a pious man.  Avoid being worldly.  Don't take God's protection for granted and don't rely on it.  Your small feeble actions are not enough for God and are only available due to His Grace.  The ability to face temptation and overcome is a big step for the spiritually mature.  Temptation will come and one must be strong to overcome.  Put your trust in God to over come.

The devil never sleeps.   The devil is always attempting to check us in a game of chess.  He has many ploys and deceptions.  Ultimately the devil wants us dead in body and spirit.  We must remember we are two parts;  body and spirit.  We can live as a man or an animal.  Which will we choose One should not take God's Mercy for granted.  While His Mercy endures forever, His justice and Might are equally as strong.  We can not do it by ourself and there are forces at work on both sides.  You must be in tune otherwise we can fall away.  Help us O' Lord.

Ch 67 Be careful of one's selfishness. Jesus did not waste his blood and one should not take his mercy for granted. Is your heart to be in the right place? Are you following the Truth? Should one truly be a conservative or a liberal? Don't think that just being one is the answer to life and you must have some type of balance. One can be their own worst enemy. The devil is indeed at work. Don't fall into dumb decisions. We must have a daily prayer life. God wants the best for us, but you must be plugged in.