In His justice, the Lord promises to punish those who have sinned, especially those He has favored (Am 3:2). Some of us have already been punished by major upheavals but still have not returned to the Lord (Am 4:11). So now the Lord will deal with us in His own way (Am 4:12). We must prepare to meet our God (Am 4:12).
As we face a major payment of "the wages of sin" (see Rm 6:23), we should:
"Those times will be more distressful than any between God's work of creation and now, and for all time to come. Indeed, had the Lord not shortened the period, not a person would be saved. But for the sake of those He has chosen, He has shortened the days" (Mk 13:19-20). Jesus assures us: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in Me" (Jn 14:1). Jesus promises: "I tell you all this that in Me you may find peace. You will suffer in the world. But take courage! I have overcome the world" (Jn 16:33). Peace!
| PRAYER: | Father, I will trust in You – no matter what. |
| PROMISE: | "So now I will deal with you in My own way." –Am 4:12 |
| PRAISE: | Bl. Junipero left his "home" to lead six-thousand native Americans to their true home. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College