The Lord informed Jeremiah (Jer 11:18) "of the evil done by the house of Israel and by the house of Judah" (Jer 11:17). Yet Jeremiah did not realize "that they were hatching plots against" him (Jer 11:19). Like Jeremiah, we know we live in a culture of death. We know that sin is not only committed but glorified. We even know that we have enemies and persecutors. Nonetheless, do we realize that the devil is "prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour"? (1 Pt 5:8)
But for the grace of God, we could be killed today. As "children of God beyond reproach in the midst of a twisted and depraved generation" (Phil 2:15), we are in extreme danger. If we only knew the thousands of times the Lord in His mercy has saved the lives of each one of us, we would give our lives totally to Him and thank Him forever!
How shall we "make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done" for us? (Ps 116:12) Thank God for the gifts of life, His loving protection, victory over the evil one, peace, and eternal life. Worship the Lord in Spirit and truth (Jn 4:24). Tell everyone about the Lord. Rejoice in Him always (Phil 4:4). "Should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours, be ever ready to reply" (1 Pt 3:15). The Lord has repeatedly saved your life and given you eternal life. Live for love of Jesus.
| PRAYER: | Father, "though a thousand fall" at my side, ten thousand at my right side, near me "it shall not come" (Ps 91:7). |
| PROMISE: | "No man ever spoke like that before." –Jn 7:46 |
| PRAISE: | St. Vincent's motto was: "Whatever you do, think not of yourself, but of God." |
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