God is with us

“And he who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him.”

John 8:29 GNBDK

Reflection:

The truth about God is this; He is always with us. He has made us in his image and likeness, He has made us with love, and for love. But when we sin, we reject God and distance away ourselves from him. Let us renounce sin and return to him with humble and contrite hearts, assuring that we will strive to always do what pleases him. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to know him more, as you seek him in his word, made flesh in Jesus Christ his son. May his Holy Spirit help you understand God's ways and will for your life. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Perception

He straightened himself up and said to her, “Where are they? Is there no one left to condemn you?” “No one, sir,” she answered. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “I do not condemn you either. Go, but do not sin again.”

John 8:10‭-‬11 GNBDK

Reflection:

Often we look at people with eyes of prejudice and judgement. But Jesus tells us that we are all the same. He is without sin, yet he doesn't condemn, instead He forgives, but clearly instructs, 'do not sin again'. If you find yourself struggling with sin, then ask Jesus to help you, for He has overcome it all. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to choose the way, the truth and the life found in Jesus Christ his son. And as you walk in the newness and fullness of life, may God stir up his Holy Spirit in you. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

God's Timing is Perfect

“Take the stone away!” Jesus ordered. Martha, the dead man's sister, answered, “There will be a bad smell, Lord. He has been buried four days!”  Jesus said to her, “Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believed?”

John 11:39‭-‬40 GNBDK

Reflection:

The Christian life is a call to growing in maturity with Christ and how does this happen? It happens through learning. Look back in your life and you will see how God took care of situations you thought were the worst, but all you did was surrender to God. There are things we might not understand at the moment, all we need to do is trust God and in His time, we will see his Glory. For God's never late, even four days later, He's still on time.

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to trust him at all times knowing that like Jesus his son, your life too has a purpose. May his Holy Spirit help you find and fulfill what God desires for you. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Depending on God's ways

Then I prayed, “Almighty LORD , you are a just judge; you test people's thoughts and feelings. I have placed my cause in your hands; so let me watch you take revenge on these people.”

Jeremiah 11:20 GNBDK

Reflection:

You will find yourself in different circumstances and situations as you journey along through life. And some of them will be very challenging, the key to thrive in such times and otherwise is to depend on God. For God's ways are not our ways, and in our weaknesses, He will be our strength. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to always do the things that please him. May you emulate Jesus Christ his son, in all his teachings and may his Holy Spirit help you act in accordance to His word. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

God is in Control

Then they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.

John 7:30 GNBDK

Reflection:

Often times when things go right we want to take credit for them, and when things go wrong, we blame it on God. But the truth is actually vice versa. God is in control and it is from him that all good things come. Things go wrong because we want to be in control. Even then; God makes all things beautiful In His Time.

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to allow him to take reign over your life as you willingly submit your will to him. May you always walk in truth, light and path of Jesus Christ his son and may you always listen to His Holy Spirit. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

We have a God of Love

But Moses pleaded with the LORD his God and said, “LORD , why should you be so angry with your people, whom you rescued from Egypt with great might and power?

Exodus 32:11 GNBDK

Reflection:

If we introspect our lives, we will find that there is tendency to take God's love for granted, that implies in us rejecting his love by giving into sin. But our God is God of love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. Just as Moses pleaded to God and he relented his anger. We too can turn to him with humble and repentant heart and see His love and mercy.

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to get up after a fall as you emulate Jesus his son. May his Holy Spirit guard and guide you through all the times of your life. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

We will be Judged

Then he said, “Here I am, O God, to do your will.” So God does away with all the old sacrifices and puts the sacrifice of Christ in their place.

Hebrews 10:9 GNBDK

Reflection:

The one thing that we all are governed by is the law. On earth the judiciary is given the final word when it comes to disputes and judgements. And so it when our journey from earth concludes  we will be judged. Jesus has shown us the way to please God, Have we pleased God then by doing his will?

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to please him at all times by submit your will to his, just as Jesus Christ his son did. May his Holy Spirit give you the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of pursuing God's ways. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Called to Change

Jesus saw him lying there, and he knew that the man had been ill for such a long time; so he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

John 5:6 GNBDK

Afterwards, Jesus found him in the Temple and said, “Listen, you are well now; so stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”

John 5:14 GNBDK

Reflection:

Many a times we may feel that God isn't aware of our situation or He is far away to hear our cries. Especially now when we find ourselves without any answers because of Covid-19. The truth is God has made us, and is aware of every minute second of our life. This time is perhaps an invitation to change our lives, to the change of our hearts. As humans though, we don't like change. But know that, change is for our good and it is the only constant. Change might be messy in the beginning, but it is Glorious in the end. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to change your old ways as renew your mind with his word made flesh in Christ Jesus his son. May his Holy Spirit lead to new and fullness of life. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

It's time for change

The LORD says, "I am making a new earth and new heavens. The events of the past will be completely forgotten."

Isaiah 65:17 GNBDK

Reflection:

While the earth we live is seeing unprecedented scenarios and going through a phase of change, it is a good time to take stock of our lives and assess the changes we need to make. Let us leave behind the old ways and renew our minds with the word of God, for this is what God desires. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to be the change you want to see in the world around you. May Jesus Christ his son help you transform your life as you submit in complete obedience to his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Seeing God's ways

But the LORD said to him, “I do not judge as people judge. They look at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7b GNBDK

He answered, “The man called Jesus made some mud, rubbed it on my eyes, and told me to go to Siloam and wash my face. So I went, and as soon as I washed, I could see.”

John 9:11 GNBDK

Reflection:

Far too long have we done what we think is right, but God's ways are not our ways and because we never understood him, he sent his only son Jesus to show us the way. Can we see then what God wants us to see, or are we blinded by our own doing. Let us wash our eyes then and be born again as we worship in spirit and truth, as we see the world and one another as God sees us. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to see the truth found in Jesus Christ his son. May his Holy Spirit help you discern and guide your vision and path. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Called to know God

"I want your constant love, not your animal sacrifices. I would rather have my people know me than burn offerings to me."

Hosea 6:6 GNBDK

“I tell you,” said Jesus, “the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, was in the right with God when he went home. For all who make themselves great will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be made great.”

Luke 18:14 GNBDK

Reflection:

We might do good works and abide by our religious duties; but that doesn't make us righteous. God desires a relationship with us, and that is built by time, trust and commitment. God's ways are not our ways; all we need to do is humbly submit to him and love him as He loves us. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to humbly submit to his will, just like Jesus Christ his son did. As you get to know Him make you walk in his ways and do what pleases him as you are lead by his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Loving God, with all...

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength."

Mark 12:30 GNBDK

Reflection:

The most important commandment involves loving God with every aspect of our human understanding. That involves heart, soul, mind and body. But the even more important aspect is the 'with all' God does not want a part of you. He wants all of you. Perhaps we can do a lil introspection and ask ourselves; Is God a part of my life or is He the center of my life? 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to out him first in your life above everything else. may you emulate Jesus Christ his son in all that you do and may you always be lead by his Holy Spirit. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :) 

God has a purpose for your life

"Go and tell my servant David that I say to him, 'your son will be the one to build a temple for me, and I will make sure that his dynasty continues for ever'."

2 Samuel 7:5‭A, 13 GNBDK

Joseph was a man who always did what was right.

Matthew 1:19A GNBDK

Reflection:

Each one of us has a purpose for why have been created. And it is our endeavour that we fulfill it. For like our ancestors God will bring to fruition the plans he has for us. All we must be willing to do, is submit ourselves to his will. Let us learn the from St. Joseph - most chase spouse to Mary and a loving & caring custodian to Jesus, to always do what is right. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to be open to the plan and purpose he has for your life. May you humbly submit to his will just as Jesus Christ his son did. And may his Holy Spirit teach you to always be obedient to God. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :) 

Called to Obedience

"Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true."

Matthew 5:17 GNBDK

Reflection: 

We may assume the mercy of God and take for granted that he will forgive us our sins. But this very thought and action itself is a sin. Our God is a generous God, slow to anger and rich in Love. let us not bring him to test. Rather in humble obedience do everything that is pleasing to him. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to be obedient and honour his commandments. May you emulate Jesus Christ keeping them relevant even in today's times as you are lead by his Holy Spirit. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

The gift of Forgiveness

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” answered Jesus, “but seventy times seven.

Matthew 18:21‭-‬22 GNBDK

Reflection:

Have you ever struggled to forgive someone? Well, you're not alone, each one of us goes through that. But the good news is there is a way out. Since this instruction came from our Lord and he himself prayed for forgiveness for those who crucified him. All you need to do is submit to him and ask him for his grace to forgive. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to reach out to his son Jesus as you humbly submit to God's will and ways. May his Holy Spirit help you forgive those that do you wrong. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Trusting God's ways

But Naaman left in a rage, saying, “I thought that he would at least come out to me, pray to the LORD his God, wave his hand over the diseased spot, and cure me!

2 Kings 5:11 GNBDK

Reflection:

We all think of ourselves as very important people. Like Naaman we tend to act on our ego and pride wanting to be at the centre of attention especially when it comes to God. But God's ways are not our ways. God wants an opening in our heart through faith and humility. And this is how we will see miracles in our lives. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to always trust in his ways. May you in all humility accept Jesus his son as your Lord and Saviour. And may his Holy Spirit help you understand God's ways. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Finding the Truth

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

John 4:24‭, ‬42 NIV

Reflection:

God is as real as the skin on your bones and the air that we breathe. Yet we can't see air, but  believe we're breathing it. The Samaritans found their truth, perhaps because the woman lead them there; but it was the word they believed in that brought them to the truth and light of Jesus Christ. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to seek Him with all the sincerety of your heart. As you do so may Jesus Christ reveal to you the truth, in his light and show you the way to salvation as you worship with His Holy Spirit. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Taking stock of our lives

At last he came to his senses and said, ‘All my father's hired workers have more than they can eat, and here I am about to starve!  I will get up and go to my father and say, Father, I have sinned against God and against you.

Luke 15:17‭-‬18 GNBDK

Reflection:

As the world slips into self isolation, it is a good time to take stock of our lives and examine our conscience. Have we lived a life pleasing to God or have we lived just for ourselves? The season of Lent is a good time and opportunity to come back to our senses. Knowing that Jesus suffered and died for our sins. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to look within and make amends to your life that is pleasing to God. May you walk in the light and path of Jesus Christ his son and may his Holy Spirit be with you at all times. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

God Our Protector Prayer

Amidst all the confusion and fear surrounding COVID19 or popularly known as the corona virus and its impact on the world as a whole. Let’s hold firm to the faith that ‘He who created us, in his image and likeness, knows the plans and the purpose for our lives’. 

Let us submit to his care and protection as we recite - Psalm 91 - God our Protector. 

The Temporary Journey

“Listen to another parable,” Jesus said. “There was once a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a hole for the winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he let out the vineyard to tenants and went on a journey. Now, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

Matthew 21:33‭, ‬40 GNBDK

Reflection:

Our journey here on earth is a temporary one, it has been let out to us by our creator and the choices we make here on earth will determine the consequences of our life to come in eternity. Jesus affirms this in today's Gospel, how then should we respond to his word?

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to live fruitfully in accordance to his will. May you emulate Jesus his son in doing what is pleasing to God. And may His Holy Spirit direct your path and actions as you submit willingly. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Depending on God's Grace

"I, the LORD , search human minds and test human hearts. I treat each one according to the way he lives, according to what he does."

Jeremiah 17:10 GNBDK

Reflection:

As human beings we often concern ourselves with the outward and it becomes very easy to put on a façade, but know that, at all times our hearts and minds are like an open book to God. What will he find there and how we pass the test depends our dependency of His Grace.

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to trust him at all times and act according to his will, just as Jesus Christ his son did and has taught us to do. May his Holy Spirit be with you in all your endeavours. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Sign of a True Christian

If one of you wants to be great, he must be the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, he must be your slave.

Matthew 20:26‭b-‬27 GNBDK

Reflection:

The Christian way of life is far from the worldly way of life and this instruction comes from Jesus Christ himself. Greatness is found in humility and service, And it is by this virtue and action that we can live with meaning and be known as true Christians.

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to humble yourself as you put others first reaching out in service, just as Jesus Christ his son did. May his Holy Spirit be your guiding light. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Pleasing God!

If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.

Isaiah 1:19 NIV

Reflection:

There are two things that please God the most, 'Willingness' and 'Obedience' and the best example of this is Jesus - He willingly took upon himself our sins and was obedient to the Father even unto death. What then are we doing with our free will that God has given to us; are we obedient to his word?

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to submit your will to him just like his son Jesus did and has taught us to do. May his Holy Spirit give you the wisdom and understanding of being obedient to the will of God. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

It is in giving that we receive

"Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands — all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you."

Luke 6:38 GNBDK

Reflection:

The one common factor across all factions of human beings is the approach towards money. It is something that each one of us wants to hold on to. That said, our approach of money should be that of care takers of it, rather owners. For whatever we have is all a providence from God. God created us in his image and likeness so that we can be his instruments and reach out in love and fellowship. For in the same measure we shall receive. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to open your heart in generosity. May Jesus Christ his son help you understand your purpose in life and many his Holy Spirit always be by your side. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

A call to Hope

Jesus came to them and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don't be afraid!”

Matthew 17:7 GNBDK

Reflection:

No matter what your situation is, no matter where you are, know that there is Hope. Not a temporary one, but Hope that is eternal, because it comes from the word of God, it comes from Jesus. 'Get up,' He says, which means it is our own action based on his call. And he assures us that we need not be afraid, for He is with us. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to rise up to the call from Jesus Christ his son. May his Holy Spirit be with you at all times as the assurance that comes from God. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Walking in His ways...

For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil.  You must be perfect — just as your Father in heaven is perfect!

Matthew 5:45‭b, ‬48 GNBDK

Reflection:

There is a human tendency to always judge another, especially if the other is of different religion, Ethnicity or perhaps even a different lifestyle. Each and every human being or thing on earth is created by God for his purpose. Let us then be like Him, fulfilling our purpose as we walk in his ways. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to do his will just like Jesus Christ his son did. And may his Holy Spirit give you the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of walking in God's ways. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Love for God & Man

So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you,  leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God.

Matthew 5:23‭-‬24 GNBDK

Reflection:

You can cannot love God and not love your brother/neighbour. Love for God and Man are two sides of a coin, it is only when both come together that the coin comes into existence and has value. And so it is with God's ways.

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to reach out in love and forgiveness to all those who might have hurt you. May you draw inspiration from Jesus who from cross prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified him. And may his Holy Spirit help you, in all that you do. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Faith as a little child...

"Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. Bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"

Matthew 7:7‭, ‬11 GNBDK

Reflection:

If you are a parent, you will know that your children never hesitate to ask for anything, in fact when they do, they assume you have to power and capacity to fulfill that request. If such is the faith children have in parents, how much more confident should our prayer be to God our Father, the maker of heaven and earth, from whom all goods things come!

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to ask in confidence the desires of your heart. May you trust him just like Jesus did, knowing what he wills for you is the best and may His Holy Spirit help you understand God's ways. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones :)

Dwelling in God's Word

So Jonah obeyed the LORD and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to walk through it.

Jonah 3:3 GNBDK

In the same way that the prophet Jonah was a sign for the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be a sign for the people of this day.

Luke 11:30 GNBDK

Reflection:

The new testament is the fulfillment of the old testament. And it Jesus who is the word incarnate, fulfillment of what was promised. It is only by dwelling in his word and depending on his Holy Spirit can we really know Jesus - the lamb of God who takes away all our sins. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to open your heart and mind to his word made flesh in Jesus Christ his son. As you dwell in his word each new day, may his Holy Spirit reveal to you all that God desires for your life. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones.  :)

Praying as Jesus Taught Us

May your Kingdom come;  may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10 GNBDK

Reflection:

Jesus gave us the words to pray to the Father, and while each and every line gives us a meaning to life, let us ponder today on doing his will. Yes, this very line affirms eternity as it talks about life on heaven and earth. What is more important then; glory on earth or riches in heaven?

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father you the grace to do his will and purpose he has for you. May Jesus Christ his son give you the courage and strength to carry your daily cross and may you always be led by his Holy Spirit. Amen 

God Bless you and your loved ones. :)

Doing the Will of God

“When the Son of Man comes as King and all the angels with him, he will sit on his royal throne,  These, then, will be sent off to eternal punishment, but the righteous will go to eternal life.”

Matthew 25:31‭, ‬46 GNBDK

Reflection:

There are two things that will surely happen post our journey here on earth; Judgement and Eternity. And where we will spend our eternity is based on how we are judged. Therefore, we ought to ask ourselves; 'Am I doing the will of God or is it that I choose to do my own', and act in accordance. 

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father gives you the grace to do His will, just as Jesus his son did. May his Holy Spirit give you the wisdom and understanding of doing so. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones. :)

The Power of God's Word

Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Devil.

Matthew 4:1 GNBDK

Reflection:

When we go through a certain crisis or temptations, our immediate reaction is to question God. Not realising, God might have allowed this for our betterment as He knows every little aspect about our entire life. Jesus shows us the way of how deal with it. His every answer to the devil was based on the word of God. Our we then, relying on our own understanding or are we trusting his word?

Prayer:

I pray that God our Father you the grace to be open to his word made flesh in Jesus Christ his son as you meditate on it day and night. May his Holy Spirit reveal to you, all that you need to understand from God's word. Amen

God Bless you and your loved ones. :)