#Psalm 96:1-2

[wiirocku]

Psalm 96:1-2 (NASB1995) - Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Answered Prayer for Deliverance from Adversaries

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David when the Ziphites went and said to Saul, “Is David not hiding with us?”

1 Save me, O God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your strength. 2 Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth. 3 For strangers have risen up against me, And oppressors have sought after my life; They have not set God before them. Selah 4 Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life. 5 He will repay my enemies for their evil. Cut them off in Your truth. 6 I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good. 7 For He has delivered me out of all trouble; And my eye has seen its desire upon my enemies. — Psalm 54 | New King James Version (NKJV) The Holy Bible; New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. Cross References: Numbers 15:3; 1 Samuel 20:1; 1 Samuel 23:19; 1 Samuel 25:29; 1 Samuel 26:1; Psalm 5:1; Psalm 17:6; Psalm 30:10; Psalm 37:17; Psalm 50:14; Psalm 92:11; Psalm 96:13; Psalm 143:12; Jeremiah 20:12

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

24th October >> Mass Readings (USA)

Thursday, Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time 

or

Saint Antony Mary Claret, Bishop. 

Thursday, Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II))

First Reading Ephesians 3:14-21 Rooted and grounded in love, you may be filled with the fullness of God.

Brothers and sisters: I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

For upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine.

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation Philippians 3:8-9

Alleluia, alleluia. I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 12:49-53 I have not come to establish peace but division.

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Saint Antony Mary Claret, Bishop 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Thursday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Isaiah 52:7-10 All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, Announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, For they see directly, before their eyes, the LORD restoring Zion. Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the LORD comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8, 10

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Give to the LORD, you families of nations, give to the LORD glory and praise; give to the LORD the glory due his name!

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Say among the nations: The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity.

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Gospel Acclamation Mark 1:17

Alleluia, alleluia. Come after me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mark 1:14-20 I will make you fishers of men.

After John the Baptist had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[lady-merian]

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[jzlily333]

🌺09/27LiveWell活出美好🌺

God has already arranged a way for you before you encounter difficulties.​​

Be silent in the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not be angry because of him whose way is clear and because of him who accomplishes his evil plans (Psalm 37:7).

09/27 Bible verses

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. (Psalms 96: 11)

May heaven be happy and may earth be happy! Let the sea and its fullness surge (Psalm 96:11).

09/27Good words of wisdom

1. The secret to interpersonal interaction: Only by letting go of your preconceived ideas can you truly communicate and listen effectively.

2. Not being trustworthy is a bad trait. "A person cannot stand without trust." People who are dishonest are not only looked down upon but also unable to gain a foothold in society.

Poetry: Let’s Go Together (Sheng Xiaomei)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ntkxPdz1FhU

🌺09/27活出美好🌺

上帝在你遇到困難之前，早已為你安排好出路。    

你當默然倚靠耶和華，耐性等候他；不要因那道路通達的和那惡謀成就的心懷不平 (詩篇 37: 7)。

09/27圣经金句

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. (Psalms 96: 11)     

願天歡喜，願地快樂！願海和其中所充滿的澎湃 (詩篇96: 11)。

09/27金玉良言

1. 人際關係互動的首要袐訣：放下原本內心深處預設的想法，才能真正有效溝通與傾聽。

2. 不講信用是工作的壞習慣，「人無信不立」。不講信用的人不僅讓人看不起，更無法立足於社會之中。

詩歌：一起走 (盛曉玫) 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ntkxPdz1FhU

[pugzman3]

Psalms chapter 96

1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.

2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.

4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

13 Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

[light4jesusblog]

Bible Study | Proverbs 1:7 | The Significance of Fearing the Lord in Light of the Gospel

An integral aspect of walking with God is the fear of the Lord. In this article, we examine the wisdom of Proverbs 1:7 in the light of the Gospel of Christ. In doing so, we gain insight into the importance of fearing God and the repercussions of forsaking wisdom and instruction.

God Is Worthy to Be Feared

The term "fear" in the context of the fear of the Lord is not the paralyzing terror we might associate with it. Here, “fear” translates to deep respect, reverence and love for God. Therefore, by fearing the Lord, we humble ourselves, choosing God's ways over our own, recognizing Him as the great I AM, who is alone worthy of our worship.

Psalm 96:4 (NKJV) - For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.

The Bible confirms that the fear of the Lord does not entail living in constant dread or walking on eggshells under condemnation. It explicitly states that God has not given us a spirit of fear. Furthermore, it emphasizes that perfect love casts out all fear. This is especially true for believers, as we have obtained peace with God through the blood of Jesus. When we comprehend that the fear of the Lord is good for us because through it God lovingly guides us, then we have nothing to be terrified of. Consequently, we willingly choose to love Him.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind

1 John 4:18 (NKJV) - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Those Who Neglect Reverence Face Consequences

However, for those who fail to fear the Lord, there is something to be utterly terrified of. Paul, the apostle, acknowledges the terror of God, especially for unbelievers. This knowledge of God urges us to preach the Gospel, offering salvation to those who believe and sparing them from the impending wrath of God.

2 Corinthians 5:11 (NKJV) - Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

Jesus himself advised us to fear God, who has the authority to destroy both body and soul, over fearing mere mortals who can only harm the body. The instruction to work out our salvation with fear and trembling resonates through the teachings; We are to always mindful that God, being just, will judge every deed.

Matthew 10:28 (NKJV) - And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV) - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

On the day of Judgment, if we are found guilty because we do not believe in the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ, for our salvation, we will face the penalty of sin–death–leading to eternal damnation and the wrath of God.

Worldly Knowledge vs. True Godly Knowledge

Fearing God, therefore, is the beginning of true knowledge, guiding us to follow the One who leads us to life–-eternal life. It allows us to know the true and only God. In contrast, worldly knowledge deceives by appearing clever, but it cannot save anyone's soul. This type of knowledge only puffs up, causing people to become wise in their own eyes, thinking that they know better than God. Some even deny His existence. However, by professing to be wise they become fools by rejecting the truth and not following Jesus. Therefore, they will face the consequences of those decisions. 

Proverbs 3:7 (NKJV) - Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.

All Given the Opportunity to Choose Wisely

God warns and gives every person the opportunity to choose between life and death: Every person who walks this earth will hear the Gospel. Yet, many will despise this wisdom and instruction, unaware that in Jesus, God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV) - For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Colossians 2:2-3 (NKJV) - that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

In conclusion, when reading Proverbs 1:7 with the Gospel of Christ in mind, we discern the benefits of fearing the Lord and the severe consequences of neglecting wisdom and instruction.

[barbaramoorersm]

Jaanuary 19, 2025

January 19, 2025

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 62: 1-5

The Prophet rejoices in the liberation of the chosen people and their return to Jerusalem from captivity.

Psalm 96

The Psalmists speaks of the marvelous deeds of God.

First Corinthians 12: 4-11

Paul speaks of the variety of gifts the Spirit gives humanity.

John 2: 1-11

This Gospel relays the famous story of the wedding feast in Cana.

Our first reading from Isaiah recalls the return of the Israelites from Exile in Babylon. Isreal, now freed, is the bride of God.

Any man or woman who believes deeply that their gifts are not being used or appreciated, keeps today’s letter from Paul close to their heart. “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit.  But one and the same Spirit produces all of these (gifts) distributing them individually to each person as (the Spirit) wishes.” 

We have discussed in the past that John’s Gospel relates the story of Jesus and his ministry through a series of signs that describe his power and expanding ministry.  It is the style of writing he uses.  Today, according to some scholars we engage the first sign of his powerful ministry.  The wedding feast of Cana tells us of the important influence Jesus’ faith had in his life.   He, his mother, and disciples were present at this celebration.  Jewish weddings brought together Jewish families.  Jewish families of the bride and groom were closely knit and their customs were reverenced.  According to one author, marriage was a neither a religious or public concern.  It was contract between families and so we can understand the possible humiliation a family would feel if the main beverage, wine, was running out.

Mary assumes a public role and then disappears in the Gospels until later in Jesus’ ministry.  But she seems to lay the ground work for his ministry.  “Do whatever he tells you.” The signs in this Gospel speak to the old wine versus the new wine that was to come.  Also, this first sign portrays the power and influence of the Jewish culture, which deeply influenced Jesus’ life.  Just as an aside, the second sign in John’s Gospel is Jesus’ encounter with the Sarmatian women.  John is indicating that Jesus’ ministry was now expanding to those outside the culture of Israel.  John ends today’s reading with the words, “Jesus did this (multiplication of wine) as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee (in the midst of his culture) and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.”

As we reflect on our present culture what are the signs of God’s presence that seem to be evident?   What are the priorities our churches and governments have set?  Is respect for cultural differences and racial diversity going to be honored?   Are human rights and care going to be shown to migrants and the struggling poor?  Will money and power influence decisions rather than the needs of ordinary men and women?

One sign that unfolds to the end of John’s Gospel is Jesus’ concern for and love of those often ignored, discarded in his society, and for those who were isolated and ignored by their illness and sufferings.  I believe as Christians they should be at the center of our hearts, and policies.

[catolinewsdailyreadings]

The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

Readings of Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Reading 1

1 JN 2:18-21

Children, it is the last hour;  and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many antichrists have appeared.  Thus we know this is the last hour.  They went out from us, but they were not really of our number; if they had been, they would have remained with us.  Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number.  But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.  I write to you not because you do not know the truth  but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth

Responsorial Psalm

PS 96:1-2, 11-12, 13

R./ Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name; announce his salvation, day after day.  R./ Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD. R./ Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

The LORD comes, he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy. R./ Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Gospel

JN 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light,  so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God,  to those who believe in his name,  who were born not by natural generation  nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision  but of God.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying,  “This was he of whom I said,  ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me  because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses,  grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,  has revealed him.

[collegiateabbey]

Advent: Week 2 Day 3

Mighty God: Lots of Other Gods Psalm 86:8-10 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Psalm 96:1-6 Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his…

[mrlnsfrt]

Biography & Theology: God, Creation, Bible

Everyone is a theologian

Everyone is a theologian. Children are theologians, teenagers are theologians, college students are theologians, moms are theologians, dads are theologians, and grandparents are theologians. We all wrestle with God and try to understand God. Even those who deny God’s existence or are unsure about God’s existence, are theologians. They have an explanation, a reason for their beliefs regarding God.

Not only is everyone a theologian, but everyone’s theology is different. We tend to agree on the larger picture, but the more we drill down on the details, the more we each have slightly different views and interpretations. For example, some people see hardship and illness as a punishment from God, and the person must have done something wrong. Others see hardship and illness as a sign they are on the right path and Satan is trying to discourage them. In the face of hardship, some give up, others double down. Their theology impacts their approach to life.

This brings me to my second point.

Have you ever considered how biography shapes theology?

Your biography, your life experiences, have a profound impact on your theology, how you understand and interact with God. When you know the biography of a theologian, their theology makes even more sense. The experiences we go through, the challenges we face, the trauma we experience, our joys and sorrows, all shape our theology. We analyze our lives and try to label events as blessings and curses, and we are not very good at it.

I don’t mean that we today, modern believers are bad it. I mean we as humans are not very good at theology. So we need context, history, community, and dialogue.

This is why the Bible and a faith community are so important. It is vital for us to have a personal relationship with God. But the more support and tools we have, the stronger and healthier our relationship with God will be. If we did not need the Bible God would not have gone through the trouble of preserving it for all this time. People have gone through a lot of trouble keeping the Bible and making it accessible to the people. If all we needed was a personal, subjective experience with God, we would not need the Bible. The Protestant Reformation would not have been a big deal, and the Bible would not have been banned in so many places.

I am not denying that you can connect with God personally and have a subjective experience. You can study nature and learn about God. You can study mathematics, physics, biology, and philosophy and find God. But there are certain truths about God that were revealed by divine inspiration over a period of 1,500 years. Moses is thought to have written Genesis and possibly Job, both around 1400 BC, approximately 3,400 years ago. The book of Revelation is (arguably) the most recent book, and it was completed around AD 90. (compellingtruth.org/ more information available at biblestudytools.com).

My biography shapes my theology and my theology shapes my biography. My understanding of God shapes my decisions, my values, my character, and the trajectory of my life. Everyone is a theologian, even atheists. We all have opinions regarding God, and those opinions have a significant impact on our lives. As I develop my theology it is important to check in with the Bible and see how it matches up with other wise men and women experienced regarding God.

So what are some things that the Bible reveals to us about God?

The Bible begins by telling us that God created everything. This notion of God as creator is found throughout the Bible, it is consistent understanding throughout the scriptures. (Genesis 1:1; Nehemiah 9:6; Revelation 4:11; Psalm 8:3-8; 96:5; Isaiah 37:16; 45:18; Colossians 1:26-28; 1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2; Job 33:4; etc.)

However, many believers downplay the importance of the creation account. Perhaps they consider it simplistic and are embarrassed by it. However, this apparently small detail, that God created the world and everything else, is central to the entire Bible.

In worship, for example, a significant reason why we worship God is because He is our creator (Psalm 33:8-9, Isaiah 42:5, Acts 14:15). If we remove the creation account from our understanding of God, it impacts not only our worship but also everything else we believe about God.

According to the Bible, our origin story is not one of chance, coincidence, and a mortal struggle against apparently insurmountable odds over millions and even billions of years until we finally got to the point where God noticed us and decided to send Jesus to us. Do you notice how that view diminishes God’s love and care for us? Do you notice how a view of theistic evolution changes the dynamic of the relationship we have with God? Placing Him further away, portraying Him as caring less, as less powerful, as less intentional.

But the Bible does not only say that God created us, it says that He was intentional.

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. - Genesis 2:7 NKJV

Why would the biblical account go into such detail? Why God forming man out of the dust of the ground and breathing into our nostrils? Because it paints the picture of a caring, loving, personal God, Who is not afraid to get His hands dirty. He does not leave us to struggle to evolve over long periods of time, He intentionally made us, and cares for us.

The biblical creation account is not concerned with the how or the why of creation, but rather about the heart and power of the Creator. The creation account gives us context for our relationship with God. He loves us and created a perfect world, and placed Adam and Eve the first humans in a perfect paradise. (Genesis 1:31)

I highlight this because I have seen so many want to throw out not only creation but the first 11 chapters of Genesis labeling it an allegory. Those who do this seem to do so for intellectual reasons, something along the lines of knowing better and not being expected to believe that. This is a dangerous path. I am not saying we should blindly follow everything we read in the Bible in a literalistic way. This (literalistic) approach is lazy and leads to fanaticism and several practical problems. I agree that interpreting and applying the biblical text can be challenging, but the best way to solve this challenge is not to throw out the parts we struggle with, but rather to prayerfully study the Bible seeking an understanding that is most harmonious with the textual evidence.

Regarding the interpretation of any text, context is your best friend and the creation account is no different. If you are struggling with whether we are supposed to believe it or not, I encourage you to look at the context, in this case, the rest of the Bible. How does the rest of the Bible handle the creation account?

Exodus was written by Moses, who also wrote Genesis, so If we can find a passage in Exodus that refers back to the creation account we can have a better idea of how the writer meant for the account to be interpreted. In other words, if the creation account was not intended to be taken literally, Moses would know, since he wrote it, and he would be the best person to make it clear.

For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. — Exodus 20:11 NKJV

At the heart of the Ten Commandments, we have a command to remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. The Sabbath is not being made holy, it was made holy, we are commanded to remember it. We are told to work six days and the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD our God, therefore we are not to do any work. This commandment is not just for the Jews, or the believer, but includes servants, animals, and strangers (foreigners). Who should rest on the Sabbath? You and everyone within your sphere of influence. You should not be causing anyone to work. The basis or foundation for this commandment is the creation account. It seems clear to me that when Moses wrote the creation account he meant for us to read it as a literal and historical event. I would argue that those who say it was not meant to be taken literally are claiming to understand Moses’ writings better than Moses himself.

But what about the New Testament?

References to Creation in the New Testament

The very last book of the Bible is the book of Revelation. John, the last living disciple of Jesus wrote it. He also wrote the gospel of John. Have you heard of John 3:16? That was written by the same guy who wrote the book of Revelation. I don’t think any believer would question John and his understanding of Jesus and his grasp of theology. Here’s what John wrote in the Book of Revelation.

6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” — Revelation 14:6-7 NKJV

I won’t go too deep into Revelation in this post but suffice it to say that worship is a big theme. There is confusion regarding who should be worshipped, there’s a beast and an image to the beast, and a mark of the beast, and by contrast there is the worship of the true God. The question becomes how do we know who we should worship? The book of Revelation has a lot to say about worship and Revelation 14:7 helps clarify that in light of judgment and the eternal gospel, it is crucial to worship the God “who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and springs of water.” Interestingly, the God who made the heavens, the earth, and the sea is also mentioned in Exodus 20:11. This is the same God, the creator God, who made the world in six days and sanctified the seventh day.

But did anyone else besides Moses and John interpret the creation account as literal and historical?

The creation account and the family unit.

Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees regarding divorce. In His answer, Jesus references Genesis and the creation account.

But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” — Mark 10:6-9 NKJV

Jesus is referencing Genesis 1:26-28 and Genesis 2:24. When Jesus was asked about marriage, He went back to the creation account for the basis for marriage between one biological male and one biological female. If you believe that the family unit is part of God’s original plan and ideal for humanity, good luck establishing that if you throw out the creation account.

The creation account and the gospel of John

John places Jesus at the creation of the earth. If we throw out God as Creator then do we have insights into who God is that John missed?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:1-3, 14 NKJV

It seems disingenuous to say that John 3:16 is inspired but John 1, well not so much. Either John had an incredible understanding of who Jesus is or he didn’t. John begins his gospel account the way he does because in order for the reader to fully appreciate the content of his writing the reader must first understand that Jesus is God and that “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” If you take away God as creator, you’re taking away the foundation of Who Jesus is and the importance of what He did. In order to make Jesus simply a moral teacher or prophet you have to do some serious editing of the biblical text.

Paul and God as creator.

How does Paul, who wrote most of the books of the New Testament, see the creation account? When Paul talks about Jesus’ victory over death he says that “by man came death, a reference to Genesis 3 and the fall. Paul adds that by Man came also the resurrection of the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:21)

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. — 1 Corinthians 15:22 KJV

If the creation account was meant to be taken symbolically then Adam and Eve never existed and the fall never literally took place. If death did not come as a result of Adam’s disobedience (Genesis 3) then the world was never perfect (Genesis 1-2). If we follow this line of logic, death is not an enemy. But Paul says that the last enemy that will be destroyed is death. (1 Corinthians 15:26) Revelation 20, describing the final judgment states that Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire, meaning that death will die.

Death can only be the enemy, and something that God will do away with, if death was not part of God’s original plan. That can only happen with the literal creation of a perfect earth and humans. Any other explanation introduced death before sin, and makes death God’s instrument to bring about a superior creation. Imagine God desiring to create humans but not being sure about the best way to go about it, so God decides to use death and suffering over billions of years to bring about the human race.

A different approach to the creation account could be as follows:

“God created, and it was okay. And behold God allowed it to struggle to survive for millions of years in order for His creation to evolve, so that He could send Jesus as a human to die to put an end to death.”

It might work for some I guess? But it just isn’t biblical.

Paul makes his understanding of who Jesus is very clear in his letter to the Colossians. Speaking of Jesus, Paul writes:

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. — Colossians 1:15-18 NKJV

Paul’s view of Jesus, matches Genesis, and John, and Revelation. The Bible is consistent with the understanding that God is our creator.

Creation and the Promise of the Messiah

For the coming of Jesus to make sense, there must be a powerful and loving God creating a perfect world with no death. Death is introduced because Adam rebels against God. Now God has to deal with the sin problem. The first prophecy about the Messiah is found in the midst of the judgment right after the fall in Genesis 3.

And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” — Genesis 3:15 NKJV

God was speaking to the serpent (Satan, Revelation 12:9). This judgment is prophetic, revealing that throughout Earth’s history, there would be a battle between those who align themselves with God and those who align themselves with Satan. God revealed to Adam and Eve right after the fall that someOne born of a woman would crush the head of the serpent (defeat Satan) but that the serpent would bruise the heel of the seed of the woman, we understand this to mean that Satan abused and killed Jesus, but Jesus came back from the dead and is now victorious (1 Corinthians 15:57; Revelation 5:9-12). Jesus’ death was not final, but Satan’s death will be (Revelation 20).

Jesus was the solution to the sin problem from the beginning. Revelation 13:8 refers to Jesus as the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. Salvation was never available in any other way.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. — John 14:6 NKJV

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12 NKJV

The story of the birth of Jesus is not the story of God evolving and trying something new. Jesus is the greatest revelation of God the Father. (John 1:18; 10:30; 14:9; Hebrews 1:2-3; Colossians 1:15) Jesus is not a nicer or more loving version of God. Jesus is God and the clearest revelation of the heart of God.

Practical Application

When your subjective experience with God causes you to question His love or even existence, remember that God not only exists, He is the Creator, not only if He the Creator, He loves you, He knows you, and He wants what’s best for you. When you freely choose to believe in the God of the Bible, even when God feels small, distant, or uncaring. Remember that we have the testimony of the scriptures that tell us that God is powerful (Psalm 27:1), that He cares (Romans 8:32), and that He has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11).

For a deeper dive into this topic check out God With Us and One Story to Rule Them All.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

God Gives What Is Good

1 The Lord says, “All you who are thirsty, come and drink. Those of you who do not have money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend your money on something that is not real food? Why work for something that doesn’t really satisfy you? Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good; your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies. 3 Come to me and listen; listen to me so you may live. I will make an agreement with you that will last forever. I will give you the blessings I promised to David. 4 I made David a witness of my power for all nations, a ruler and commander of many nations. 5 You will call for nations that you don’t yet know. And these nations that do not know you will run to you because of the Lord your God, because of the Holy One of Israel who honors you.”

6 So you should look for the Lord before it is too late; you should call to him while he is near. 7 The wicked should stop doing wrong, and they should stop their evil thoughts. They should return to the Lord so he may have mercy on them. They should come to our God, because he will freely forgive them.

8 The Lord says, “My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. 9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. 10 Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return without watering the ground. They cause the plants to sprout and grow, making seeds for the farmer and bread for the people. 11 The same thing is true of the words I speak. They will not return to me empty. They make the things happen that I want to happen, and they succeed in doing what I send them to do.

12 “So you will go out with joy and be led out in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees in the fields will clap their hands. 13 Large cypress trees will grow where thornbushes were. Myrtle trees will grow where weeds were. These things will be a reminder of the Lord’s promise, and this reminder will never be destroyed.” — Isaiah 55 | New Century Version (NCV) The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Cross References: Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 4:7; Deuteronomy 4:29; Deuteronomy 32:2; 2 Samuel 7:19; 2 Samuel 22:44; 1 Chronicles 16:33; Psalm 18:43; Psalm 22:26; Psalm 33:11; Psalm 65:12-13; Psalm 96:12; Psalm 103:11; Isaiah 1:16; Isaiah 5:6; Isaiah 14:24; Isaiah 16:5; Isaiah 45:14; Matthew 5:6; Matthew 10:8; Matthew 24:35; John 6:27; Acts 8:22; Acts 13:34; Romans 10:5; 2 Corinthians 9:10

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

27th August >> Mass Readings (USA)

Saint Monica 

on

Tuesday, Twenty First Week in Ordinary Time.

Tuesday, Twenty First Week in Ordinary Time.

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the feria (Tuesday))

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Tuesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a, 14-17 Hold fast to the traditions that you were taught.

We ask you, brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a “spirit,” or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand. Let no one deceive you in any way. To this end he has also called you through our Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13

R/ The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Say among the nations: The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity.

R/ The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.

R/ The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Before the LORD, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy.

R/ The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Gospel Acclamation Hebrews 4:12

Alleluia, alleluia. The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 23:23-26 But these you should have done, without neglecting the others.

Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel! “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Saint Monica 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Tuesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16 Like the sun rising in the Lord’s heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home.

Blessed the husband of a good wife, twice-lengthened are his days; A worthy wife brings joy to her husband, peaceful and full is his life. A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the LORD; Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face.

A gracious wife delights her husband, her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones; A gift from the LORD is her governed speech, and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth. Choicest of blessings is a modest wife, priceless her chaste soul. A holy and decent woman adds grace upon grace; indeed, no price is worthy of her temperate soul. Like the sun rising in the LORD’s heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 131:1bcde, 2, 3

R/ In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me.

R/ In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me.

R/ In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

O Israel, hope in the LORD, both now and forever.

R/ In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

Gospel Acclamation John 8:12

Alleluia, alleluia. I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 7:11-17 She bore me in the arms of her prayer, that you might say to the son of the widow: Young man, I say to you, arise (Saint Augustine, Confessions, book 6, no. 2).

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[wolint]

TRUE WORSHIP!

TRUE WORSHIP

John 4:21-24

 

Jesus said to her, “Believe Me, woman, that a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. [22] You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. [23] But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. [24] God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

In spirit and truth! That’s the kind of worship the Lord wants from us. Worship is the interrelation between God and the human response to His royalty. Worship is the human response to the self-revelation of the triune God. Worship is an expression of reverence and adoration of God. Worship is the honour, respect, and reverential deference accorded to God Almighty for who He is. Some other meanings of worship include:

Divine initiation in which God reveals Himself, His purposes, and His will.

A spiritual and personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ on the part of the worshiper.

Response by the worshiper of adoration, humility, submission, and obedience to God.

True worship occurs when God’s spirit reveals His truth and reality in us under the influence of the Holy Ghost, as we bring our affections, appetites, and desires to the throne of God. In worship, every purpose and passion of our hearts, and every act of religious worship, is guided and regulated by the word of God.

We can worship God in many ways. We can bow down, do obeisance, offer reverence by laying down in prostration, stoop down, or crouch. There is a constant invitation to believers to come and worship the Lord in adoration according to Psalm 95:6.

As spirit-filled and led people, we must approach the throne of the Father always with awe, reverence, and wonder, for He is worthy of our worship and praise, but we must not disregard His awe-inspiring greatness and sovereignty.

When we come to worship the Lord, we do so in reverent celebration to express our devotion to Him, by singing His praise with shouts of joy and songs of praise as seen in 1 Chronicles 16:29.

Jesus teaches that genuine worship is not confined to a particular place, location, or building, but that worship should be based on a spiritual relationship between the worshiper and God through faith in Jesus Christ according to Philippians 3:3.

Worshiping God in the beauty of His holiness means living holy and bringing every aspect of our lives under His Lordship through praise and worship. God lives in the atmosphere of our praise, and it’s through praise and worship that we come into God’s presence and communicate our devotion to Him according to Psalm 96:9.

Let the anointing of the Lord fuel your worship. When we worship and praise the Lord in reverence and humility, we build Him a comfortable atmosphere during our worship, but He’s never comfortable amid our ungodly and unholy attitudes and unrighteousness.

Our worship must acknowledge that the things declared about the Lord are true, and that He deserves admiration for all things according to Psalms 29:2. Even nations that God made will come to worship and glorify His name according to Psalm 86:9, because indeed all the earth will worship the Creator in the beauty and splendour of His majesty.

Let your worship create the atmosphere where nothing is impossible, no disease incurable—the atmosphere of Jesus, where nothing is hidden, and everything is released through pure, spiritual, and truthful worship of the King of kings.

Come worship and sing a new song to the Lord for He is great and greatly to be praised. God is Spirit. He is present everywhere, so worship Him everywhere. Worship the Lord!

Prayer: I will sing praises to God, my strength, with sweet lyre and the harp and sound the trumpet for a sacred feast when the moon is new and full by the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name, amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN.

[jzlily333]

🌺07/08 LiveWell活岀美好🌺

Don't worry about things you can't change.​​

Think of crows, which neither sow nor reap, and have no barn or storehouse. Even though God feeds them, how much more valuable are you than the birds? (Luke 12: 24)

07/08 Bible verses

To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless. (Psalms 119: 9)

I see that all things are limited, but your commandments are exceedingly broad (Psalm 119:96).

07/08 Good words of wisdom

1. A pair of hands holds up the wind and rain of life; a heart soaks through the thickness of emotion; a greeting soothes the injured soul.

2. The best doctor is yourself, the best medicine is food, and the best hospital is the kitchen. By cooking healthy food, the whole family may have a colorful life.​

Poetry: In the Potter's Hands

https://youtu.be/ps11hGVQ5BQ?si=YtA4HzVeheLj3pTF

🌺07/08活出美好🌺

不要去憂慮那些你無法改變的事。     

你想烏鴉，也不���也不收，又沒有倉又沒有庫，上帝尚且養活它，你們比飛鳥是何等的貴重呢？(路加12: 24)

07/08圣经金句

To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless.  (Psalms 119: 9)     

我看萬事盡都有限，惟有你的命令極其寬廣(詩篇119: 96)。

07/08金玉良言

1. 一雙手，把人生的風雨撐起；一顆心，把情感的厚度浸透；一聲問候，把受傷的心靈撫慰。

2. 最好的醫生是你自己，最好的藥物是食物，最好的醫院是廚房。料理健康食物，全家才有豐富色彩的生活。 

詩歌：在陶匠手中 

https://youtu.be/ps11hGVQ5BQ?si=YtA4HzVeheLj3pTF