Tag Archives: assurance

SEEKING ASSURANCE

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Wednesday 15th March – Wednesday of the 2nd week of Lent

Reflection: Matthew 20:17-28

SEEKING ASSURANCE

Jesus’ apostles had left their trades and their means of livelihood to follow Christ. James and John had been out on the sea of Galilee fishing with their father, Zebedee when Christ called them. They left their nets, their boats and their father and followed the Lord. Certainly, their families would have worried about whether their decision was worth. Little wonder their mother came to request of our Lord that her sons be given seats at his left and right in his kingdom. She wanted an assurance that the sacrifice had sons her made was really worth it.

We all often find ourselves in the same situation. We have decided to follow Jesus, a decision that has changed our entire outlook on life. Our discipleship calls us live a holy life amidst an increasingly immoral and permissive world. There are times we give up the “easy path” and choose the more difficult out of our commitment to Christ. We fight with the urge to swim along with the tide and engage in worldly pleasure and self-satisfaction but Christ calls us to deny ourselves, carry our crosses daily and follow him.

We do not know the end of the journey and like James, John and their mother, we often wish God can give us an assurance that all our sacrifice is worth it. Christ doesn’t often tell us what the end will be, he simply asks us to follow him step by step in complete trust and confidence. He didn’t assure James and John of what the end will be but He certainly took care of them through all their suffering for His name. He will take care of you too and He assures you of eternal joy and eternal life if you persevere till the end.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I follow with complete trust and confidence. Help me to find strength in the assurance that your plans for me are the best. Amen.

Faith Pearls: YOUCAT 281 – Why do we yearn for happiness?

God has placed in our hearts such an infinite desire for happiness that nothing can satisfy it but God himself. All earthly fulfillment gives us only a foretaste of eternal happiness. Above and beyond that, we should be drawn to God.

Hide a Treasure: “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:17

Today’s Readings: Jer 18:18-20; Psalm 31: 5-6,14-16; Mt 20:17-28

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I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU

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Wednesday 18th March – Wednesday of the 4th Week of Lent

Reflection: Isaiah 49:8-15

I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU

“Many are the troubles of the just, but the Lord delivers them from all.” Ps 34:19

As Christians, we must be prepared for trials and challenges which are largely products of our daily life. In choosing God, we have put ourselves against the world (James 4:4). Thus, we face lots of challenges because our ways are different from those of the world.

In deciding not to cheat or tell lies, we have to make do with the little we can earn honestly. In deciding to be faithful, we have to let go of the pleasures unfaithfulness brings. In deciding not to cut corners, we have to wait patiently to get things done the right way. In forgiving others, we bear the pain of their misdeeds and let go of the pleasure of revenge. These constitute some of the numerous crosses we bear as Christians. Sometimes our crosses may seem so heavy, our path very rough, and God’s promises of help, very far away. Such moments may make us wonder if God has forsaken us. But can God forsake His own people?

Dear friend, do you find yourself at such a crossroad? Do your trials and challenges seem insurmountable? God assures you today that even if a woman forgets her baby, He will never forget you. Rest in the assurance that God is only a prayer away. Have no fear, stay calm, the challenges and troubles you see today you shall see no more. For the Lord will fight for you and all you have to do is keep still and trust Him.

PRAYER: Lord I put all my hope and trust in you, do not let me be put to shame. Amen

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 493 – What are the characteristics of Christian prayer?

Christian prayer is prayer in the attitude of faith, hope, and charity. It is persevering and resigns itself to the will of God.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Courage! Don’t be afraid. It is me” Matthew 14:27 CCB

Today’s Readings: Isaiah 49:8-15, Psalm 145: 8-9, 13-14, 17-18, John 5:17-30

THE ASSURANCE THAT DOES NOT FAIL

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Thursday 6th March – Thursday after Ash Wednesday                   

Reflection: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20

THE ASSURANCE THAT DOES NOT FAIL

As we journey through life, there come times when we need assurance and reassurance to keep body and soul together. Events around us keep changing with life seasons. The convictions that guaranteed stability yesterday do not always hold today. Whether in our current situations or in the anticipated future, we all need a dependable anchor, a sustainable leverage to face life’s uncertainties and unanswered questions.

Dearest friend, our loving God who gave us the gift of life does not intend us to go through it as orphans (John 14:16-18). God has wondrous plans for you and I (Jeremiah 29:11). He knows our end from the beginning because we are created by Him and for Him. Nothing about us can take Him by surprise. He is prepared to lead us through our life’s pilgrimage when we make a choice of Him. The same admonishment Moses gave to the Israelites, from today’s first reading, as they were preparing to enter the promised land remains pertinent to us, Christians of today. If we will faithfully hold unto God our dependable anchor in life’s changing seasons, we can be rest assured that all will be well with us (Psalm 1:1-6; Romans 5:1-5).

Beloved in Christ, do you have fears about the present or worries about the future? Are you going through a trial of faith? Please be rest assured in God and His promises. He has never been unfaithful to any of His loving Children and you can’t be an exemption (Psalm 92:12-15)! He will surely perfect all that concerns you (psalm 138:1-8).

PRAYER: Oh Lord, I thank You for You are the unchanging and faithful God! Please help me to abide with You in all life’s seasons that I may constantly experience Your glorious deeds. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2091 – The first command is also concerned with sin against hope, namely, despair and presumption: By despair, man ceases to hope in his personal salvation from God, for help in attaining it or for the forgiveness of his sins. Despair is contrary to God’s goodness, to his justice- for the Lord is faithful to his promises- and to his mercy.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27 RSV-CE

Readings for today: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20; Psalm 1:1- 4,6; Luke 9: 22 – 25