Podcasts about Dear Lord

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Tina Harrington, alto, Stephen Main, piano, Piedmont Community Church, Piedmont, California

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Study 15 - Luke 11:1-13 Praying to the Father A disciple asks a question about prayer and although he gets a model prayer he also gets much more. First the prayer. We read 11: 1 – 4. This is a shorter version of the prayer than Matthew’s. Matthew starts off with ‘our Father in heaven’ instead of just ‘Father’. Matthew introduces the prayer after warning his disciples against showing off in praying, long words and many words. I doubt whether he would want us to keep on repeating this particular set of words either. He wants honest heart prayers in our ordinary every day language. One good idea is to pray along the pattern he has given us but rewording it as we go. So we might start off: ‘Dear Lord and Father I am so amazed that you have asked me to address you like this’ or ‘may I call you Father this morning even if you seem rather far away just at the moment’ or ‘ you are in heaven and I am stuck here on earth but please hear what I have to say’. Question 1: Think up 2 other ways you might start your prayer. Something like:’ I want to honour your name and who you are this evening as I pray – help me to do it by your spirit, please’ and an infinite number of other possibilities. ‘each day’ (11: 3 NIV) is a rare word in the Greek which may mean ‘today’ ‘tomorrow’ or ‘enough for the day’. Question 2: To which OT incident is it likely to refer? A cynic might ask whether this prayer is necessary in the day of the supermarket (at least in the world’s better off countries). The giving of manna and quail in Exodus 16 is being referred to. The owners of the supermarket probably think they filled the shelves but a greater than them, the Lord, organised the natural world for them to plunder! Question 3: Praying for the coming of the Kingdom could be dangerous. Why? What effect should praying like that have on us? What might it look like if it came and was openly apparent, as it is not now? It might come and where would we be then? If we have placed our trust in Jesus we shall enjoy the fruits of his faithfulness, but if not, not. If we ask for the coming of the kingdom we must live in kingdom style now, or else we are hypocrites. No one knows what it will look like with any certainty; all we do know is that it will surpass our wildest dreams. Question 4: Is it necessary to forgive every one who sins against us before we receive forgiveness from the Father? No. To say that would contradict every other place where forgiveness is mentioned in the Bible. What it means is that if we expect to be forgiven we need to live in the world of forgiveness. In the same way if we want to be loved by God we need to live in the world of love, which is what John meant when he said: Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. We read 11: 5 – 13. There is a problem in 11: 8. The NIV has ‘the man’s boldness’ but that is probably not as good as the TNIV ‘your (the person knocking’s) shameless audacity’ and even that is probably not right. The root meaning of the word being translated is ‘ avoidance of shame’ but in the original it is not ‘the man’s’ or ‘your’ but ‘by him’, which can refer to the person knocking or the one in the house being woken up. So it may mean that the person getting up has to do so in order not to lose honour and be shamed. It is amazing that Jesus used a parable in which the Lord God is shamed but that is the most likely meaning of this passage. Our experience of answers to prayer is probably not the same as is expressed in this passage. For something slightly different I will read out 10 statements we might make, or hear other people make, about prayer. I will pause very briefly after each and you can say ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ after each. Then my comment will follow. Keep in mind what we have just read that Jesus said. 1) If we nag the Lord we will get whatever we want. Paul didn’t think so when he only prayed 3 times for his thorn in the flesh to be taken away. No, then. (2 Cor 12: 8!) 2) If we don’t get what we want it is because of our lack of faith. No it isn’t according to Jesus (Lk 13: 1 – 5). 3) All night prayer meetings are always more effective than one hour ones. Not according to Jesus in Matthew 6, but yes according to him in this passage. So it must depend on circumstances and attitudes. 4) Jesus was only making a point to antagonists in these verses – note that he calls his hearers evil in v 13. There may be some truth in this but it is a series of promises even if we find it difficult to see how they actually work out in our every day lives. Maybe, then. 5) Prayer is about learning to align ourselves with the will of God. If we do so successfully we shall ask and receive. This is the gift of discernment. Yes. Definitely true. 6) Prayer is always answered but God in his wise providence often gives us the opposite of what we ask for. Possibly true but it can be the way some people try to get past the fact that they feel they don’t always get answers to prayer at all. So, maybe. 7) Saying ‘if it is your will’ is a simplistic cop-out. Well, yes, it often is. 8) The struggle of prayer is not a struggle with God (like Jacob at the brook Jabbok, as often asserted) but with ourselves (as even Jesus experienced in the garden of Gethsemane) bending our wills to obedience. Yes. Very, yes. 9) Some people with wonderful tales of answered prayer may be adept at only seeing what they want to see. Unfortunately that does often seem to be the case. 10) We may expect our prayers to be answered only if we have a deeper sense of the Fatherhood of God than of our own need. No! In his abundant grace and goodness the Lord will often answer prayers from even his frailest servants, like you and me. I think passages like this are very difficult, particularly for those of us who live in the cynical, Western world. My questions probably reflect the fact that this is where I live. Those of you who live in a more spiritually open society may wonder why I appear to be so negative. If so, just treasure what you have got and pray for those of us who are not so well off spiritually. Right mouse click to save/download this as a MP3 audio file

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 24 Paul stands before Governor Felix to defend himself against accusations made by High Priest Ananias and a lawyer named Tertullus, who seeks to flatter the Governor. They charge Paul with causing dissension, leading a sect, and attempting to desecrate the temple. In his defense, Paul asserts that he worships the God of his ancestors, believes in the resurrection, and strives to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people. Felix postpones his decision, keeping Paul in custody while allowing him certain freedoms. Felix frequently calls for Paul, intrigued by his teachings on faith in Christ, righteousness, and judgment. However, Felix seeks a bribe from Paul, which he refuses to pay. Unfortunately, Felix does not respond to the gospel and, after being replaced by Festus two years later, leaves Paul imprisoned.  Accusers are adamant that Paul is a divisive man who deserves punishment. Considering this, Paul presents a compelling defense. He shows respect to the Governor and calmly recounts his recent actions in Jerusalem, asserting that the accusations are baseless. He directs attention to God, in whom he believes and places his hope. He points out that he and his opponents share a love for God and a belief in the resurrection of the dead. Paul emphasizes that he has acted with a clear conscience every step of the way. This sincerity resonated with Felix, who often invited Paul to teach about Jesus. This entire discourse is an example to us of how to testify about Jesus with integrity.  Dear Lord, please protect Your people from the unrighteous in this world. Some openly deny You, while others believe themselves to be righteous. We pray that You stop their ungodly actions and soften their hearts to know Jesus. Whenever we encounter such unbelievers, grant us wisdom and patience to share Your truth with the right attitude and intent. May it never be about ourselves but always about honoring You and opening the hearts of others to Christ. Create opportunities today to discuss righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. Challenge us to live by these fundamental truths in our lives.  Thought Questions: -       Paul was labeled “a real pest.” While not the description Christians seek, are you willing to be labeled if it means standing up for God?  -       Is there an appropriate way to defend yourself against accusations? How do you do so while also honoring God in the process? -       Felix heard the truth but kept procrastinating. What is the danger of putting off important spiritual truths for a later time?

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

"The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor." Proverbs 15:31-33  "Feedback is the compass that guides us on the journey of growth. Without it, we wander aimlessly in the forest of our own assumptions." This quote resonates deeply with our daily lives. In every endeavor, constructive feedback serves as a vital tool for improvement and evolution. It is not merely about receiving criticism; rather, it's an opportunity to listen, learn, and leap forward into a brighter future. Consider Netflix's story in 2012. When its redesigned user interface faced backlash, Netflix didn't shy away from the critique. Instead, it embraced it, using feedback to recalibrate its approach. This willingness to adapt underscores a powerful truth: feedback is essential for progress. Proverbs 15:31 tells us, "The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise." Let this be a reminder that seeking and accepting feedback can lead us to wisdom and excellence. Proverbs 19:20 says, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." As we navigate through life, it's important to view feedback as a mirror reflecting our potential. It reveals not just who we are today but highlights who we can become tomorrow. Embracing feedback fosters resilience and growth, empowering us to overcome obstacles and continuously pursue our goals. Remember that “It is people's voices that become our progress.” Each perspective shared is a stepping stone toward our development. In the spirit of encouragement, let us not fear constructive criticism but rather welcome it as a catalyst for our evolution. The raw honesty embedded in feedback can unveil hidden strengths and opportunities for improvement. As we strive for greatness, let us hold onto the belief that every piece of feedback brings us closer to our aspirations. Amen. Proverbs 12:15 says, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice." Amen. Prayer for the Day! Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of community and the voices that guide us toward growth. Holy Spirit, help us to embrace feedback with open hearts and minds, recognizing its power to shape our journeys. Grant us the wisdom to learn from each critique and the courage to leap forward into new possibilities. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Your Nightly Prayer

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਤੁਧੁ ਨੋ ਸਦਾ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਘਟ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਹੈ ਸਾਸਾ ॥ ਇਕੁ ਪਲੁ ਖਿਨੁ ਵਿਸਰਹਿ ਤੂ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਜਾਣਉ ਬਰਸ ਪਚਾਸਾ ॥ ਹਮ ਮੂੜ ਮੁਗਧ ਸਦਾ ਸੇ ਭਾਈ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸਾ ॥੧॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਤੁਮ ਆਪੇ ਦੇਹੁ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਤੁਧੁ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਵਾਰਿਆ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਤੇਰੇ ਨਾਮ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਈ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਹਮ ਸਬਦਿ ਮੁਏ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਾਰਿ ਜੀਵਾਲੇ ਭਾਈ ਸਬਦੇ ਹੀ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪਾਈ ॥ ਸਬਦੇ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਆ ਹਰਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਆਈ ॥ ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰ ਦਾਤਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਮਨੁ ਰਾਤਾ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਈ ॥੨॥ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਸੇ ਅੰਨੇ ਬੋਲੇ ਸੇ ਕਿਤੁ ਆਏ ਸੰਸਾਰਾ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਜੰਮਹਿ ਵਾਰੋ ਵਾਰਾ ॥ ਬਿਸਟਾ ਕੇ ਕੀੜੇ ਬਿਸਟਾ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਣੇ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮੁਗਧ ਗੁਬਾਰਾ ॥੩॥ ਆਪੇ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਲਾਏ ਭਾਈ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ॥ ਜੋ ਧੁਰਿ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਸੁ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਮੇਟੈ ਭਾਈ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਸਿਆ ਮਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਭਾਈ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੂਜਾ ਕੋਈ ॥੪॥੪॥ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਜੀ! ਤੂੰ ਆਪ ਹੀ (ਆਪਣਾ ਨਾਮ ਜਪਣ ਦੀ ਮੈਨੂੰ) ਸਮਝ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼। ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ! ਮੈਂ ਤੈਥੋਂ ਸਦਾ ਸਦਕੇ ਜਾਵਾਂ, ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਨਾਮ ਤੋਂ ਕੁਰਬਾਨ ਜਾਵਾਂ।ਰਹਾਉ।ਹੇ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਜੀ! ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ) ਜਿਤਨਾ ਚਿਰ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਵਿਚ ਜਿੰਦ ਹੈ, ਮੈਂ ਸਦਾ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਰਦਾ ਰਹਾਂ। ਹੇ ਮਾਲਕ-ਪ੍ਰਭੂ! ਜਦੋਂ ਤੂੰ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਇਕ ਪਲ-ਭਰ ਇਕ ਛਿਨ-ਭਰ ਵਿੱਸਰਦਾ ਹੈਂ, ਮੈਂ ਪੰਜਾਹ ਸਾਲ ਬੀਤ ਗਏ ਸਮਝਦਾ ਹਾਂ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਅਸੀ ਸਦਾ ਤੋਂ ਮੂਰਖ ਅੰਞਾਣ ਤੁਰੇ ਆ ਰਹੇ ਸਾਂ, ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਬਰਕਤਿ ਨਾਲ (ਸਾਡੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦਾ) ਚਾਨਣ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ।੧।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਅਸੀ (ਜੀਵ) ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ (ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ) ਮਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਾਂ, ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਹੀ (ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ) ਮਾਰ ਕੇ (ਗੁਰੂ) ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੁੜਿਆਂ ਹੀ ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ ਖ਼ਲਾਸੀ ਹਾਸਲ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਹੀ ਮਨ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਸਰੀਰ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਆ ਵੱਸਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦਾ ਸ਼ਬਦ (ਹੀ ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਦਾਤਿ) ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ, ਜਦੋਂ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਮਨ ਰੰਗਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਵਿਚ ਲੀਨ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੨।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਜੇਹੜੇ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਂਝ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਾਂਦੇ ਉਹ (ਮਾਇਆ ਦੇ ਮੋਹ ਵਿਚ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਵਲੋਂ) ਅੰਨ੍ਹੇ ਬੋਲੇ ਹੋਏ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਸੰਸਾਰ ਵਿਚ ਆ ਕੇ ਉਹ ਕੁਝ ਨਹੀਂ ਖੱਟਦੇ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ ਦਾ ਸੁਆਦ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਉਂਦਾ, ਉਹ ਆਪਣਾ ਜੀਵਨ ਵਿਅਰਥ ਗਵਾ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹ ਮੁੜ ਮੁੜ ਜੰਮਦੇ ਮਰਦੇ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ। ਜਿਵੇਂ ਗੰਦ ਦੇ ਕੀੜੇ ਗੰਦ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਟਿਕੇ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਤਿਵੇਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਮਨ ਦੇ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਤੁਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਮੂਰਖ ਮਨੁੱਖ (ਅਗਿਆਨਤਾ ਦੇ) ਹਨੇਰੇ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ (ਮਸਤ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ) ।੩।ਪਰ, ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਜੀਵਾਂ ਦੇ ਭੀ ਕੀਹ ਵੱਸ?) ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਆਪ ਹੀ (ਜੀਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ) ਪੈਦਾ ਕਰ ਕੇ ਸੰਭਾਲ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਆਪ ਹੀ (ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇ ਸਹੀ) ਰਸਤੇ ਪਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਹੋਰ ਕੋਈ ਨਹੀਂ (ਜੋ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਰਾਹ ਦੱਸ ਸਕੇ) । ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਕਰਤਾਰ ਜੋ ਕੁਝ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਉਹੀ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਧੁਰ ਦਰਗਾਹ ਤੋਂ (ਜੀਵਾਂ ਦੇ ਮੱਥੇ ਤੇ ਲੇਖ) ਲਿਖ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਕੋਈ (ਹੋਰ) ਮਿਟਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਸਕਦਾ। ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! ਆਖ-) ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਉਸ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਮੇਹਰ ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਉਸ ਦਾ) ਨਾਮ (ਮਨੁੱਖ ਦੇ) ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਵੱਸ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ, ਕੋਈ ਹੋਰ ਇਹ ਦਾਤਿ ਦੇਣ ਜੋਗਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ।੪।੪।SORAT'H, THIRD MEHL:Dear Beloved Lord, I praise You continually, as long as there is the breath within my body. If I were to forget You, for a moment, even for an instant, O Lord Master, it would be like fifty years for me. I was always such a fool and an idiot, O Siblings of Destiny, but now, through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, my mind is enlightened. || 1 || Dear Lord, You Yourself bestow understanding. Dear Lord, I am forever a sacrifice to You; I am dedicated and devoted to Your Name. || Pause || I have died in the Word of the Shabad, and through the Shabad, I am dead while yet alive, O Siblings of Destiny; through the Shabad, I have been liberated. Through the Shabad, my mind and body have been purified, and the Lord has come to dwell within my mind. The Guru is the Giver of the Shabad; my mind is imbued with it, and I remain absorbed in the Lord. || 2 || Those who do not know the Shabad are blind and deaf; why did they even bother to come into the world? They do not obtain the subtle essence of the Lord's elixir; they waste away their lives, and are reincarnated over and over again. The blind, idiotic, self-willed manmukhs are like maggots in manure, and in manure they rot away. || 3 || The Lord Himself creates us, watches over us, and places us on the Path, O Siblings of Destiny; there is no one other than Him. No one can erase that which is pre-ordained, O Siblings of Destiny; whatever the Creator wills, comes to pass. O Nanak, the Naam, the Name of the Lord, abides deep within the mind; O Siblings of Destiny, there is no other at all. || 4 || 4 ||

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ ਜਿਸੁ ਜਲ ਨਿਧਿ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਤੁਮ ਜਗਿ ਆਏ ਸੋ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਗੁਰ ਪਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਛੋਡਹੁ ਵੇਸੁ ਭੇਖ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਇਹੁ ਫਲੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥ ਮਨ ਰੇ ਥਿਰੁ ਰਹੁ ਮਤੁ ਕਤ ਜਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਢੂਢਤ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਘਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਘਟ ਮਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਅਵਗੁਣ ਛੋਡਿ ਗੁਣਾ ਕਉ ਧਾਵਹੁ ਕਰਿ ਅਵਗੁਣ ਪਛੁਤਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਸਰ ਅਪਸਰ ਕੀ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਕੀਚ ਬੁਡਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਮੈਲੁ ਲੋਭ ਬਹੁ ਝੂਠੇ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਨਾਵਹੁ ਕਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਹੁ ਸਦ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅੰਤਰ ਕੀ ਗਤਿ ਤਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਲੋਭੁ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਕੂੜੁ ਤਿਆਗਹੁ ਸਚੁ ਗੁਰ ਬਚਨੀ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਜਿਉ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਉ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਲਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥੪॥੯॥ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ! ਅੰਦਰ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ-ਚਰਨਾਂ ਵਿਚ) ਟਿਕਿਆ ਰਹੁ, (ਵੇਖੀਂ, ਨਾਮ-ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਦੀ ਭਾਲ ਵਿਚ) ਕਿਤੇ ਬਾਹਰ ਨਾਹ ਭਟਕਦਾ ਫਿਰੀਂ। ਜੇ ਤੂੰ ਬਾਹਰ ਢੂੰਢਣ ਤੁਰ ਪਿਆ, ਤਾਂ ਬਹੁਤ ਦੁੱਖ ਪਾਏਂਗਾ। ਅਟੱਲ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਰਸ ਤੇਰੇ ਘਰ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਹੈ, ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਹੈ।ਰਹਾਉ।(ਹੇ ਭਾਈ!) ਜਿਸ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਦੇ ਖ਼ਜ਼ਾਨੇ ਦੀ ਖ਼ਾਤਰ ਤੁਸੀ ਜਗਤ ਵਿਚ ਆਏ ਹੋ ਉਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਸੋਂ ਮਿਲਦਾ ਹੈ; ਪਰ ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਭੇਖ ਦਾ ਪਹਿਰਾਵਾ ਛੱਡੋ, ਮਨ ਦੀ ਚਲਾਕੀ ਭੀ ਛੱਡੋ (ਬਾਹਰੋਂ ਸ਼ਕਲ ਧਰਮੀਆਂ ਵਾਲੀ, ਤੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਨੂੰ ਠੱਗਣ ਦੀ ਚਲਾਕੀ) ਇਸ ਦੋ-ਰੁਖ਼ੀ ਚਾਲ ਵਿਚ ਪਿਆਂ ਇਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ-ਫਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਮਿਲ ਸਕਦਾ।੧।(ਹੇ ਭਾਈ!) ਔਗੁਣ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਗੁਣ ਹਾਸਲ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਜਤਨ ਕਰੋ। ਜੇ ਔਗੁਣ ਹੀ ਕਰਦੇ ਰਹੋਗੇ ਤਾਂ ਪਛੁਤਾਣਾ ਪਏਗਾ। (ਹੇ ਮਨ!) ਤੂੰ ਮੁੜ ਮੁੜ ਮੋਹ ਦੇ ਚਿੱਕੜ ਵਿਚ ਡੁੱਬ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈਂ, ਤੂੰ ਚੰਗੇ ਮੰਦੇ ਦੀ ਪਰਖ ਕਰਨੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾਣਦਾ।੨।(ਹੇ ਭਾਈ!) ਜੇ ਅੰਦਰ (ਮਨ ਵਿਚ) ਲੋਭ ਦੀ ਮੈਲ ਹੈ (ਤੇ ਲੋਭ-ਅਧੀਨ ਹੋ ਕੇ) ਕਈ ਠੱਗੀ ਦੇ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋ, ਤਾਂ ਬਾਹਰ (ਤੀਰਥ ਆਦਿਕਾਂ ਤੇ) ਇਸ਼ਨਾਨ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਕੀਹ ਲਾਭ? ਅੰਦਰਲੀ ਉੱਚੀ ਅਵਸਥਾ ਤਦੋਂ ਹੀ ਬਣੇਗੀ, ਜੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਦੱਸੇ ਰਸਤੇ ਉਤੇ ਤੁਰ ਕੇ ਸਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋਗੇ।੩।(ਹੇ ਮਨ!) ਲੋਭ ਛੱਡ, ਨਿੰਦਿਆ ਤੇ ਝੂਠ ਤਿਆਗ। ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਬਚਨਾਂ ਤੇ ਤੁਰਿਆਂ ਹੀ ਸਦਾ-ਥਿਰ ਰਹਿਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ-ਫਲ ਮਿਲੇਗਾ।ਹੇ ਦਾਸ ਨਾਨਕ! ਪ੍ਰਭੂ-ਦਰ ਤੇ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕਰ ਕੇ ਆਖ-) ਹੇ ਹਰੀ! ਜਿਵੇਂ ਤੇਰੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਹੈ ਤਿਵੇਂ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਰੱਖ (ਪਰ ਇਹ ਮਿਹਰ ਕਰ ਕਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ) ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੁੜ ਕੇ ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਰਦਾ ਰਹਾਂ।੪।੯।SORAT'H, FIRST MEHL:The treasure of the Name, for which you have come into the world — that Ambrosial Nectar is with the Guru. Renounce costumes, disguises and clever tricks; this fruit is not obtained by duplicity. || 1 || O my mind, remain steady, and do not wander away. By searching around on the outside, you shall only suffer great pain; the Ambrosial Nectar is found within the home of your own being. || Pause || Renounce corruption, and seek virtue; committing sins, you shall only come to regret and repent. You do not know the difference between good and evil; again and again, you sink into the mud. || 2 || Within you is the great filth of greed and falsehood; why do you bother to wash your body on the outside? Chant the Immaculate Naam, the Name of the Lord always, under Guru's Instruction; only then will your innermost being be emancipated. || 3 || Let greed and slander be far away from you, and renounce falsehood; through the True Word of the Guru's Shabad, you shall obtain the true fruit. As it pleases You, You preserve me, Dear Lord; servant Nanak sings the Praises of Your Shabad. || 4 || 9 ||

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Daily Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 20 Early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb and sees the stone rolled away. She goes to tell the Apostles. Peter and John run to the tomb and see that it is empty. Not understanding Christ's resurrection, they return home. Mary then sees two angels sitting in the tomb. She turns around and sees Jesus alive and well! She returns to tell the disciples that she has spoken with Jesus. That evening, Jesus appears to ten of His Apostles and gifts them with the Holy Spirit. Thomas was not with them and continues to have doubts. Eight days later, Jesus appears and shows Thomas the piercings in His hands and side. He then says great blessings will come to those who have not seen and yet believe.  The resurrection and appearance of Jesus is the most transformational moment in all of human history. From this victory comes undeniable proof of power over Satan, sin, and death. For us, living after Jesus was raised and ascended, we can see how much hope exists in Christ. However, on the day He was raised, the disciples still had many doubts that left them gripped in fear. Even after Mary reported seeing Jesus, the disciples did not fully believe. Thomas wrestled with doubt a week after Jesus was raised. They had much to learn. This is why John's gospel presents so much testimony for us: so that we will know the truth about Jesus and never live in fear and doubt.      Great Father, we believe. We believe the tomb was empty on the first day of the week. We believe Jesus overcame death and now lives as our risen and ruling Savior. Thank You for fulfilling Your promise to bring us hope through Your Son's victory over Satan. Like Mary clinging to Jesus after He appeared to her, we long to cling to our King and thank Him face-to-face for His sacrifice and love. Dear Lord, help not to be burdened by doubt. May we always stay nourished in scripture, believing the testimony about Christ, and enjoying life in His name.  Thought Questions: -       Disciples throughout this chapter struggled to believe until they saw Jesus. How must your faith be even greater than theirs?        -       Jesus gifted the Holy Spirit to the Apostles as well as the power to forgive sins. How obedient should you be to their teaching? -       What does it mean to “believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name”? 

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Daily Dose of Hope May 1, 2025 Day 4 of Week 5   Scripture – Mark 12:1-17   Prayer:  Dear Lord, I feel the need to just start with silence this morning.  Help us sit and reflect on you and your presence...Jesus, we need you.  We go through our days distracted and in a hurry, sometimes even forgetting to pray or acknowledge you.  Help us to be aware of your presence, knowing that you walk with us every step of the way, guiding us and leading us in all our words, actions, and decisions.  This is your day, Lord.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we start Mark 12.  There is a lot of substance in this chapter so we will take three days to walk through it.    Let's start by talking about the parable of the tenants.  This is a hard parable with violence involved in every aspect of it.  A landowner, presumably a man of means, builds a vineyard and gets it set up with all the right equipment.  He has tenants plant the vines and run the farm for him, while he lives in another place.  When the harvest comes, the absent landowner sends a slave to collect his portion of the harvest or profits.  The slave is beaten up pretty badly by the tenant farmers and limps away.   You would think the landowner might do something different next time but he doesn't.  He sends another slave.  Actually, he sends a lot of different slaves to collect on his behalf.  Some are badly beaten while others are actually killed.  We get the impression this happens over many growing seasons.    The landowner decides he has one option left, his beloved son.  He feels assured that the tenants won't hurt him.  Did the son feel the same way?  Not sure.  But things don't go so well.  The tenants know this is the heir and they kill him too, throwing his body out to the wild animals.   The question that Jesus asks is what will the landowner do?  The answer is that he will come there himself, kill the tenants, and give the land to others (or possibly get new tenants.)  What in the world is meant by all of this?  There are several possible things to think about here and none of them are pleasant.   First, throughout the Bible, the concept of the vineyard is associated with the people of Israel.  With that as a backdrop, could it be that God is the stubborn landowner, the slaves are prophets, and the son is Jesus?  That would make the tenant farmers the corrupt religious leaders.    Second, there are aspects to the parable that the first-century hearers would get that aren't necessarily evident to us.  It wasn't that unusual for the wealthy to obtain the land of those who were poor, possibly because of outstanding debts or because the impoverished are forced to sell land to feed their families.  Life was hard.    It also wasn't that unusual for landlords to live elsewhere and demand a large percentage of the harvest from those who are performing the labor.  The reaction of the parable will be different for different people, depending on where they fall on the social ladder in Israel.  There are those who will identify with the slaves.  There are those who will see the landowner as uncaring and reckless and possibly identify with the plight of the tenants.  There are those who will identify with the landowner and his son.  Every single reaction is unsettling.   One other element to consider is how Mark has placed this parable between the triumphal entry and Jesus' authority being questioned in chapter 11 with the story of his betrayal a few chapters later.  Jesus is clearly making a statement here – think of the players: a landowner, tenants, the beloved son, murder, revenge, and new tenants.  The Pharisees begin the see the parable may be about them.  But they don't quite get the cornerstone reference.  It's obvious the story is far from over.   One thing I do want to mention is that people have used this parable over the years in an antisemitic way, stating that it was the Jews who killed the son and it is the Jews who should then be killed by the landowner.  Jesus is not speaking of ethnicity or religion here, he is speaking about faithfulness.  The big issue in the parable is not the identity of the players but rather the failure of the tenants to respond faithfully to their obligations.  It's no secret that Christians over the centuries have also treated the cornerstone with disrespect, irreverence, and indignation, while Jews can (and many have) responded faithfully to God's revelation.   We also have the tax to Caesar text in today's reading.  The Jewish leaders are desperate to get more evidence against Jesus and they think this will be the perfect way to trap him.  What the leaders were referring to was a poll tax, a flat tax that every person living in the Roman Empire was forced to pay.  To the Jews, it was a reminder that they were far from free.  If Jesus had responded with a positive remark like “yes, definitely pay it!” then he would have turned off a lot of his audience.  If he had said, “don't pay it!” then he would have been seen as turning against Rome, a dangerous thing.    But with Jesus' response, to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's, Jesus literally slips right out of their trap.  They are amazed.    I'm going to close today with Psalm 8, Lord, our Lord,     how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory     in the heavens. 2 Through the praise of children and infants     you have established a stronghold against your enemies,     to silence the foe and the avenger. 3 When I consider your heavens,     the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars,    which you have set in place, 4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,     human beings that you care for them? 5 You have made them a little lower than the angels     and crowned them with glory and honor. 6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;    you put everything under their feet: 7 all flocks and herds,     and the animals of the wild, 8 the birds in the sky,     and the fish in the sea,     all that swim the paths of the seas. 9 Lord, our Lord,     how majestic is your name in all the earth!   Blessings, Pastor Vicki          

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

 ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ਦੁਤੁਕੀ ॥ ਨਿਗੁਣਿਆ ਨੋ ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸਿ ਲਏ ਭਾਈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਲਾਇ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਊਤਮ ਹੈ ਭਾਈ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸਿ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥ ਗੁਣਹੀਣ ਹਮ ਅਪਰਾਧੀ ਭਾਈ ਪੂਰੈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਲਏ ਰਲਾਇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਕਉਣ ਕਉਣ ਅਪਰਾਧੀ ਬਖਸਿਅਨੁ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਸਾਚੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਭਉਜਲੁ ਪਾਰਿ ਉਤਾਰਿਅਨੁ ਭਾਈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਬੇੜੈ ਚਾੜਿ ॥੨॥ ਮਨੂਰੈ ਤੇ ਕੰਚਨ ਭਏ ਭਾਈ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਰਸੁ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥ ਆਪੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਨਾਉ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਭਾਈ ਜੋਤੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥੩॥ ਹਉ ਵਾਰੀ ਹਉ ਵਾਰਣੈ ਭਾਈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਉ ਸਦ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੈ ਜਾਉ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਦਿਤਾ ਭਾਈ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਉ ॥੪॥ ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਅਸੀ ਜੀਵ ਗੁਣਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਸੱਖਣੇ ਹਾਂ, ਵਿਕਾਰੀ ਹਾਂ। ਪੂਰੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਨੇ (ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੀ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਵਿਚ) ਰਲਾ ਲਿਆ ਹੈ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ ਕੇ (ਆਪਣੇ ਚਰਨਾਂ ਵਿਚ) ਜੋੜ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ।ਰਹਾਉ।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਣਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਸੱਖਣੇ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਵਿਚ ਲਾ ਕੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਰਨ-ਸੇਵਾ ਬੜੀ ਸ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਟ ਹੈ, ਗੁਰੂ (ਸ਼ਰਨ ਪਏ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਦਾ) ਮਨ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ ਵਿਚ ਜੋੜ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੧।ਹੇ ਪਿਆਰੇ! ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਨੇ ਅਨੇਕਾਂ ਹੀ ਅਪਰਾਧੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸੱਚੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ (ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੀ) ਵਿਚਾਰ ਵਿਚ (ਜੋੜ ਕੇ) ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ਿਆ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ (ਸ਼ਬਦ-) ਜਹਾਜ਼ ਵਿਚ ਚਾੜ੍ਹ ਕੇ ਉਸ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਨੇ (ਅਨੇਕਾਂ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ) ਸੰਸਾਰ-ਸਮੁੰਦਰ ਤੋਂ ਪਾਰ ਲੰਘਾਇਆ ਹੈ।੨।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਮਨੁੱਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪਾਰਸ-ਗੁਰੂ (ਆਪਣੀ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਵਿਚ) ਮਿਲਾ ਕੇ (ਪ੍ਰਭੂ-ਚਰਨਾਂ ਵਿਚ) ਜੋੜ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਹ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਸੜੇ ਹੋਏ ਲੋਹੇ ਤੋਂ ਸੋਨਾ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਆਪਾ-ਭਾਵ ਤਿਆਗ ਕੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਆ ਵੱਸਦਾ ਹੈ। ਗੁਰੂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਵਿਚ ਮਿਲਾ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੩।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਮੈਂ ਕੁਰਬਾਨ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹਾਂ, ਮੈਂ ਕੁਰਬਾਨ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹਾਂ, ਮੈਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੋਂ ਸਦਾ ਹੀ ਕੁਰਬਾਨ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹਾਂ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਜਿਸ ਗੁਰੂ ਨੇ (ਮੈਨੂੰ) ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ-ਖ਼ਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਮਤਿ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਮੈਂ ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ ਵਿਚ ਟਿਕਿਆ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹਾਂ।੪।ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਹਜੁ ਨ ਊਪਜੈ ਭਾਈ ਪੂਛਹੁ ਗਿਆਨੀਆ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਸਦਾ ਕਰਿ ਭਾਈ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇ ॥੫॥ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਭਉ ਊਪਜੈ ਭਾਈ ਭਉ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਭਾਈ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥੬॥ ਜੋ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਭਾਈ ਤਿਨ ਕੈ ਹਉ ਲਾਗਉ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਵਾਰੀ ਆਪਣਾ ਭਾਈ ਕੁਲੁ ਭੀ ਲਈ ਬਖਸਾਇ ॥੭॥ ਸਚੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਸਚੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਹੈ ਭਾਈ ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਭਾਈ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਿਘਨੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਕੋਇ ॥੮॥੨॥ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੀ ਸੂਝ ਵਾਲੇ ਮਨੁੱਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਪੁੱਛ ਲਵੋ, (ਇਹੀ ਉੱਤਰ ਮਿਲੇਗਾ ਕਿ) ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਰਨ ਪੈਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ (ਮਨੁੱਖ ਦੇ ਅੰਦਰ) ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ ਪੈਦਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ। (ਇਸ ਵਾਸਤੇ,) ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਤੂੰ ਭੀ (ਆਪਣੇ) ਅੰਦਰੋਂ ਆਪਾ-ਭਾਵ ਦੂਰ ਕਰ ਕੇ ਸਦਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਿਆ ਕਰ।੫।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਮਤਿ ਉਤੇ ਤੁਰਿਆਂ (ਮਨੁੱਖ ਦੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਵਾਸਤੇ) ਡਰ-ਅਦਬ ਪੈਦਾ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ। (ਆਪਣੇ ਅੰਦਰ) ਡਰ-ਅਦਬ (ਪੈਦਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਹੀ) ਕਰਨ-ਜੋਗ ਕੰਮ ਹੈ, ਇਹ ਕੰਮ ਸਦਾ-ਥਿਰ ਰਹਿਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ, ਇਹੀ ਕੰਮ (ਸਭ ਤੋਂ) ਸ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਟ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਇਸ ਡਰ-ਅਦਬ ਦੀ ਬਰਕਤਿ ਨਾਲ) ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੇ ਪਿਆਰ ਦਾ ਕੀਮਤੀ ਧਨ ਲੱਭ ਪੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਸਦਾ-ਥਿਰ ਨਾਮ (ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦਾ) ਆਸਰਾ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੬।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਜੇਹੜੇ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਆਪਣੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਦਾ ਆਸਰਾ ਲੈਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਮੈਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਚਰਨੀਂ ਲੱਗਦਾ ਹਾਂ। (ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ) ਮੈਂ ਆਪਣਾ ਜੀਵਨ ਸੋਹਣਾ ਬਣਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ, ਮੈਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਸਾਰੇ ਖ਼ਾਨਦਾਨ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਭੀ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ਸ਼ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ।੭।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਨਾਲ ਸਦਾ-ਥਿਰ ਹਰਿ-ਨਾਮ (ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਿਚ ਆ ਵੱਸਦਾ) ਹੈ, ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਦੀ ਬਾਣੀ (ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਿਚ ਆ ਵੱਸਦੀ) ਹੈ, ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਦਾ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! ਆਖ-) ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! (ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਨਾਲ) ਜਿਸ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਦੇ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਵੱਸ ਪੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਨੂੰ (ਜੀਵਨ-ਸਫ਼ਰ ਵਿਚ) ਕੋਈ ਔਕੜ ਨਹੀਂ ਵਾਪਰਦੀ।੮।੨।SORAT'H, THIRD MEHL, DU-TUKAS:He Himself forgives the worthless, O Siblings of Destiny; He commits them to the service of the True Guru. Service to the True Guru is sublime, O Siblings of Destiny; through it, one's consciousness is attached to the Lord's Name. || 1 || The Dear Lord forgives, and unites with Himself. I am a sinner, totally without virtue, O Siblings of Destiny; the Perfect True Guru has blended me. || Pause || So many, so many sinners have been forgiven, O beloved one, by contemplating the True Word of the Shabad. They got on board the boat of the True Guru, who carried them across the terrifying world-ocean, O Siblings of Destiny. || 2 || I have been transformed from rusty iron into gold, O Siblings of Destiny, united in Union with the Guru, the Philosopher's Stone. Eliminating my self-conceit, the Name has come to dwell within my mind, O Siblings of Destiny; my light has merged in the Light. || 3 || I

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 9 Jesus heals a man who is blind from birth. As the Light of the world, Jesus puts clay on the man's eyes and renews his sight. The Pharisees question the man as to what has happened, and the man announces Jesus as a prophet. The Jews then call in the man's parents, confirming he was born blind. They will not believe in Jesus and are determined to discredit the miracle. They speak to the man again, and he proclaims the Healer to be from God. The Jewish leaders then put him out of the synagogue. Jesus finds the man and reveals Himself to be the Son of Man, and the healed man worships Him. Jesus then teaches that Pharisees who think they can see will always be blind and in sin.  The blind man's healing leads to these words of Jesus: “For judgment I came into the world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” For all who are humble and in need of Christ, He brings light and restoration. The blind man represents all sinners, in need of opened eyes by the power of Jesus. If He has restored us, we should openly and passionately worship Him as the Son of God. But those who think they see without Him will not come to him for healing. All who choose to reject the glory of Jesus will be revealed in the end as blind and lost in darkness.  Dear Lord, You have shown amazing mercy in sending Your Son, the perfect Light, into this world of darkness and sin. He relentlessly seeks those who know that they need Him. Father, we pray for an ever-present need for the Light of the world in our lives. We are often blind and drawn to the shadows. Will You please make Jesus the Light to our path and the One who shows us the way? Give us the wisdom to see Him and follow Him. Purge from our hearts any arrogance, pride, and disbelief that would keep us from our Savior.  Thought Questions: -       The man's blindness created a circumstance for God to act. Are you open to seeing your struggles as opportunities for Christ to work? -       The healed man worshiped Jesus. Do you believe Jesus is worthy of your worship? How does that look on days other than Sunday? -       The Pharisees would not believe no matter the evidence. What creates that sort of blindness and how do you avoid it?

Your Nightly Prayer

  By Mary Lindow As you settle in to listen to this podcast, maybe you're facing difficult times and you wonder how God can still have a plan for your messy, hurting, perhaps disillusioned life. What about your loved ones, or those in the neighborhood around you? There's so much brokenness that it can feel like anything you do to help is like a drop in the ocean. I certainly have had several moments this past season, months, days even, of being broken, disillusioned, angry, all the emotions that can go with hearing terrible stories of betrayal, clergy abuse, child abuse, adult children being estranged from parents, parents being estranged from their adult children, walking many from sadness over deep wounds from past relationships, festering with anger, guilt and shame. This service of working with broken people that God has called us to, (and me specifically these past couple of years as a Biblical pastoral Counselor), well, seeing and hearing the sadness, can wear you thin at times, and I go running to the feet of Christ over and over again, asking him to make sense of how humanity can be so vicious and destroy one another. Of course Jesus came to die for all of us, and in fact was broken, beaten, bruised and yes, he wept. So He knows the anguish and grief that can tow us under! The Lord has always been close to those who are crushed and broken, right from the very start.   Brokenness Doesn't Distract Or Hinder God. He extends endless compassion and love to us, even when we are feeling absolutely crushed. When we don't want anyone to see our brokenness, our shame, He is always close, never with judgment but always with kindness. The kind of kindness that heals. The question is: “Does brokenness have any purpose?” Or is it a hindrance to God's plans and promises? Can God Turn Our Brokenness Into Something Beautiful?   In Matthew 26, Jesus had His last meal with the disciples before He went to suffer on the cross. Now, even though I've read this passage many times, something rich recently stood out. “As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take and eat it; this is my body'. (Matthew 26:26). First, Jesus took the bread, Then He blessed it, And then He broke it.   Now, I thought to myself … “Why would He not first take the bread, break it and then bless it?”   There's A Purpose To Why Jesus Did It This Way. The blessing comes before the breaking, because this was the theme of Jesus' life: Jesus was blessed by the Father and the Spirit during His baptism (Matthew 3:16-17). Jesus endured the brokenness on the cross (Luke 23:26-39). And, Jesus conquered death through His resurrection and then ascended to the right hand of the Father. This is the greatest blessing for believers because we are united with Christ and fully restored to God!  (Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:4-6).   Blessed Then Broken Then Blessed again. That's the pattern.   Maybe You're In A Season Where You Feel More Broken Than Blessed. I understand. But because God has blessed us with His Son, every ounce of brokenness we experience on this side of eternity is pointing us toward the blessing of heaven, where we will be reunited with Christ, if we trust in Him. God also redeems our current brokenness as a means of blessing others who are also broken (2 Corinthians 1:4). We Can Know With Confidence That When We Endure Brokenness And Pain, There Isn't An Ounce Of Our Brokenness That Is Not Under The Blessing Of God!   This Is A Hard Truth To Grasp. It may even be something we want to reject because it feels unfair or even cruel! I agree that it can feel that way. Even Jesus Himself agrees. Just a few verses after the Last Supper, He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane and cried out, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38a, CSB). We don't have to dismiss our feelings when it comes to our brokenness. Even Jesus felt the full range of His emotions before His most broken moment. We can come before God in humility with our raw, honest emotions. We can bring our brokenness to Him. We can trust that Jesus is with us, NOW. And, we can look to the cross and the empty tomb, knowing that though we experience brokenness, Jesus overcame it.   Brokenness Isn't The End For Us. Blessed, then broken, then blessed again. Lord, give us the grace to endure this reality.   I don't think it's a coincidence that Jesus, who was blameless and pure, had scars that remained after his resurrection. Jesus' scars were not a flaw. They're a reminder that even the Savior of the world has experienced brokenness. They also give us a tangible answer to our doubts, like they did for Thomas. In a moment of faithlessness, doubt and brokenness, God meets Thomas with compassion and kindness. Jesus' Scars Are A Demonstration Of The Lengths He Went To For Us, a sacrifice given to restore hope in a broken world full of broken people. And the same hands that were nail-scarred? They have our very names written on them as a promise that God will not ever forget or forsake us (Isaiah 49:16). Just like a scar, they're permanently written as a reminder of God's commitment to us, no matter how broken we feel.   Very Few See This Bleak Moment For What It Really Is.      It's a chance to see their need for something that is beyond themselves. But my friend, this can be a moment where the soul can cross over from its own empty silence, into an expected quiet that is alive with His presence. It silences the anguish, the anxious restlessness into a calm and still place of peace. It's as if the soul finds that in this dark place, there is a secret well of sweet water, and it springs up and overflows with light and life.    LEARNING TO PASS INTO THIS PLACE OF THE SPIRIT AND ALLOWING GOD TO KEEP YOUR SOUL IN REFRESHING SILENT TRANQUILITY IS A TRUE ACT OF THE MATURING BELIEVER.   God Put You On Earth In Your Exact Place For His Specific Purpose, and you are living in that purpose, even when you don't know it. Your soul may be grumbling and resisting, but you are living the story that God is ready to reveal to you. God is a lot bigger than you expect Him to be. He's a lot bigger than your circumstances. He is a God of detail. He is deeply involved in the small details of your life, but He has a "bigger yes" for you. Your true glory is the revelation of His splendor, his amazing ability to create redemptive “Resurrection moments” revealed in you day by day.   In 1 Peter 1:6. It says,  "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials."   As Jesus Is Revealed In You, You Can Rejoice No Matter What.   The Display Of His Glory Often Comes Through Your Wounds. Your dark nights and cries of longing are lovingly heard, and as His bright light dawns, your grief contrasts with His glorious joy. In brokenness, God works in you something beautiful, deep, and solid to offer others. You are developing inner strength as you are being blessed, broken, and given as an offering in your trials. True strength comes from your desperate need of God. You are a joy to Him as you offer yourself as a representative of His sufficiency. Paul said He wanted to know Christ and be conformed to the fellowship of sharing His sufferings, knowing there's a resurrection coming. (Phil. 3:10).   Know that your Father created you for this time, for these very circumstances. He knew exactly what would be happening in your life as you are living it right now. He knows the impact for which He is preparing you, that still awaits you. Be Filled with his Grace and hope to lean into the purpose that you were create for, in spite of difficult people, through hard circumstances, and through tough challenges.   Your Purpose, My Purpose Is In The Process. We won't get there overnight. We won't mysteriously wake up with it one morning. But today we are closer than yesterday, and tomorrow we will be closer than we are today. Be at peace in Him to know these things, and rejoice in Him. HE IS ALIVE! We Are Not Alone.   Let's Pray Together, Dear Lord, Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by how painful earthly brokenness can feel. Please help us, help me remember that you Jesus are our greatest blessing. You are with us now with me now, as we face hardship and grief and sadness and await a day when you will make all things new. Give me strength, give those that are listening strength as we long for this day, and we ask this in the name of the Resurrected King of Heaven, Jesus Christ, The Messiah. Amen.   I Know That Many Of You Are Going Through Many Things In Your Own Lives and there is so much going on around us everywhere right now as the Lord is more than shaking his church. He is exposing so many uncomfortable things, but what he is really doing is bringing his people back to a place to where HE alone is enough, his word alone is light and life, strength and guidance, no matter how difficult or dark the times can be. His word will penetrate past all of that panic and bring us daily comfort. I'd like to call it daily bread since we're on the subject of talking about bread, and remember because Christ was the bread of life and he gave it to us, and since we've given our lives to him, we are now bread of life to others with whatever we speak out of our mouth in the name of Jesus. It has to be in accuracy and mimicking the way he lived and walked. If it isn't, then there's going to be difficulty there's going to be pain. It's going to cause pain. It's going to cause difficulty.   So I Encourage You, If You're Running And Hiding or if you're trying to protect yourself from something that you've done that you know needs to come out into the light,run to Jesus, then tell the truth and get the help that you need. It won't be easy, but that clawing horrible feeling of waiting for the shoe to drop will end, and the enemy will no longer have a foothold in your mind. For Those That Are Suffering Because Of The Behaviors Of Others and you know that there just doesn't seem to be an answer or an end in sigth, and certainly no vindication. I encourage you to not back away and to stand where God has you, but don't grow bitter and don't look for revenge. This is when we take it back into our own power at our own strength. I Bless You Today! I encourage you to get before the Lord and ask him to show you “the way” that he has for you during these times where he is maturing you, maturing his bride, and it is all for the glory of the ONE who laid down that entire greatness so that we would have an access to return to heaven.   Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed, as long as the complete message, website, podcast link and information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! 2025 "THE MESSENGER"  - Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com www.marylindow.podbean.com   If you would be so kind and assist Mary helping her to meet other administrative needs such as website and podcast costs, or desire to bless her service in ministry with Spirit-led Love gifts or regular support:   Please JOYFULLY send your gift in the form of:  ► Personal Checks ► Business Checks ► Money Orders ► Cashiers Checks To:    His Beloved Ministries Inc.  PO Box 1253 Denver, Colorado 80614
 USA    Or feel free to use our send a tax-deductible gift with   Pay Pal   paypal.me/mlindow  Under the name of - Mary Lindow - His Beloved Ministries Inc.    ALL gifts are tax-deductible under His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status.   We are financially accountable and have been in full compliance since 1985. THANK YOU!    

Your Nightly Prayer

Have you been saved by Jesus? Salvation is the deliverance from sin and death that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus overcame sin and death, and gave us the opportunity to have eternal life.Revelation 1:18 says, “I am the Living One. I was dead, but look, I am alive forever. I have power over death and hell.”As believers, we can have confidence that our salvation is secure in Jesus Christ. No matter what happens during our temporary earthly lives, we can be sure of our eternal destiny. This knowledge gives us lasting peace, and hope that transcends our present circumstances.The power of salvation also gives us, through God's grace, the ability to overcome sin and withstand temptation. And by obedience to the Holy Spirit, we can daily try to live a life more like Jesus, and grow in our faith. If you haven't yet received the salvation that Jesus offers, we invite you to do so today. Simply believe in Jesus, ask forgiveness for your sins, and ask Him to be the Lord of your life. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is a gift that lasts for all eternity. Let's pray. Dear Lord, thank you for the power of salvation that comes through faith in Jesus. Help us to live a life that is pleasing to you, and to share this message of hope with others. It's in Jesus' name that we pray, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comLuke 22 Jesus is the calm amid the storm as the end of His earthly life approaches. The Jews seek to kill Him. Judas has set up His betrayal. The disciples, while faithful, understand little and often devolve into arguments over who is the greatest. Peter makes a commitment he cannot keep. But in all this, Jesus remains faithful. He gathers the Apostles and establishes the memorial supper that would have great meaning after His death and resurrection. He goes to the garden and communes with His Father. He is comforted by an angel and made ready to complete His mission. He quietly submits to arrest. While Peter's world is shattered by weakness in denying Jesus, the Savior tells the world He is God's Son, knowing it will lead to His death.    Satan is at work near the end of Jesus' life. He enters Judas to lead him to betray Jesus. He incites the jealousy of the Jewish leaders. He even demands permission to sift Peter like wheat and succeeds in tempting him to deny Jesus. Satan is a menace, then and now. He still features these same tactics: greed, fear, and pride. But Jesus is our anchor in the storm of Satan's efforts. He gathers and protects His disciples. He appeals to God on our behalf. Jesus communes with us in His memorial supper. And Jesus helps us face trials with composure and wisdom. We should always be anchored in Him and grateful for His help in times of need.  Holy God, we praise You during the trials and temptations of life. Satan tries to sow doubt and fear into our hearts. Father, give us clarity to see Your Son. He was focused, faithful, and always connected to You. His identity as Your Son sustained Him. Dear Lord, help us to be more like Him. Lead us to make more time for prayer and to keep our eyes on future hopes and blessings in Jesus. His behavior, even in the face of evil, was controlled by peace. Father, fill us with peace in knowing our triumphant King is always with us.   -       Why was Jesus so calm even as Satan was doing his work? How can you establish that kind of peace even if there is trouble around you? -       Jesus' disciples struggled under trial because overconfidence led to complacency. How do you keep from complacency in your faith? -       “Are you the Son of God?” “Yes, I am.” Jesus confidently confessed His name. How does your faith in His identity help you daily?

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comLuke 20 It is easier to ask questions than to answer them, especially when one's motives are wrong. The Pharisees learn this lesson throughout this chapter. They ask about Christ's authority, but they cannot answer His question about the baptism of John. Jesus then tells a parable about workers in a man's vineyard. They beat his delegates, eventually kill his son, and they seek to take the vineyard for themselves. Judgment will be severe for such people. The Jewish leaders respond to this by asking Jesus questions about taxes and government, and then about marriage and the resurrection. On each occasion, He answers with integrity. He then asks them about David's son being Lord and they have no answer. Jesus warns people to beware of those who question but have no integrity.  There is no doubt that Jesus' teaching is powerful and demanding. Because of this, many in the world seek to diminish His authority and establish their own. A fundamental part of our faith is admitting that He has all authority to rule our lives. If He is relegated to a lesser role, our own desires will replace Him in the seat of our hearts. From there, many sinful things can happen. Jesus is faithful. He handles questions about Caesar, questions about the resurrection, and all questions with perfect wisdom. He knows infinitely more than we do. No question can stump the Maker of all things! If we doubt Him now, He will have difficult questions for us in the judgment.  Dear Lord, teach us how to have an all-in faith in Jesus. We have questions in this life. Help us to understand that our questions do not diminish His authority. Instead, they serve as more reason to trust in the One who knows all things. We have seen doubt turn to anger in the Pharisees and in people around us. How can we show them the peace that is found in surrender? Maybe that is seen in how we view the government. Or perhaps what we believe about resurrection. Give us opportunities to show the world we find our answers in Christ.   -       The Pharisees asked Jesus, “By what authority” He speaks and acts. How would you answer that question on your Savior's behalf? -       Jesus was righteous when questioned about taxes and government. Why is it important to be peaceful and wise when asked about such things? -       Questions about life after death can be very tough. Why is it important to defer to God and scripture and trust that He will work it out?

God has the power to change everything—water into blood, water into wine, wine into His precious blood at every Mass. But the greatest transformation He desires is in you. The question is: Will you give Him permission?  

Day 3: Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean. (Luke I:29) Let us pray:  With the help of our Mother of the Word Incarnate, grant us Your mercy and consolation to lighten the burden and give comfort and strength to all who are suffering now. Dear Lord, we ask Your Blessed Mother to teach us to be compassionate. Help Your children, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to conquer the menace of evil and sin in all its manifestations. Through the intercession of the Our Lady of the Annunciation, we ask You to help us welcome the Word into the world, that we may all experience a rebirth. Through Mary, Your reign has dawned, a reign of compassion and mercy, born from the depths of the Word made flesh.  The post A Novena for the Annunciation – Day 3 – Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Read Online“Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish?” Matthew 7:9–10Clearly this is a rhetorical question by Jesus. No parent would hand their son or daughter a stone or a snake if they asked for food. But that of course is the point. Jesus goes on to say, “...how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.”When you pray with deep faith, will our Lord give you whatever you ask? Certainly not. Jesus did say, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” But this statement must be carefully read within the whole context of Jesus' teaching here. The fact of the matter is that when we sincerely ask in faith for “good things,” meaning that which our good God wants to bestow upon us, He will not disappoint. Of course, this does not mean that if we beg Jesus for anything whatsoever that He will give it to us. What are those “good things” that our Lord will most certainly give to us? First and foremost, it is the forgiveness of our sins. We can be absolutely certain that if we humble ourselves before our good God, especially within the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we will be granted the freely given and transforming gift of forgiveness.In addition to the forgiveness of our sins, there are many other things we need in life, and there are many other things that our good God wants to bestow upon us. For example, God will always want to give to us the strength we need to overcome temptations in life. He will always want to provide for our most basic needs. He will always want to help us grow in every virtue. And He most certainly wants to bring us to Heaven. It is these things that we must especially pray for every day.But what about other things, such as a new job, more money, a better house, acceptance into a certain school, a physical healing, etc.? Our prayers for these and other similar things in life should be prayed for but with a caveat. The “caveat” is that we pray that God's will be done. Not ours. We must humbly acknowledge that we do not see the big picture in life and do not always know what will give God the greatest glory in all things. Therefore, it may be better that you not get that new job, or be accepted at this school, or even that this illness not end in healing. But we can be certain that God always will bestow upon us that which is best for us and that which enables us to give God the greatest glory in life. The crucifixion of our Lord is a perfect example. He prayed that that cup be taken from Him, “but not my will but Yours be done.” And, of course, the Father saw the great eternal value in the death of His Son on the Cross and answered that prayer of His accordingly. Reflect, today, upon how you pray. Do you pray with detachment from the outcome, knowing that our Lord knows best? Do you humbly admit that only God knows what is truly good for you? Trust this to be the case and pray with complete confidence that God's will be done in all things and you can be certain that He will answer that prayer.Dear Lord of infinite wisdom and knowledge, help me to always place my trust in Your goodness and care for me. Help me to daily turn to You in my need and to trust that You will answer my prayer according to Your perfect will. I place my life into Your hands, dear Lord. Do with me as you wish. Jesus, I trust in You.Image by kalhh from PixabaySource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.