True Freedom

Scripture
1 Peter 2:13-17

Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether it be to the king as supreme or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the approval of those who do good. For it is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish people. Be free, yet without using freedom as a pretext for evil, but as slaves of God. Give honor to all, love the community, fear God, honor the king.

Observation
We attain true freedom by being servants to God. We are instructed to follow our own human institutions for the Lord's sake and in doing good for His sake we are honoring God and everyone around us. But by following and being subject to human institutions, we need to be careful we don't practice what is evil in God's sight.

Application
Today many people are thankful for the freedoms we have in our wonder country, the USA. As Christians we are instructed to follow our government laws and to be subject to their will. But that doesn't mean we have to do any works that would be evil in the sight of our Lord and we shouldn't. We should always approach everything for the sake of our Lord. This will most assuredly cause us to suffer if we don't follow mainstream evils that are allowed due to our "freedoms". We risk being mocked, ridiculed, sued, thrown in jail or worse. But today's scripture shows us that even for slaves who are suffering, that we should endure it like Jesus endured His suffering and we are assured the grace of God and this is the true freedom that we must seek.

Prayer
My Lord, Heavenly King Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth, hear me, your humble servant, help me to endure the trials ahead of me because of my love for you. I pray that you protect my family and my friends from all evil but I ask if we are to be subject to evil that we are able to endure it for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Conversion of Sinners

Scripture
James 5:19-20

My brothers, if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Observation
This reminds me of those guys at sports games with their signs held high stating that Jesus is the Messiah and another guy on a loudspeaker non-stop talking about how we should repent for our sins, yada, yada, yada.  I personally don't think those guys are heard or listened to, maybe every once in a while someone happens to listen in says to themselves, wow, that guy is right, what have I been doing with my life? But they are definitely annoying more people than not and most are probably already Christians.  Well, they're taking this scripture to heart that's for sure.  I have no desire to do anything like what those evangelists are doing, for one, I doubt I could talk non-stop like that and just go on and on an on.  Plus, I don't remember Jesus or any of his disciples standing on a platform and yelling at everyone in hearing to repent.  (maybe I don't remember those verses?)  I believe Peter was quite the preacher but I do believe he always spoke to the people in context to who they were and they would listen, I guess there was this one time where it didn't work out too well, except one guy actually listened (I think he became the first bishop of Rome). But again, no bull-horn.  Not saying it's wrong to use a bull-horn, it just might not be the best way to get people to listen to the truth. Jesus and his disciples talked to people and it seems the majority of those people usually wanted to listen. People gathered around to hear what they had to say.  I don't think I've ever seen people gathered around the guy with the bull horn at the local sports game.  Usually people are trying to avoid that person and not make eye contact.

Application
So, if I think standing with a bull horn is a bit extreme and not very worth while, then how do we apply this scripture to our daily lives in a meaningful way? I also don't know if this is the best way, but I need to be better and just standing up for my beliefs and being able to back them up when people are "mocking" the Lord or our Christian ways.  I know those moments when someone, usually a friend, says something that is just so wrong you want to say something but are afraid of saying anything as you don't want to rock the boat.  I need to do a better job at just making sure when something like this happens that they know I disagree in a polite and respectful manner and see if they would like to listen to more on what I have to say about the issue... where they want to listen to me.  I have atheist friends, agnostic friends and friends who call themselves Christian but don't live a Christian life (or try to, can't say my life I'm living is perfectly Christian, it's not). I want to make a bigger impact to their lives by being their friends and showing them Jesus and hopefully someday they want to listen and we can talk.  And hopefully the Lord will fill my mouth with the right words to say... I'm usually very bad at that. Might not be the best way of doing this, but it's the way I think I can do.  Maybe I can do more.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to first thank you for everything you have given me especially in helping me keep my faith in you.  I ask that you grant me the words to defend you when people around me blaspheme, deny or mock you. Help me be a better defender of our faith of your truth and more importantly to help others learn of that truth to bring them closer to you.  Thank you Jesus!  Amen.

Keep Faith

Scripture
Hebrews 13:7-9

Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching. It is good to have our hearts strengthened by grace and not by foods, which do not benefit those who live by them.

Observation
The original disciples and those that came before us in faith must be remembered. The fact that they are no longer here should not cause anyone to lose faith.  Jesus still lives and doesn't change, he never changes.  What he taught when he was alive remains true today.  Many people are coming along these days and saying they have the answer and leading people astray to false teachings.  We must keep the faith and keep walking with Jesus.

Application
It is tempting to try out new ways of doing things to find help.  Much of what people can find these days are "Spiritual Guidance" and I see young people today drawn into this thinking.  It's a dangerous path as it doesn't incorporate Jesus, but our own will and our own spirituality and how we relate to the "universe". Being "spiritual" doesn't necessary mean it's a good thing.  Jesus is the light and the way and the truth.  Without Jesus we can be toying with the "spiritual" that is dangerous and evil.
We are always looking for the quick and easy fix and being a Christian, being a follower of Jesus is many times not a quick and easy fix for what we have to suffer through in life, matter of fact, sometimes we are called to suffer.

Prayer
My Lord, Jesus Christ, forgive my sins and save me from the fires of hell.  I plead for your guidance, your truth and your way.  I plead for your help in ensuring I keep my faith in you.  I am weak and always looking for the easy way. I beg you to forgive my wretchedness and weakness and I ask to draw upon your strength to take the right path even if it's the hard path.  I love you Lord and all that You do.  Amen.

Have Faith

This post is a day late as I forgot to post it...

Scripture
Hebrew 11:33-34

Who by faith conquered kingdoms, did what was righteous, obtained the promises; they closed the mouths of lions, put out raging fires, escaped the devouring sword; out of weakness they were made powerful, became strong in battle, and turned back foreign invaders.

Observation
It was difficult for me to pull out a specific verse or set of verses from Hebrew 11.  This chapter is all about having faith in God. Similar to what I previously discussed in my last post. I really like this chapter, the detail and all the references to other scripture.

I have always felt that if you put faith in God, that everything will work out in the end. Sometimes this is difficult to do, especially when life is throwing you curve balls. But then we must remember that it is during these times that it is even more important to have faith.

Application
Sometimes I think I know what's best for myself and my family.  When we pray for something, for God to help us in some way to alleviate some problem, sometimes the way God answers our prayers is totally different than what we had in mind He should do.  But God's answer is always better.  He sees the big picture, he knows us best and he knows how we'll handle situations and knows things we couldn't even begin to grasp.

Prayer
Lord, I have faith in your Truth, in your Justice and in Your plans for me. Help me to never waiver in my faith in You. Amen.

Are We Saved "By Faith Alone?"

Scripture:
Hebrews 10:39

We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will possess life.

Observation:
This brings to mind a common misunderstanding and confusion that exists about Catholics.  I would like to discuss the "Catholic" viewpoint of this simple phrase "Are we saved by faith alone?"  The short answer to this is "Yes we are!" and this passage reminds me of that.

For some reason, many people believe that Catholics don't believe in this and that we preach that we must earn our way into heaven. Let me be clear, this is not part of Catholic doctrine. So if you hear this, just know that it is false. Catholics have always taught that you cannot earn you way to Heaven.
(Now some of this misunderstanding could be the fault of some pretty shady practices that were done back in the day by some shady Catholics, but that in no way means that Catholic doctrine ever condoned this. Catholics are made up of humans... you know a bunch of sinners who make mistakes and do stupid things.)

Here's a much better and eloquent explanation of the Catholic teaching on this subject:
http://jimmyakin.com/library/justification-by-faith-alone.

Application:
I must continue to heed God's call and not ignore or dismiss the signs he has graced upon me.  I believe the more you recognize God in your life, the more you'll see Him.  All faithful Christians are disciples of Jesus.  We must remember to keep listening to Jesus and do not be afraid.  For we are Saved!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, my High Priest in Heaven, advocating for me as the Lamb of God, the ultimate sacrifice perfected so that my sins may be forgiven and that I may be able to enter Heaven through God's Grace. I am Justified through You.  Help me become a better disciple, let me do your Will and show Your Way to the people around me. Amen.

It's Tough Being a Good Christian

Scripture
Psalm 101:2-5

I act with integrity of heart
    within my household.
I do not allow into my presence anything base.
    I hate wrongdoing;
    I will have no part of it.
May the devious heart keep far from me;
    the wicked I will not acknowledge.
Whoever slanders a neighbor in secret
    I will reduce to silence.
Haughty eyes and arrogant hearts
    I cannot endure.

Observation
Do I sometimes not act with integrity within my home?  Yes
Do I sometimes allow anything base, or wrongdoing into my life? Yes
Do I sometimes allow wickedness into my life? Yes
Do I sometimes gossip? Yes
Do I sometimes look at others like I'm better than them? Yes

Application
I must recognize the wicked person that I am and cast him out. I can't do it alone. I'm too weak. I need first of all, Jesus.  With Him I am strong enough.  He has sent me a wonderful wife to help and really good friends to help as well.  I must remember that I need them to help me.

Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive my wicked ways. Stand beside me and keep me strong so I can do your Will. I am weak and constantly need Your help. Never leave me, always be at my side. Have mercy on me. Amen.

Remain Steadfast

Scripture
Hebrews 3:12-13

Take care, brothers, that none of you may have an evil and unfaithful heart, so as to forsake the living God. Encourage yourselves daily while it is still “today,” so that none of you may grow hardened by the deceit of sin.

Observation
We must be wary each day of falling into sin. Sin is a trap and if you don't fight it daily, it can easily overcome.  This reminds me of an old native american proverb I learned in the Boy Scouts when I was a boy, I have no clue if it's a real native american proverb, that's just how it was presented to me.  It goes something like this:
Everyone is born with a stone (or diamond) in their stomach with sharp edges.  When you do something evil, the stone turns, causing you pain and reminding you that evil is wrong and you should stop. As the years go by, if you continue to do evil and ignoring the pain, the stone continues to turn but slowly the sharp edges wear becoming smooth. Before long, doing evil no longer hurts.

Application
Praying daily helps me to be cognizant of my sins and my failures and to ask for forgiveness. Attending Mass helps me stay faithful to God and helps me to continue down His Path. Reading scripture helps me to stay strong and encouraged. All of this helps me to not rebel against God's Will. Doing penance helps me to do good and to show how sorry I am.

Prayer
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.  I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God have mercy.

Rejoice for Salvation but Beware

Here's my first attempt at using SOAP with today's readings of the Life Journal Reading Plan (see previous post for details).  I won't be good at this, so bear with me.

Scripture
Jude 1:5-7
I wish to remind you, although you know all things, that [the] Lord who once saved a people from the land of Egypt later destroyed those who did not believe. The angels too, who did not keep to their own domain but deserted their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains, in gloom, for the judgment of the great day. Likewise, Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding towns, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual promiscuity and practiced unnatural vice, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.

Observation
The readings from this plan over the last couple weeks seems to align with what's going on in our country today.  This is a bit eerie to say the least.  My take is that while Jesus came down to save us, that we must still be vigilant and follow the Lord's Will and don't loose sight of the Truth of who we are, how we're made and how we are to behave.  To do otherwise is risking eternal damnation. Let's not be fooled by those around us and the false love that is being preached.

I feel pulled in different directions with what is going on with our society today, everyone is preaching love, yet I sense hatred behind that preaching no matter which side you are on.  It can be a very confusing time right now, especially for our children and this is what I worry the most about is my children and how they are absorbing everything going on.  I don't have control over them in school and anything outside of our home.  I must trust they are doing the right thing as their growing minds can easily be affected by what's going on contrary to our belief's as Christians and especially as Catholics.

Application
I must continue to love all those around me, but I must continue to oppose anything that is contrary to the Lord's teachings.  I cannot put blinders and and just hope everything will turn out OK. I must be involved somehow.  Right now, that's making sure everyone in my family has everything they need to be prepared for the world and the onslaught of heathen choices available that might look great on the surface but will lead them down dangerous paths.  We have a manual on how to live and behave and we should now more than ever start to rely on it.

Prayer
Lord, I praise Your Name and ask that you Bless my family and friends and help us to do your Will and remain vigilant to your Word. Help us remain strong when it is so easy to be weak. Help us remain convicted of your Love when it's so easy to dismiss it and rely on the false love of others. Help us to not stray from Your Path and avoid paths that lead away from You. Help me to be a better teacher to my family. Help me to be a better student of You.  I pray this in Your Son's Name, my Lord, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The Bible, A Reading Plan and SOAP

The Bible
Yesterday, I learned from Trever that he's going through a reading plan through YouVersion which has more translations of the Bible than I can shake a stick at.

Which Bible edition should I use?  Here's a good article to help determine which Bible editions are right for you and it goes into some detail of why we have so many different editions.  While this article is from a Catholic based view, it's really for everyone, it's universal.  See what I did there? :)

Bible Translation Guide

I really like the bottom line though... literally. If you scroll all the way to the bottom of that article it states:

So, which bible is the best?  Perhaps the best answer is this: The one you'll read.

Bada Boom.  I love it.

Anyway, I'm not here to study Bible edition history, I'm here to just read it and absorb it so I'm going to use NABRE (New American Bible, Revised Edition) which is a relatively new edition (2011) which is being used by Catholics everywhere in the United States now.  Here's more information on that edition.  If I stick with this, I'll probably switch to another Bible as it's good to get different perspectives, like the article I mention above says.

A Reading Plan
So now I'm going to start that same reading plan that Trever is following, it's called the Life Journal Reading Plan.  I've never done anything like this before, well except when I did the Bible Study Fellowship, a long long time ago.  I've wanted to do another Bible study as I had some negative experiences during that time... that's when I found out that Catholics weren't as loved everywhere like I thought... I suppose I should have realized that, the whole Reformation and everything ya know.  I wasn't a very bright lad when it came to theology back then... still not actually.  But I digress...

Anyway, that plan is available through the YouVersion website and I'm basically starting in the middle since it goes from Jan 1st - Dec 31st but with that plan you end up reading the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice through that time.  I'm not planning on starting from the beginning so I'll just pick up from now.

SOAP
Trever taught me the S.O.A.P. method of studying scripture... well, not study exactly but how you read it and how it applies to you.  This isn't about trying to understand that particular translation over another, what did the people of that day really mean by those verses, which words being translated were literal or was it a dynamic translation, etc. This is about simply reading scripture and letting it absorb into my heart, mind and soul.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer.  It's rather simple really.  For Scripture, just choose a verse or verses that stuck out to you during your reading.  Make an Observation about why it struck you so. Apply that scripture and observation to your life and then write Prayer about what you just learned.

I was going to do one today, but I wrote way too much already, so maybe I'll start tomorrow...