Trust and Guidance

When the magi had departed,

behold, the angel of the Lord

appeared to Joseph in a dream

and said, “Rise, take the child

and his mother, flee to Egypt,

and stay there until I tell you.

Herod is going to search for the

child to destroy him.” 

(Matthew 2:13)

God provides protection and provision for His people, even in difficult and dangerous situations. It is important to listen and act on God's guidance. We should rust and follow God's direction, even when it requires sudden and significant changes in our plans.

God fulfills His promises, reinforcing our faith in His divine plan. We should be aware of the reality of evil and the suffering it can cause, while also trusting in God's ultimate justice and redemption.

Despite the tragic events, God's greater plan for salvation through Jesus continued to unfold. This encourages us to trust that God is at work, even in the midst of suffering and hardship, and that His purposes will ultimately prevail.

Reflecting on these verses can inspire us to trust in God's guidance, recognize His protection and provision, understand the fulfillment of prophecy, be aware of the reality of evil, and trust in God's greater plan. 

To trust in God's guidance, so clear and true, 

In every step, His light shines through. 

Recognize His protection, His provision so grand, 

In the palm of His hand, we firmly stand.

Understand the fulfillment of prophecy's call, 

In His promises, we find our all. 

Be aware of the reality of evil's snare, 

Yet trust in God's plan, beyond compare.

For in His wisdom, we find our way, 

In His love, we rest and stay. 

Trust in His guidance, His plan so divine, 

In His embrace, our hearts align.

Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with hearts open and true, seeking to trust in Your guidance, and to recognize Your protection and provision.

Help us to understand the fulfillment of prophecy, and to be aware of the reality of evil. Grant us the strength to trust in Your greater plan, knowing that Your love and wisdom guide us.

May we find peace in Your promises, And courage in Your presence. Lead us in Your ways and help us to live in faith and grace.

Amen.

Pericope:

I: The Infancy Narrative

THE FLIGHT TO EGYPT / THE MASSACRE OF THE INFANTS

Matthew 2:13-15 / 16-18

Gospel Acclamation

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the white robed army of martyrs praise you. 

Gospel | Matthew 2:13-18

13 When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” 14 Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the death of Herod that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son. 16 When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. 17 Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: 18 A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Trust in the Lord and Do Good

Trust in the Lord and do good, 

that you may dwell in the land 

and be fed in security. 

Take delight in the Lord, 

and he will grant you 

your heart’s requests.

(Psalm 37:3-4)

The Lord is our salvation and refuge. He is the source of deliverance and strength in times of trouble. He loves justice and will not abandon His faithful ones, ensuring their eternal security. He will bring forth our righteousness and justice, making them evident to all.

God will act on our behalf. We should place our faith, trust and confidence in God’s plans and His timing by actively engaging in righteous deeds and kindness, actively rejecting sinful behaviors and thoughts, pursue actions that reflect God’s character, and seek safety and protection in God’s presence, knowing He is reliable and faithful.

Let us delight in the Lord, find joy and satisfaction in our relationship with God, which aligns our desires with His will.

The Lord, Our Salvation and Refuge

In times of trouble, He is our might, 

Our deliverance, our guiding light. 

Justice He loves, faithful He remains, 

Eternal security, His promise sustains.

Our righteousness and justice, He will reveal, 

In His presence, our hearts will heal. 

God acts on our behalf, His plans unfold, 

In His timing, His wonders behold.

With faith and trust, we walk His way, 

In righteous deeds, we find our stay. 

Rejecting sin, embracing His grace, 

Reflecting His character, we seek His face.

In God’s presence, we find our peace, 

His reliability, our fears release. 

Delight in the Lord, our joy complete, 

In His will, our desires meet.

Prayer for Salvation and Refuge

Heavenly Father,

We come before You, acknowledging that You are our salvation and refuge. In times of trouble, You are our source of deliverance and strength. You love justice and will never abandon Your faithful ones, ensuring our eternal security. You will bring forth our righteousness and justice, making them evident to all.

Lord, we trust that You will act on our behalf. Help us to place our faith, trust, and confidence in Your plans and Your timing. Guide us to engage in righteous deeds and kindness, to actively reject sinful behaviors and thoughts, and to pursue actions that reflect Your character. May we seek safety and protection in Your presence, knowing that You are reliable and faithful.

Let us delight in You, Lord, finding joy and satisfaction in our relationship with You. Align our desires with Your will, and let our lives be a testament to Your love and grace.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

First Book of Psalms 1-41

THE FATE OF SINNERS AND THE REWARD OF THE JUST

Psalm 37:1-40

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 27-28, 39-40

R: The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

3 Trust in the Lord and do good, that you may dwell in the land and enjoy security. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will grant you your heart’s requests. (R) 5 Commit to the Lord your way; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will make justice dawn for you like the light; bright as the noonday shall be your vindication. (R) 27 Turn from evil and do good, that you may abide forever; 28 for the Lord loves what is right, and forsakes not his faithful ones. Criminals are destroyed, and the posterity of the wicked is cut off. (R) 39 The salvation of the just is from the Lord; he is their refuge in time of distress. 40 And the Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. 

Background:

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm attributed to King David, offering guidance on how to live righteously and trust in God’s justice, even when the wicked seem to prosper. Here’s a brief background on the specific verses you mentioned:

Psalm 37:3-4 encourage believers to trust in the Lord and do good, promising that they will dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. The call to “delight yourself in the Lord” assures that God will grant the desires of the heart, emphasizing a deep, joyful relationship with Him.

Psalm 37:5-6 advise committing one’s way to the Lord and trusting in Him, with the promise that He will act on behalf of the righteous. These verses highlight God’s faithfulness and His ability to bring forth righteousness and justice as clearly as the noonday sun.

Psalm 37:27-28 contrast the fate of the wicked and the righteous. They urge believers to turn from evil and do good, ensuring that they will dwell in the land forever. The Lord loves justice and will not forsake His faithful ones, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.

Psalm 37:39-40 conclude with a reassurance of God’s salvation and strength for the righteous in times of trouble. The Lord helps and delivers them because they take refuge in Him, underscoring His reliable protection and deliverance.

This psalm is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and justice, encouraging believers to live faithfully and trust in His ultimate plan.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 37:3-4 Trust in the Lord and Do Good:

Trust: Place your confidence in God’s plans and His timing.

Do Good: Actively engage in righteous deeds and kindness.

Delight in the Lord: Find joy and satisfaction in your relationship with God, which aligns your desires with His will.

Psalm 37:5-6 Commit Your Way to the Lord:

Commit: Surrender your plans and actions to God, trusting Him to guide you.

Trust: Have faith that God will act on your behalf.

Righteousness and Justice: Believe that God will bring forth your righteousness and justice, making them evident to all.

Psalm 37:27-28 Turn from Evil and Do Good:

Turn from Evil: Actively reject sinful behaviors and thoughts.

Do Good: Pursue actions that reflect God’s character.

God’s Justice: Trust that God loves justice and will not abandon His faithful ones, ensuring their eternal security.

Psalm 37:39-40 The Lord is Our Salvation and Refuge:

Salvation: Recognize that God is the source of deliverance and strength in times of trouble.

Refuge: Seek safety and protection in God’s presence, knowing He is reliable and faithful.

These verses collectively emphasize the importance of trusting in God’s sovereignty, committing to righteous living, and finding refuge in His unfailing love and justice. They encourage believers to maintain faith and integrity, even when faced with challenges, knowing that God is always in control and will ultimately bring about justice and righteousness.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Thankfulness is Intricately Tied to Trust

Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; 

with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. 

For upright is the word of the Lord, 

and all his works are trustworthy. 

(Psalm 33:2,4)

God’s wisdom and purposes endure forever. His counsel is unshakable, providing a solid foundation for our trust and gratitude. Genuine thankfulness is intricately tied to trust. Trusting God in challenging situations, leads to heartfelt praise and thanksgiving. We truly thank God when we recognize our dependence on Him. A thankful heart emerges when we rely wholly on the Lord, recognizing His power, faithfulness, and sovereignty. May we join in praising Him, knowing that He is worthy of all our worship! 

“Unshakable Trust”

God’s wisdom, eternal and unyielding, 

A beacon in the storm, our hearts revealing. 

His counsel, a rock on which we stand, 

Guiding us with love, His mighty hand.

In trials and tribulations, we find our way, 

Trusting His purpose, come what may. 

For genuine thankfulness blooms from trust, 

Rooted in faith, in God we entrust.

When shadows fall and doubts arise, 

We lift our voices, grateful cries. 

For dependence on Him brings forth praise, 

A melody of gratitude that never decays.

The Lord, our refuge, our strength, our song, 

His power unfailing, His faithfulness strong. 

Sovereign over all, His name we adore, 

Worthy of worship forevermore.

So let us join in joyful celebration, 

Embracing His love, our firm foundation. 

In unshakable trust, our hearts align, 

To the God who endures, His purpose divine.

Prayer of Trust and Gratitude

Heavenly Father,

Your wisdom transcends time and circumstance, A beacon of light in our darkest moments. Your purposes endure forever, unshaken, A solid foundation upon which we stand.

In the trials that test our faith, May we trust in Your unyielding counsel. When storms rage and doubts assail, Help us find refuge in Your unwavering love.

Genuine thankfulness flows from trust, A river of praise that springs forth from our hearts. We thank You, Lord, for every breath we take, For every sunrise that whispers of Your faithfulness.

In challenging situations, teach us to lean on You, To surrender our fears and anxieties at Your feet. For it is in our weakness that Your strength prevails, And in our surrender that Your grace abounds.

May our hearts overflow with gratitude, As we recognize our complete dependence on You. You are the Author of life, the Sustainer of all, and we humbly yield to Your sovereign will.

Lord, we praise You with every beat of our hearts, knowing that You alone are worthy of all worship. May our lives be a symphony of thanksgiving, resounding with love for the One who holds eternity.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Pericope:

First Book of Psalms 1-41

PRAISE OF GOD'S POWER AND PROVIDENCE

Psalm 33:1-22

Responsorial Psalm 

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

Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11

1 Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting. 2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. (R) 4 For upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full. (R) 10 The Lord brings to nought the plans of nations; he foils the designs of peoples. 11 But the plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. 

Background:

Psalm 33 is a beautiful hymn that calls God’s people to praise Him. 

Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! The psalm begins with an exuberant call for God’s righteous ones to rejoice and praise Him. Those who walk rightly are encouraged to express their joy in the Lord. For praise from the upright is beautiful. God appreciates worship from His people. When we praise Him, it pleases Him and creates a sense of beauty. 

The word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth. God’s character is marked by righteousness and faithfulness. His word is reliable, and His actions are always true. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. God’s love for righteousness and justice permeates His creation. The entire earth reflects His goodness. 

By the word of the LORD, the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth, all their host. God’s creative power is evident in the heavens and everything they contain. His spoken word brought it all into existence. 

The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. God’s wisdom and purposes endure eternally. His counsel is unshakable. 

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 33 provides valuable lessons for cultivating a thankful and worshiping heart. 

Rely Completely on the Lord: The psalm begins with an exuberant call to praise God through song and musical instruments (verses 1-3). Even as “righteous ones” and “the upright,” we need to intentionally express joy in the Lord and give thanks to Him (verse 2). Genuine thankfulness is intricately tied to trust. We truly thank God when we recognize our dependence on Him (verse 1). David, who likely wrote this psalm, exemplified this lesson by trusting God in challenging situations, leading to heartfelt praise and thanksgiving.

The Power of God’s Word: Creation (verses 6-9): God’s spoken word brought the heavens and everything in them into existence. His creative power is evident throughout the universe. His Counsel (verses 10-12): God’s wisdom and purposes endure forever. His counsel is unshakable, providing a solid foundation for our trust and gratitude.

In summary, Psalm 33 teaches us that a thankful heart emerges when we rely wholly on the Lord, recognizing His power, faithfulness, and sovereignty. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

God Requires Surrender

 Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear, 

forget your people and your father’s house. 

(Psalm 45:11)

Our relationship with God requires surrender—a willingness to leave behind old loyalties and embrace our identity in Christ. As believers, we honor Jesus by offering our lives as a fragrant offering, adorned with the beauty of worship. Our devotion to Christ should captivate His heart, just as the bride captivates the King’s heart. In our spiritual journey, we are part of the Bride of Christ—the Church. Our beauty lies in our righteousness through Him. As we follow Christ, our influence extends beyond our lifetime. Our children and spiritual descendants carry our legacy.

Legacy of Surrender

In the quiet chambers of our hearts, 

Where old loyalties fade like morning mist, 

We find our true identity—our sacred part, 

Surrendering to the One who holds our list.

Our relationship with God, a dance divine, 

Requires surrender, a yielding of pride, 

As we step into grace, His love intertwines, 

And we become vessels where His light abides.

The fragrance of worship, a sweet perfume, 

Rises from our lives, an offering pure, 

Adorned with petals of faith that bloom, 

We honor Jesus—the Bridegroom secure.

Captivated by His heart, we sway, 

Just as the bride captivates her King, 

In this sacred union, night turns to day, 

And our devotion becomes an eternal spring.

We are the Bride of Christ, the Church, 

Our beauty not in fleeting earthly fame, 

But in the righteousness He freely gave, 

A legacy woven into our Savior’s name.

Beyond our years, our influence extends, 

Like ripples on a tranquil, timeless sea, 

Our children, spiritual descendants, 

Carry forward the legacy of surrender, set free.

A Prayer of Surrender

Gracious Father,

In the quiet chambers of our hearts, we come before You. We recognize that our relationship with You requires surrender—a willingness to let go of old loyalties and embrace our true identity in Christ.

Lord Jesus, as believers, we honor You by offering our lives as a fragrant offering. May our worship rise like incense, adorned with the beauty of adoration. Just as the bride captivates her King’s heart, may our devotion to You captivate Your heart, O Savior.

We are part of the Bride of Christ—the Church. Our beauty lies not in fleeting appearances but in the righteousness You freely bestowed upon us. As we follow You, our influence extends beyond our earthly years. Our children and spiritual descendants carry forward the legacy of faith, hope, and love.

May our surrender be complete, our hearts yielded to Your will. In this sacred journey, may we leave footprints of grace, leading others to the foot of the cross. Let our lives echo the eternal truth: You are our Bridegroom, and we are forever Yours.

Pericope:

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

SONG FOR A ROYAL WEDDING

Psalm 45:1-18

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16

R: The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold. 

10 The queen takes her place at your right hand in gold of Ophir. (R) 11 Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear, forget your people and your father’s house. (R) 12 So shall the king desire your beauty; for he is your lord. (R) 16 They are borne in with gladness and joy; they enter the palace of the king. (R) 

Background:

This beautiful psalm is often considered a wedding song, celebrating the union of a king and his bride. Here are some insights:

The Bride’s Surrendering Love (Psalm 45:10): The psalmist addresses the bride, urging her to listen and incline her ear. She is encouraged to forget her own people and her father’s house. This symbolizes the bride’s complete devotion to her new life with the king, leaving behind her past associations and loyalties.

The Glorious Bride (Psalm 45:11-12): The bride is honored above all other kings’ daughters. Her clothing is described as “arrayed in gold,” emphasizing her beauty and majesty. The imagery here points beyond the earthly bride to the Church collectively and individual souls wedded to Christ. In the New Testament, the Church is often depicted as the Bride of Christ, awaiting the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9).

The Queen at the King’s Right Hand (Psalm 45:16): Verse 16 says, “The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold of Ophir.” This verse speaks of the exalted position of the bride (the Church) next to the King (Christ). The gold of Ophir symbolizes her splendor and preciousness.

In summary, Psalm 45 beautifully portrays the love, honor, and glory associated with the bride (the Church) and her union with the King (Christ). 

Learning Lessons:

Surrendered Devotion (Psalm 45:10): The psalmist addresses the bride, urging her to listen and incline her ear. She is called to forget her own people and her father’s house, symbolizing complete devotion to her new life with the King. We learn that our relationship with God requires surrender—a willingness to leave behind old loyalties and embrace our identity in Christ.

The Beauty of Worship (Psalm 45:11): The King desires the bride’s beauty. In the context of our faith, this points to Jesus, our ultimate King.

As believers, we honor Him by offering our lives as a fragrant offering, adorned with the beauty of worship. Our devotion to Christ should captivate His heart, just as the bride captivates the King’s heart.

The Glorious Bride (Psalm 45:12): The bride is honored above all other kings’ daughters. Her clothing is described as “arrayed in gold,” signifying purity and splendor. In our spiritual journey, we are part of the Bride of Christ—the Church. Our beauty lies in our righteousness through Him.

Eternal Impact (Psalm 45:16): “In place of your fathers shall be your sons.” This speaks of generational impact. As we follow Christ, our influence extends beyond our lifetime. Our children and spiritual descendants carry our legacy. Nations will praise us forever, echoing the eternal impact of a surrendered life.

Believe and Live

 “I am the resurrection and the life; 

whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, 

and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. 

Do you believe this?” 

JOHN 11:25-26

Believe means to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so, to have confidence or faith in the truth of (a positive assertion, story, etc.); give credence to, to have confidence in the assertions of (a person). First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English bileven, equivalent to bi- be- + leven, Old English (Anglian) gelēfan (cognate with Dutch gelooven, German glauben, Gothic galaubjan )

Jesus said, “Do you believe that I am able to do this? (Matthew 9:28). Therefore, I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you (Mark 11:24). Do not be afraid, only believe (Mark 5:36). You will see greater things than these.” (John 1:50)

“If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? (John 3:12) How can you believe, when you accept glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? (John 5:44). Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe (John 4:48). Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that 'I AM', you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent" (John 6:29). The works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me (John 10:25). If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father” (John 10:37-38).

He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through Him (John 1:17). As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (John 1:12). The one who believes in Him is not judged; the one who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God (John 3:18).

Lord Jesus, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

Published:

July 29, 2023, 8:12 AM

Trust in the Lord

“Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 

who sent His angel to deliver the servants who trusted in him; 

they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies 

rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”

(Daniel 3:95)

God is with us in times of trouble, offering protection and comfort. It is important to stand up for our beliefs and be firm in our faith, even when faced with severe consequences. Let us have absolute and unwavering faith in God, regardless of the circumstances. These lessons can be applied in many aspects of life, encouraging faith, courage, and steadfastness in the face of adversity. They also highlight the importance of our witnessing and acknowledging God’s power and sovereignty.

In times of trouble, fear, and doubt,

God is with us, there's no doubt.

Offering comfort, protection, and light,

Guiding us through the darkest night.

Stand up for beliefs, hold them high,

Even when adversity is nigh.

Firm in faith, strong in heart,

From our path, we shall not depart.

Absolute faith, unwavering and true,

In God, regardless of our view.

In every circumstance, in every plight,

In His presence, we find our might.

Lessons learned, wisdom gained,

Through trials faced, and strength attained.

In life's aspects, in every thread,

Courage and faith are our stead.

Steadfast in the face of adversity,

We highlight God's sovereignty.

Witnessing His power, acknowledging His reign,

In our hearts, His love remains.

Dear Heavenly Father,

In times of trouble, we are reminded that You are with us, offering protection and comfort, in You we place our trust. Help us to stand up for our beliefs, to be firm in our faith even when faced with severe consequences, let us not waver or hesitate.

Let us have absolute and unwavering faith in You, Lord, regardless of the circumstances, in harmony and accord. These lessons we apply in life, encouraging faith and courage, steadfast in the face of adversity, we are not discouraged.

We acknowledge Your power and sovereignty, oh God, Witnessing Your miracles, to You, we give our applaud. Thank you for being our refuge, our strength, and our guide, in Your loving presence, we forever abide.

In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Seek the Praise that comes from God

"How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another 

and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?"

(John 5:44)

Jesus is the Son of God, the fulfillment of the Scriptures, and the source of eternal life. It is God the Father Himself who testifies on His behalf. True belief and faith cannot coexist with the desire for human approval at the expense of divine approval. It comes from seeking and valuing God’s approval above all else. This is because human praise is fleeting and subjective, while God’s approval is eternal and objective. Let us focus on our relationship with God, rather than being overly concerned with how others perceive us. Our faith should not be influenced by the desire for human praise, but should be rooted in a sincere love for God and a desire to follow His commandments.

31 Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. 32 But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. 33 You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. 34 I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. 37 Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. 40 But you do not want to come to me to have life. 41 “I do not accept human praise; 42 moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. 46 For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?” (John 5:31-47)

In the grand theater of life, applause may rise and fall, human praise is fleeting, it doesn't define us at all. Subjective and transient, like shadows at dusk, in God's eternal approval, we must put our trust. God's approval is steadfast, it's objective and true, unchanging and eternal, like the sky's endless blue. In His eyes, we find our worth, in His love, we are free, His approval is the compass that guides us across life's sea. Let us focus on God, let His love be our guide, not swayed by perceptions, in His truth, we confide. Our faith should not waver with the praise of the crowd but be rooted in love for God, sincere and loud. In following His commandments, we find our true path, away from fleeting praise, away from transient wrath. For God's approval is eternal, His commandments are clear, in His love and guidance, we have nothing to fear.

Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You today, acknowledging that human praise is fleeting and subjective. We recognize that Your approval, Lord, is eternal and objective. It is You who sees our hearts and knows our true worth. Help us, Lord, to focus on our relationship with You. Let us not be overly concerned with how others perceive us, but let us strive to live in a way that pleases You. May our actions reflect our love for You and our desire to follow Your commandments. We understand that our faith should not be influenced by the desire for human praise. Instead, let it be rooted in a sincere love for You, Lord. Help us to seek Your approval above all else, knowing that it is Your approval that truly matters. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for Your unfailing love and guidance. We pray that we may always find comfort and hope in Your eternal and objective approval. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Despite our human failings, shortcomings and mistakes, God’s love for us is unwavering and His promises remain. His promises are steadfast, and He is always ready to forgive us when we come to Him with a sincere heart and a repentant spirit. This encapsulates the essence of God’s grace and mercy and a powerful reminder of the hope and redemption that is available to us all. 

7 The Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once to your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt, for they have become depraved. 8 They have soon turned aside from the way I pointed out to them, making for themselves a molten calf and worshipping it, sacrificing to it and crying out, ‘This is your God, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt!’ 9 The Lord said to Moses, “I see how stiff-necked this people is. 10 Let me alone, then, that my wrath may blaze up against them to consume them. Then I will make of you a great nation.” 11 But Moses implored the Lord, his God, saying, “Why, O Lord, should your wrath blaze up against your own people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with such great power and with so strong a hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘With evil intent he brought them out, that he might kill them in the mountains and exterminate them from the face of the earth’? Let your blazing wrath die down; relent in punishing your people. 13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, and how you swore to them by your own self, saying, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky; and all this land that I promised, I will give your descendants as their perpetual heritage.’” 14 So the Lord relented in the punishment he had threatened to inflict on his people. (Exodus 32:7-14)

In the realm of our failings, in the depth of our strife, in the midst of our shortcomings, in the chaos of life, God's love stands unwavering, a beacon so bright, His promises remain, guiding us through the night. His love, like a river, flows deep and wide, despite our human failings, it's always by our side. Our mistakes may be many, our sins not few but His forgiveness is steadfast, His love always true. His promises are anchors, steadfast and sure, in a world ever-changing, they forever endure. He's always ready to forgive, to wash away our sin when we come to Him, with a heart repentant within. So let us seek His face, with a spirit sincere and remember His promises, hold them near. For despite our human failings, one truth remains, God's love is unwavering, and His promise sustains.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging our human failings, shortcomings, and mistakes. Yet, we are comforted by the knowledge that Your love for us is unwavering and Your promises remain. Your promises are steadfast, a solid rock upon which we can stand. You are always ready to forgive us when we come to You with a sincere heart and a repentant spirit. Help us, Lord, to always remember this. Despite our imperfections, may we strive to emulate Your love and mercy in our daily lives. May we continually turn to You for guidance, strength, and forgiveness. Thank you, Lord, for Your unwavering love and steadfast promises. We pray that we may always find comfort and hope in them. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

It is God who had saved us and performed miracles that have changed our lives. Let us always remember to give Him the glory that is due to Him, and not exchange it for any idol or worldly thing. Worshipping idols is often seen in the context of religious practices where an image or representation is worshipped as if it were a deity. In a broader sense, idolatry can also refer to extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone. This could be an excessive devotion or attachment to a person, idea, or object to the point where it takes precedence over other aspects of life. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of keeping our focus on God and His goodness. 

19 Our Fathers made a calf in Horeb and adored a molten image; 20 they exchanged their glory for the image of a grass-eating bullock. 21 They forgot the God who had saved them, who had done great deeds in Egypt, 22 wondrous 23 Then he spoke of exterminating them, but Moses, his chosen one, withstood him in the breach to turn back his destructive wrath. (Psalm 106:19-20, 21-22, 23)

In the vast expanse of life's grand tapestry, God's hand has woven miracles, for you and me. He saved us from the depths, lifted us high, under His watchful gaze, beneath the endless sky. His love, like a river, in its ceaseless flow transforms our lives, makes our spirits glow. In every heartbeat, in every breath, we feel His presence, in life and death. Let us remember, in every hour to give Him glory, to acknowledge His power. For it is He who guides us, in His infinite grace, in every moment, in every place. Beware the idols, the worldly allure, for God's love alone is pure and sure. Let not our hearts be led astray by the fleeting charms that come our way. For it is God who saved us, made us whole, His love is the balm that soothes the soul. So let us give Him glory, let our voices sing, of our loving God, our eternal King.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude. It is You who have saved us, performed miracles, and brought about transformative changes in our lives. We stand in awe of Your mighty works and Your unfailing love. We acknowledge that all glory is due to You, Lord. You are the source of our strength, our hope, and our salvation. We pledge not to exchange Your glory for any idol or worldly thing. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, to seek Your kingdom above all else. Lord, guide us in our daily lives. Help us to remember Your promises and Your goodness. May we always turn to You with a sincere heart and a repentant spirit, knowing that You are always ready to forgive us. Thank you, Lord, for Your unwavering love and steadfast promises. We pray that we may always find comfort and hope in them. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

The Book of Signs

WITNESSES TO JESUS

John 5:31-47

IV: The Dwelling and its Furnishings

THE GOLDEN CALF

Exodus 32:1-29

Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106

ISRAEL'S CONFESSION OF SIN

Psalm 106:1-48

Reflection Source:

Copilot in Edge