Message of 1-20-11
Published: Wed, 01/12/11
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
The cost of true greatness is humble, selfless, sacrificial
service. The Christian who desires to be great and first in the
kingdom is the one who is willing to serve in the hard place, the
uncomfortable place, the lonely place, the demanding place, the
place where he is not appreciated and may even be persecuted.
Knowing that time is short and eternity is long, he is willing to
spend and be spent. He is willing to work for excellence without
becoming proud, to withstand criticism without becoming bitter, to
be misjudged without becoming defensive, and to withstand suffering
without succumbing to self pity.
- John MacArthur
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE DAY
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Heb 7:25--8:6; Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17; Mk 3:7-12
R. (8a and 9a) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."
"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
May all who seek you
exult and be glad in you,
And may those who love your salvation
say ever, "The LORD be glorified."
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MEDITATION ON THE GOSPEL
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"He had cured many, and as a result, those who had diseases were
pressing upon him to touch him."
Again, Jesus shows the healing power of a simple touch. When we're
broken or suffering for any reason, mental or physical, we can find
immensely curative benefits from a gentle touch. Just to know that
someone cares enough to reach out to us is restorative. Imagine
how those who reached out to Jesus and had their request met must
have felt. We're called to show the same compassion to those who
press upon us in want and need.
"Lord, guide us to reach out to all your children in mercy and
love, we pray."
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SPIRITUAL READING
- "Imitation of Christ," by Thomas A. Kempis
- The Disciple
Nevertheless, our neglect and coldness is much to be deplored and
pitied, when we are not moved to receive with greater fervor Christ
in Whom is the hope and merit of all who will be saved. He is our
sanctification and redemption. He is our consolation in this life
and the eternal joy of the blessed in heaven. This being true, it
is lamentable that many pay so little heed to the salutary Mystery
which fills the heavens with joy and maintains the whole universe in
being.
- Book 4, Chapter 1
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