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        On the Heavier Side >> Faith, Beliefs & Philosophy >> January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
        
(Message started by: gracia on Jan 3rd, 2005, 4:31am)
Title: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 3rd, 2005, 4:31am
January 1, 2004............Luke 2:16-21

And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child;   and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.   But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.   And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.   And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.  

Guide question:
What 'issues' make you feel unworthy before others?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 3rd, 2005, 5:02am
January 2, 2005 ..............Matthew 2: 1 - 12

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: `And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.'" Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was.      When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Guide question:

What darkness has Christ led you out of?  Are you now living in His light?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 3rd, 2005, 5:04am
January 3, 2005...............Matthew 1: 18 - 23

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit;
and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us).

Guide question:

Do you find it hard to forgive? Why?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 5th, 2005, 2:37am
January 4, 2005.............Mark 6:34-44

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.  By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already very late.  Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat."  He said to them in reply, "Give them some food yourselves."  But they said to him, "Are we to buy two hundred days' wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?"  He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?  Go and see."  And when they had found out they said, "Five loaves and two fish."  So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass.  The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties.  Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to (his) disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all.  They all ate and were satisfied.  And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish.  Those who ate (of the loaves) were five thousand men.

Guide question:

Do you appreciate the things your family does for you?  Wehn was the last time you said "thank you" to them?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 5th, 2005, 2:41am
January 5, 2004............Mark 6:45-52

Then he made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaid, while he dismissed the crowd.  And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray.  When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore.  Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them.  About the fourth watch of the right, he came toward them walking on the sea.  He meant to pass by them.  But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out.  They had all seen him and were terrified.  But at once he spoke with them, "Take courage, it is I do not be afraid!"  He got into the boat with them and the wind died down.  They were (completely) astounded.  They had not understood the incident of the loaves.  On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

Guide question:

do you see God as the Provider of all your needs?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 7th, 2005, 2:59am
January 6, 2005.............Luke 4:14-22

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread thoughout the whole region.  He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and  wnt according  to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day.  He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.  He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:  "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has annointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord."  Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.  He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."  And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.  They also asked, "Isn't this the son of Joseph?"

Guide question:

How has humble service worked for your own good?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 7th, 2005, 3:03am
January 6, 2005..............JOhn 3:22-30

Now there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where he was;  and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, "Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean."  Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I do will it.  Be made clean."  And the leprosy left him immediately.  Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but "Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them."  The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.

Guide question:

Are you truly aware of your need for God?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 7th, 2005, 10:01am
January 7, 2005..........Luke 5:12-16

Now there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where he was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him,  and said, "Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean."  Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and asid, "I do will it.  Be made clean."  And the leprosy left him immediately.  Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but "Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them."  The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of theri ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.

Guide question:

are you truly aware of your need for God?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 8th, 2005, 3:04am
January 8, 2005...........John 3:22-30

After this, Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing.  John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people coeme to be baptized, for John had not yet been imprisoned.  Now a disputre arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings.  So they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him."  JOhn answered and said, "No one can receive anything except what has been given him from heaven.  You yourselves can testify that I said (that) I am not the Messiah, but that I was sent before him.  The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice.  So this joy of mine has been made complete.  He must increase, I must decrease."

Guide question:

Are you giving back to the Giver of all gifts? HOw?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 8th, 2005, 4:34am

Quote:
do you find it hard to forgive?


NO.  i can easily forgive..but i need few days to forget it. I won't be at peace if i'll keep hatred...it should be thrash away.


Quote:
do you appreciate the things your family does for you? When was the last time you said "thank you" to they?"


Yes i do appreciate the things that my family extended for me....i'm so lucky to have family like them, i can't ask for more, especially to my brother who sent me to school, my brother who rescued me always thru the bad times and my parents who always supported me and my family.  I can't thank God enough...and i keep on thanking God for that great blessing.



Quote:
do you see God as the Provider of all your needs?


Yes i do believe that God provides all my needs.  I am nothing withou Him....God provide all the resources...its up to make to make use of it to its fullest....as the saying goes  "do your best and God will do the rest"


Quote:
how has humble service worked for your own good?


i dont have enemies coz i am humble except for few interludes but then no big fights will happen if one is humble.  I'll always make it a point to say sorry even if i dont have to...for the sake of reconcilliation...but then it happen so rarely.  But if the person doesnt want to make peace with me...i'll give him/her time...and pray for him/her.  I dont want to beg either...sometimes begging is not always good, maybe except for some few instances.
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 8th, 2005, 4:55am

Quote:
are you truly aware of your need for God?


Yes, i am truly aware that i do need God.  I can't imagine myself what i would be  like without God.  I beg God not to leave me though.  Am very used to having Him with me and my family...and am so glad about it.

[quote]are you giving back to the Giver of all gifts? How?[quote]

I'm giving tithes...alms giving...despite of my little income...God only ask a little..and i'm doing my best to give it back.
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by norkay on Jan 8th, 2005, 6:32am

Quote:
What darkness has Christ led you out of?  Are you now living in His light?

I was once a rebellious child and that it led me into an outrageous way of spending so much time in the darkness.God's light can never be covered when shines.I am so happy He directed it to me very brightly.I am still human though living in this sinful world.


Quote:
Do you find it hard to forgive? Why?

I find it hard sometimes especially when i know it was done intentionally to me.But i always forgive.


Quote:
Do you appreciate the things your family does for you?  Wehn was the last time you said "thank you" to them?

Yes very much.Almost everytime i talk to them,and i actually just did.


Quote:
do you see God as the Provider of all your needs?

There is no one who i believe my provider BUT GOD!



Quote:
Are you truly aware of your need for God?

There is nothing more important than the Lord! He is the Source of everything and that means,without Him,I have nothing.
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 9th, 2005, 4:40pm
January 9, 2005 ......Matthew 3:13-17

Then Jesus came from Galilee to Joh at the Jordan to be baptized by him.  John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?"   Jesus said to him in reply, "A  "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting fo you us to fulfill all righteousness."  Then he allowed him.  After Jesus was bapitized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him.  And a voice came from the heavens, saying. "This is my beloved Son, with who I am well pleased."

Guide question:

Do you see God's glory in the simplest things?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 10th, 2005, 3:22am
January 10, 2005.........Mark 1:14-20

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."  And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.  And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men."  And immediately they left their nets and followed him.   And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zeb'edee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets.  And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zeb'edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him.

Guide question:

What is God calling you to do today?  What is your response?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 12th, 2005, 2:47am
January 11, 2005............Mark 1:21-28

Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taugt.  The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.  In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;  he cried out, "What have you dou to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who you are -- the Holy One of God!"  Jesus rebuked him and said,  "Quiet! Come our of him!"  The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.  All were amazed and asked one another, "What is this?  A new teaching with authority.  He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him."  His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Guide question:

Is your life a model of how you choose good over evil?  What concrete steps can you attain moral authority?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 12th, 2005, 2:52am
January 12, 2005...........Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.  Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.  They immediately told him about her.  He approached, grasped her hand, and hellped her up.  Then the fever left her and she waited on them.  When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.  The whole town was gathered at the door.  He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.  Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.  Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said,  "Everyone is looking for you."  He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also.  For this purpose have I come."  So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole Galilee.

Guide question:

How is God's power unleased in your daily life?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 13th, 2005, 2:16am
January 13, 2005..........Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to him (and kneeling down) begged him and said, "If you wish, you can make me clean."  Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, an dsaid to him, "I do will it.  Be made clean." The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.  Then,  warning him sternly, he desmissed him at once.  Then he sadi to him, "See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them."  The man went away an began to publicized the whole matter.  He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly.  He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

Guide question:

Do you take time to prepare yourself before receiving God in the Holy Eucharist? How?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 14th, 2005, 3:48am
January 14, 2005........Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home.  Many gathered together so that tehre was no longer room for htem, not even around the door, andhe preached the word to them.  They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.  Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him.  AFter they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.  When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Chil, your sins are forgiven."  Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, "Why does this man speak that way?  He is blaspheming.  Who but God alone can forgive sins?"  Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, "Why are you thinking to themselves, so he said, "Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven, or to say, 'Rise, pick up your mat and walk?"  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth"  he said to the paralytic, "I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home."  He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone.  They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this."

Guide question:

Do you take God for His word when He says everything will be alright?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 15th, 2005, 2:53am
January 15, 2005...................Mark 2:13-17

Once again he went out along th sea.  All the crowd came to him and he taught them.  As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post.  He said to him, "Follow me."  And he got up and followed him.  While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him.  Som scribes who were Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  Jesus heard this and said to them (that), "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.  I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

Guide question:

Do you believe God is using you despite your brokenness? HOw?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 15th, 2005, 3:17am

Quote:
do you see God's glory in the simplest of things?[/wuote]

Yes, God's glory for me can be more seen in simple things, and most of the time was also taken for granted.  As much as possible, i always appreciate all the little things and that most of the times, it scares me to see a larger one.  I'm used to simple things.

[quote]is your life a model of how to choose good over evil?  What concrete steps can you do to attain moral authority?


in some way yes, i was able to choose good over evil, but in the context of moral laws, i think i never violated one yet.


Quote:
how is God's power unleased in your daily life?


I was able to live life fully and contentedly and that it gives me more peace on top of everything...that is how God's power do to me.


Quote:
do you take time to prepare yourself before receiving God in the Holy Eucharist?  How?


Sometimes i confessed before i received the HOly Eucharist, and most of time i have to pray to HIm, hoping i am worthy to take Him.


Quote:
do you take God for HIs word when He says everything will be alright?


Yes, i do believe on HIs word.  I consider hardships a preparation of something and i do believe that things will never come easy. I have to strive and struggle in order to have a good or better life.
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 15th, 2005, 3:22am
January 16, 2005............Matthew 18:1-5, 10

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  He called a child over, placed it on their mids, and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.  "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.

Guide question:

What are you doing to enrich  the lives of the people you live and work with?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by norkay on Jan 15th, 2005, 7:48am
Guide question:


Quote:
Do you see God's glory in the simplest things?

Yes, i see God's glory in everything,either in small or big things.


Quote:
Guide question:
Is your life a model of how you choose good over evil?  What concrete steps can you attain moral authority?

There are times when i'm weak and when i'm strong.And i think i am strong most of the time to choose good over evil.


Quote:
Guide question:
Do you take God for His word when He says everything will be alright?

I believe in God, and His word is my best comfort.
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 18th, 2005, 5:46am
January 17, 2005............Mary 2:18-22

Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"  And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.   The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.  No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; if he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made.  And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but new wine is for fresh skins."  

Guide question:

How am I  a better person today than I was yesterday?  How can I be even better tomorrow?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 18th, 2005, 5:50am
January 18, 2005..........Mark 2:23-28


One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain.  
And the Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?"  And he said to them, "Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him:  how he entered the house of God, when Abi'athar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?"  And he said to them, "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath;  so the Son of man is lord even of the sabbath."  

Guide question:

How often do you give in to peer pressure even if it means going against God's will?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 19th, 2005, 4:28am
January 19, 2005.........Mark 3:1-6

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand.   And they watched him, to see whether he would heal him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him.  And he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come here."  And he said to them, "Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent.  And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.  The Pharisees went out, and immediately held counsel with the Hero'di-ans against him, how to destroy him.  
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 24th, 2005, 2:35am
January 20, 2005..........Mark 3:7-12

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.  A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.  Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordanm, and frm the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.  He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they wyold not crush him.  He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him.  And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, "You are the Son of God."  He warned them sternly not to make him know.

Guide question:

Who is the "star"  in your life?  Do you give the glory to God or to yourself?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 24th, 2005, 2:39am
January 21, 2005.............Mark 3:13-19

He went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.  He appointed twelve whom he also named apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons:  (he appointed the twelve:) Simon, whom he named after Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder;  Andrew, Philip, Batholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

Guide question:

How has pride kept you from accepting God completely in your life?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 24th, 2005, 3:09am
January 22, 2005..........Mark 3:20-21

He came home. Again (the) crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat.  When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

Guide question:

Do you live a life of balance?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 24th, 2005, 3:24am
January 23, 2005............Matthew 4:12-23


When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.  He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:  "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light has arisen."  From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."  As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.  He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."  At once they left their nets and followed him.  He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.  They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.  He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.  He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.

Guide question:

How do you manifest the kingdom of heaven in your life right now?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 24th, 2005, 3:29am
January 24, 2005.............Mark 3:22-30

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebul," and "By the prince of demons he drives out demons."  Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, "How can Satan drive out Satan?  If a kingdom is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.  And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him.  But no one can enter a strong man's house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man.  Then he can plunder his house.  Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies  that people utter will be forgiven them.  But whoever blasphemes against the holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin."  For they had said, "He has an unclean spirit.

Guide question:

How has Satan influenced your way of thinking?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 25th, 2005, 3:32am
January 25, 2005............Mark 16: 15 - 18

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.   He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.   And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;  they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Guide question:

Is Jesus your first choice or last resort?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by norkay on Jan 25th, 2005, 5:31am
Whew....questions are so touching  :-[....i'm so speechless that i can't even begin giving replies to them.I think i need sometime to meditate and learn of myself. But thank you very sis Gracia.*hugs*
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 25th, 2005, 9:21am
Sis Krissy....same here......same here....
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 25th, 2005, 9:43am

Quote:
Is Jesus your first choice or last resort?  


Even before i joined CFC....i already have this habit of turning to God or calling Him even how simple the problem was....even then...there were many cases happen in the past that when i'm overwhelmed with joy, i can only thank God when that tremendous feelings died down...God came out last.  Most of the times, when storm gets in the way, i try to solve it the best i can at first and when i failed to solve it...i turn to God and offer everything to Him....seems like God came out last....But i can't really say that God was my last resort...because..while i was trying to solve the problem... thinking how...or in what way.... i asked for HIs guidance.....maybe that was not enough...God wants to have it all....total surrender and complete trust.  
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 26th, 2005, 3:13am
January 26, 2005...........Mark 4:1-20

On another occasion he began to teach by the sea.  A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down.  And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land.  And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, "Hear this!  A sower went out to sow.  And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil.  It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep.  And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots.  Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain.  And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit.  It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty , and a hundredfold."  He added, "Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear."  And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables.  He answered them,  "The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you.  But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that 'they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.?  Jesus said to them, "Do you not understand this parable?  Then how will you understand any of the parables?  The sower sows the word.  These are the ones on the path where the word is sown.  As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them.  ANd these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy.  But they have no root; they last only for a time.  Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.  Those sown among thorns are another sort.  They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit.  But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold."

Guide question:

Have you taken time to discern your purpose in life?  Are you living the life of God wants for you?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 27th, 2005, 2:28am
January 27, 2005...........Mark 4:21-25

He said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?  For there is nothing is secret except to come to light.  Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.  The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you.  To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away."

Guide question:

What do you do in times of financial, spiritual or emotional drought?  Do you wait for the rain with hope or wither in despair?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 29th, 2005, 4:33am
January 29. 2005..........Mark 4:35-41

On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, "Let us cross to the other side."  Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was.  And other boats were with him.  A violent squall came up and waves were breaking  over the boat, so that it was already filling up.  Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.  They woke him and said to him, "TEacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"  He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet!  Be still!"  The wind ceased and there was great calm.  Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified?  Do you not yet have faith?"  They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"

Guide question:

Are you hesitant to share your problems with others for fear of being rejected or rediculed?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 31st, 2005, 2:58am

Quote:
Have you taken time to discern your purpose in life?  Are you living the life of God wants for you?


Everytime i tried to discern my purpose in life, all that came up was just to be good, serve and love Him above everything else.  Doing such is not all that easy, and so i keep on trying to live with that kind of life.


Quote:
What do you do in times of financial, spiritual or emotional drought?  Do you wait for the rain with hope or wither in despair?


When in time of financial, spiritual or emotional drought,  i pray for rain and pray and pray.  I believe and trust the power of prayers always.


Quote:
Are you hesitant to share your problems with others for fear of being rejected or rediculed?


I won't be hesitant to share my problems as long as i know the person so well.  I won't just share my problems to people i don't know much or vice versa.  It's the confidentiality and trust that matters.
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 31st, 2005, 3:04am
January 30, 2005.........Matthew 5:1-12

Whe he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.  He began to teach them, saying:  "Blessed are the poor in the spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.  Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.  Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when they insult you  and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.  Rejoice an dbe glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.  Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Guide question:

How would you like to be remembered after you pass away?
Title: Re: January 2005 .....GOSPEL READING
Post by gracia on Jan 31st, 2005, 3:18am
January 31, 2005.................Mark 5:1-20

They came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes.  When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him.  The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain.  In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him.  NIght and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones.  Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, "What have  you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?  I adjure you by God, do not torment me!?  (He had been saying to him, "Unclean spirit,  come out of the me!")  He asked him,  "What is your name?"  He replied, "Legion is my name.  There are many of us."  And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory.  Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside.  And they pleaded with him,  "Send us into the swine.  Let us enter them."  And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine.  The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned.  The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside.  And people came out to see what had happened.  As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind.  And they were seized with fear.  Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine.  Then they began to beg him to leave their district.  As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him.  But he would not permit him but told him instead, "Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you."  Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Dacapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

Guide question:

How do you handle the problems in your family?  Do you surrender them to the Father?


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