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        On the Heavier Side >> Faith, Beliefs & Philosophy >> March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
        
(Message started by: gracia on Mar 1^st, 2005, 2:55am)

Title: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 1^st, 2005, 2:55am

Matthew 18: 21 - 35 ..........March 1, 2005

Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents;
and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, `Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, `Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, `You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 2^nd, 2005, 2:59am

Matthew 5: 17 - 19 .......march 2, 2005

"Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 3^rd, 2005, 8:42am

Luke 11: 14 - 23 .........March 3, 2005

Now he was casting out a demon that was dumb; when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke, and the people marveled.
But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Be-el'zebul, the prince of demons"; while others, to test him, sought from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul. And if I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges.
But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoil. He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 5^th, 2005, 3:12am

Mark 12: 28 - 34 .....march 4, 2005

And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus answered, "The first is, `Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." And the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there is no other but he; and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any question.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 5^th, 2005, 3:15am

Luke 18: 9 - 14 .............March 5, 2005

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 5^th, 2005, 3:25am

John 9: 1 - 41 ...........March 6, 2005

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Silo'am" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am the man." They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, `Go to Silo'am and wash'; so I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know." They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet." The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself." His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if any one should confess him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age, ask him." So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, "Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see."

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 7^th, 2005, 5:40am

John 4: 43 - 54 ....March 7, 2005

After the two days he departed to Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they too had gone to the feast. So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Caper'na-um there was an official whose son was ill. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was living. So he asked them the hour when he began to mend, and they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live"; and he himself believed, and all his household. This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 9^th, 2005, 3:31am

John 5: 1 - 16.......March 8, 2005

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Beth-za'tha, which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked. Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, `Take up your pallet, and walk.'" They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, `Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. And this was why the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did this on the sabbath.

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Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 9^th, 2005, 3:35am

John 5: 17 - 30 ....March 9, 2005

But Jesus answered them, "My Father is working still, and I am working." This was why the Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but also called God his Father, making himself equal with God. Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all that he himself is doing; and greater works than these will he show him, that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. "Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, and has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. "I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

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Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 10^th, 2005, 10:53am

John 5: 31 - 47 .........March 10, 2005

If I bear witness to myself, my testimony is not true; there is another who bears witness to me, and I know that the testimony which he bears to me is true. You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Not that the testimony which I receive is from man; but I say this that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness to me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen; and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe him whom he has sent. You search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me; yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from men. But I know that you have not the love of God within you. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, who receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; it is Moses who accuses you, on whom you set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?"

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Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 11^th, 2005, 10:39am

John 7: 1 - 2, 10, 25 - 30 ......March 11, 2005

After this Jesus went about in Galilee; he would not go about in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him. Now the Jews' feast of Tabernacles was at hand. But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, "Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? Yet we know where this man comes from; and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from." So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, "You know me, and you know where I come from? But I have not come of my own accord; he who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me." So they sought to arrest him; but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come.

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Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 12^th, 2005, 2:37am

John 7: 40 - 53 .........March 12, 2005

When they heard these words, some of the people said, "This is really the prophet." Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the scripture said that the Christ is descended from David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?" So there was a division among the people over him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. The officers then went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why did you not bring him?" The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this man!" The Pharisees answered them, "Are you led astray, you also? Have any of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, who do not know the law, are accursed."
Nicode'mus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, "Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?" They replied, "Are you from Galilee too? Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee." They went each to his own house,

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Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 12^th, 2005, 3:01am

John 9: 1, 6 - 9, 13 - 17, 34 - 38 .........March 13, 2005

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Silo'am" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am the man." They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet." They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you." He said, "Lord, I believe"; and he worshiped him.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 15^th, 2005, 2:51am

John 8: 1 - 11 ........March 14, 2005

but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple; all the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such. What do you say about her?" This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." And once more he bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the eldest, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus looked up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again."

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Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 15^th, 2005, 2:53am

John 8: 21 - 30 ....March 15, 2005

Again he said to them, "I go away, and you will seek me and die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come." Then said the Jews, "Will he kill himself, since he says, `Where I am going, you cannot come'?" He said to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he." They said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "Even what I have told you from the beginning. I have much to say about you and much to judge; but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him." They did not understand that he spoke to them of the Father. So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority but speak thus as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him." As he spoke thus, many believed in him.

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Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 16^th, 2005, 4:24am

John 8: 31 - 42 ..........March 16, 2005

Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham, and have never been in bondage to any one. How is it that you say, `You will be made free'?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not continue in the house for ever; the son continues for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father." They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do what Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God; this is not what Abraham did. You do what your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded and came forth from God; I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.

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Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 17^th, 2005, 5:55am

John 8: 51 - 59

Truly, truly, I say to you, if any one keeps my word, he will never see death." The Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, as did the prophets; and you say, `If any one keeps my word, he will never taste death.' Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you claim to be?" Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing; it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is your God. But you have not known him; I know him. If I said, I do not know him, I should be a liar like you; but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw it and was glad." The Jews then said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." So they took up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.

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Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 18^th, 2005, 4:54am

John 10: 31 - 42 .........March 18, 2004

The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of these do you stone me?" The Jews answered him, "It is not for a good work that we stone you but for blasphemy; because you, being a man, make yourself God." Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, `I said, you are gods'? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came (and scripture cannot be broken), do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, `You are blaspheming,' because I said, `I am the Son of God'? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." Again they tried to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John at first baptized, and there he remained. And many came to him; and they said, "John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true." And many believed in him there.

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Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 19^th, 2005, 3:46am

Luke 2: 41 - 51 ..........March 19, 2005

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

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Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 22^nd, 2005, 2:50am

Matthew 27: 11 - 54 ..............March 20, 2005

Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus said, "You have said so." But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?" But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge; so that the governor wondered greatly. Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner, called Barab'bas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you, Barab'bas or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much over him today in a dream." Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the people to ask for Barab'bas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" And they said, "Barab'bas." Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Let him be crucified." And he said, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified." So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." And all the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!" Then he released for them Barab'bas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the praetorium, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe upon him, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on his head, and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they spat upon him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man of Cyre'ne, Simon by name; this man they compelled to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Gol'gotha (which means the place of a skull), they offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus the King of the Jews." Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, `I am the Son of God.'" And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, la'ma sabach-tha'ni?" that is, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" And some of the bystanders hearing it said, "This man is calling Eli'jah." And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Eli'jah will come to save him." And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and the rocks were split; the tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe, and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 22^nd, 2005, 2:52am

John 12: 1 - 11 ...........March 21, 2005

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Laz'arus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Laz'arus was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said, "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me." When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Laz'arus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Laz'arus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 22^nd, 2005, 2:55am

John 13: 21 - 33, 36 - 38 .........March 22, 2005

When Jesus had thus spoken, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, "Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me."
The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke.
One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying close to the breast of Jesus; so Simon Peter beckoned to him and said, "Tell us who it is of whom he speaks." So lying thus, close to the breast of Jesus, he said to him, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly." Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the money box, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the feast"; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified; if God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, `Where I am going you cannot come.' Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow afterward." Peter said to him, "Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the cock will not crow, till you have denied me three times.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 23^rd, 2005, 6:31am

Matthew 26: 14 - 25 .........March 23, 2005

Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the passover?" He said, "Go into the city to a certain one, and say to him, `The Teacher says, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at your house with my disciples.'" And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the passover. When it was evening, he sat at table with the twelve disciples; and as they were eating, he said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me." And they were very sorrowful, and began to say to him one after another, "Is it I, Lord?" He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me, will betray me. The Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." Judas, who betrayed him, said, "Is it I, Master?" He said to him, "You have said so."

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 23^rd, 2005, 6:34am

John 13: 1 - 15 ..........March 24, 2005

Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
And during supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. He came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?"
Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand." Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part in me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over; and you are clean, but not every one of you."
For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "You are not all clean." When he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 27^th, 2005, 4:23pm

John 18: 1 - 40 .........March 25, 2005

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, procuring a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When he said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he; so, if you seek me, let these men go." This was to fulfil the word which he had spoken, "Of those whom thou gavest me I lost not one." Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?" So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews seized Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas; for he was the father-in-law of Ca'iaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Ca'iaphas who had given counsel to the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. As this disciple was known to the high priest, he entered the court of the high priest along with Jesus, while Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the maid who kept the door, and brought Peter in. The maid who kept the door said to Peter, "Are not you also one of this man's disciples?" He said, "I am not." Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves; Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together; I have said nothing secretly. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me, what I said to them; they know what I said." When he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?" Annas then sent him bound to Ca'iaphas the high priest. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, "Are not you also one of his disciples?" He denied it and said, "I am not." One of the servants of the high priest, a kinsman of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" Peter again denied it; and at once the cock crowed. Then they led Jesus from the house of Ca'iaphas to the praetorium. It was early. They themselves did not enter the praetorium, so that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?" They answered him, "If this man were not an evildoer, we would not have handed him over." Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." The Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put any man to death." This was to fulfil the word which Jesus had spoken to show by what death he was to die. Pilate entered the praetorium again and called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?"6 Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice." Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again, and told them, "I find no crime in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover; will you have me release for you the King of the Jews?" They cried out again, "Not this man, but Barab'bas!" Now Barab'bas was a robber.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 28^th, 2005, 5:14am

Matthew 28: 1 - 10 ..........March 26, 2005

Now after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Mag'dalene and the other Mary went to see the sepulchre. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. Lo, I have told you." So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Hail!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 28^th, 2005, 5:17am

John 20: 1 - 9 ...........March 27, 2005

Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag'dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 29^th, 2005, 4:33am

Matthew 28: 8 - 15 ..........March 28, 2005

So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Hail!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me." While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sum of money to the soldiers and said, "Tell people, `His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.' And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So they took the money and did as they were directed; and this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 29^th, 2005, 4:39am

John 20: 11 - 18 .........March 29, 2005

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rab-bo'ni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Mary Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 30^th, 2005, 7:01am

Luke 24: 13 - 35 ........March 30, 2005

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emma'us, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cle'opas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see."
And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Mar 31^st, 2005, 9:52am

Luke 24: 35 - 48 ................March 31, 2005

Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them. But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them. Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 1^st, 2005, 4:16am

John 21: 1 - 14 ..........April 1, 2005

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe'ri-as; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan'a-el of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb'edee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat,and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Guide question:

how has God revealed himself to you?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 1^st, 2005, 4:21am

How has God revealed himself to you?

I can't be what i am now without God, i can't have all these wonderful blessings He imparted on me, my family without Him, i can't get on with life without HIm assisting me, guiding me, protecting me, loving me unconditionally especially during those times of hardships and difficulties. He enlightened me all the way.

Thank you God for being so good to me

Title: Re: April 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 2^nd, 2005, 7:07am

Mark 16: 9 - 15 ..........April 2, 2005

Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

Guide question:

In times of darkness and doubt, who do you turn to?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 2^nd, 2005, 7:09am

In times of darkness and doubt, who do you turn to?

I always turn to God whatever case there is, and no one else. As I have always said, I am nothing without Him, and i'm so dependent on Him in all ways.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 4^th, 2005, 6:28am

John 20: 19 - 31 ...........April 3, 2005

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Guide Question:
How has God sent to you to bring peace to the World?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 4^th, 2005, 6:39am

how has God sent you to bring peace to the World?

God gave me peace of mind, peace of heart, peace of soul, so in everything i do it goes with peace. Peace must have to begin in me in order for me to bring peace to my family, neighborhood, community. It's difficult to bring peace at all times considering that i also have human qualities that will somehow hinder in bringing peace, but at least i know how. I'm working it out to be consistent in bringing peace.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 4^th, 2005, 6:42am

Luke 1: 26 - 38 .........April 4, 2005

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible."
And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

[b]Do you have a joyful heart in waiting for God's will to happen in your life[b]

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 4^th, 2005, 6:47am

do you have a joyful heart in waiting for God's will to happen in your life?

I'm not sure if i have a joyful heart, but i pray to God always, that i may have the open heart and mind to whatever might happen in my life that is His will.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 5^th, 2005, 3:36am

John 3: 7 - 15........April 5, 2005

Do not marvel that I said to you, `You must be born anew.'
The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." Nicode'mus said to him, "How can this be?" Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand this? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."

Guide Question:

How you found yourself in a difficult situation that you've surrendered everything to the Lord? How did the Lord answer your prayers?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 5^th, 2005, 3:40am

How you found yourself in a difficult situation that you've surrendered everything to the Lord? How did the Lord answer your prayers?

I always have this attitude "do your best and God will do the rest"..when difficulty arises, i'll work on possible solutions together with prayers and most of the times, when my efforts is futile then i give up and offer to God everything.....meaning He'll be the driver of my life already. God answered my prayers justly and i'm very very thankful to Him for that, very sincerely.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 6^th, 2005, 5:06am

John 3: 16 - 21 ..........April 6, 2005

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgmement that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.

Guide question:

In what area of darkness in your life is God shining now?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 6^th, 2005, 5:13am

In what area of darkness in your life is God shining now?

God is always there to provide light, sometimes its me who prefers to be in the dark because of lack of faith, due to lack of trust, that i'm trying to be a driver of my life instead of God doing it to me. It's a struggle still and that i am trying to let God shines on me in all areas of my life.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 7^th, 2005, 3:57am

John 3: 31 - 36 ..........April 7, 2005

He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth belongs to the earth, and of the earth he speaks; he who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony; he who receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for it is not by measure that he gives the Spirit; the Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him.

Guide Question:

Do you live your life with a perspective of eternity?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 7^th, 2005, 4:03am

[b]Do you live your life with a perspective of eternity? [b]

I live with fear in God because i wanted to live my next life In His Kingdom. I can't say i live my life with a perspective of eternity at all times, because I am a sinner and as of this time, i'll always be a sinner, no matter how much i tried hard, i still be a sinner. But i'm not losing hope, only God knows where i'll be in the end, and i'm doing my very best to please HIm in my own little ways.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 8^th, 2005, 9:12am

John 6: 1 - 15 ..............April 8, 2005

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiber'i-as. And a multitude followed him, because they saw the signs which he did on those who were diseased. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a multitude was coming to him, Jesus said to Philip, "How are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?" This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little." One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many?" Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost." So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign which he had done, they said, "This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world!"
Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Guide question:

Have you ever lost hope?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 8^th, 2005, 9:14am

Have you ever lost hope

I have few dreams that i'd lost hope in accomplishing it, but never I lost hope in God. Hope in God gives me a positive outlook in life.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 8^th, 2005, 9:18am

John 6: 16 - 21 .......April 9, 2005

When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Caper'na-um. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea rose because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat. They were frightened, but he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

Guide Question:

Do you believe that when you ask, you will receive?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 8^th, 2005, 9:23am

Do you believe that when you ask, you will receive?

Yes, i do believe that when I ask, i can receive and i do believe too that not all i've ask will do good to me, so it is God who will decide if i deserve to have it or it might do good for me to have it at a later time or none at all.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by Norkay on Apr 8^th, 2005, 12:09pm

Quote:

Guide Question:
Do you believe that when you ask, you will receive?

Yes,i believe i always receive when i ask BUT I shouldn't expect that when i asked,it's like boom! it's there. I should not expect either that i always get the answer i want.God knows what's the best and sometimes the answer we wanna get is not the best one.Sometimes we think we were not answered,no, we are always answered.We just only have to learn how to see the answer given,accept it, believe it's God's descision and again,God knows what's the best and every answer given has a purpose,no matter how upset we are sometimes when we get answers and they are not what we wanted or expected.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 11^th, 2005, 11:13am

Luke 24: 13 - 35 ..........April 10, 2005

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emma'us, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cle'opas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see."
And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Guide Question:

Do you believe that miracles can happen to you?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 11^th, 2005, 11:17am

Do you believe that miracles can happen to you?

While i was still not in CFC, i always think that miracle is quite impossible to occur to an ordinary and a sinner creature like me. By then i still don't know the deeper meaning of the word "miracle'. And since i joined CFC i found out that waking up every morning is a miracle already and i should be thankful that it happen to me and to all my love ones. So i would say that as long as i wake up each morning and my loved ones too, then God performs His miracle to me everyday.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 11^th, 2005, 11:20am

John 6: 22 - 29.........April 11, 2005

On the next day the people who remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. However, boats from Tiber'i-as came near the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the people saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Caper'na-um, seeking Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal." Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."

Guide Question;

Are you still working for earthly treasures?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 11^th, 2005, 11:23am

Are you still working for earthly treasures?

In my case, i'm working what pleases God and at the same time for my family. I'm not working too much for earthly treasures, i'll be contented of what God has given us and that i try to make sure to give time for the LOrd, for He owns the TIME that i am enjoying right now.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 12^th, 2005, 5:30am

John 6: 30 - 35 .......April 12, 2005

So they said to him, "Then what sign do you do, that we may see, and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven, and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Lord, give us this bread always."
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.

Guide Question:

What is the bread that you pursue in your life?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 12^th, 2005, 5:36am

What is the bread that you pursue in your life?

I'm working on the bread of life, it's not easy but i'll keep trying and hoping. I hope being in CFC will help me to keep holding on.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by Norkay on Apr 12^th, 2005, 1:11pm

Quote:

How you found yourself in a difficult situation that you've surrendered everything to the Lord? How did the Lord answer your prayers?

Difficult situations taught me how to surrender to the Lord and many times I've been in "no-way-out" situation.It's so upsetting to see sometimes that I take the Lord as my last choice.

I cried out to the Lord and He renewed me.I believe I am a lot better person now than how I was when I was still a "dark" black sheep.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 13^th, 2005, 4:11am

John 6: 35 - 40 .......April 13, 2005

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

Guide Question:

Are you ready to face challenges in your service to the communtiy

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 13^th, 2005, 4:14am

Are you ready to face challenges in your service to the communtiy

I will not say I am ready, but I ask God for HIs help everytime i'm embraced with challenges in my service to the community. I can't do without God, I'll be ready as long as He is there willing and ready to help me out.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 14^th, 2005, 4:29am

John 6: 44 - 51 ...........April 14, 2005

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, `And they shall all be taught by God.' Every one who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that any one has seen the Father except him who is from God; he has seen the Father. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh."

Guide Question:

[b]How can you be a symbol of unity?[b]

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 15^th, 2005, 3:20am

How can you be a symbol of unity?

I can be a symbol of unity when i practice and live with unity in myself, in my household, in my neighborhood, in my service and I'm trying to do just that everyday of my life.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 15^th, 2005, 3:24am

John 6: 52 - 59 ....April 15, 2005

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever." This he said in the synagogue, as he taught at Caper'na-um.

Guide question:

How do you feel most united with the Lord

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by Norkay on Apr 15^th, 2005, 5:57am

Quote:

Guide question:

How do you feel most united with the Lord

I know and I believe God is always with me although I sometimes am unaware of His presence that I only feel and reminded that He is there holding me,protecting me,providing everything,comforting me when I am in trouble and that's most of the time I feel His presence or that I am united with Him.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 16^th, 2005, 6:00am

John 6: 60 - 69 ......April 16, 2005

Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you that do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who those were that did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."

Guide Question:

Are there times in your life that you almost thought of giving up?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by Norkay on Apr 18^th, 2005, 5:17am

Quote:

Guide Question:

Are there times in your life that you almost thought of giving up?

Many many times I thought of giving up and there were even times I gave up,but good thing when I give up,I always surrender it to the Lord and He gives me new hope,new strength and start for a better one again while I learn from the failure I have been.

This reminds me of the card Dad gave to me after survival from "how I was" .It's filled of hand written,inspiring Bible verses and one of them is found in the book of 1 Corinthians 10:13 ~ No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.And God is faithful,He will not let you tempted beyond what you can not bear, but where you're tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you stand up under it.
Ahhh this is making me cry again . :'(

So giving up is not a bad thing,as long as we know whom to give it up-to the Lord. :D

Title: John 17: 11, 17 - 23 (April 18, 2005)
Post by gracia on Apr 18^th, 2005, 6:30am

And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. "I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me.

Guide Question:

Can you recall simple deeds of leadership you have shown? As a father?, as a mother? in community?

Title: Re: John 17: 11, 17 - 23 (April 18, 2005)
Post by Norkay on Apr 18^th, 2005, 6:56am

Quote:

Guide Question:

Can you recall simple deeds of leadership you have shown? As a father?, as a mother? in community?

I've been a leader of our church youth organization when I was in high school.

Besides that ,leadership I believe is not only to be a leader of a said/specific group.I believe I have been/am a leader in my own way.I believe my being a "better person" now from my past bad experience that people saw in me has influenced or served them as a good example/challenge especialy to my relatives and people who know me and I consider that as one way of leading.

Title: Matthew 16:13-19 (April 19, 2005)
Post by gracia on Apr 19^th, 2005, 4:52am

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesare'a Philip'pi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Eli'jah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered , "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Guide Question:

Do you hear God's voice and follow it?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 19^th, 2005, 5:02am

Can you recall simple deeds of leadership you have shown? As a father?, as a mother? in community?

we build a family the way we want it to be...closer to God. As early as 2 years old...my son memorized the evening prayer i used to say every night before he sleeps...and my daughter is learning oo...my daughter will remind us to pray if ever we missed it during meals.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 19^th, 2005, 5:13am

Are there times in your life that you almost thought of giving up?

I have this attitude of praying some solutions to problems and solve it....sometimes it will not always work that way......God wants me to trust HIm and give up all to Him...and i did that many many times. It saves me time to worry and think more....i only have to trust and everything will okay.

are you financially burdened because of vices and vanity?

In a little way yes, but not for myself but of providing what's best for my children and husband. They are my vices. I love buying things for them. Though not in too much exaggeration...just enough.

Title: John 10:11-16 (April 20, 2005
Post by gracia on Apr 20^th, 2005, 10:21am

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd

Guide Question:

Are you sensitive to God's message to you? Did you or did you not obey it?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 21^st, 2005, 3:34am

Are you sensitive to God's message to you? Did you or did you not obey it?

I am sensitive to God's message but it cannot be avoided that i often disobey it. God is so good to me but i'm always a sinner. That is so sad but a reality. Thank you God for everything.

Title: John 13:16-20 ....April 21,2005
Post by gracia on Apr 21^st, 2005, 3:37am

Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the scripture may be fulfilled, `He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives any one whom I send receives me; and he who receives me receives him who sent me."

Guide Question:

Are you ready to humble yourself to achieve God's glory?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 21^st, 2005, 3:40am

Are you ready to humble yourself to achieve God's glory

I pray for the gift of humility often because i know it's the only weapon and one of the best way of getting close to God. I want to achieve God's glory but i know it will not come easy. Humility is not enough.

Title: John 14:1-6...April 22, 2005
Post by gracia on Apr 22^nd, 2005, 3:24am

Title: John 14:7-14...April 23, 2005
Post by gracia on Apr 23^rd, 2005, 4:04am

If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him." Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, `Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it.

Guide question:

How do you feel God's presence?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 25^th, 2005, 9:28am

How do you feel God's presence?

MOst of the times i consider myself too unworthy and that i doubt very much if I can ever feel His presence...but then no matter how unworthy i am...i know God is still with me. I can feel HIm sometimes during our prayer meeting, or when i'm praying alone in my room or in the Blessed Sacrament...in watching those few people who are in need...i have this strange feeling...i can't understand....maybe its HIm...or either i'm over reacting...but i wanted to believe that it's God presence i felt..

Title: John 14:1-12...April 24, 2005
Post by gracia on Apr 25^th, 2005, 9:29am

"Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him." Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, `Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father.

Guide Question:

How have the passage int he Bible influenced your present life?

Title: March 16:15-20..April 25, 2005
Post by gracia on Apr 25^th, 2005, 9:40am

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." So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was aken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

Guide Question

In what ways is God commissioning you today? How will you respond?

Title: John 14:27-31..April 26, 2005
Post by gracia on Apr 27^th, 2005, 9:48am

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, `I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go hence.

Guide Question:

What are the qualities of your father that you want to emulate? Why?

Title: John 15:1-8...April 27, 2005
Post by gracia on Apr 27^th, 2005, 9:56am

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples

Guide Question:

Have you ever hung on in faith for so long and finally reaped God's blessings? Have you waited for so long for an answer to your prayer?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 28^th, 2005, 5:08am

Have you ever hung on in faith for so long and finally reaped God's blessings? Have you waited for so long for an answer to your prayer?

The blessings i've received were the fruit of my faith. When i was single, my relationship with my bf (now my husband) came to a point of letting go..my BF won't let me ...so i prayed to God...Lord i can take this if this is what You want....i trust YOu so much ..but then if this man not meant for me...please don't let me live in pain..but then if i have to experience pain..who am i to go against Your will?....You have a reason for this. I prayed that kind of prayer very often...then in the end, we got married ....he's my boyfriend for 9 years...before we settled into marriage.

And i have lots more blessings i reaped because of my faith.

Have faith...God has his own time to answers all our prayers..have patience to wait....believe me..its worth the wait.

Title: John 15:9-11..April 28, 2005
Post by gracia on Apr 28^th, 2005, 5:25am

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 29^th, 2005, 4:18am

How has the Lord assured you of HIs love for you?

God loved us all....God loved me even if i offended HIm often, the unconditional kind of love. Because I love HIm, i want to share and want to show HIm that i do too...all not in a perfect way....no matter what, i can feel it that God is always there for me and not only me but to all of us, coz He loves us all.

Title: John 15:12-17...April 29, 2005
Post by gracia on Apr 29^th, 2005, 4:20am

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. This I command you, to love one another.

Guide Question:

Are you willing to give up your life for the love of one another like God has done for you?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Apr 29^th, 2005, 4:23am

Are you willing to give up your life for the love of one another like God has done for you?

I can't say i will and i can't say i will not at this time, it's difficult to say the word when i won't mean it or telling that am too sure of it....maybe when that time comes that i need to decide...i pray that God is there to give me directions.....Thy will be done.

Title: John 15:18-21...April 30, 2005
Post by gracia on Apr 30^th, 2005, 4:39am

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, `A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all this they will do to you on my account, because they do not know him who sent me.

Guide Question:

What kind of world are you still in?

Title: John 14:15-21 ...May 1, 2005
Post by gracia on May 3^rd, 2005, 3:48am

Thus Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. There was great joy in that city. NOw when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit.

Guide Question:

How easy is it for you to keep God's commandments? Can you easily forgive those who have hurt you?

Title: John 15:26-16:4....May 2, 2005
Post by gracia on May 3^rd, 2005, 3:56am

"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. "I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you. "I did not tell you this from the beginning, because I was with you.

Guide Question:

Do your actions speak of God's presence in your life?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on May 3^rd, 2005, 4:01am

How easy is it for you to keep God's commandments? Can you easily forgive those who have hurt you?

It's not easy to keep God's commandments, "love God above all things and love thy neighbor"...and among other things...few of them are just so hard to keep.

I'm not the type of person who'll keep grudges at all,,,i guess i only need few days to settle my mind about it, accept it that it might meant to happen and that i have to move on. It's easy to forgive but quite difficult to trust again. Learning to trust again might take awhile.

Title: sharing....
Post by gracia on May 3^rd, 2005, 4:05am

Do your actions speak of God's presence in your life?

Not at all times, when i'm sinning...am not sure it speaks of God's presence but i do ask forgiveness everytime i'm aware that i am sinning. I am only human, living in perfectly is way way too impossible.

Title: John 16:12-15...May 4, 2005
Post by gracia on May 4^th, 2005, 5:06am

"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mind and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

Guide question:

What are your "softdrinks" in life? Have you overcome it?

Title: John 16:16-20...May 5, 2005
Post by gracia on May 5^th, 2005, 3:50am

"A little while and you will no longer see me, and in a little while later and you will see me." So some of his disciples said to one another, "What does this mean that he is saying to us, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me, and 'Because i am going to the Father?" So they said. "What is this 'little while' (of which he speaks)? We do not know what he means." Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him so he said to them, "Are you discussing with one another what I said, 'A little while and you will see me, and again a little while and you will see me? Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.

Guide question:

Are you afraid of death?

Title: John 16-20-23...May 6, 2005
Post by gracia on May 6^th, 2005, 4:27am

Amen, amen, I say to you, you wil weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

Guide question:

When has the LOrd converted your grief into joy and your mourning into rejoicing?

Title: John 16:23-28...May 7, 2005
Post by gracia on May 7^th, 2005, 2:55am

ON that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, i say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy maybe comeplete. "I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but i will tell you clearly about the Father. On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask that Father for you. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world. NOw I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

Guide question:

In times of trials, whom do you turn to?

Title: March 28:16-20...May 8, 2005
Post by gracia on May 9^th, 2005, 3:30am

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

Title: John 16:29-33...May 9, 2005
Post by gracia on May 9^th, 2005, 3:31am

His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure! Now we know that you know all things, and need none to question you; by this we believe that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, every man to his home, and will leave me alone; yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Title: John 17:1-11...May 10, 2005
Post by gracia on May 10^th, 2005, 9:12am

When Jesus had said this, he raised his eyes to heaven and said, "Father , the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to all you gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that our gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began. "I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They beloned to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everthing you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everthing of mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that have given me, so that they may be one just as we are.

Guide question:

How has God manifested His love for you?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on May 11^th, 2005, 11:32am

Quote:

What are your "softdrinks" in life? Have you overcome it?

worldy things are my softdrinks in life..sometimes i can't stop myself not to indulge myself generously. It's l something that i need to minimize strictly. Difficult!

Quote:

Are you afraid of death?

When am angry and depressed, no am not, in fact it will slipped into my mind...how i wish....but if everything is so colorful the way things goes...No......am i making sense? But I know I should be ready anytime....

Quote:

In times of trials, whom do you turn to?

GOD.

Title: jOHN 17:11-19...May 11, 2005
Post by gracia on May 11^th, 2005, 11:36am

And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in thy name, which thou hast given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.

Guide Question:

Do you still belong to the world?

Title: John 17:20 - 26....May 12, 2005
Post by gracia on May 12^th, 2005, 3:48am

"I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not known thee, but I have known thee; and these know that thou hast sent me. I made known to them thy name, and I will make it known, that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

Guide Question:

How has the trials in your life make you closer to God and to your loved ones?

Title: John 21:15-19...May 13, 2005
Post by gracia on May 13^th, 2005, 4:19am

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me."

Guide Question:
What are the things that you gave up to follow God?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on May 14^th, 2005, 4:05am

Quote:

What are the things that you gave up to follow God?

a little of my time...to serve HIm

Quote:

How has the trials in your life make you closer to God and to your loved ones?

it will strengthen the bond of my relationship to God and to my loved ones.

Title: John 15:9-17....May 14, 2005
Post by gracia on May 14^th, 2005, 4:09am

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. This I command you, to love one another.

Guide Question:

How have you experience God’s love

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on May 16^th, 2005, 4:07am

Quote:

How have you experience God’s love

In many many many ways that i experienced God's love. One of those is the fact that I have a wonderful family, wonderful parents, brothers and sisters, and i won't be what I am now without HIs love guiding me, molding me, embracing me till this time. God loves me....God loves us all...we only have to open our hearts and loved back regardless.

Title: John 20:19-23....May 15, 2005
Post by gracia on May 16^th, 2005, 4:13am

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Guide Question:

What are the things that you gave up for Gods greater glory?

Title: Mark 9: 14-29...May 16, 2005
Post by gracia on May 16^th, 2005, 4:17am

And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd about them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and ran up to him and greeted him. And he asked them, "What are you discussing with them?" And one of the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood.
And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer."

Guide Question:

How were you able to face a problem that seemed impossible for you to solve?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on May 16^th, 2005, 4:27am

Quote:

How were you able to face a problem that seemed impossible for you to solve?

I always believe that prayers can do miracles. That is my only weapon against all problems. No matter how difficult it may seem, but relying to prayers makes things a lot lot lot better.

Title: Mark 9:30-37....May 17, 2005
Post by gracia on May 17^th, 2005, 10:01am

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise." But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to ask him. And they came to Caper'na-um; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?" But they were silent; for on the way they had discussed with one another who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve; and he said to them, "If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." And he took a child, and put him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me."

Guide Question:

What are the biggest enemy of your life?

Title: Luke 12:22-31....May 18, 2005
Post by gracia on May 18^th, 2005, 3:28am

And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass which is alive in the field today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O men of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be of anxious mind. For all the nations of the world seek these things; and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things shall be yours as well.

Guide Question:

Have you ever been a cause of division or disunity in the body of Christ

Title: Mark 9:41-50....May 19, 2005
Post by gracia on May 19^th, 2005, 3:11am

For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward. "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea. And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.
And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. For every one will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its saltness, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

Guide Question:

Have you ever experience depression that you thought you could not overcome?

Title: Luke 9:57-62...May 20, 2005
Post by gracia on May 20^th, 2005, 4:37am

As they were going along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." But he said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

Guide Question:

For those who are married: Have you been a blessing to your spouse? For those who are unmarried: How can you be a source of unity to others?

Title: Mark 10:13-16...May 21, 2005
Post by gracia on May 21^st, 2005, 3:14am

And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

Guide Question:
What qualities of children should we emulate?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on May 21^st, 2005, 3:21am

Have you been a blessing to your spouse

Maybe in some way i am but i dont think my flaws are a blessings to him..or could be too....

Title: John 3:16-18....May 22, 2005
Post by gracia on May 22^nd, 2005, 9:52am

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Guide Question?

How many times have we given our best to the ones we love? Do we ever feel that we need something in return?

Title: Mark 10:17-27....May 23, 2005
Post by gracia on May 23^rd, 2005, 3:51am

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: `Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'" And he said to him, "Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth." And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." At that saying his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."

Guide Question:

How have you shared you blessings to the poor?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on May 23^rd, 2005, 4:00am

What qualities of children should we emulate?

Children never hold grudges to his/her playmates...and i guess that's one of the traits that we should emulate from the children.

How many times have we given our best to the ones we love? Do we ever feel that we need something in return?

I always thought that i gave my best to my love ones but problem is we never get contented and we always ended up saying...my best was not best enough. I know its not right to expect something in return but human as we are..i know its quite difficult not to expect anything in return....at least maybe just a lil appreciation or acknowledgment of what i did. But then, i don't mind too if i don't get back anything in return...life is sometimes cruel and that goes with the people behind it. .LOL

How have you shared you blessings to the poor?

Through prayers and alms giving...as long as i have something to share...i will

Title: John 10:22-30....May 24, 2005
Post by gracia on May 24^th, 2005, 3:32am

It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon.
So the Jews gathered round him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness to me;
but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me;
and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

Guide Question:

What are the blessings you have received from God as you served Him?

Title: Mark 10:32-45 May 25, 2005
Post by gracia on May 25^th, 2005, 4:08am

And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zeb'edee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Guide Question:

What does it take to be a servant? Are you willing to be one?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on May 25^th, 2005, 4:12am

What are the blessings you have received from God as you served Him?

I can't verbalize all the blessings that God has given us but one of the so many blessings we received is that ...He gave us free education for our children in a very nice school. We're only paying very minimal amount and if we are good to Him, probably they'll be scholars till they graduated high school.. but only God knows what will happen next.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by Norkay on May 25^th, 2005, 7:08am

Quote:

Guide Question:
What are the blessings you have received from God as you served Him?

I am so much blessed,even without any effort or service given,although,there are times I can't see blessing or answer right away,after making petition.God doesn't always give blessings by the way I want to be given but I had been thought and learned blessing could be received in different ways,like "instantly" or "yes" right away,"later","in a moment" or even "no".To be answered by "no" doesn't mean I'm not blessed or granted.It could always be the best for me.I believe everything from God is a blessing,I am just sometimes weak and stubborn to take ,accept,and learn.

Title: Mark 10:46-52...May 26-2005
Post by gracia on May 26^th, 2005, 8:33am

And they came to Jericho; and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimae'us, a blind beggar, the son of Timae'us, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazaret he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; rise, he is calling you." And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Master, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

Guide Question:

What are the things that hinder you from seeing Gods purpose in your life?

Title: Mark 11:11-26...May 27, 2005
Post by gracia on May 27^th, 2005, 6:11am

And he entered Jerusalem, and went into the temple; and when he had looked round at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it. And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons; and he would not allow any one to carry anything through the temple. And he taught, and said to them, "Is it not written, `My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and sought a way to destroy him; for they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching. And when evening came they went out of the city. As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, "Master, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered." And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

Guide Question:
God answer all your prayers? Which of those have remained unanswered?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by Norkay on May 27^th, 2005, 6:35am

Quote:

Guide Question:
God answer all your prayers? Which of those have remained unanswered?

I believe all my prayers are answered by God,otherwise,where is my faith? Although,as I have said before in my previous posts,I should not expect all my prayers are gonna be answered with answers I want or with the way I want them to be answered.I have to keep my faith, God knows the best.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on May 28^th, 2005, 4:43am

Quote:

God answer all your prayers? Which of those have remained unanswered?

Yes, God answered all my prayers, but not all the answers were yes, there are some no, due to some reasons that He only knows and i'm glad He gave me the open mind to accept whatever answers He is giving me.

Title: Mark 11:27-33...May 28, 2005
Post by gracia on May 28^th, 2005, 4:47am

And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, "By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?" Jesus said to them, "I will ask you a question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me." And they argued with one another, "If we say, `From heaven,' he will say, `Why then did you not believe him?' But shall we say, `From men'?" -- they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet. So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."

Guide Question:
Have you ever fought for something you believe is right? What steps have you taken to pursue these rights?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on May 28^th, 2005, 4:57am

Quote:

Have you ever fought for something you believe is right? What steps have you taken to pursue these rights?

Yeah...way way back...i used to just stay mum when my mother scold me eventhough i know that she's wrong. Then suddenly it came to my mind...that i have to speak up and let her know my point regardless what she'll do to me after, slap me or whatever. Then, it turns out, that my mother has her own principle and that its difficult to alter that...so i ended up bending on her just so there's smooth relationship between us. As they say its better to understand others than others understand me...'coz it will only show how difficult person i am.

Title: John 6:51-58....May 29, 2005
Post by gracia on May 29^th, 2005, 8:28am

I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh." The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever."

Guide Question:
Do you believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on May 29^th, 2005, 8:33am

Quote:

Do you believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist?

Yes. i believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist. Christ is always present whenever one or two are gathered in HIs name may it in Mass or in prayer meetings..anywhere.

Title: Mark 12:1-12...May 30,2005
Post by gracia on May 30^th, 2005, 4:27am

And he began to speak to them in parables. "A man planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a pit for the wine press, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. And they took him and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent to them another servant, and they wounded him in the head, and treated him shamefully. And he sent another, and him they killed; and so with many others, some they beat and some they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son; finally he sent him to them, saying, `They will respect my son.' But those tenants said to one another, `This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' And they took him and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants, and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture: `The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" And they tried to arrest him, but feared the multitude, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them; so they left him and went away.

Guide Question:

What are the situations that you have become self-righteous and judgmental?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on May 30^th, 2005, 4:41am

Quote:

What are the situations that you have become self-righteous and judgmental?

when i'm provoked, i used to say things i dont mean, the reason why i prefer to be mum when am angry..coz i know i'll be regretting it all in the end.... i dont want to be judgmental if i can help it. I have to control my temper and my emotions, for me, judging others is just a lousy thing to do.

Title: Luke 1:39-56...May 31, 2005
Post by gracia on May 31^st, 2005, 5:05am

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechari'ah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

Guide Question:

When was the last time you visited the sick and helped the needy?

Title: Mark 12:18-27...June 1, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 1^st, 2005, 4:03am

And Sad'ducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection; and they asked him a question, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the wife, and raise up children for his brother. There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no children; and the second took her, and died, leaving no children; and the third likewise; and the seven left no children. Last of all the woman also died. In the resurrection whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife." Jesus said to them, "Is not this why you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God said to him, `I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead, but of the living; you are quite wrong."

Guide Question:

Have you ever assumed to know better than God?

Title: Mark 12:28-34...June 2, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 2^nd, 2005, 4:40am

And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus answered, "The first is, `Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." And the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there is no other but he; and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any question.

Guide Question:

Have you shown kindness to a stranger in need?

Title: Matthew 11:25-30...June 3, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 2^nd, 2005, 6:50pm

At that time Jesus declared, "I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will. All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Guide Question:

Do you have a burden that you will not let God carry you?

Title: Luje 2:41-51....June 4, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 4^th, 2005, 4:39am

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"
And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them.
And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

Guide Question:
Do you give until it hurts?
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Title: Matthew 9:9-13...June 5, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 6^th, 2005, 4:19am

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, `I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Guide Question:

How have you responded to God’s invitation for you to follow Him?

Title: Matthew 5:1-12....June 6, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 6^th, 2005, 4:21am

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Guide Question:

Will you make an unpopular choice to remain firm to your faith?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Jun 6^th, 2005, 8:26am

Quote:

Have you ever assumed to know better than God?

Never.

Quote:

Have you shown kindness to a stranger in need?

it sometimes depends on how i feel to that stranger and most probably , my kindness will just focus on his/her need at that moment..no long term unless there's something i can do.

Quote:

Do you have a burden that you will not let God carry you?

How i wish i can't let God carry my sins, because i know i'll be hurting Him everytime i committed that, but then, i'm worst without God in me, so I always beg Him to be with me all the time.

Quote:

Do you give until it hurts?

They said that's the most rewarding deed to do, give till it hurts, but then human as I am, i can't help but reserve, though there are rare cases that I really have to give to the extent that it hurts already and i murmured. And i should'nt have murmured at all.

Quote:

How have you responded to God’s invitation for you to follow Him?

Guess in our own little way we serve HIm and that we've responded HIs call, although it has limitations. CAn't serve full time because of our work and there's a need for us to work, but it's because our faith is not that deep, could be half baked.

Quote:

Will you make an unpopular choice to remain firm to your faith?

All my choices were always unpopular, so i guess it doesnt really matter.

Title: Matthew 5:13-16...June 7, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 7^th, 2005, 3:10am

"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.
Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Guide Question:

How can you set a Christian example to your family and in your community?

Title: Matthew 5:17-19....June 8-2005
Post by gracia on Jun 8^th, 2005, 8:13am

"Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Guide Question:

Is there a sin you need to confess to God today?

Title: Matthew 5:20-26...JUne 9, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 9^th, 2005, 3:49am

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, `You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, `You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny.

Guide Question:

How do you deal with people who will not forget a mistake you did?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Jun 9^th, 2005, 3:52am

Quote:

Is there a sin you need to confess to God today?

Several.

Quote:

How do you deal with people who will not forget a mistake you did?

it's natural to feel sad about it, but i have to understand him/her.

Title: Matthew 5:27-32
Post by gracia on Jun 10^th, 2005, 4:36am

"You have heard that it was said, `You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. "It was also said, `Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that every one who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Guide Question:

Is God calling you to give up a sinful habit?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by Norkay on Jun 10^th, 2005, 6:25am

Quote:

Guide Question:
How do you deal with people who will not forget a mistake you did?

Me either can not forget, but through sincere and deep apology, I can forgive and I hope this is the same with the person whom I have made mistake.I understand he/she can't forget but I hope the hatred he/she had towards me won't remain.

I would deal with how I feel towards him/her at the
moment or like we used to. I don't take grudge forever.

Quote:

Guide Question:
Is God calling you to give up a sinful habit?

God does not want us to sin although we are sometimes allowed in order to learn from it.God does not want us to have a sinful habit ,I always try not to be in any, but I must have to acknowledge I am a sinner.My spirit is willing to be on God's will, but my flesh is weak.But praise God,He forgives,God understands and most of all, He always loves me whatever I have done and whoever I am!

Title: Matthew 11:25-30...June 11, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 13^th, 2005, 5:27am

And preach as you go, saying, `The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay. Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. As you enter the house, salute it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Guide Question:

What are you willing to share with others?

Title: Matthew 9:36-38....June 12, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 13^th, 2005, 5:33am

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

Guide Question:

Is there anything you are hesitant to do in spreading the faith?

Title: Mark 16:15-20.....June 13-2005
Post by gracia on Jun 13^th, 2005, 5:35am

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." So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

Guide Question:

How are you dealing right now with that one person who does not like you?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Jun 13^th, 2005, 5:53am

Quote:

Is God calling you to give up a sinful habit?

God is just waiting when i am ready to give up my sinful habit....the sooner it is the better and God will be happy if i'll do that. It takes a lot of praying on my side...and i'm trying to give it up.

Quote:

What are you willing to share with others?

Anything i can afford and capable to do for them as long as they deserve it..

Quote:

Is there anything you are hesitant to do in spreading the faith?

There are times that i am hesitant, but declaring my faith to others, i dont hesitate it. Its up for them to believe me or not. But doing that seems like spreading the goodness that God has than for me and that if they believe it will happen to them too.

Quote:

How are you dealing right now with that one person who does not like you?

i dont know anyone in particular yet, my friends so close mouthed about it...but if ever there is, i'm not going to dislike him/her, but i'll stay out of his/her way, i dont want to ruin his/her day or his/her mood for that matter.

Title: Matthew 5:43-48...June 14-2005
Post by gracia on Jun 14^th, 2005, 3:55am

"You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Guide Question:

To what extent have you shown love for the unloved and unlovable?

Title: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18....June 15, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 15^th, 2005, 4:24am

"Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. "Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Guide Question:

What are you expecting in return to your love and service to God?

Title: Matthew 6:7-15...June 16,2005
Post by gracia on Jun 16^th, 2005, 3:55am

"And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

GuideQuestion:

When you pray do you seek God’ will to happen in your life?

Title: Matthew 6:19-23...June 17, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 17^th, 2005, 5:20pm

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light;
but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

Guide Question:

Can anything or anyone give you more happiness than doing God's will?

Title: Matthew 6:24-34....June 18, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 18^th, 2005, 4:24am

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.

Guide Question:

How has God proven to you that He knows best?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Jun 18^th, 2005, 4:34am

Quote:

What are you expecting in return to your love and service to God? [/quote]

forgiveness of my sins and peace.

[quote]When you pray do you seek God’ will to happen in your life?

i'm hoping the Holy Spirit will descend upon me and will guide me to do things that are pleasing to HIm and to His children.

Title: Matthew 10:26-33...June 19, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 20^th, 2005, 8:27am

"So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. -

Guide Question?

Will you give up the good opinion of others in order to do God's will?

Title: Matthew 7:1-5...June 20, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 20^th, 2005, 8:28am

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Guide Question:

What are your biases when it comes to a person's religion, color, or status in life?

Title: Matthew 7:6, 12-14...June 21, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 21^st, 2005, 3:25am

"Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you. So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Guide Question:

How has God put order into your life?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by Norkay on Jun 21^st, 2005, 7:54am

Quote:

Guide Question:
To what extent have you shown love for the unloved and unlovable?

This is hard.It's very very hard for me to remain soft to people who are very insensitive about the harm they are causing,so with very rude ones. I really can't see a good thing I can do for this people, but I don't either see for something to harm them back.

Quote:

Guide Question:
What are you expecting in return to your love and service to God?

God bless me abundantly everyday.He even gives me more than what I deserve, so, I think God is the one who should expect to see good things from me in order to show (I can't give back) love to Him.

Title: Matthew 7:15-20...June 22, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 22^nd, 2005, 10:31am

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus ou will know them by their fruits.

Guide Question:

Has your life born good fruit yet?

Title: Matthew 7:21-28...June 23, 2995
Post by gracia on Jun 23^rd, 2005, 4:34am

"Not every one who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.' "Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it." And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Guide Question:

How solid is the rock upon which your life is built?

Title: Luke 1-57-66, 80...June 24, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 24^th, 2005, 3:35am

Now the time came for Elizabeth to be delivered, and she gave birth to a son. And her neighbors and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they would have named him Zechari'ah after his father, but his mother said, "Not so; he shall be called John." And they said to her, "None of your kindred is called by this name." And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." And they all marveled. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea; and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him. And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Guide Question:

Do you obey God even when you do not understand His purpose?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by Norkay on Jun 24^th, 2005, 5:52am

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Guide Question:
Do you obey God even when you do not understand His purpose?

Honestly speaking, I don't and I even sometimes intend to be unaware and choose to do what I want. I always realise later on though, my mistake and suffer the consequence.So, that means ,I still have to work on my one of my weaknesses,stubborness/insensitiveness.But on the other side,I am so thankful I have this openmindedness to learn from every mistake I made.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Jun 24^th, 2005, 7:00am

Quote:

Do you obey God even when you do not understand His purpose?

At this point in time, i guess all i can say is, i'll decide and do what i think is appropriate and i prayed to God for blessings and intervention when things turns out differently. Whatever His purpose, i am hoping that He is guiding me along the way of my journey.

Title: Matthew 8:5-17...JUne 25, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 25^th, 2005, 4:17am

As he entered Caper'na-um, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching him and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress." And he said to him, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion answered him, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, `Go,' and he goes, and to another, `Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, `Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; be it done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very moment. And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and served him. That evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases."

Guide Question:

Do you obey without question?

Title: Matthew 10:37-42...June 26, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 26^th, 2005, 5:19am

He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward, and he who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."

Guide Question:

What is stopping you from following God’s will for your life?

Title: Matthew 8:18-22...June 27, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 27^th, 2005, 6:39am

Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." Another of the disciples said to him, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead."

Guide Question:

How do you handle the inconvenience of each day?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Jun 27^th, 2005, 6:45am

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How do you handle the inconvenience of each day?

i handle it with openness in a way that i can think of what's best for the situation. I have to be open so i can think clearly and make sure that i can find a solution that will not create another problem. I have to be patient, humble and courageous in doing so.

Title: Matthew 8:23-27.,...........June 28, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 28^th, 2005, 9:53am

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, "Save, Lord; we are perishing." And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"

Guide Question:

What kind of storm are you facing right now? ?Who is with you in that boat?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by Norkay on Jun 28^th, 2005, 12:54pm

Quote:

Guide Question:
What kind of storm are you facing right now? ?Who is with you in that boat?

Loneliness.I feel like I am living alone since all the people around me including the person who I live with are all the time busy ,and can't do anything but to cheer up my own life, is soooo frustrating. :'( I am lucky, I have given a gift of faith and trust the company of the Lord.

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by wildheart41004 on Jun 28^th, 2005, 8:19pm

nothing more powerful then faith

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Jun 29^th, 2005, 4:55am

Quote:

What kind of storm are you facing right now? ?Who is with you in that boat?

the worries of all kinds....i know i don't have to..and thinking that..another worries coming...its kinda endless....but when i pray ..all the worries gone...guess that's a clear message that God wants me to pray instead of burrying my mind in worries. As wildheart says : nothing more powerful than faith.

Title: Matthew 16:13-19....June 29, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 29^th, 2005, 5:44am

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesare'a Philip'pi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Eli'jah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Guide Question:

Is your life a testimony of who say God is?

Title: Matthew 14:1-12...June 30, 2005
Post by gracia on Jun 30^th, 2005, 11:56am

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus; and he said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist, he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison, for the sake of Hero'di-as, his brother Philip's wife; because John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Hero'di-as danced before the company, and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter." And the king was sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it; and they went and told Jesus.

Guide Question:

How do u deal those u know have sinned before God?

Title: Re: March 2005 Daily Scripture Reading
Post by gracia on Jun 30^th, 2005, 12:00pm

Quote:

How do u deal those u know have sinned before God?

I deal them with respect, am a sinner myself.