Christy Gabriel's Blog – January 2013 Archive (15)

“Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.” Ps.126:5

Reflection:

   How would I be able to endure this earthly life, heavy and burdensome as it is, if I did not know that it is just an instant compared with eternity! Now is the time to sow, and after a short interval the harvest will be gathered.

   Through patient endurance of the sufferings of this life the eternal glory will be attained.

Prayer:

   “God of love, do not abandon…

“My grace is enough for you.” 2Cor.12:9

Reflection:

   How often in my life I have been deluded and deceived because I have trusted exclusively in myself or in others! Why don’t I turn directly to God?

   He is Omnipotent. With His grace I will become invincible, even though the powers of hell rage against me.

Prayer:

   “Most holy and almighty God, help me to turn to You in every need and danger. Arm me with Your strength, so that I…

“Then you will lead a life worthy of the Lord.” Col.1:10

Reflection:

   In my daily living I am necessarily occupied with ordinary and secular things. But I wish to sanctify everything I do through supernatural intentions.

   In this way, my life will be pleasing to God and enable me to reach Him.

Prayer:

   “Father, grant that my life may be a sacred service to You. May I always bring honor to You, and draw down Your blessings upon…

“No more than a branch can bear fruit of itself apart from the vine, can you bear fruit apart from Me.” Jn.15:4

Reflection:

   Without Christ and His grace all our efforts and actions are in vain. With Christ and His grace everything, even the most insignificant act of our daily lives, becomes fruitful for all eternity.

   My crop will be plentiful only if I abandon myself to His will and live the life of grace.

Prayer:

   “My Savior, instill Your Divine…

“But the Lord keeps faithful; He it is Who will strengthen you and guard you against the evil one.” 2Thes.3:3

Reflection:

   God’s faithfulness should be my comfort and my encouragement when I feel weary and disheartened in performing my duties.

   My Father never abandons me. He helps me according to the measure of my faith.

Prayer:

   “Faithful God, strengthen my faith. Make me willing and obedient in fulfilling Your will, even…

“Do not grow slack but be fervent in spirit.” Rom.12:11

Reflection:

   O how often I defraud God in the small events of daily life. Sometimes I do so by my lack of fervor, and at other times by aspiring to great things and grand actions for my own pride.

   Yet God does not look upon “how much” but rather on the “how;” therefore a small thing becomes great if it is done with much love.

Prayer:

   “Heavenly Father, grant that I may be…

“God who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name.” Lk.1:49

Reflection:

   Every passing day tells me that I am a child of grace: God’s benefits are innumerable in my daily life.

   This is why I wish to give Him thanks through my dedication and fidelity until I die.

Prayer:

   “Lord, do not let me refuse your mercy. Forgive my abuses of Your grace. In the future be merciful and lenient toward me. In…

“Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” Is.60:1

Reflecton:

   Christ reveals His glory. Therefore I too must try to be a manifestation of God. I must be a living testimony to His glory, always trying to deepen my spiritual life – according to Christ’s spirit and will – in poverty, humility, and love for God and others.

   Can I say that I am an “epiphany,” that is, God’s manifestation? What do I lack in this…

“The Teacher is here, asking for you.” John.11:28

Reflection:

   God calls me through the medium of my duty. But He also calls me through the events of every day and every hour – the interruptions and contradictions He sends. Am I always aware of this?

   There is only one response to this Divine call. It is a courageous and faithful “I am ready.”

Prayer:

   “Heavenly Father, help me to hear Your call in all that happens to me. Let…

“Your attitude must be that of Christ.” Phil.2:5

Reflection:                                                                                                                                                             

   If my attitude were that of Christ, my life and my activity would be purified of all that is incomplete, careless, worldly, and self-centered.

   To be a Christian involves a commitment. I want to conform my day according to the Model Who…

“Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.” 1Pt.5:7

Reflection:

   God directs all things. It is useless for me to become alarmed, and give way to haste and anxiety which only make me forget God!

   I do not want to neglect anything of what I must do myself, but I also want to entrust to God all that He alone can do. He takes care of me.

Prayer:

   “My Lord and Father, free me from all base earthly cares. Amidst the…

"If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation." 2Cor.5:17

Reflection:

   If I have become a new creation, the old self of sin can no longer rule in me. My whole life-thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings-must bear the Divine stamp.

Today, I want to dedicate myself uniquely to this point.

Prayer:

   O Lord, grant me each day a new fervor, fresh energy, and a more selfless love. Root out whatever in me is not from You, so that You can grow ever more…

"If anyone would serve Me, let him follow Me." John.12:26

Reflection:

   Let this be my goal for this year: to follow Jesus/YAHUSHUA through all the paths that He may lead me - no matter how difficult or painful they may be. What is there to fear if the Master is with me and He Himself opens the way for me? In faith, I know that this path leads me to the Father and always ends in victory and glory.

Prayer: