Monday March 19, 2007

Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

March 19, 2007



“The promises of the Lord I will sing forever.”

Psalm 89:2

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Make God big. Make Jesus big. Make the Holy Spirit big. What do I mean when I say make God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit big? Of course, we know that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful) and omnipresent (everywhere) and so how could God get bigger? Well, the point is whether or not we personally know how big God is. God is big and could not be bigger but do we know that in our hearts? Either we are disconnected from God and he feels small and not too helpful or we can come into an intimate knowledge of how big and powerful he is through the working of the Holy Spirit. We make God big and grow in our close knowledge of him by always focusing on him and who he is for us. One of the great ways we can focus on God and make him big is to memorize his promises to us in scripture and have those constantly floating around in our brains so as to transform our lives. Without further adieu, let us look at and put to memory some examples:



“We know that God works all things for good for those who love him.” Romans 8:28



“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call to me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the Lord, and I will change your lot.” Jeremiah 29:11-14



“Study the generations long past and understand: has anyone hoped in the Lord and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his fear and been forsaken? Has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?” Sirach 2:10



“Take delight in the Lord and he will grant you your heart’s requests.” Psalm 37:4



The Lord said to me (Paul), “My grace is enough for you, for in weakness power reaches perfection.” 2 Cor. 12:9



“Blest are the poor in spirit: the reign of God is theirs.” Matthew 5:3



“God chose us in him before the world began, to be holy and blameless in his sight, to be full of love.” Ephesians 1:4



Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life and have it to the overflowing.” John 10:10



“The grace of God has appeared, offering salvation to all.” Titus 2:11



“Thanks be to God who unfailingly leads us on Christ’s triumphal train, and employs us to diffuse the fragrance of his knowledge everywhere! We are an aroma of Christ for God’s sake, both among those who are being saved and those on the way to destruction.” 2 Cor. 2:14



“Here I stand, knocking at the door. If anyone hears me calling and opens the door, I will enter his house and have supper with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20



Memorize these and other scriptures that speak to you. Have them ever in your thoughts, focus on making God big, and dance and sing the promises of the Lord forever!



Live the confronted life!

+Fr. John