Today's First Reading

USCCB - (NAB) - June 10, 2009:
"Reading 1
2 Cor 3:4-11

Brothers and sisters:
Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.
Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit
for anything as coming from us;
rather, our qualification comes from God,
who has indeed qualified us as ministers of a new covenant,
not of letter but of spirit;
for the letter brings death, but the Spirit gives life."

He has 'qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit' (not of legalism but of grace). The Spirit gives life.

Praise God for His constant prodding and feeding of our spirits...leading us further and further along. The Lord is indeed putting a new ministry in my heart as I discern Godly goals for my life...if there is anyone reading this, if you could pray for His will to be done...and for me to be able to respond accordingly.

Blog Roll

Hi there. If you are currently reading the Thin Within book and blogging about it, would you leave a comment with the name of your blog so that I can add it to my side bar?

Rescue

There is hope!

This pendulum-swinging lifestyle is reflected in what we call the 'path of my performace'. Living this way is falling into the trap of the legalist.

In this situation self is actually the focus rather than God. Even if the person is a believer, he or she will think that the solution to any failure is to 'try harder'. This struggler is always searching for the next book, the next program, the next church service, to find the 'key' to success. What is missing of course, is the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit enabling us to 'observe and correct'.

The truth is, grace isn't missing at all. It just hasn't been fully embraced. Those who find themselves in this predicament are like thirsty travelers who are unaware of a nearby fountain of life-giving water. The legalist swings from feeling good about her accomplishments on the one hand, to realizing that she can't keep up the pace on the other hand. Eventually she just gives up altogether, seeing herself as a 'failure'. Self-loathing sets in and she wallows in guilt, self-condemnation, self-pity, and sin. Before long, she goes out in search of another diet, another regimen, another set of rules.

Thankfully there is an antidote to this pendulum pandemonium. There is hope! There is no reason to stay stuck. Our God is willing and He is able. If you find yourself on the path of your performance, you can jump ship into an ocean of grace, deeper than any sin, broader than any transgression. It is cool, refreshing, and free. It cost our Savior everything, but in His love He offers it freely to us. --Thin Within p40-41

Oh my...talk about being convicted. Praise You Lord for loving me too much to allow me to remain where I'm at...for showing me the Light of Truth.

YouTube - As The Deer

USCCB - NAB - Psalm 99

USCCB - NAB - Psalm 99:

"Exalt the LORD, our God; bow down before his footstool; holy is God!
6
Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel among those who called on God's name; they called on the LORD, who answered them.
7
From the pillar of cloud God spoke to them; they kept the decrees, the law they received.
8
O LORD, our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God, though you punished their offenses.
9
Exalt the LORD, our God; bow down before his holy mountain; holy is the LORD, our God."

"Exalt the LORD, our God; bow down before his footstool; holy is God!

Day 4: A Path of My Choosing

No food can even begin to compare with the satisfaction that comes from basking in His presence. No drink can quench the thirst of the soul crying out for the Lord. --Thin Within p36

One of the most memorable homilies that I've ever heard was at St. Colman's in Brockton over a decade ago. This was pre kids, so it was just me, my husband and our cousins and best friends, Joe and Grace. The four of us would bring it up in conversation long after the event...giving each other silly quizes on it like 'what was the cat's name' lol. Even though I no longer remember who preached it...I do remember the subject. 'Basking in God's presence'...the preacher told us of his cat 'Rinquist' and how at every turn he'd find the cat just lying around in his driveway just basking in the sun'. That cat didn't have to work very hard to be in the sun...he just needed to find the right spot and enjoy it. Same with us in the Son's presence.

For today Lord, may I be able to climb on Your lap and just soak in Your presence...even the midst of my daily chores and routines.

By the way my cousin/friend Joe is now basking in God's full presence in heaven. For the rest of us, we'll just have to settle for a little taste of it.

Burning Bush Conversations

Holy Experience: Journaling as a Spiritual Discipline: <br>Burning Bush Conversations:
"God, hear me saying....
.... heart beat ....
I am dry and brittle and
ready to snap

God, I hear You saying...
.... heart beat ....
How else to be kindling for
a burning bush?"