How to overcome evil attacks in your life?

 How to Overcome Evil Attacks in Your Life?

 

Introduction

Brothers and sisters, let me remind you once again that for those going through tough times, facing blockages and bondages in your family, and experiencing evil afflictions or black magic, there is a solution that the Bible offers. When you serve God, all these blocks will be removed. There are certain inheritances that God has appointed for the servants of the Lord, and they will come to you. Additionally, if you are feeling unnecessary fear, tension, and a sense of stagnation in your life, serving God is the key to overcoming these challenges.

The Heritage of the Servants of the Lord

Isaiah 54:17 provides us with a powerful promise: "No weapon that is fashioned against you shall prosper, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment." This means that any weapon, whether it be black magic, witchcraft, evil affliction, financial bondages, debt, or sickness, that is fashioned against you by the evil one will not prosper in your life. Moreover, any tongue that rises against you, criticizing, hurting, or destroying your name and your reputation, will not work against you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord. By serving God, you can claim this heritage as your own.

The Lord is My Shepherd

Reflecting on Psalm 23:1, we can find comfort in knowing that the Lord is our shepherd. Just as King David, who was a shepherd himself, recognized God as his personal shepherd, we too can find solace in the fact that God guides, protects, and provides for us. We can trust in His guidance and rest assured that we shall not want for anything. The Lord, as our shepherd, leads us to green pastures and still waters, symbolizing His provision and care for us. Just as a shepherd takes care of his sheep, God takes care of us, His children.

The Assurance of God's Protection

Looking back on our lives, we can identify countless instances where God protected us from harm, covered us, and guided us. We may have been on the verge of being caught in public for our mistakes, but God shielded us. We may have been in life-threatening situations due to sickness or accidents, but God covered us. We may have been on the brink of committing terrible sins, but God helped us resist temptation. In every moment of confusion and despair, God sent the right people into our lives to help us. We can truly say that the Lord is our shepherd, and, as such, we need not worry about anything.

Fear of the Lord

Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." The fear of the Lord can be understood as a deep reverence and respect for God, accompanied by a hatred for sin. It means we do not compromise with sin or justify our actions. Instead, we avoid sin at all costs, seeking to lead a holy and righteous life. Those who fear the Lord and live according to His commandments are protected by His angels and delivered from evil.

Discipline and Alertness

1 Peter 5:8 reminds us to discipline ourselves and keep alert, as our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. To resist the devil, we must be steadfast in our faith. This involves strengthening our faith through reading the Bible, listening to the word of God, attending retreats, and staying connected to God through prayer. By disciplining ourselves and remaining alert, we can resist the temptations of the devil and find safety in the name of the Lord.

The Name of the Lord: A Strong Tower

Proverbs 18:10 declares, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe." The name of the Lord refers to the character of God, encompassing His qualities of mercy, compassion, forgiveness, love, leadership, and healing. When we are in the presence of God, seeking His forgiveness and renouncing sin, we are running into the strong tower of His name. In this place of refuge, no evil can touch us. By joining in live streams and participating in worship with a repentant heart, we are finding safety and protection in the name of the Lord.

Conclusion

Serving God is the key to overcoming challenges, removing blocks and bondages, and finding deliverance. By repenting, going for confession, and wholeheartedly serving God, we can claim the heritage of the servants of the Lord. We can trust in the Lord as our shepherd, knowing that He will guide, protect, and provide for us. By fearing the Lord, disciplining ourselves, and remaining alert, we can resist the devil and find safety in the name of the Lord. Let us embrace the power of serving God and experience the transformation it brings to our lives.

The anointing of King David

 The Anointing of King David

 Introduction

Today we will reflect on the first reading from 1 Samuel 16:1 onwards, which tells the story of the anointing of King David. This passage is intriguing because it reveals that the current ruler, King Saul, is unaware of the new anointed king. Likewise, the new anointed king, David, does not know why he has been chosen. In this blog, we will dive into this chapter and explore the message that God wants to convey through this passage.

The Background Story

 The story begins with King Saul already ruling over Israel. God, however, is preparing to anoint a new king without Saul's knowledge. David, a shepherd boy, is chosen by the prophet Samuel to be anointed as the next king. While David is unaware of the reason behind his anointing, Samuel knows that he is fulfilling God's command. This chapter is filled with interesting events that shed light on the people's desire for a physical king and the consequences of their decision.

The People's Desire for a King

In the early days after God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He declared Himself as their king. However, the people desired a physical king who would stand before them. They complained to the prophet, asking for a king. God felt rejected by their request, as He had taken care of them and brought them out of Egypt. Despite God's warning of the consequences of having a human king, the people insisted on having one immediately. God warned them through prophet Samuel of the burdens that would come with having a king - the conscription of sons into the king's service, appointment of commanders and officials, and the confiscation of land and resources. However, the people did not heed these warnings and still desired a king. Eventually, God gave in to their request and chose Saul to be their king.

 The Regret of God

Although Saul started as a humble and prayerful shepherd boy, he changed after becoming king. He rejected God, offering sacrifices without waiting for the priest. He made many mistakes that led to God's regret in choosing him as king. This highlights the human tendency to reject God when life is comfortable and secure. Saul's story serves as a warning for us to remain faithful to God even in times of abundance and success.

The Anointing of David

 In verse 2 of 1 Samuel 16, God commands Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of Jesse's sons as the new king. Samuel is instructed to invite Jesse and his sons to a sacrifice, without divulging the purpose of his visit. Samuel obeys God's command, and when he arrives, the elders of Bethlehem greet him with trepidation, fearing the purpose of his visit.

Samuel reassures them that he comes in peace and invites Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice. The significance of this invitation is evident, as Samuel is a revered prophet and his visit to Bethlehem causes a stir. Jesse presents his sons to Samuel one by one, but God does not choose any of them. Samuel asks if there are any more sons, and Jesse reluctantly mentions his youngest son, David, who is tending to the sheep. Samuel insists on David's presence and waits until he arrives. When David finally stands before Samuel, God reveals to the prophet that David is the chosen one. Samuel anoints David with oil, and from that moment, the Spirit of the Lord comes mightily upon him.

 Lessons from David's Anointing

 David's anointing teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it reminds us that God does not judge based on outward appearances but looks at the heart. While David's brothers may have seemed like suitable candidates due to their physical attributes, God saw David's heart and chose him to be king. Secondly, David's anointing teaches us that God's plans may not align with our own desires. David was not even considered initially, but God had chosen him. This reminds us to trust in God's plan, even when we feel overlooked or disregarded by others. Lastly, David's anointing shows us that God's anointing comes with both blessings and sufferings. David had to endure many trials and tribulations before finally becoming king. This serves as a reminder that the path to fulfilling God's calling may be challenging, but God will be with us every step of the way.

Conclusion

 The anointing of King David is a powerful story that teaches us about God's sovereignty and the importance of following His instructions. It reminds us that God looks beyond appearances and chooses those with a heart aligned with His. It also emphasizes the need for trust and perseverance when faced with challenges on the path to fulfilling God's purpose in our lives. As we reflect on this passage, let us remember that God's anointing is not limited to kings and leaders but extends to each one of us. We are all called to fulfill God's purpose in our lives, and although the journey may be difficult, we can trust that God will guide us and empower us with His Spirit.

Why do Catholics pray in front of statues?

Praying in Front of Statues: A Biblical Perspective

Today, I would like to address a common misunderstanding regarding the practice of praying in front of statues. Many people believe that Christians or Catholics engage in idol worship by bowing down before these statues. In this reflection, we will explore why we have statues, why we pray in front of them, and whether this practice is biblical.

The Commandment

Exodus 20:4 states, "You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth." This commandment prohibits the creation of idols or statues representing heavenly beings, earthly beings, or creatures of the water.

However, we must understand the intention behind this commandment. It is not meant to forbid the creation of any statues or idols at all. Instead, it is meant to prohibit the substitution of God with a statue or idol and the worship of that statue as a deity.

Statues in the Bible

Despite the commandment, God Himself commanded the creation of statues. For example, God instructed the Israelites to make statues of cherubim upon the Ark of the Covenant and in the Jerusalem Temple.

Exodus 25:10 states, "They shall make an ark of acacia wood." And verse 18 says, "You shall make two cherubim of gold; you shall make them of hammered work." These cherubim statues were placed on the Ark of the Covenant, where God resided and spoke to His people.

Idolatry vs. Adoration

The distinction lies in idolatry, where a statue or idol is worshipped as a substitute for the true God, and adoration, where a statue or icon is used to focus the mind and heart on God and His heavenly beings.

In the case of praying in front of statues in the church, it is not the statues themselves that are worshipped, but rather, they serve as reminders and aids to direct our attention to God and the heavenly beings.

Idolatry in Modern Times

Idolatry can manifest in various forms, not just in front of statues. It can occur when we give excessive honor and glory to any creature or thing, such as money or other people, thereby replacing God as the ultimate source of worship.

It is essential to examine our conscience and ensure that we are not engaging in idolatry in any form. We must only give glory and honor to the one true God as revealed in the Bible.

Praying in front of statues is not idol worship if the intention is to direct our focus towards God and the heavenly beings. The Bible itself contains instances where God commanded the creation of statues. However, we must always be cautious not to substitute God with any creature or thing and give Him the worship and honor that He alone deserves.

Bowing down and honoring statues

Bowing down or honoring statues is not the same as worship. In the Bible, bowing down is not a sign of worship, but rather a sign of honoring and respecting someone. Even in front of kings and prophets, people used to prostrate themselves as a sign of honor and respect. Similarly, bowing down in front of statues or images is a way of showing respect and honor, not worship. Therefore, there is nothing wrong in bowing down in front of statues of Jesus, angels, saints, or Mother Mary.

Intercession of angels and saints

Angels and saints, including Mother Mary, are considered alive in the presence of God. Just as we ask for the help of living human beings, we can also ask for the intercession of angels and saints. The Bible tells us that the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Since angels and saints are considered righteous, their prayers have great power. Therefore, it is acceptable and biblical to ask for their help and intercession.

Understanding the Image of God in the Old and New Testament

In the Old Testament, God did not reveal his form or show his image. In Deuteronomy 4:15, it is stated that since the people did not see any form when the Lord spoke to them, they were not supposed to make any images of God. However, in the New Testament, God showed his image in Jesus Christ, as mentioned in Colossians 1:15. Jesus is described as the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of all creation.

Furthermore, in Colossians 2:9, it is stated that the fullness of deity dwells bodily in Jesus Christ. This reaffirms the belief in Jesus as the image of God. In 2 Corinthians 4:6, it is mentioned that the glory of God is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the image of God is found in Jesus Christ.

In the Old Testament, there is also an interesting reference to an image. In Numbers 21:8-9, the Lord commanded Moses to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. Those who were bitten by poisonous snakes were instructed to look at the serpent and they would be healed. Jesus later interpreted this as a foreshadowing of his own crucifixion, where he became sin for humanity and anyone who looked upon him would be saved.

Similarly, Mother Mary is seen as the new ark of the covenant, carrying Jesus in her womb. Just as the ark of the covenant carried the tablets and the priesthood, Mother Mary carried the new covenant and the true priesthood in the form of Jesus. Therefore, it is not wrong to carry statues or images of Mother Mary in processions, as it is a way to honor her role as the ark of the covenant.

Studying the Old and New Testament together helps us understand the true sense of the Bible and the significance of images in religious practices.

Your prayer will be more powerful if you do this!

 The incredible impact of prayer 

 Matthew, a humble priest who dedicated himself to daily prayer for world evangelization. Through his prayers, retreat centers were established around the world, attracting thousands and millions of people to the Lord. This fulfillment of God's promise reminds us of the power of prayer.

When we pray, it is important to pray with tears, as this shows our deep emotional involvement and sincerity. The Bible tells us that those who pray with tears will not be disappointed, and that God counts every tear we shed. Jesus himself offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears, setting an example for us to follow.

Praying with Tears

Praying with tears shows emotional involvement and sincerity

God counts every tear we shed

Jesus offered prayers and supplications with tears

Examples of individuals who prayed with tears: Hannah, Mary, the widow, and Mary Magdalene

Scripture References

Psalm 126:5-6 - "May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy."

Hebrews 5:7 - "In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears."

The Importance of Praying with Tears

God calls us to return to Him with all our heart, fasting, weeping, and mourning. This emotional involvement in prayer is not a peripheral relationship with God, but a deep connection that moves our whole being. The priests are specifically called to weep and pray for the people, asking God to spare them and not make them a mockery among the nations.

Prayer for the Church

In these modern times, it is crucial for all priests, nuns, deacons, seminarians, and believers to pray with tears for the Church. The Church is facing mockery and insults, and people are questioning the presence of God. By praying with tears, we can seek God's intervention and witness His glory in the Church.

Believing in God's Presence

When we come to pray, we must believe that God is present with us. Just as there is air, water, and oxygen wherever we go, the presence of God surrounds us. Making the sign of the cross invites the Holy Trinity into our presence, and we can trust that God is with us as we pray.

Come to pray and believe in the presence of the Lord surrounding you. It is important to believe that He exists and is with you. When you sit in front of the blessed sacrament, remember that you are in the presence of Almighty God. You don't need to be upset or worried because in these moments, the Lord is in control, not you.

Hebrews 11:6

Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Whoever approaches Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

Anyone who seeks God will be rewarded. Those who go to church regularly and pray sincerely will never be disappointed. Even when others insult, reject, or make fun of you for believing in God, don't listen to them. The Bible is true, and everything it says is taking place. The Lord promises to reward those who seek Him.

Mark 11:24-26

Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Many people have testified to receiving their healings and other blessings because they believed it as if it had already happened. Trust in God's promises and rejoice in His presence.

Matthew 26:41

Stay awake and pray so that you may not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Don't compromise your personal prayer life. Never stop your connection with God, especially if you know you are weak. Otherwise, you will lose your anointing and fall into trials and temptations.

James 5:13

If you are suffering, pray. If you are cheerful, sing songs of praise. If you are sick, call for the elders of the church to pray over you and anoint you with oil in the name of the Lord. Seek intercession from others and pray for yourself and others who are in need.

Anointing of the Sick: A Healing Sacrament

The anointing of the sick, also known as the last sacrament, is often misunderstood. Many people fear receiving this sacrament because they think it means they will die soon. However, the anointing of the sick is a healing sacrament, not a sacrament of death. It is the last sacrament out of the seven, but it does not signify the end of one's life. Instead, it prepares us for our journey to heaven and signifies permanent healing.

When we receive the anointing of the sick, we are anointed with oil in the name of the Lord (verse 15). The prayer of faith has the power to save the sick and raise them up. It also brings forgiveness for sins (verse 16). Therefore, it is important for those who are sick and afflicted to go for confession and seek forgiveness, as the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.

Confession makes us righteous, and when we pray after a sincere confession, our prayers are heard and become effective. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God has plans for our welfare and not for harm. When we call upon Him and pray, He will hear us. It is crucial to have faith and believe that God is in charge of our lives. When we search for Him with all our heart, we will find Him.

Miracles will happen when you do this

The power of prayer and the prayer life of Jesus.

In Matthew 14:22, we see that after the multiplication of the five loaves of bread for five thousand people, Jesus forced the disciples to get into the boat and go to the other side of the lake, dismissing the crowd. Jesus made sure that every block was removed and that he could spend time in the presence of his Father. He went up to the mountain to pray the whole night. Even though the disciples were attacked by waves and storms while Jesus was praying, they were protected because of his prayer.

When Jesus came to help them, walking on water, the disciples initially thought he was a ghost. This shows that even in times of crisis, we tend to doubt the presence of God and believe in the presence of evil. But Jesus reassured them, saying, "Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid." This applies to us as well. In times of struggles and suffering, we should not doubt or get disappointed, but trust in the Lord.

Let us read Matthew 14:28 onwards, where Peter asks Jesus to command him to come to Him on the water. Peter's desire to be with Jesus enabled him to walk on water. Similarly, when we pray, our desire should be to be with Jesus and fall in love with Him. The rest will follow, including miracles, wonders, and deliverance. We need to leave behind everything in order to be with Jesus, just as Peter risked his life to be with Him. It is worth risking our lives for Jesus, and when we ask Him to command us, amazing things can happen.

Walking on Water: A Lesson in Faith

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk on water? In the Gospel of Matthew, we read about Peter's incredible feat of walking on water towards Jesus. This story teaches us an important lesson about faith and stepping out of our comfort zones.

Peter's Leap of Faith

In the midst of a stormy sea, Peter expressed his desire to be with Jesus by asking Him to command him to come to Him on the water. Jesus granted Peter's request and said, "Come." Without hesitation, Peter left the safety of the boat and began walking on the water towards Jesus.

This act of courage and trust is an example for us all. Peter could have chosen to stay in the boat, where it was safe and familiar. But he recognized that being with Jesus was more important than any comfort or security the boat could offer.

Leaving Our Comfort Zones

Like Peter, we often find ourselves clinging to our own "boats" - our bad habits, wrong relationships, unforgiveness, and other negative tendencies. We may pray, attend religious services, and seek miracles and wonders, but unless we are willing to leave these comfort zones behind, we cannot truly experience the power and presence of God.

It's not easy to leave our comfort zones. We fear the unknown, the risks, and the potential loss of security. But as Peter's example shows us, when we prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else, miracles and wonders follow.

Focusing on Jesus

While walking towards Jesus, Peter's focus was solely on Him. He was able to walk on water as long as he kept his eyes fixed on Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened and started sinking.

This teaches us the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus in our prayers and in life. When we allow ourselves to be consumed by fear, worry, and distractions, we lose sight of His presence and power. Instead, we are called to trust in Him, knowing that He is greater than any storm or struggle we may face.

A Lesson for Us All

The story of Peter walking on water serves as a reminder that true faith requires us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God's power. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else and keep our focus on Him, even in the midst of life's storms.

Discovering Meaning Amidst the Mess

 If there is a mess here, there is a message there.

Praise the Lord.

If there is a mess here, there is a message there. The moment I see something disturbing me, I have to look up to the Lord. Tell me, where did I go wrong? What shall I do? What's next? Is it pride? Is it selfishness? Is it self-centeredness? I know somewhere I've gone wrong. It helps me a lot, my dear brothers and sisters. I never doubt Him and never feel that He will abandon me. He will never do that because He promised me,

"I will never leave you orphan" (John 14:18).

That message is for me, it's for you. He will never do it. He will never leave you orphaned.

So, I know He will not leave me even if I commit terrible sins. He will not leave me. But if there is a time where I feel I'm left out or left alone, that means something. He wants to speak to me, somewhere He wants to correct me.

What Causes the Challenge of Prayer for Many Individuals?"

 Reasons Why We Struggle to Pray

Many people desire to pray but find themselves unable to do so. There are various reasons that contribute to this struggle:

Lack of knowledge about the power and importance of prayer

Impatience and disappointment when prayers are not immediately answered

Feeling that prayer is useless due to past experiences

Misusing prayer as a form of bribery

Asking for things with wrong intentions

The Power of Prayer

Many people do not pray because they do not understand the power and significance of prayer. They are unaware of what happens during prayer. It is important to believe that something is happening when we pray, even if we cannot see it at the moment. Examples from the Bible, such as Saul, the Ethiopian eunuch, and Lydia, show that when people prayed, God was actively working in their lives.

Impatience and Disappointment

Impatience and disappointment arise when prayers are not answered according to our expectations. Sometimes, God has a better plan for us that we are unaware of. We may pray for something to happen immediately, but God has a better opportunity planned for us in the future. It is important not to lose hope or doubt God's presence when prayers seem unanswered. Disappointment should not lead us to sin or question God's power. Instead, we should continue to pray without giving up.

Misusing Prayer as Bribery

Some people only turn to prayer when they are in trouble or need something. They try to bribe God with their prayers, expecting immediate results. However, true prayer should come from a place of repentance and sincerity. Merely using prayer as a last resort or bargaining tool will not yield the desired outcome. It is essential to have a genuine change of heart and commit to a holy and repentant life.

Asking with Wrong Intentions

James 4:2-3 warns against asking for things with wrong intentions or for personal gain. Praying for our own pleasures or selfish desires is not in alignment with God's will. We should approach prayer with a humble and selfless heart, seeking God's guidance and surrendering ourselves to His plan.

Overall, it is crucial to understand the power of prayer, be patient and trust in God's timing, use prayer with pure intentions, and seek God's will above our own desires.

Study Hack: Overcoming Prayer Challenges

Introduction

In this blog post, we will explore some common challenges that people face when it comes to prayer and how to overcome them. Prayer is a powerful tool, and by understanding and addressing these challenges, we can enhance our prayer life and experience its benefits.

Wrong Priorities

One common reason why people struggle to pray is because they have wrong priorities. They prioritize their own pleasures and desires over their prayer life. This means that even if they pray regularly, their prayers are ineffective because they are not willing to make sacrifices. It's important to examine our priorities and ensure that prayer is a top priority in our lives.

Lack of Time

Another challenge that people face is a perceived lack of time. Many individuals claim that they are too busy to pray. However, this simply means that prayer is not a priority for them. They prioritize other activities such as eating, sleeping, and socializing over prayer. It's essential to recognize the importance of prayer and make time for it in our daily routines.

The Example of Jesus

We can learn from the example of Jesus, who prioritized prayer above all else. In the Gospel of Matthew, we see that Jesus dismissed a crowd of 5000 people and sent his disciples away to pray. He understood the importance of spending time in communion with God. If Jesus, who had immense responsibilities, made prayer a priority, then we should do the same.

Dealing with Distractions

Distractions are another challenge that many people face during prayer. Wandering thoughts, daydreams, and even falling asleep can hinder our ability to focus and connect with God. It's important to address these distractions by directing our hearts and minds towards God. By focusing our hearts in the right place, we can eliminate unnecessary thoughts and maintain a meaningful prayer experience.

Scripture Guidance

In the book of Job, we find guidance on how to direct our hearts rightly. Job 11:13 tells us that if we focus our hearts in the right place, we will be able to stretch out our hands in prayer. This means that when we approach prayer with the right mindset and heart, we will have a deeper connection with God and a more fulfilling prayer experience.

Conclusion

Overcoming prayer challenges requires us to examine our priorities, make time for prayer, and address distractions. By following the example of Jesus and focusing our hearts rightly, we can enhance our prayer life and experience the transformative power of prayer. Let us make prayer a priority and reap the benefits in our spiritual journey.