“What are you looking for?”

Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, 

“What are you looking for?” 

They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), 

“where are you staying?” 

JOHN 1:38

Look for Jesus in the morning when the sun begins to rise. He will fill your heart with joy and brighten up your eyes. Look for Jesus in the noonday when the world is in a rush. He will give you peace and calm and help you overcome the crush. Look for Jesus in the evening when the shadows start to fall. He will be your light and guide and answer when you call. Look for Jesus in the night time when the darkness fills your mind. He will comfort you and heal you and show you he is kind.

We have found the Messiah, He is Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, the one the prophets foretold. He is the Son of God, the Lamb who breaks the mold. He is the one who heals and saves, the King of kings, the Lord who rules the waves. He is the one who loves and cares, the Prince of peace, the Friend who always shares. He is the one who died and rose, the Alpha and Omega, the Source from which life flows. 

John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter. (John 1:35-42)

Act in righteousness, not in sin for God is watching from above. He knows your thoughts and deeds and judges you with love. Act in righteousness, not in pride for God is humble and meek. He resists the proud and haughty and lifts up the weak. Act in righteousness, not in hate for God is gracious and forgiving. He commands you to love your neighbor and shows you the way of living. Act in righteousness, not in fear for God is faithful and strong. He protects you from all evil and helps you to belong.

Children, let no one deceive you. The person who acts in righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous. Whoever sins belongs to the devil, because the devil has sinned from the beginning. Indeed, the Son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the devil. No one who is begotten by God commits sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot sin because he is begotten by God. In this way, the children of God and the children of the devil are made plain; no one who fails to act in righteousness belongs to God, nor anyone who does not love his brother. (1 John 3:7-10)

Jesus rules the world with justice and the peoples with equity. He is the righteous judge of all and the source of all authority, He is the faithful servant of all and the model of all humility. He is the loving shepherd of all and the giver of all mercy. He is the living Lord of all and the hope of all eternity.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds. His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell in it; Let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy before the Lord. The Lord comes, he comes to rule the earth; He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity. (Psalm 98:1, 7-8, 9)

Lord Jesus, You rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity. I look on You as my Lord and Savior. Help me to always find You not just in my innerself but also in others. I am a sinner who will always beg for Your pardon and mercy. Forgive me dear Lord for the countless times I have not been just, fair and honest in my dealings. May I always follow Your ways in all my days now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

THE FIRST DISCIPLES

John 1:35-51

II: God as Light

AVOIDING SIN

1 John 3:4-18

Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106

THE COMING OF GOD

Psalm 98:1-9

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Seek and Save What was Lost

And Jesus said to him, 

“Today salvation has come to this house 

because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. 

For the Son of Man has come 

to seek and to save what was lost.”

LUKE 19:9-10

Jesus Christ came to earth to offer Himself in the place of sinners and save them from the penalty they deserve. This phrase is from Luke 19:10, where Jesus says it after meeting Zacchaeus, a tax collector who repented and turned to God. It signifies that Jesus came to seek and save all those who are lost and in need of redemption. 

At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:1-10)

Christ’s mission was one of compassion, grace, and salvation for those who were spiritually lost. His purpose was to seek out and redeem those who were separated from God, offering hope and forgiveness to all who would turn to Him.

Your words echo with courage, a resolute determination to uphold honor and righteousness. The path you tread is one of self-sacrifice, leaving behind a legacy etched in valor and devotion. 

Eleazar, one of the foremost scribes, a man of advanced age and noble appearance, was being forced to open his mouth to eat pork. But preferring a glorious death to a life of defilement, he spat out the meat, and went forward of his own accord to the instrument of torture, as people ought to do who have the courage to reject the food which it is unlawful to taste even for love of life. Those in charge of that unlawful ritual meal took the man aside privately, because of their long acquaintance with him, and urged him to bring meat of his own providing, such as he could legitimately eat, and to pretend to be eating some of the meat of the sacrifice prescribed by the king; in this way he would escape the death penalty, and be treated kindly because of their old friendship with him. But Eleazar made up his mind in a noble manner, worthy of his years, the dignity of his advanced age, the merited distinction of his gray hair, and of the admirable life he had lived from childhood; and so he declared that above all he would be loyal to the holy laws given by God. He told them to send him at once to the abode of the dead, explaining: “At our age it would be unbecoming to make such a pretense; many young men would think the ninety-year-old Eleazar had gone over to an alien religion. Should I thus pretend for the sake of a brief moment of life, they would be led astray by me, while I would bring shame and dishonor on my old age. Even if, for the time being, I avoid the punishment of men, I shall never, whether alive or dead, escape the hands of the Almighty. Therefore, by manfully giving up my life now, I will prove myself worthy of my old age, and I will leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws.” Eleazar spoke thus, and went immediately to the instrument of torture. Those who shortly before had been kindly disposed, now became hostile toward him because what he had said seemed to them utter madness. When he was about to die under the blows, he groaned and said: “The Lord in his holy knowledge knows full well that, although I could have escaped death, I am not only enduring terrible pain in my body from this scourging, but also suffering it with joy in my soul because of my devotion to him.” This is how he died, leaving in his death a model of courage and an unforgettable example of virtue not only for the young but for the whole nation. (2 Maccabees 6:18-31)

In twilight's embrace, you stand, a sentinel of honor, resolute. Your life, a testament to the grand, a beacon for the young, absolute. The revered laws, you yield. Generously, willingly, you tread. In sacrifice, your purpose revealed, a noble example, in shadows spread. As the sun sets on your days, may your unwavering spirit inspire generations to come, igniting flames of nobility and selflessness. 

When darkness veils your weary soul, and burdens weigh upon your fragile frame, God's light breaks through, makes you whole, your glory, your strength, your eternal flame.

O Lord, how many are my adversaries! Many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “There is no salvation for him in God.” But you, O Lord, are my shield; my glory, you lift up my head! When I call out to the Lord, he answers me from His holy mountain. When I lie down in sleep, I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I fear not the myriads of people arrayed against me on every side. (Psalm 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7)

In the shadowed fray, where battles rage, my refuge, my defense, my shield unfurled. The tempests howl, yet I stand unswayed, For You, O Lord, are my fortress, my world. Lifted high, my head, once bowed in strife, Your grace, a beacon, pierces the night. In Your embrace, I find abundant life, a symphony of love, unwavering and bright. So I raise my voice, my heart's refrain, to You, O Lord, my refuge and my song. In Your presence, I find solace, gain, for You, my Shield, my Glory, I belong.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

ZACCHAEUS THE TAX COLLECTOR

Luke 19:1-10

IV: Profanation and Persecution

MARTYRDOM OF ELEAZAR

2 Maccabees 6:18-31

First Book of Psalms 1-41

THREATENED BUT TRUSTING

Psalm 3:1-9

Reflection Source:

Microsoft Copilot

SEEK THE LORD

Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts 
that seek the Lord!

Psalm 105:3

Look to the Lord in His strength; 
seek to serve Him constantly.

Psalm 105:4

I sought the Lord, and He answered me 

and delivered me from all my fears. 

Psalm 34:5

Simon and those who were with him pursued him, and they found him and said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." (Mark 1:36-37)

Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who may stand in his holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. (Psalm 24:3-4, 6)

Seek the Lord is a phrase that means to pursue a personal relationship with God through prayer, worship, obedience, and faith. It is a biblical command and a spiritual practice that leads to joy, peace, and salvation. Here are some of the reasons and ways to seek the Lord:

To know and love God: Seeking the Lord is the way to know Him personally and intimately, and to grow in our love for Him. God reveals Himself to those who seek Him with all their heart, and He delights in our desire for Him. [Jeremiah 29:13], [Psalm 37:4]

To receive His grace and mercy: Seeking the Lord is the way to receive His forgiveness, healing, and restoration. God is gracious and merciful to those who seek Him sincerely and humbly, and He promises to pardon and heal our sins and wounds. [Isaiah 55:6-7], [2 Chronicles 7:14]

To obey His will and commands: Seeking the Lord is the way to obey His will and commands for our lives. God guides and instructs those who seek Him diligently and faithfully, and He empowers us to do His good and pleasing will. [Psalm 119:10], [Proverbs 3:5-6]

To enjoy His presence and blessings: Seeking the Lord is the way to enjoy His presence and blessings in our lives. God fills and satisfies those who seek Him earnestly and continually, and He bestows on us His joy, peace, and favor. [Psalm 16:11], [Matthew 6:33]

Seeking the Lord is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey. It requires our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. It involves our daily choices, actions, and attitudes. It is not a burden, but a privilege and a pleasure. It is the greatest adventure and the highest reward. Seek the Lord today and always, and you will find him. [Deuteronomy 4:29], [Hebrews 11:6]

Source:

Microsoft Bing

PRAYER

 

Lord, I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts (Ps 119:94).With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands (Ps 119:10).

Father in heaven, nothing is imposible with you. Only you can work for good in me. In You, I am assured that I am stronger than my enemies. Thank You so much for Your hand that continues to work wonders in our daily lives making us victorious in our battles.

 

Please forgive me dear Father for I have sinned. In my hour of weakness and temptation, be my strength and shield. May Your love, mercy, and forgiveness be upon me always each time I sin. May your Spirit in Christ fill me with all I need in order to live a righteous life for the praise and glory of Your name. I completely surrender my faith in You as I seek You each and every moment of my life.

In a special way, I humbly claim the mighty power of Your hands to work great wonders over the lives of all of us Your children most especially those who are in dire need of Your presence. Stretch out and extend Your most loving hands to all the people who are currently suffering from bondage and poverty. 

With much hope, love, and thanksgiving, I offer you back all the glory and praise in Jesus Name. Amen.

Pericope:
JESUS LEAVES CAPERNAUM - Mark 1:35-39
THE GLORY OF GOD IN PROCESSION TO ZION - Psalm 24:1-10
THANKSGIVING TO GOD WHO DELIVERS THE JUST - Psalm 34:1-23 
GOD'S FIDELITY TO THE PROMISE - Psalm 105:1-43
A PRAYER TO GOD, THE LAWGIVER - Psalm 119:1-176


Published:

July 22, 2023, 7:02 AM

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November 07, 2012, 2:26PM

Think As God Does

 He turned and said to Peter, 

“Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. 

You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

MATTHEW 6 : 23

Thinking means to have or form in the mind as an idea, conception, etc., to have or form in the mind in order to understand, know, or remember something else. First recorded before 900; Middle English thinken, variant of thenken, Old English thencan; cognate with Dutch, German denken, Old Norse thekkja, Gothic thagkjan; akin to Latin tongēre “to know”. (Dictionary.com).

The Lord declares, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). I know their works and their thoughts; the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and see My glory" (Isaiah 66:18).

They do not know the thoughts of the LORD, and they do not understand His purpose; for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor (Micah 4:12). The thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. We speak not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words (1 Corinthians 2:11,13). 

The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath (Psalm 94:11). And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? (Matthew 9:4) From within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries" (Mark 7:21).

The LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever (1 Chronicles 28:9). For behold, He who forms mountains and creates the wind and declares to man what are His thoughts, He who makes dawn into darkness and treads on the high places of the earth, the LORD God of hosts is His name. (Amos 4:13)

How great are Your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep. (Psalm 92:5). How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:17) Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; (Psalm 139:23) When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul. (Psalm 94:19)

Seek and You shall Find

 "Ask, and it will be given to you; 

seek, and you will find; 

knock, and it will be opened to you."

MATTHEW 7:7 ; LUKE 11:9

Seek means to go in search or quest of (to seek the truth), to try to find or discover by searching or questioning (to seek the solution to a problem). First recorded before 900; Middle English seken, Old English sēcan; cognate with German suchen, Old Norse sœkja, Gothic sōkjan; akin to Latin sāgīre “to perceive by scent”. (Dictionary.com)

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you" (Mt 6:33).

Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:6-7). Look to the Lord in His strength; seek to serve Him constantly (Ps 105:4). 

The one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will (Rom 8:27).  Glory in His holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! (Ps 105:3). 

I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears (Ps 34:5). I sought Him whom my heart loves (Song 3:1). 

O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water (Ps 63:2). I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts (Ps 119:94).With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands (Ps 119:10).

Seek Wisdom Openly in Prayer

When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer; 

I prayed for her before the temple and I will seek her until the end.

SIRACH 51 : 13-14

Father in heaven, Your Spirit of wisdom is upon me through Jesus Christ Your most beloved Son, my Lord and Savior. I thank and praise You O Lord; I bless Your name all my days. 

I do confess that there are still a lot of things that I do not know and could not understand about life. This is the reason why I am always in dire need of Your wisdom, guidance, and instructions as to how to properly handle and manage my daily affairs. I constantly seek and pray for Your wisdom O Lord to be upon me so that I will continue to learn, grow, and develop in all aspects of life.

I paid heed and I met with great instruction. In this way, I have profited most, and as my teacher, I humbly offer You grateful praise. May I become resolutely devoted to Your wisdom, the good I persistently strive for.

With much love and thanksgiving, I offer You back all the glory and praise in Jesus Name. Amen.

SEARCHER OF MIND AND HEART

“But you, O Lord of hosts, O just Judge, 

searcher of mind and heart, 

let me witness the vengeance you take on them, 

for to you I have entrusted my cause!"

Jeremiah 11:20

Let the malice of the wicked come to an end, but sustain the just, O searcher of heart and soul, O just God (Ps 7:10).

The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein; for he has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers.Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully.He will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of his salvation.Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. - Psalms 24:1-6




Published:
November 22, 2010, 7:44 AM