***God to Be Worshipped and Loved

         That the Lord God is almighty and infinite alone makes him worthy to be worshipped by us. The fact that he also loves us to death makes him deserve all our love for him.   

***Spiritual Growth to Remain Spirited***

        It's not good enough to repent every time you've sinned, and then keep on sinning and repenting. You must realize that you as a sinner need God's mercy and salvation and seek to become holy like him. Then you'll reach the point you no longer sin and repent ad infinitum. Spiritual growth must not remain stagnant; it has to be alive and dynamic like the mustard seed growing into a gigantic tree. We want to grow in God to become like him as much as possible before we see him.

***Joys Overcome All Sorrows

        Communion experience. The Spirit of the Lord uplifts my spirit so much that all my sorrows are overcome. Psalm 23 enters my mind. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me. You set a table before me in front of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days." (The LORD is all mine forever!)

***What to Be Afraid Of

        In this life we are afraid of many things that might come, such as volcanic eruptions, an economic collapse, a third world war, etc. There is one thing we ought to be truly concerned about is our last day on earth, a day that's surely to arrive. If we live wrongly, we can end up in hell for all eternity. But if we see things right, we needn't be afraid of it at all, as God's most ardent wish is that we all go to heaven; and if we obey him, we'll get there. (Faith makes all things simple and easy.) 

***Endearing Invitation***

        Also in today's reading 1 from Revelation 3, John wrote what the Lord wanted the Church of Laodicea to know. In it he said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me." How can one who's not self-centered possibly refuse such an endearing invitation?

***Totally Trustworthy

        Jesus' promises to us are rock solid. In today's first reading from Revelation 3, the Lord had a message for the Church of Sardis. He knew that there were a few people in Sardis who had not soiled their garments and would walk with him. And he said that he would never erase their names from the book of life but will acknowledge them in the presence of his Father and of his angels. The God of Christ is the one we can absolutely trust with complete confidence. There is not another one who can deliver like that.

**What Does the World Have to Offer?*

        I've been away from home the last eight days, so I haven't been able to blog as much. Yesterday I got back home after a long ten-hour drive. On the way I saw the many billboards and signs along the highways and roads, luring travelers to stop for good food, rest, fun, and entertainment. I asked myself, "Is this all the world has to offer—temporary gratification?" Then I saw that what God can offer us is so such more superior and satisfying—eternal contentment. 

***Secret of Remaining in Peace***

        Do everything for God, then if you run into difficulties, it becomes his problem and he'll solve it with and for you, and you'll have nothing to complain about and remain in peace. 

***The Shock to Avoid (a Warning)*

        We need to be vigilant and prepared at all times. Otherwise, when the Lord strikes, for you it will always be at an unexpected time—this is the shock you must avoid at all costs if you are wise.  

***Warning from the LORD

        Today's first reading from Malachi 3 is most appropriate for us to hear in these trying times: "Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the LORD of hosts. But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays."

***God Our Ultimate Divider

        God being our Lord and God is our supreme model, our standard, and our judge. Therefore, it comes down to whether we are with him or against him, obedient or disobedient to him. Fortunately for us, his great mercy has also provided us with a way of being saved in the end if we listen to him. Meanwhile, we are simply divided along the line that separates those who accept his love and those who rejects his love. 

**Be Worthy to Be Chosen

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 18, Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow and asked, "Will not God secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily." I see that God calls us, and how he answer us will depend upon how we respond to him. If we call out to him day and night, then he will do justice for us speedily. In short, pray to the Lord unceasingly to receive the best response from him always.

** Learning from God

        God is always teaching us, so there is a lesson in everything that happens to us. But if we don't tune in to him, we learn nothing from him. 

**Sign We Are Not with God

        We are always with our thoughts. If we don't think about God, we are not with God. 

**Sign You Belong to God

        You have no hesitation leaving all things behind and going to God.

**Wise Thing to Do

        Live for the Lord right now, for your next hour may be your last on earth. 

***Christ My Consoler

        I was breast-fed by a woman after I was born for many months. I don't remember much about my earliest years except for the moment I realized that she's going to leave me, and I cried. That was the first big sorrow of my life. Now that I am already an old man, My soul bears great sorrows for the world only my most beloved Christ can alleviate. This draws me ever closer to him and I rejoice in that. 

***Sad Reality to Awaken To

        This is the day after midterm election with votes still being counted. At this point the leftists still seem to remain firmly leftist and the conservatives have made only small gains. Here in liberal California, sadly over 60% voted to modify the state constitution to allow for abortion. The grip Satan has on this nation is strong. Not until people realize that there is a war going on between God and Satan and start praying, things will only get worse. A polarization such as the one we have now could lead to a civil war one day All of us need to wake up to this reality or many will perish. We cannot escape the judgment of God.