Darlene Ankerberg’s Post

The tenth day of the first month holds deep significance in biblical history, marking events that foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This article explores the rich symbolism and prophetic importance of this day. https://hubs.li/Q02KV6sJ0

SABBATH  Feast of Saint Luke, Evangelist The Blessing of Peace and a Welcoming Spirit Whenever we priests get invited to bless homes, among the typical intentions are to dispel evil spirits and to bring in good fortune. This is why sometimes we get called to houses that look gloomy and creepy—your typical haunted house in movies. (Good thing they don’t invite us at night!) Or sometimes, as we sprinkle holy water around the house, we see Catholic images along with buddhas of different sizes and shades, frogs chomping on coins, and the perennially waving golden cat.  But is this what house blessings should be about? In today’s Gospel (which is often used during blessings), we see what God desires for every household: peace. He wants His peace to enter and remain in the home and in all who live in it. But this only happens when we accept His message, His Gospel, as well as the messengers that bear them.  Jesus further instructs that these messengers are to be entertained and welcomed, their rightful needs provided to support their mission. This support is important, especially because of the many challenges that obstruct God’s work. We see an example in the First Reading wherein Saint Paul stands in trial, alone and deserted. Good thing, his trust is firmly set in the Lord regardless of his circumstances. But this should not always be the case. While individual faith is ever essential, the design of our mission is communal. It must be sustained by the common good of the people and not dependent on the heroic virtue of a few. Ours is a mission where everyone does their part and generously looks out for each other. Being free of bad luck or evil entities are poor substitutes for what God wants to build in us. So let us not settle for less but seek His true peace. Sometimes this is as simple as being a welcoming home and a willing spirit to help. Fr. Albert Garong, SSP Reflection Question: In what concrete ways is God calling you to support the Church’s mission today? Lord, may I be generous in supporting Your mission in whatever way You call me to. Amen. Today, I pray for: _________________________________

DAILY BENEFITS DEVOTIONAL MONDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2024 WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE? Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Your purpose determines your preparation. Your purpose determines your separation. Your purpose determines your decision. It is your purpose that will result in your distinction. It is not enough to be a Christian. Amongst Christians, there are Christians. There are Christians that compromise. There are Christians that believe in "it doesn't matter." There are Christians that behave like unbelievers. But the good news is that there are Christians that are Christ's ambassadors. They are not just righteous, they are holy and sanctified. They are light in the midst of darkness. God can point to them and say: "you see that man in that office, he is my son." It is purpose that makes you to be this type of believer - a believer with a difference. You are not just waiting to go to heaven, but God is using you to change lives here on earth. You need to have a purpose. Purpose is like a sacrifice. But it has great rewards. It will put constraints and boundaries on you so that you don't fall off the bridge. It will fuel your determination and give you focus. It will give you speed and at the end it will give you peace. ASSIGNMENT Ask God to help you live a life of purpose. I pray that what is defiling others will not defile you! In this world, may you be the light shining in darkness! May the amazing testimonies of Purpose become your testimony in Jesus name! Your benefits for today will locate you; FOR GOD DAILY LOADS US WITH BENEFITS. *Please share with your friends.* Pastor Festus Aigbedion +234 916 244 7617

Need advice on relationships? On how to live life to the fullest? In my latest Catholic Exchange article, meet seven "October saints" who have tons of practical advice! https://lnkd.in/epR45ibm #october #catholic #christian #blogpost #relationshipadvice #practicaladvice

We are tasked with establishing God’s will in the earth; we actively carry out His will, implementing and manifesting it in our daily lives and actions... 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” As ambassadors for Christ, we represent our heavenly Kingdom; we’re legal representatives of God’s Kingdom. This consciousness empowers you to fulfil your divine mission, manifesting God’s will and spreading the message of the Kingdom throughout the world. https://lnkd.in/gnKBpN9c

This recent blog looks into the biblical and theological implications of Jesus' death and resurrection, emphasizing His fulfillment of Scripture and His role as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins. It's a thoughtful examination of these pivotal days and their impact on Christian faith. https://hubs.li/Q02pJhx70

In a world where the hustle for success often overshadows our greater purpose, it's paramount to remember the deeper calling that transcends mere survival. 📖🙏 Acts 20:24 profoundly reminds us that our lives hold no value unless they are committed to fulfilling the ministry we've received from the Lord. Whether we're pastors, bankers, or bricklayers, we’re all called to advance others' faith and holiness. 🏗️💼 📜 Ministry is diverse, reflecting the varied lives of Christians worldwide. It’s not confined to titles like elder or deacon; it’s a way of life dedicated to uplifting Christ and serving others. 🌍❤️ Here are three essential takeaways for embodying this lifestyle: 1. **Prioritize Ministry Over Life:** The ultimate conviction comes from realizing that our ministry is more pressing than mere existence. Paul’s words in Acts 20:24 resonate strongly; our devotion defines true purpose. ⛪👣 2. **Lose Your Life to Fulfill Ministry:** Our journey might not always be about preserving our lifespan to serve. Sometimes, the manner in which we sacrifice our lives becomes the pinnacle of our ministry. Reflect on Jesus' life, concluding in his thirties with a monumental legacy. ✝️💫 3. **Trust in Divine Timing:** Henry Martyn confidently said, “If [God] has work for me to do, I cannot die.” This underscores the belief that our mortal lives are safeguarded until our God-appointed task is complete. Immortal in purpose, we serve until our mission is divinely fulfilled. ⏳✨ Embrace your ministry with unwavering faith, for God alone determines the crescendo of our service. Let’s commit to making every act a testament to our greater calling. #FaithInAction #ChristianLeadership #PurposeDrivenLife https://lnkd.in/emdgfXDV

December 10, 2024. INSIGHT FOR TRIUMPHANT LIVING: *VIOLENCE OF FAITH IS REQUIRED FOR YOU TO FULLY ACCESS/POSESS ALL THAT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN HAS TO OFFER YOU, HERE ON EARTH, AS WELL AS TO EVENTUALLY BE AN ETERNAL PART OF IT, EVEN UNTO BEING A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH, WORLD WITHOUT END. * POWER CAPSULE: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. [NKJV] * BIBLICAL COMMENTARY: 1Tim.1.18 - Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they give you the confidence to fight well in the Lord's battles. 1Tim.1.19 - Cling tightly to your faith in Christ, and always keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. NLT Matthew 11 : 11 I assure you that John the Baptist is greater than anyone who has ever lived. But the one who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than John. Matthew 11 : 12 From the time John preached his message until this very day the Kingdom of heaven has suffered violent attacks, and violent men try to seize it. Matthew 11 : 13 Until the time of John all the prophets and the Law of Moses spoke about the Kingdom; Matthew 11 : 14 and if you are willing to believe their message, John is Elijah, whose coming was predicted. Matthew 11 : 15 Listen, then, if you have ears! GNB 2Cor.10.3 - We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. 2Cor.10.4 - We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds. 2Cor.10.5 - With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ. 2Cor.10.6 - And we will punish those who remained disobedient after the rest of you became loyal and obedient. 2Cor.10.7 - The trouble with you is that you make your decisions on the basis of appearance. You must recognize that we belong to Christ just as much as those who proudly declare that they belong to Christ. NLT * WISDOM NUGGETS: From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. [NIV] * ACTION POINTS: 1Tim.6.12 - Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. KJV Matt.11.12 - And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize - a share in the... https://lnkd.in/e4mz-M6F

ROCK CHURCH DEVOTION Saturday, 13th April 2024 Ap. Samuel Obwoyojok Matthew 5:43 You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy;[KJV] FIRST DIMENSION OF AGAPE It is very important for a child of God to know that we grow in agape. And that agape has got dimensions. Today, let us focus on the first dimension of agape which is also the lowest dimension. Our theme scripture tell us that "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy". In this dimension it is ok for a child of God to love a neighbor and hate an enemy. A person can show care and love for a friend but an enemy who is dying does not matter to him or her. This is the dimension of the youngest Christians; people who have just come into the relationship with Christ and does not know much yet. Unfortunately, many Christians become born again and remains in this lower dimension of agape forever. Lower dimension of agape is associated with lower dimension of truth. Anyone who operates in this dimension finds it very hard to forgive and make peace with everyone. It is ok to start your journey in this dimension, but God does not want you to remain in this lower dimension. He wants you grow to higher dimension of agape of higher truth. Hallelujah! FURTHER STUDY: Matthew 5:38-39, 1 Corinthians 13:11. GOLDEN NUGGET: Lower dimension of agape is associated with lower dimension of truth. Anyone who operates in this dimension finds it very hard to forgive and make peace with everyone. PRAYER: Loving Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you very much for this truth. I have understood that we grow in agape. Teach me how to grow in agape, in Jesus name, Amen.

Point #1. Jesus is calling and sending those who answer Him, believe Him, follow Him and obey Him – even if you have doubts. Point #2. Jesus has sent you, as a Christian. You are to make disciples and send them to make other disciples. Point #3. The ones who receive you (the Gospel Message), receives Him who sent you; you have His presence and His authority, until the end of the age. Point #4. Jesus did not come to bring peace upon this earth - and neither have you. You are bringing the Gospel message – Christ crucified - which is a stumbling block and an offense to some. (See 1 Peter 2:4-8). Point #5. All the foregoing points are connected and are for you instruction. It is fun to go to a comfortable church building and to meet with others, hear the music, attend classes and events. Perhaps you occasionally go on a mission trip or an outreach trip. Maybe your church organization offers perks like ‘mother’s morning out’, men’s or women’s bible studies, golf outing, fishing trips, shopping expeditions, Christmas light tours, etc. It is all good. But what about the 5 POINTS? Are you hearing and doing these POINTS, also? Please, dear ones, let’s not be hearers only, deceiving ourselves. Let’s be doers of the word, who acts, and we will be blessed in all we do. (see James 1:25). https://lnkd.in/eaRjaCD2