Monday, January 28, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: It's Time for Service

I ran across some old notes this weekend from a motivational seminar Jay and I attended about 5 years ago. For a business seminar, it was a pleasant surprise to have a majority of speakers talk about faith in God! Since the election of President Donald Trump, people of faith are not holding back . . . comments such as "God bless" at the end of an interview on FOX news is music to my ears. To see Rep. Aaron McWilliams of North Dakota co-sponsor a bill to bring Bible study as an elective into public schools is just what our children/grandchildren need. God is taking back His Lost Sheep. How will you be a part in leading others to Christ? It takes determination and focus, lay apostles. Begin today.

Today's Gospel (Mark 3:22-30) demonstrates the focus we all need:

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus,  “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.”

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables,  “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself,  that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided,  he cannot stand;  that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.  Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

In Volume Three, our Blessed Mother helps us to narrow our focus to her Son and His goals for us:

"If you have a situation that is unclear to you, and you wish heavenly guidance, you have only to ask. I urge you to bring divine counsel into every area of your life. As we sift through each area, we will weed out the earthly motivations and insert heavenly motivations. This process will move swiftly. The more committed you are to Christ, the more swiftly it can move. Afterwards, you will work so much more efficiently. You will be happier, more content, and souls will be attracted to you because of your singular focus. My children, all earthly education and teachings pale in comparison to the infused knowledge with which we wish to visit you. Be confident that you will have the ability to do anything we ask of you. Do not fear. Fear is not from God and prevents many soldiers from successfully completing their missions. Cast away fear and let us enjoy peace instead. I am with you and bless you. I will never leave you and your concerns will be my concerns. Look to souls who are led by me and you will see the peace in their faces. This is what I have for you. Heed my call, now, children. The time for service is today."

Lay apostles, I want to leave you with some valuable quotes from a few motivational speakers from the seminar:

James MacNeil: Discomfort + Hope = Motivation.
Rudy Giuliani: Preparation is what reduces fear - relentless preparation.
Tom Ziglar: What you feed your mind determines your appetite.
Dr. Clarice Fluitt: Immaturity resists change.
Les Brown: Someone's opinion of you doesn't have to become your reality; provide more service than you get paid for; give before you ask.

Change yourselves, not others. Work to create a world prepared for the coming of Our Savior Jesus Christ!

Thank you, Lord, for putting my motivation where it needs to be . . . leading to You!

God bless,
Bonnie


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