|
90 |
|
Divine Healing & Retreat Centre Sydney, Australia Morning Prayers by Divine Retreat Centre, Sydney Australia Bible Online (Encouragements-Part 4) Psalm 91 (audio). 诗篇 91 (audio). Bible verses. Luke 10:19 -> “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
The Imitation of Christ (audio) by Thomas à Kempis. 7 Deadly Sins, 7 Heavenly Virtues.
1st Book of Maccabees (I Maccabees 1:1-16:24) (RSVCE, NRSVCE, audio) 01 (1 April 2022. Persecution of the Jews.) Word of God: 30 Deceitfully he spoke peaceable words to them, and they believed him; but he suddenly fell upon the city, dealt it a severe blow, and destroyed many people of Israel. (1 Maccabees 1: 30) 02 (2 April 2022. Pagan worship refused. Counter Attack.) Word of God: 62 Do not fear the words of sinners, for their splendour will turn into dung and worms. 63 Today they will be exalted, but tomorrow they will not be found, because they will have returned to the dust, and their plans will have perished. (1 Maccabees 2: 62-63) 03 (3 April 2022. Until 29:29/ 2:33:46. The Early Victories of Judas. Preparation for Battle.) Word of God: 19 It is not on the size of the army that victory in battle depends, but strength comes from Heaven. (1 Maccabees 3:19) See Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. 04 (4 April 2022. Until 38:58/ 2:33:46. The Battle at Emmaus.) Greed stops your Responsibilities. Today's bible reading and meditation are taken from 1 Maccabees 4. We offer today's prayers for those who are undergoing surgeries and operations. Word of God: 17 and he said to the people, “Do not be greedy for plunder, for there is a battle before us; 18 Gorgias and his force are near us in the hills. But stand now against our enemies and fight them, and afterward seize the plunder boldly.” (1 Maccabees 4:17-18) See Luke 12:15 15 And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” See Hebrews 13:5 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” 05 (5 April 2022. Until 50:00/ 2:33:47. Joseph and Azariah Defeated.) Thinking to do a brave deed but ….? Word of God: 61 Thus the people suffered a great rout because, thinking to do a brave deed, they did not listen to Judas and his brothers. (1 Maccabees 5:61) We need to always listen to the experts and depend on God’s providence. Proverbs 3:5 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Isaiah 41:10 10 do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. 06 (6 April 2022. Until 1:01:40/ 2:33:47. The Last Days of Antiochus Epiphanes.) Word of God: 8 When the king heard this news, he was astounded and badly shaken. He took to his bed and became sick from disappointment, because things had not turned out for him as he had planned. (1 Maccabees 6:8) He was disappointed because he had so many wicked plans and couldn’t come true and was shaken. To overcome disappointment, don’t expect anything from anyone. ONLY expect from God and we will be absolutely happy. 07 (7 April 2022. Until 1:09:41/ 2:33:47. Nicanor Threatens the Temple. The Death of Nicanor No truth and Justice in them. Word of God for today: 18 Then the fear and dread of them fell on all the people, for they said, “There is no truth or justice in them, for they have violated the agreement and the oath that they swore.” (1 Maccabees 7:18) When there is no God in a person, don’t expect Truth and Justice in him. Truth and Justice are attributes of God. An ungodly man cannot have Truth and Justice. 08 (8 April 2022. Until 1:16:00/ 2:33:47. An Alliance with Rome.) Planning and Patience are a must for Victory. Word of God: 4 and how they had gained control of the whole region by their planning and patience, even though the place was far distant from them. They also subdued the kings who came against them from the ends of the earth, until they crushed them and inflicted great disaster on them; the rest paid them tribute every year. (1 Maccabees 8:4) Ephesians 4:2 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, James 5:7-8 Patience in Suffering 7 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 09 (9 April 2022. Until 1:27:53/ 2:33:47. The Campaigns of Jonathan. The end of War.) Godless out of Israel. Word of God: 73 Thus the sword ceased from Israel. Jonathan settled in Michmash and began to judge the people; and he destroyed the godless out of Israel. (1 Maccabees 9:73) Judas Maccabees died. When there are godless people in the Family/ Community/ Country, there is definitely a struggle in that place. There is going to be a fight, a mess, NO unity. So Jonathan keeps only people who believe in God, so there can be Order, Unity, Peace, Joy an Harmony. The Harmony comes with the Presence of God. 10 (10 April 2022. Until 1:42:45/ 2:33:47. Apollonius Is Defeated by Jonathan.) Word of God: 65 Thus the king honored him and enrolled him among his chief Friends, and made him general and governor of the province. 66 And Jonathan returned to Jerusalem in peace and gladness. (1 Maccabees 10: 65-66) Reflection: No matter how good we are, there will always be a group of People accuse us, against us. It is quite natural, but in the end, they help us to pray more, an instrument to make us even better and good. Don’t take them seriously or you will be in big trouble. Just understand and leave it to God, you focus on your responsibility. Jonathan returned with Joy and Peace because God honoured him through the king of Alexander. 11 (11 April 2022. Until 1:55:12/ 2:33:47. Campaigns of Jonathan and Simon.) Depending on God in the midst of Ambush. Word of God: 69 Then the men in ambush emerged from their places and joined battle. 70 All the men with Jonathan fled; not one of them was left except Mattathias son of Absalom and Judas son of Chalphi, commanders of the forces of the army. 71 Jonathan tore his clothes, put dust on his head, and prayed. 72 Then he turned back to the battle against the enemy and routed them, and they fled. (1 Maccabees 11:69-72) Prayer helps us to return to our responsibility . Jonathan after praying, obtained power from above, he went back to the battle ground and fight for his People. Isaiah 41:10 10 do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. 12 (12 April 2022. Until 2:03:45/ 2:33:47. Campaigns of Jonathan and Simon.) No Leader or Helper; so let us make war on them Word of God: 53 All the nations around them tried to destroy them, for they said, “They have no leader or helper. Now therefore let us make war on them and blot out the memory of them from humankind.” (1 Maccabees 12:53) The death of Jonathan. We are weak when we have no proper guidance, support to help us. Proverbs 11:14 14 Where there is no guidance, a Nation falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety. The Guide of my life is the Holy Spirit, when we are not guided according to the Spirit of God, there is chances that evil will come and conquer us. There is always a war in our lives between God’s wish and our wish. If we are guided by the Holy Spirit, it is easy for us to overcome the enemy especially Tribulations and Distress in our personal life. But when there is no guidance and no help by the Holy Spirit, it is not easy to manage our personal life. 13 (13 April 2022. Until 2:12:48/ 2:33:47. Simon Takes Command.) Rekindling Words Word of God: 7 The spirit of the people was rekindled when they heard these words, 8 and they answered in a loud voice, “You are our leader in place of Judas and your brother Jonathan. 9 Fight our battles, and all that you say to us we will do.” (1 Maccabees 13: 7-9) Simon gave the People many constructive & encouraging words, to fight for our ancestors and for the People, giving them uplifting words and lots of them that connecting faith in God. When we open our mouths and speak, make sure that we come out with constructive & uplifting words, building up someone but not tearing him down. Don’t disappoint people with words and don’t give wounds to People through our words. If we are conscious of this, we can do things in a mighty way. This is how Simon builds up his Community & uplifted them. We can do the same at home, our workplace and walk the path of Jesus. 14 (until 2:21:50/2:33:46) Official Honors for Simon. Your Loyalty Matters. Word of God: 35 “The people saw Simon’s faithfulness and the glory that he had resolved to win for his nation, and they made him their leader and high priest, because he had done all these things and because of the justice and loyalty that he had maintained toward his nation. He sought in every way to exalt his people. (1 Maccabees 14: 35) Maintaining Loyalty and being committed at all times is not easy. The best example is our Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:13: 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends). Our God is committed to show loyalty towards us. See the Loyalty of Jesus Christ towards God the Father despite suffering and death. 15 (until 2:29:10/2:33:46.) Antiochus VII Threatens Simon. Passion of Christ Word of God: 33 Simon said to him in reply: “We have neither taken foreign land nor seized foreign property, but only the inheritance of our ancestors, which at one time had been unjustly taken by our enemies. 34 Now that we have the opportunity, we are firmly holding the inheritance of our ancestors. (1 Maccabees 15:33-34) Whatever is handed over, Simon wants to protect them for the remembrance of the People and the Unity of the Nation. They did not go and snatch other’s property. Good Friday: Offer our sufferings with the Passion of Christ. Only God can comfort our pain. 1 Corinthians 1:18 18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. Meaning of Suffering = Salvific & Power of God. 16 (until end of video. Murder of Simon and his sons, Simon was betrayed by his son-in-law. John succeeds Simon.) Worldly Desires & Treachery Word of God: 16 When Simon and his sons were drunk, Ptolemy and his men rose up, took their weapons, rushed in against Simon in the banquet hall and killed him and his two sons, as well as some of his servants. 17 So he committed an act of great treachery and returned evil for good. (1 Maccabees 16:16-17) 11 Now Ptolemy son of Abubus had been appointed governor over the plain of Jericho; he had a large store of silver and gold, 12 for he was son-in-law of the high priest. 13 His heart was lifted up; he determined to get control of the country, and made treacherous plans against Simon and his sons, to do away with them. (1 Maccabees 16:11-13) Ptolemy’s mind is always connected with wicked plans, his mind only contains Silver, Gold and Material Things and his whole desire just want to take over the control of the Country. When the heart & mind always get control by Gold and Material Things, Wicked Plans and High Level of Selfishness, he will go to the extent of doing any evil to get what he wants. That’s how the Act of Treachery happens. Treachery is a devilish act, a big evil in the eyes of God, we cannot compromise and it is not good.
2nd Book of Maccabees (RSVCE, NRSVCE, audio) 01 (until 6:17/1:50:03. Fire Consumes Nehemiah’s Sacrifice.) Heart to Worship Word of God: 3 May he give you all a heart to worship him and to do his will with a strong heart and a willing spirit. 4 May he open your heart to his law and his commandments, and may he bring peace. (2 Maccabees 1: 3-4) We were created to worship God. When my heart is to worship God, then there is absence of evil. When there is absence of “Worship of God”, there will be presence of evil worship of one form or another for sure. Have a strong heart, never give up and don’t get disappointed in life. Keep going as our Trust is in the resurrected Lord. We will always have troubles in life, so don’t give up, Trust in the Lord and believe in Him blindly. God gives us His Peace, only His Peace can satisfy us as a child of God. Always expect from God and NOT from anyone, then we won’t be disappointed. Let us fill our hearts with God’s Peace. God satisfy us with His Peace. 02 (until 12:03/1:50:03. Jeremiah Hides the Tent, Ark, and Altar.) Calls for Sweat and Loss of Sleep. Word of God: 26 For us who have undertaken the toil of abbreviating, it is no light matter but calls for sweat and loss of sleep (2 Maccabees 2:26) The Narrator wants us to know the source of our faith is God, he brought out the Prophets and how they fought against their enemies and preserve their faith. After these hard work, are you enjoying your life with Jesus? Focus in God in the midst of your work and when you work in the Lord, you will really enjoy your life. 03 (19 April 2022. Until 19:48/1:50:03. The Lord Protects His Temple.) The conversion of Heliodorus Word of God: 28 and carried him away—this man who had just entered the aforesaid treasury with a great retinue and all his bodyguard but was now unable to help himself. They recognized clearly the sovereign power of God. (2 Maccabees 3:28) 3 While the holy city was inhabited in unbroken peace and the laws were strictly observed because of the piety of the high priest Onias and his hatred of wickedness, (2 Maccabees 3:1) When the Priest is doing well, he could influence many to be good. 37 When the king asked Heliodorus what sort of person would be suitable to send on another mission to Jerusalem, he replied, 38 “If you have any enemy or plotter against your government, send him there, for you will get him back thoroughly flogged, if he survives at all; for there is certainly some power of God about the place. 39 For he who has his dwelling in heaven watches over that place himself and brings it aid, and he strikes and destroys those who come to do it injury.” 40 This was the outcome of the episode of Heliodorus and the protection of the treasury. (2 Maccabees 3:37-40) Stand for God, witness for God and see beautiful things happening around you. 04 (20 April 2022. Until 30:14/1:50:03. Simon Accuses Onias. Jason’s Reforms. Menelaus Becomes High Priest. The Murder of Onias. Andronicus Is Punished. Unpopularity of Lysimachus and Menelaus) Loosing Focus. Word of God: 13 There was such an extreme of Hellenization and increase in the adoption of foreign ways because of the surpassing wickedness of Jason, who was ungodly and no true high priest, 14 that the priests were no longer intent upon their service at the altar. Despising the sanctuary and neglecting the sacrifices, they hurried to take part in the unlawful proceedings in the wrestling arena after the signal for the discus-throwing, (2 Maccabees 4:13-14) Being different from Onias, his brother Jason was not focus on God but material things, prestige, power and selfishness, this happen in today’s Priesthood too. When his aim is not clear, so is his path in the Priesthood. When you find a Priest not focusing, don’t criticise them but pray for them. It is God’s doing and His mercy, we need to respect them but don’t follow what they said or do to commit sin. This is the same for us in our vocations, so try to be faithful and focus on our vocation. 05 (21 April 2022. Until 36:18/1:50:03. Jason Tries to Regain Control. Pillage of the Temple) Miserable End Word of God: 8 Finally he met a miserable end. Accused before Aretas the ruler of the Arabs, fleeing from city to city, pursued by everyone, hated as a rebel against the laws, and abhorred as the executioner of his country and his compatriots, he was cast ashore in Egypt. 9 There he who had driven many from their own country into exile died in exile... (2 Maccabees 5:8-9a) Jason gained the High Priest position through corruption. Even he had slaughtered many of his own People, he had ended miserably. This will happen to anyone who thinks that he can gain power, prestige, pleasure and excess form of selfishness, not minding families, relatives and friends, such people will have a miserable and sad end and it can be seen clearly in History. We should not be like Jason! 06 (22 April 2022. Until 42:34/1:50:03. The Martyrdom of Eleazar.) Welcoming Death with Honour rather than Life with Pollution. Word of God: 30 When he (Eleazar) was about to die under the blows, he groaned aloud and said: “It is clear to the Lord in his holy knowledge that, though I might have been saved from death, I am enduring terrible sufferings in my body under this beating, but in my soul I am glad to suffer these things because I fear him (God).” (2 Maccabees 6:30) 18 Eleazar, one of the scribes in high position, a man now advanced in age and of noble presence, was being forced to open his mouth to eat swine’s flesh…(2 Maccabees 6:18) When there is sin in our life, we will not be able to walk with Freedom. Why there is a fear of God in Eleazar? Because he wants to honour God, respect God and love God. 07 (23 April. Until 50:32/1:50:03. The Martyrdom of Seven Brothers) Woman’s Reasoning with Manly Courage. Word of God: 21 She encouraged each of them in the language of their ancestors. Filled with a noble spirit, she reinforced her woman’s reasoning with a man’s courage, and said to them, 22 “I do not know how you came into being in my womb. It was not I who gave you life and breath, nor I who set in order the elements within each of you. 23 Therefore the Creator of the world, who shaped the beginning of humankind and devised the origin of all things, will in his mercy give life and breath back to you again, since you now forget yourselves for the sake of his laws.” (2 Maccabees 7: 21-23) The mother has a noble spirit. Only those who has a noble spirit can stand for God in times of adversity. Patience in Adversity gives strength & courage to our souls. Woman’s Reasoning means her reasoning is based on faith & trust in God, not only depending on her intellect. Man’s courage means Fear of God. She glorified God and encouraged her sons to die for Him and His Laws. 08 (24 April 2022. Until 58:10/1:50:03. The Revolt of Judas Maccabeus. Judas Defeats Nicanor. Judas Defeats Timothy and Bacchides) Trust and Mercy Word of God: 18 “For they trust to arms and acts of daring,” he said, “but we trust in the Almighty God, who is able with a single nod to strike down those who are coming against us, and even, if necessary, the whole world.” (2 Maccabees 8: 18) Jesus told Saint Faustina: Tell My children to Trust in Me so that they can have Peace and Joy in life. Faithful submission to the Holy Will of God. God’s mercy is stronger than our sins. God’s mercy is more powerful than our vulnerabilities. God’s Mercy is beyond human weaknesses. Let us Trust in the Mercy of God. 09 (25 April 2022. Until 1:04:33/1:50:03. The Last Campaign of Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus Makes a Promise to God. Antiochus’s Letter and Death.) Right to be Subjected to God Word of God: 12 And when he could not endure his own stench, he uttered these words, “It is right to be subject to God; mortals should not think that they are equal to God.” (2 Maccabees 9:12) He persecuted the People God. See 2 Maccabees 9:5-12 how arrogant he was. All seeing God means that God knows every secret corners of our lives and He sees us through and through. See James 4:7 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Without submitting and surrendering our lives to God, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to have a smooth life journey on earth. We need to submit and surrender to God at All times, in all kinds of circumstances then God can help us to grow in the spiritual life. 10 (26 April 2022. Until 1:11:57/1:50:03. Purification of the Temple...Judas Defeats Timothy). Thirst for God. Word of God: 4 When they had done this, they fell prostrate and implored the Lord that they might never again fall into such misfortunes, but that, if they should ever sin, they might be disciplined by him with forbearance and not be handed over to blasphemous and barbarous nations. (2 Maccabees 10: 4) The People are thirsting for God and His temple. Compare this with Matthew 5:6 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Do I have that thirst for God to fill my heart? 11 (27 April 2022. Until 1:18:35/1:50:03. Lysias Besieges Beth-zur. Lysias Makes Peace with the Jews). The Mighty God fought on their side. Word of God: 13 As he was not without intelligence, he pondered over the defeat that had befallen him, and realized that the Hebrews were invincible because the mighty God fought on their side. So he sent to them (2 Maccabees 11:13) He thought nothing of God, had the High Priest position auctioned and all other things considering ONLY money. 8 And there, while they were still near Jerusalem, a horseman appeared at their head, clothed in white and brandishing weapons of gold. 9 And together they all praised the merciful God, and were strengthened in heart, ready to assail not only humans but the wildest animals or walls of iron. 10 They advanced in battle order, having their heavenly ally, for the Lord had mercy on them. 11 They hurled themselves like lions against the enemy, and laid low eleven thousand of them and sixteen hundred cavalry, and forced all the rest to flee. 12 Most of them got away stripped and wounded, and Lysias himself escaped by disgraceful flight. (2 Maccabees 11:8-12) With much less resources, they won in this Battle because God was on their side. Not the money, power, material things, human influence, but the presence of God & His Grace that help them to defeat their enemy. Learn from them & you will be successful in your life for sure. 12 (28 April 2022. Until 1:28:11/1:50:03. Prayers for Those Killed in Battle) God knows your secret. Thus GOOD NEWS for the Righteous but BAD News for the Wicked. Word of God: 41 So they all blessed the ways of the Lord, the righteous judge, who reveals the things that are hidden; (2 Maccabees 12:41) The idols that they carried were exposed after they died as others were prepared to buried them. 19 His fear is confined to the eyes of men, and he does not realize that the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the sun; they look upon all the ways of men, and perceive even the hidden places. (Sirach 23:19) 13 (29 April 2022. Until 1:33:27/1:50:03. Menelaus Is Put to Death. A Battle Near the City of Modein. Antiochus Makes a Treaty with the Jews). God’s Victory. Word of God: 12 When they had all joined in the same petition and had implored the merciful Lord with weeping and fasting and lying prostrate for three days without ceasing, Judas exhorted them and ordered them to stand ready. (2 Maccabees 13:12) The enemies are not fighting for the welfare of the Country or their own people, they are fighting to establish themselves with a high selfish motive, whereas Judas and his People are “14 So, committing the decision to the Creator of the world and exhorting his troops to fight bravely to the death for the laws, temple, city, country, and commonwealth” They named the war and it is God’s victory. See James 3:16 16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. 14 (30 April 2022. Until 1:42:24. Alcimus Speaks against Judas. Nicanor Makes Friends with Judas. Nicanor Turns against Judas. Razis Dies for His Country.) Prefer to die Nobly. Word of God: Being surrounded, Razis fell upon his own sword, 42 preferring to die nobly rather than to fall into the hands of sinners and suffer outrages unworthy of his noble birth. (2 Maccabees 14: 42) No compromise with evil. No friendship with evil people. 15 (1 May 2022. Until end of audio. Nicanor’s Arrogance. The Defeat and Death of Nicanor). Word of God: 12 What he saw was this: Onias, who had been high priest, a noble and good man, of modest bearing and gentle manner, one who spoke fittingly and had been trained from childhood in all that belongs to excellence, was praying with outstretched hands for the whole body of the Jews. (2 Maccabees 15:12) Onias is a man with noble spirit. If you see one person with an excellent character, this is not the cultivation of 1 or 2 days, it is the result of self-discipline from many years of his life. To nurture in yourself a good personality takes time. No one can be so holy or so good quickly, it takes a lot of time upgrading yourself with knowledge and experiences. If you are not satisfied with yourself, then start now to slowly change yourself to the kind of Person wants you to be.
Compiled by: Emmanuel & Maria International Consultants LLP
|