Uncertainties confront us every day. How long will we live? Will our children grow up and prosper or suffer and die young? War, disease, poverty, famine, and social upheaval threaten us. We have no guarantee that life as we know it will continue or if our days will be filled with peace or pain. What can we depend on? We can stand on the absolutes of God’s written word, the Holy Bible. His truth will never fail. In Scripture, He gives many trustworthy promises. We don’t know what our future on earth holds, but here are seven things He assures us will never happen to believers in Christ Jesus:
The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart
What are the 12 promises of the Sacred Heart?
Let’s remind ourselves of these beautiful graces!
You’ve probably read them before, but—on this joyful Solemnity of the Sacred Heart—let’s review the magnificent promises of Our Lord to those devoted to His Heart!
Revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, these promises show us in no uncertain terms just how much Our Lord desires that we devote ourselves to His loving Heart.
For those who do, He promised:
I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
I will establish peace in their homes.
I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.
I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
Sinners will find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
I will bless every place in which an image of my Heart is exposed and honored.
I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart.
I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.
The twelfth promise refers to the First Friday devotion—a very easy way to insert devotion to the Sacred Heart into our monthly routines. All we have to do is receive Holy Communion on nine consecutive First Fridays (ensuring we go to Confession beforehand if we are not in a state of grace), offering these Communions in reparation for the sins committed against the Sacred Heart.
There are many other additional, daily ways to place ourselves in the Heart of Christ. A simple thought of love and affection means so much to Him. “Jesus, I trust in You!” or “Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!” are other little prayers we can offer to more firmly bind ourselves to this Heart that loves us so much.
Bible Love Notes – Do You Believe It?
Think about the cruelest words spoken to you, the greatest injustice you’ve suffered. Think about those times when someone returned evil for your good or stinginess for generosity. Think about those who took credit for your hard work, slandered your name, or abandoned you when you needed them the most.
Do you believe that God can use all of those things for your good?
If you’re a believer and you’re seeking God’s purposes for your life, God promises that everything that happens to you can be to your benefit.
We recite Romans 8:28 often:
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (AMP)
But do we believe it?
God never causes anyone to sin against us (James 1:13), but He uses those situations to teach, train, strengthen, and prepare us for His purposes (Hebrews 12:11).(1)
Believe it!
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(1) The context of Romans 8:28 further confirms this truth. Romans 8:29 says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” God uses a variety of things to conform us to the image of Christ and strengthen our faith.
Minute Meditation – A New Beginning in Jesus’ Heart
There has never been a time when we have needed his love more than we do right now. Families are hurting; people are lonely and confused; as the world can be a very scary place sometimes. Many are on a desperate search but they don’t know what they are searching for. Yet, just when we think we have reached our end, the story of his Heart begins anew. It is a story of hope, healing, and love. You are not alone and there is a remedy. Together we will journey to the center of his Heart where his promises are real and his message will always be: You are loved and help is on the way!
— from the book Healing Promises: The Essential Guide to the Sacred Heart
by Anne Costa
//Franciscan Media//
Morning Offering – Pray With Great Confidence
“Pray with great confidence, with confidence based on the goodness and infinite generosity of God and upon the promises of Jesus Christ. God is a spring of living water which flows unceasingly into the hearts of those who pray.”
— St. Louis De Montfort
//The Catholic Company//
Daily Devotion – Outnumbered
“He took six hundred select chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them.” – Exodus 14:7 NASB
Pressured by the results of the plagues, Pharaoh finally agreed to give the Israelites their freedom. Then, he changed his mind. He was so serious that he pursued them with a mighty army, including hundreds of “select chariots.” The size and firepower of that force filled the Israelites with fear. They must have felt overwhelmed! Trapped, they had no other choice but to depend on God.
We all know what it is like to feel overwhelmed, especially when facing strong opposition that is well-equipped, able to draw from abundant resources. Like the Israelites, we may feel vulnerable, inadequate, and hopeless. It’s easy to be discouraged or filled with despair. But these are moments to turn to God, cry out for His wisdom, stand on His Word, believe His promises, and trust Him to provide everything we need.
The Bible teaches that He is the God of miracles. He may allow us to experience seemingly impossible situations, so we learn to depend on Him and not on ourselves.
No matter what you face today, don’t allow fear or doubt to cripple you. Commit the situations you face to God. Then have faith. Believe His Word. He is on your side. With His help, you can be victorious in any situation. That was true for Israel as they faced Pharaoh’s army. And it’s true for you in all of the circumstances you face.
Prayer
Father, I commit these situations to You: ______. I depend on You. Thank You for bringing me peace and victory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Extended Reading
Exodus 14
Verse of the Day – His Precious Promises
“His divine power has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and power. Through these, he has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature, after escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.” 2 Peter 1:3-4
Daily Devotion – Ready to Respond
“About this time tomorrow I will cause very heavy hail to fall, such as never has been in Egypt from the day it was founded until now.” – Exodus 9:18 ESV
Storms can be frightening. But the storm God sent n Egypt was unique. It was a storm “as never has been in Egypt from the day it was founded until now.” The lightning was relentless. The winds, intense and overpowering. The hailstones hit with devastating impact. No wonder people were terrified!
There was massive damage: “The hail struck down every plant of the field and broke every tree of the field.” Those heeding God’s warning were spared. But those who refused to listen paid the price.
Pharaoh had not responded to the previous plagues, but this was different. Considering this awe-inspiring demonstration, he finally relented and agreed to let the Israelites go. Eventually, Pharaoh would change his mind, but God was not surprised. Moses also knew that Pharaoh did not fear the Lord. More pressure would be needed.
In light of the troubles they face, how many people make promises to God and seem willing to do anything for relief. Yet many of these people eventually change their minds or forget their promises. They simply aren’t serious about obeying God.
All the while God looks for people who really listen and respond and will do His will. Eventually, Pharaoh became one of those people, but it took more than a violent storm.
Pay attention to God’s warnings. Only make promises that you will keep. Live according to His Word. Listen. Be ready to change, to do His will.
Prayer
Father, I yield my life to You. Forgive my pride. Help me to be ready to obey You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Extended Reading
Exodus 9
Bible Love Notes – Benefits for Body, Soul, & Spirit
There are lots of unknowns about the continuing Covid pandemic, but doing these 6 things each day will benefit body, soul, and spirit.
1. Recite these 8 statements each day.
I am God’s child.
Although I deserved death, Jesus forgave my sins and promises me eternal life!
Whatever happens today, I will not be alone.
Not only is God ever-present, He is my Helper.
I can obey God’s commands today because He gives me His power.
I can resist the devil today and he will flee from me.
God has purposes for me today and I long to fulfill them.
As I walk with God, He will use even the worst things in my life for my good today and everyday!
These truths adjust our perspective and strengthen our faith. ?
2. Spend time with the Lord in prayer and Bible reading.
Be deliberate and firm about this commitment. ? See the Quiet Time Encouragement collection for lots of practical ideas and inspiration.
3. Care for your body.
Our bodies are “the temples of the Holy Spirit.” Healthy eating and exercise decrease stress, fear, and anger.? See Eat, Rest, Cry and What’s Your Addiction?
4. Deliberately think of others.
Dwelling on our problems causes discouragement. But “those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).? See Beatin’ the Blues and Call Your Mom.
5. Use time wisely.
Don’t waste your day on meaningless activities. Create an “A-list” of things you want to accomplish each day. ? See Organized Chaos and I’m Too Busy.
6. Before bedtime, do a Philippians 4:8 detox.
If we don’t regularly remind ourselves of the good things in our lives, the bad things will bring us down.
Daily Devotion – Celebrate!
“Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, “Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.”’” – Exodus 5:1 NASB
| God asked Moses to deliver a message to Pharaoh: He wanted His people to “celebrate a feast.” The desire to celebrate was emphasized often. Later, He instructed Moses that they were to celebrate a feast to the Lord. They were “to celebrate it as a permanent ordinance” (Exodus 12:14). When they were freed from bondage, He told them, Three times a year you shall celebrate a feast to Me” (Exodus 23:14). The Hebrew word here describes moving in a circle, observing a festival, dancing, even being giddy. This was to be a real celebration! This emphasis demonstrates clearly that celebration is important to God. There is a time for everything, including a time to celebrate (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4). Yet it can be easy to be overwhelmed with our problems. We tend to focus on obstacles and the troubles we face and feel discouraged. But, as God reminded the Israelites, there are times to stop and celebrate. We need to remember the miracles we have experienced, think about how God has met our needs, reflect on His promises, and praise Him instead of complaining or worrying. Are you burdened? Weary? Worried? For a moment set these thoughts aside. Just concentrate on God. Think about His goodness! His mercy! Salvation! Healing! Wisdom! And His promises! There may be problems in your life and the world. But remember. God is on the throne! He is sovereign! And He wants you to celebrate! Prayer: Father, I worship You! Thank You that Your promises are true. I rejoice in Your faithfulness. I trust my life to You. In Jesus’ name, amen. Extended Reading: Exodus 5 | |