Christ’s Disciples

LECTIO DIVINA REFLECTION… (from Gospel reading below)

WHAT IS THE LORD PERSONALLY SAYING TO ME?

Being Christ’s is more important than anything on this earth! Our entire journey is about getting to heaven. We need to remember this and prioritize it daily. We need to rise above the pettiness that keeps us down in the troubles of this world.

WHAT DOES THE LORD PERSONALLY WANT ME TO DO?

Write this down and post it on the fridge or on my phone. Write down my complaints or worries in a separate notebook and stop voicing them out loud for everyone to hear.

Have a mantra, like; “Rise Above…” or “Carry Your Cross…”

MY PRAYER…

Lord, I want to be one of your disciples.  Help me to Know, Love, and Serve you better in my daily life.  Help me to prioritize my schedule so that all that I do is pleasing to you and will help lead others to you. Help me to “Rise Above” all the pettiness in my life and to “Carry my Cross” so that it leads me and others to you.  All for the Glory of God…

Blessings,

Sharon

Gospel Reading: Luke 14:25-33

25 Great crowds were traveling with him, and he turned and addressed them, 26 “If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? 29 Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him 30 and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ 31 Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? 32 But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. 33 In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.

Additional sources;

Reflection/Meditation and Prayer for Luke 14:25-33 from RC.NET

Disciples – Catechism of the Catholic Church

My prayer is that you enjoy my images and Give Glory 2 God.

Flickr Image “Cross on a Hill…” ~ at Art4TheGlryOfGod images by Sharon

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September 10, 2016 by Art4TheGlryOfGod Tags: Art, Art4TheGlryOfGod, Artist, carry your cross, catechism, Catholic, Christian, convert, disciple, Disciples, faith, Lectio Divina, Love, Luke 14:25-33, meditation, Peace, Photography, prayer, rise above, spirituality Leave a comment

“Why are you anxious?”

Gospel Reading: Luke 10:38-42

38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; 42 one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”

LECTIO DIVINA REFLECTION…

WHAT IS THE LORD PERSONALLY SAYING TO ME?

I Am that “One Thing”…  I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life…  Many are Anxious and worried but I will show you the way and give you rest.  No other “Thing” can do that.

“I Am the Lord, there is No Other…” ~ Isaiah 45:5-6

WHAT DOES THE LORD PERSONALLY WANT ME TO DO? 

Yes, time is needed in serving my family…  But as long as I spend time through out the day and week with the Lord in prayer, meditation, adoration, retreats, etc. that time will give me the energy and charitable attitude I need to love and serve my family well.

MY PRAYER…

Lord, I know that I need to spend time serving my family like Martha, but only want to spend time with you in prayer and meditation like Mary.  Help me to serve my family well in the evenings knowing that it will be pleasing to you and that I will be able to be with you through out my days.

“Lord, help me to BE like Mary when I have to WORK like Martha” Chris Stefanick

Additional sources;

• Reflection/Meditation and Prayer for Luke 10:38-42 from RC.NET
• Hospitality  – CCC 2571 & Serving – CCC 2428

Blessings,

Sharon

My prayer is that you enjoy my images and Give Glory 2 God.
Flickr Image "Why R U Anxious..." ~ at Art4TheGlryOfGod images by Sharon  
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July 18, 2016July 18, 2016 by Art4TheGlryOfGod Tags: Anxiety, Anxious, Art, Art4TheGlryOfGod, Artist, calm, Catholic, Christian, comforting, convert, faith, Healing, Hospitality, Lectio Divina, Love, meditation, Photography, prayer, serving, spirituality Leave a comment

“The Harvest is Abundant…”

Gospel Reading: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come. 2 And he said to them, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, `Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9 heal the sick in it and say to them, `The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 `Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come  near.’ 12 I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.“

LECTIO DIVINA REFLECTION…

WHAT IS THE LORD PERSONALLY SAYING TO ME?

I am sending you out into my field, your little part of the world, Sharon.  Do your best to be my laborer and share the Good News of the Gospel with others…  If they open themselves to receive my Words then stay there, (bible study, clients, community, social media pages, etc.)  If Not then move on to find those who want to listen, learn and grow in their relationship with me, Jesus…

WHAT DOES THE LORD PERSONALLY WANT ME TO DO? 

Stay close to Him in Word and Deed so that I can share it with those whom I meet along my way. God’s harvest is abundant and I am one of His laborers… Continue to point others to Christ by sharing my artwork images with prayer, meditations and scripture daily and remember to “Speak the Truth with Love.”

MY PRAYER…

O’Lord, give me strength to carry my load and take care of my part of the field. Remind me to move on when people do not receive your words well but to stay in your joy knowing that I am apart of your laborers and willing to do my part in the harvest of growing your kingdom.

Additional sources;

• Reflection/Meditation and Prayer for Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 from RC.NET
• Workers, co-workers, laborers,  – CCC 307 

Blessings,

Sharon

My prayer is that you enjoy my images and Give Glory 2 God.
Flickr Image "The Harvest is Abundant..." ~ at Art4TheGlryOfGod images by Sharon  
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July 4, 2016 by Art4TheGlryOfGod Tags: Art, Art4TheGlryOfGod, Artist, catechism, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Catholic, CCC, Christian, convert, faith, harvest, Harvest is Abundant, joy, laborers, Lectio Divina, Luke 10:2, meditation, Photography, prayer, rejoice, spirituality Leave a comment

“Who do You say that I am?”

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:18-24  

18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone the disciples were with him; and he asked them, “Who do the people say that I am?” 19 And they answered, “John the Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets has risen.” 20 And he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” 21 But he charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third  day be raised.“23 And he said to all, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his Cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.“

LECTIO DIVINA REFLECTION…

WHAT IS THE LORD PERSONALLY SAYING TO ME?

Who do You say that I am, Sharon?  I say you are the Christ, the Messiah, my Redeemer, the one who called me out of Darkness into Your Wonderful Light of Love and Truth?

 

WHAT DOES THE LORD PERSONALLY WANT ME TO DO? 

I need to remember to take up my Cross daily and follow the Lord.  If I offer up my suffering for His sake I will save my Life to dwell in the house of the Lord for All eternity.

 

MY PRAYER…

O’Lord, help me to stay close to you in All my trials. Remind me to connect my Suffering with yours on the Cross, in joyful Hope of living with you in Heaven someday for All eternity.

Additional sources;

• Reflection/Meditation and Prayer for Luke 9:18-24 from RC.NET
• Our participation in Christ’s sacrifice (on the Cross .) – CCC 618

 

Blessings,

Sharon

My prayer is that you enjoy my images and Give Glory 2 God.
Flickr Image "Who do You say that I am" ~ at Art4TheGlryOfGod images by Sharon  
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June 19, 2016 by Art4TheGlryOfGod Tags: Art, Art4TheGlryOfGod, Artist, catechism, Catholic, Christian, convert, cross, faith, Lectio Divina, Life, Love, Luke 9, Luke 9:18-24, meditation, Photography, prayer, spirituality, suffering, Take up your cross, teaching aid, Truth Leave a comment

Healed

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:11-17  

11 When the crowds learned it, they followed Him; and He welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed to be cured. 12 Now the day began to wear away; and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, to go into the villages and country round about, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a lonely place.” 13 But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish — unless we are to go and buy  food for all these people.” 14 For there were about five thousand men. And He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each.” 15 And they did so, and made them all sit down. 16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish He looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 And all ate and were satisfied. And they took up what was left over, twelve baskets of broken pieces.

 

LECTIO DIVINA REFLECTION…

WHAT IS THE LORD PERSONALLY SAYING TO ME?

Sharon, your healing has come from this blessing of the Eucharist.  You continue to eat and are satisfied.  Remember to share the fragments with others in your world.  Do not be afraid to share this Good News with them.

 

WHAT DOES THE LORD PERSONALLY WANT ME TO DO? 

Continue to grow and stay strong in the faith so that I can share this healing with others, all for the Glory of God.

 

MY PRAYER…

Lord, your healing is a blessing to me.  Continue to satisfy me in your Sacraments.  Help me to be strong in my Faith so that I can share it with others and Give Glory to you…

RC.NET reflection/meditation and prayer for Luke 9:11-17.

 

Blessings,

Sharon

 

My prayer is that you enjoy my images and Give Glory 2 God.
Flickr Image "Healed" ~ at Art4TheGlryOfGod images by Sharon  
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May 29, 2016May 29, 2016 by Art4TheGlryOfGod Tags: Art, Art4TheGlryOfGod, Artist, Catholic, Christian, faith, Healed, Healing, Lectio Divina, Luke 9, meditation, Photography, prayer, Sacraments, spirituality Leave a comment

“HOPE ~ Desires Union with God in Heaven”

“We know that you are showing these qualities because you have grasped the HOPE reserved for you in Heaven–that HOPE which first became yours when you heard the message of truth.” ~ Col 1:5

“For in this HOPE we were saved. But HOPE that is seen is no HOPE at all. Who HOPES for what he already has? But if we HOPE for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” ~ Romans 8:24-25

“The Lord is good to those whose HOPE is in Him, to the one who seeks Him.” ~ Lam 3:25

“I plead with you–never, ever give up on HOPE, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.” ~ Saint Pope John Paul II

“Lord, may I never cease to HOPE in You and to trust in Your promises. Inflame my zeal for Your kingdom and increase my love for prayer, that I may never cease to give You praise and worship.” ~ rc.net

The Definition of HOPE:  http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=33993

Bible Study on HOPE: http://www.acts17-11.com/hope.html

Catechism of the Catholic Church on HOPE: (CCC 1817-1821)  http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s1c1a7.htm

 

Blessings,

Sharon

My prayer is that you enjoy my images and Give Glory 2 God.
Flickr Image "Hope desires union..." ~ at Art4TheGlryOfGod images by Sharon  
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May 26, 2016May 26, 2016 by Art4TheGlryOfGod Tags: Art, Art4TheGlryOfGod, Artist, Catholic, Christian, faith, HOPE, JPII, Photography, spirituality, St John Paul II, teaching aid, teaching tool Leave a comment

“Faith ~ Belief in God’s Promises to Us…”

“Brothers and sisters: Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” HEBREWS 11:1

“We walk by Faith, not by sight” ~ 2 Cor 5:7.

“Faith is an entirely free gift which God makes to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believing and trusting in God to act in our lives is only possible by the grace and help of the Holy Spirit who moves the heart and converts it to God. The Holy Spirit opens the eyes of the mind and helps us to understand, accept, and believe God’s word. How do we grow in faith? By listening to God’s word with trust and submission. Faith also grows through testing and perseverance. The Lord wants to teach us how to pray in faith for His will for our lives and for the things He wishes to give us to enable us to follow Him faithfully and serve Him generously. ” ~ rc.net (meditation 2-11-13)

The necessity of Faith

161 Believing in Jesus Christ and in the One who sent Him for our salvation is necessary for obtaining that salvation. “Since “without faith it is impossible to please [God]” and to attain to the fellowship of His sons, therefore without faith no one has ever attained justification, nor will anyone obtain eternal life ‘But he who endures to the end.'”

Faith – the beginning of eternal life

164 Now, however, “we walk by faith, not by sight”; we perceive God as “in a mirror, dimly” and only “in part”. Even though enlightened by Him in whom it believes, faith is often lived in darkness and can be put to the test. The world we live in often seems very far from the one Promised us by Faith…

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p1s1c3a1.htm

 

ENCYCLICAL LETTER ~ BETWEEN FAITH AND REASON by Saint Pope John Paul II

https://www.ewtn.com/library/ENCYC/JP2FIDES.HTM

 

Blessings,

Sharon

 

My prayer is that you enjoy my images and Give Glory 2 God.
Flickr Image "Faith Belief in..." ~ at Art4TheGlryOfGod images by Sharon  
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May 25, 2016May 26, 2016 by Art4TheGlryOfGod Tags: 2 Corinthians 5:7, Art4TheGlryOfGod, Artist, belief, catechism, Catholic, Christian, faith, Hebrews 11:1, JPII, meditation, Photography, promises, spirituality, St John Paul II, teaching aid, teaching tool Leave a comment

“Peace Be With You”

Gospel Reading: John 20:19-23  

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came  and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

 

LECTIO DIVINA REFLECTION…

WHAT IS THE LORD PERSONALLY SAYING TO ME?

I am giving you my Peace and the Holy Spirit to send you OUT as well.  Go and tell the Good News of All that I have done in your Life.  “Your Sins have been Forgiven…”

 

WHAT DOES THE LORD PERSONALLY WANT ME TO DO? 

Do a better job of remembering All that the Lord has done for me.  Write it down, formulate my thoughts, Keep a Record!  It’s All For The Glory Of God and should be shared with others.  No one can refute that!!!

MY PRAYER…

Lord, help me to do a better job of Giving Glory to you by sharing All that you have done in my Life.  Continue to give me your Peace, Lord as I go out into the world.

Pentecost blessings,

Sharon

 

My prayer is that you enjoy my images and Give Glory 2 God.
Flickr Images "Peace Be With You..." ~ at Art4TheGlryOfGod images by Sharon  
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May 15, 2016 by Art4TheGlryOfGod Tags: Art, Artist, Catholic, Christian, convert, faith, Holy Spirit, John 20:21, Lectio Divina, Peace, Peace of Christ, Pentecost, Photography, Receive the Holy Spirit Leave a comment

“My Peace I Give To You…”

John 14:23-2923

Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. 25 “These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all  that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, `I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe.

 

Lectio Divina Reflection…

What is the Lord personally saying to me?

Immerse yourself in my Word, there you will find the Peace you are looking for… your Sacred Space…  My Peace is with you Always IF you stay close to me in all things.

What does the Lord personally want me to do? 

Read the Word daily and meditate on it through out the day.  There I will be at Peace and can then be strong enough to go out into the world with His armor on.

My Prayer…

Give me your Peace, O Lord, as I go about my days. Your Peace, “The Peace of Christ” is all that I need…

 

 

My prayer is that you enjoy my images and Give Glory 2 God.
Flickr Images "Peace I Give to You..." & "Peace of Christ..." ~ digital paint effect at Art4TheGlryOfGod images by Sharon  
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May 1, 2016May 15, 2016 by Art4TheGlryOfGod Tags: Artist, Catholic, Christian, faith, John 14, John 14:27, Lectio Divina, Peace, Peace I Give To You, Peace of Christ, Photography, prayer Leave a comment

The New Commandment

³¹ When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified; ³² if God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.

³³ Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’

³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you Love one another; even as I have loved you, so you also should Love one another. ³⁵ By this all men will know that you are my disciples, IF you have Love for one another.” ~ John 13:31–35

Lectio Divina Reflection…

What is the Lord personally saying to me?

To glorify God by loving one another! If you are my disciples you must give others the Love that was given to you.

What does the Lord personally want me to do? 

To glorify God by loving others, especially those most hard to Love and even if they continue in their dysfunctional behavior.

“God Loves us where we are but he Loves us too much for us to stay there.”

My Prayer…

Help me, Lord to be mature in my love for others and to be merciful because you have been so merciful to me!

Continued Easter blessings, Sharon

My prayer is that you enjoy my images and Give Glory 2 God.
Flickr Image "Love One Another" at Art4TheGlryOfGod images by Sharon  
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April 24, 2016May 15, 2016 by Art4TheGlryOfGod Tags: Artist, Catholic, Christian, faith, John 13, Lectio Divina, Love, Love One Another, New Commandment, Photography Leave a comment