DAY 35...180
"I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." - Luke 15:7
Repent! That's a strong word and a strong command. There is something about the word, "repent" that often makes us feel uneasy. It seems almost condemning. But it is not condemning, its a guiding word. If you were driving full speed toward an erupting volcano, I hope someone would call you and say, "TURN AROUND!" That's what it means to repent. Turn around! Go the other way. Flip a Uey. Do a 180.
Sometimes its hard to do a 180. We're going to fast. Sometimes we must first slow down. Only then can we turn around without losing control and crashing horribly.
There are saints that seemed destined for sainthood in the womb and upon their birth. But there are other saints who would be labeled as pretty crumby people before they came to their senses, woke up, did a 180 and changed their lives.
St. Mary of Egypt is the latter. She was known for seducing men and sleeping with them for fun. In some cases bringing ruin upon them. When she found out that the Cross of Christ was being presented in Jerusalem, she thought that she might go there because she knew there would be a big crowd of men she could have fun with. While there, she decided to enter into the Church she was stopped by an unseen force. Physically unable to enter, she came to her self and ran into the desert to begin a life away from temptation and in repentance.
Repent! That's a strong word and a strong command. There is something about the word, "repent" that often makes us feel uneasy. It seems almost condemning. But it is not condemning, its a guiding word. If you were driving full speed toward an erupting volcano, I hope someone would call you and say, "TURN AROUND!" That's what it means to repent. Turn around! Go the other way. Flip a Uey. Do a 180.
Sometimes its hard to do a 180. We're going to fast. Sometimes we must first slow down. Only then can we turn around without losing control and crashing horribly.
There are saints that seemed destined for sainthood in the womb and upon their birth. But there are other saints who would be labeled as pretty crumby people before they came to their senses, woke up, did a 180 and changed their lives.
St. Mary of Egypt is the latter. She was known for seducing men and sleeping with them for fun. In some cases bringing ruin upon them. When she found out that the Cross of Christ was being presented in Jerusalem, she thought that she might go there because she knew there would be a big crowd of men she could have fun with. While there, she decided to enter into the Church she was stopped by an unseen force. Physically unable to enter, she came to her self and ran into the desert to begin a life away from temptation and in repentance.
Of all the people that showed up to venerate the cross, it is possible that no one gave heaven more joy than St. Mary of Egypt. You can read more about her here.
Joy. Joy is so much more than just being happy. Joy is a shockwave of gladness that cannot be fulfilled in solitude. Joy is something that is received and given in relationship with someone else. Friends can share joy. Brothers and sisters can share joy. Spouses, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters.
Remember that you're turning from sin and you're turning toward Christ. We must not turn away from sin and go to another sin. Christ is our desired destination, turn the car around and face him. Now walk forward.
It's both brave and joyful to repent. It can be scary to change your life, so it takes bravery. But you know that you're doing something to improve your life and your walk toward Christ and Christ brings us so much joy, so it is joyful.
Feed the wolf with joy.
Today's Instructions:
A. Pray for the day, for friends, for family, for enemies. Thanksgiving, Forgiveness, Requests, Praise.
B. In the Fortify Program, Update the battle tracker. Go to Week 5. Check out, "Refining Martial Arts of the Mind" and What are you thoughts today?"
C. Go to the daily readings and read today's Scripture.
D. Journal the following: 1. What exactly are you turning from? 2. What are you turning to?
Today's Tips: When the urges come get up. Stop. Breathe. Pray. Take extra time to concentrate on what it is that you want to run to. So pray to God that he reveals himself to you. Then go for a walk outside and see where God is present in His creation.
God give you strength. See you tomorrow.
Don't ever come back to this page to start over. This is the launching pad. You've already begun, even if you fall.
If you want to review this page, please do, but do not come back here to start over.
Joy. Joy is so much more than just being happy. Joy is a shockwave of gladness that cannot be fulfilled in solitude. Joy is something that is received and given in relationship with someone else. Friends can share joy. Brothers and sisters can share joy. Spouses, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters.
Remember that you're turning from sin and you're turning toward Christ. We must not turn away from sin and go to another sin. Christ is our desired destination, turn the car around and face him. Now walk forward.
It's both brave and joyful to repent. It can be scary to change your life, so it takes bravery. But you know that you're doing something to improve your life and your walk toward Christ and Christ brings us so much joy, so it is joyful.
Feed the wolf with joy.
Today's Instructions:
A. Pray for the day, for friends, for family, for enemies. Thanksgiving, Forgiveness, Requests, Praise.
B. In the Fortify Program, Update the battle tracker. Go to Week 5. Check out, "Refining Martial Arts of the Mind" and What are you thoughts today?"
C. Go to the daily readings and read today's Scripture.
D. Journal the following: 1. What exactly are you turning from? 2. What are you turning to?
Today's Tips: When the urges come get up. Stop. Breathe. Pray. Take extra time to concentrate on what it is that you want to run to. So pray to God that he reveals himself to you. Then go for a walk outside and see where God is present in His creation.
God give you strength. See you tomorrow.
Don't ever come back to this page to start over. This is the launching pad. You've already begun, even if you fall.
If you want to review this page, please do, but do not come back here to start over.