Walk in Truth and Integrity

Search me, O Lord, and try me; test my soul and my heart. 

For your mercy is before my eyes, and I walk in Your truth.

(Psalm 26:2-3)

Father in heaven, You have given me a heart to be more than content and satisfied with the love, graces, blessings, healing and miracles that You bring me each day. 

I can truly say that indeed, You have freed me from the clutches of those who takes advantage of their position in order to materially enrich themselves. Although I am no longer part of corrupt politics, I pray for them O Lord that You will give them your heart of love so that they may be true servants of Your people. 

Thank you for keeping my joy, happiness and peace of just spending my life with my love ones and family. 

With much love I pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

Published:

July 04, 2023, 9:48 AM

Consecrate in the Truth

"Consecrate them 

in the truth.

Your word is truth.

As you sent me 

into world, 

so I sent them 

into the world.

 And I consecrate 

myself for them, 

so that they also may be

consecrated in truth.”

(John 17:17-19)

Jesus desires that we have the full measure of His joy within us as His disciples. The joy of the Lord is our strength. We need divine protection in a world filled with spiritual dangers. God’s word is truth. As believers, we have been sanctified to by the truth. We live in the world but not be of the world. Let us continue Jesus’ mission in the world and to pray for others, interceding on their behalf.

In the heart of every disciple, a joy does reside,

A joy from Jesus, in whom we confide.

The joy of the Lord, our strength, our song,

Guiding us, uplifting us, making us strong.

In a world of dangers, seen and unseen,

We need divine protection, a shield serene.

God's word is truth, a beacon so bright,

Guiding us through the darkest night.

As believers, by truth, we've been sanctified,

In God's love and grace, we have confided.

Though we live in the world, we're not of its mold,

In God's kingdom, we have a stronghold.

Jesus' mission in the world, we continue to uphold,

Spreading His love, a story to be told.

Praying for others, interceding in prayer,

Showing God's love, His mercy, His care.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You, acknowledging Your desire for us to have the full measure of Your joy within us. We understand that the joy of the Lord is our strength, and we seek to experience this joy in our daily lives.

We recognize the spiritual dangers in the world and pray for Your divine protection. Guard us from harm and guide us in Your ways.

We affirm that Your word is truth. As believers, we have been sanctified by this truth. Help us to live out this sanctification in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Though we live in the world, we are not of the world. Help us to remember this as we navigate the challenges of life.

We are committed to continuing Your mission in the world. Empower us to spread Your love and truth to those around us.

Finally, we pray for others, interceding on their behalf. May Your grace and mercy touch their lives.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Background and Learning Lessons:

III: The Book of Glory

THE PRAYER OF JESUS

John 17:1-26

John 17:11-19 is part of a prayer that Jesus prayed for His disciples, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer. This prayer is recorded in the Gospel of John, Chapter 17, and it marks the conclusion of the Last Discourse.

In this prayer, Jesus prays for the disciples the Father has given him. Here’s a brief background of these verses:

John 17:11-12: Jesus prays for the unity and protection of His disciples. He asks the Father to keep them true to His name, so that they may be one like the Father and the Son. He mentions that He guarded them while He was with them, and none of them was lost except the one destined to be lost (referring to Judas Iscariot), fulfilling the scriptures.

John 17:13-19: Jesus expresses His desire for His disciples to have the full measure of His joy within them. He acknowledges that He has given them God’s word, and because they do not belong to the world, the world has hated them. He prays not for them to be taken out of the world, but to be protected from the evil one. He emphasizes that they do not belong to the world, just as He does not belong to the world. He asks the Father to sanctify them by the truth, stating that God’s word is truth. He mentions that just as the Father sent Him into the world, He has sent them into the world. For their sakes, He sanctifies Himself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.

This prayer underscores the themes of unity, protection, joy, sanctification, and truth. It reflects Jesus’ deep concern for His disciples and His desire for them to remain faithful and unified in the face of upcoming challenges.

John 17:11-19 offers several valuable lessons:

Unity: Jesus prays for the unity of His disciples. He asks the Father to keep them true to His name, so that they may be one like the Father and the Son. This teaches us the importance of unity among believers.

Protection: Jesus prays for the protection of His disciples. He asks the Father to protect them from the evil one12. This underscores the need for divine protection in a world filled with spiritual dangers.

Joy: Jesus expresses His desire for His disciples to have the full measure of His joy within them. This teaches us that the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Sanctification: Jesus asks the Father to sanctify His disciples by the truth. He states that God’s word is truth. This highlights the role of God’s word in our sanctification.

Mission: Jesus mentions that just as the Father sent Him into the world, He has sent His disciples into the world. This teaches us that as believers, we are called to continue Jesus’ mission in the world.

Intercession: Jesus’ prayer for His disciples shows us the importance of intercessory prayer. It teaches us to pray for others, interceding on their behalf.

Worldliness: Jesus acknowledges that His disciples do not belong to the world, just as He does not belong to the world. This teaches us to live in the world but not be of the world.

These lessons can guide us in our faith journey, helping us to live out our faith with integrity, joy, and perseverance. (Copilot)

Published:

May 16, 2024, 5:20 AM

Testify to the Truth

 

"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning." 

(John 15:26-27)

The Holy Spirit, Advocate so true,

A divine helper, for me and you.

Sent by Jesus, from the Father's side,

To guide and empower, to be our guide.

Following Jesus, a path not mild,

Yet, not alone, even when reviled.

Hardships and challenges may mark the way,

But with the Spirit's help, we won't stray.

Perseverance in faith, a beacon bright,

In trials and tribulations, our guiding light.

Our personal testimony, a powerful song,

Sharing the Gospel, to whom we belong.

Trust in God's plan, in His control,

In all circumstances, He makes us whole.

Living out faith, in our daily lives,

In God's sovereignty, our spirit thrives.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We acknowledge the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, our guide, a divine helper You've sent from the Father's side. To guide and empower us on this faith journey we tread, with You, our Savior, we have nothing to dread.

Following You may involve challenges, trials untold, but with the Holy Spirit, we are bold. For these trials are not faced alone, with Your help, the seeds of faith are sown.

We persevere in faith, in tribulations and trials, our personal testimony, across the miles. Sharing the Gospel, our experiences, our song, in our faith journey, we are strong.

We trust in God’s plan, in His sovereign rule, in all circumstances, He is our tool. Living out our faith actively, day by day, in God’s sovereignty, we find our way.

In Your holy name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope

III: The Book of Glory

THE WORLD'S HATRED

John 15:18-27 / 1-4

Gospel Acclamation

The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord, and you also will testify.

Gospel | John 15:26–16:4

26 Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. 27 And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. 16:1 “I have told you this so that you may not fall away. 2 They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. 3 They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. 4 I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”

Reflection:

Our perseverance in faith even in the face of trials and tribulations and personal testimony of experiences in our faith journey places a great impact in sharing the Gospel. Following Jesus may involve hardships and challenges but Jesus us that these trials are not to be faced alone but with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, or the Spirit of truth, is a divine helper sent by Jesus from the Father to guide and empower our faith journey. Let us trust in God’s plan and His control over all circumstances, living out our faith actively in our daily lives, and trusting in God’s sovereignty.

Background:

The passage John 15:26–16:4 is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to His disciples, preparing them for His departure and life after His ascension.

In John 15:26-27, Jesus introduces the concept of the Advocate, or the Holy Spirit, whom He will send from the Father. The Spirit of truth, as Jesus calls it, will testify on His behalf, and the disciples, too, are expected to testify because they have been with Jesus from the beginning.

John 16:1-4 continues this discourse, where Jesus warns His disciples about the persecutions they will face. He tells them that they will be banished from their places of worship, and there will be those who will even kill them thinking they are offering a service to God. Jesus explains that He is telling them this so that they will not fall away when these things happen.

This passage emphasizes the disciples’ relationship with Jesus and the world after His departure. It also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the disciples and the challenges they will face for following Jesus. The disciples are prepared for spiritual conflict and are encouraged to remain in faith. The passage is a profound reminder of the cost of discipleship and the promise of divine assistance through the Holy Spirit.

Learning Lessons:

The passage John 15:26–16:4 offers several important lessons:

The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, also referred to as the Advocate or the Spirit of truth, is a divine helper sent by Jesus from the Father. The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus and empowers believers to do the same. This teaches us about the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering our faith journey.

The Importance of Testimony: Jesus emphasizes that His disciples are to testify about Him because they have been with Him from the beginning. This underscores the importance of personal testimony in sharing the Gospel and the impact of personal experiences in our faith journey.

Preparation for Persecution: Jesus warns His disciples about the coming persecutions. This serves as a reminder that following Jesus may involve hardships and challenges. However, Jesus assures them that these trials are not to be faced alone but with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Faith Amidst Trials: Jesus tells His disciples these things so that they will not fall away. This teaches us the importance of perseverance in faith, even in the face of trials and tribulations.

God’s Sovereignty: Despite the challenges and persecutions, God’s sovereignty is affirmed. This encourages believers to trust in God’s plan and His control over all circumstances.

These lessons remind us of the active nature of faith, the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the importance of personal testimony, and the reality of persecution. They also encourage us to live out our faith actively in our daily lives, trusting in God’s sovereignty.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Truth will Set you Free

“If you remain in my word, 

you will truly 

be my disciples, 

and you will 

know the truth,

and the truth 

will set you free.”

(John 8:31-32)

Jesus’ is our Savior who can free us from the bondage of sin. Everyone who sins is a slave to sin that needs deliverance. If Jesus sets you free, you will be truly free. Spiritual freedom comes from knowing the truth. 

The liberating power of truth and the spiritual freedom comes from a relationship with Jesus. True disciples are those who abide in His word not just by hearing but living according to God’s teachings. 

These lessons encourage us to live out God’s teachings, seek the truth, understand the implications of sin, recognize Jesus as our Savior, let our actions reflect our spiritual lineage, and love Jesus as the Son of God.

In the bondage of sin, we're often caught,

But Jesus, our Savior, salvation has brought.

Everyone who sins, a slave they become,

Yet deliverance awaits under the holy kingdom.

"If Jesus sets you free, you will truly be free,"

A promise of liberation, for you and for me.

Spiritual freedom comes from truth's embrace,

A relationship with Jesus, a state of grace.

True disciples abide in His word, so divine,

Not just by hearing, but by design.

Living according to God's teachings, we strive,

In His love and wisdom, we thrive.

These lessons encourage us, in faith to be bold,

To seek the truth, His love to behold.

Understand sin's implications, recognize His grace,

See Jesus as our Savior, in every place.

Let our actions reflect our spiritual lineage clear,

In loving Jesus, the Son of God, we hold dear.

In every word, in every deed,

We plant His love, we sow His seed.

Dear Lord Jesus, 

You are our Savior, the One who frees us from the bondage of sin. We acknowledge that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, and we all need Your deliverance. If You, Jesus, set us free, we will be truly free.

We seek the spiritual freedom that comes from knowing the truth, the liberating power of truth that comes from a relationship with You. Help us to be true disciples, those who abide in Your word, not just by hearing, but by living according to Your teachings. These lessons encourage us to live out Your teachings, to seek the truth, and to understand the implications of sin.

We recognize You, Jesus, as our Savior, and we strive to let our actions reflect our spiritual lineage. Help us to love You, Jesus, as the Son of God, and to express that love in all that we do.

In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.

Pericope

II: The Book of Signs

JESUS AND ABRAHAM

John 8:31-59

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.

Gospel | John 8:31-42

31 Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. 36 So if a Son frees you, then you will truly be free. 37 I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. 38 I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence; then do what you have heard from the Father.” 39 They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. 40 But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. 41 You are doing the works of your father!” So they said to him, “We are not born of fornication. We have one Father, God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”

Learning Lessons:

True Discipleship: Jesus emphasizes that true disciples are those who abide in His word. This teaches us the importance of not just hearing, but living according to God’s teachings.

The Truth Will Set You Free: Jesus speaks of a spiritual freedom that comes from knowing the truth. This underscores the liberating power of truth and the spiritual freedom that comes from a relationship with Jesus.

Sin Leads to Slavery: Jesus explains that everyone who sins is a slave to sin. This highlights the destructive power of sin and the need for deliverance.

The Son Sets Free: Jesus declares that if the Son sets you free, you will be truly free. This points to Jesus’ unique role as our Savior who can free us from the bondage of sin.

Actions Reflect Lineage: Jesus challenges the Jews’ claim of being Abraham’s descendants, stating that if they were, they would act like Abraham. This teaches us that spiritual lineage is reflected in our actions, not just our claims.

God’s Love: Jesus says that if God were their Father, they would love Him. This reminds us that love for Jesus is a natural response for those who know God as their Father.

These lessons encourage us to live out God’s teachings, seek the truth, understand the implications of sin, recognize Jesus as our Savior, let our actions reflect our spiritual lineage, and love Jesus as the Son of God.

Background:

This is from the Book of John in the Bible, specifically John 8:31-42. It recounts a dialogue between Jesus and the Jews who believed in Him.

In this passage, Jesus is teaching about spiritual freedom and the nature of true discipleship. He tells the Jews that if they remain in His word, they will truly be His disciples and they will know the truth, which will set them free. The Jews, considering their physical lineage to Abraham, question how they can be set free when they have never been enslaved. Jesus clarifies that anyone who sins is a slave to sin, and only the Son (referring to Himself) can truly set them free.

Jesus also challenges their claim of being Abraham’s descendants by stating that if they were truly Abraham’s children, they would act as Abraham did. Instead, they are trying to kill Him for speaking the truth He heard from God, something Abraham would not do. Jesus concludes by saying that if God were their Father, they would love Him, for He came from God.

This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual freedom, the implications of sin, and the significance of one’s actions in demonstrating their spiritual lineage.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

March 20. 2024, 11:40 AM

Uphold Truth and Justice

“Are  you such fools, 

O children of Israel! 

To condemn 

a woman of Israel 

without examination 

and without clear evidence?" 

(Daniel 13:48)

God’s all-encompassing knowledge and understanding far surpass human comprehension. He knows everything, including what is hidden from human perception and what is yet to happen.

It is important to always seek truth, justice, and the divine wisdom that can intervene to save the innocent. This is the essence of faith in divine wisdom and justice. This faith can guide us in our actions and decisions, encouraging us to uphold truth and justice in our own lives. Let us have a deep faith in God’s omniscience. 

In realms unseen, where human minds can't tread,

God's wisdom vast, a tapestry is spread.

He knows it all, the hidden and the seen,

The past, the now, and what has yet to glean.

A faith profound in His omniscience deep,

In hearts of us, let's earnestly upkeep.

To seek the truth, to justice always cleave,

In divine wisdom, let us firmly believe.

For He, the Just, can save the innocent,

His wisdom divine, a saving testament.

This faith in God, a beacon in our lives,

Guides our actions, in justice it thrives.

So let us walk this path of righteousness,

With faith in God, His wisdom our fortress.

In every decision, in every strife,

Let truth and justice be the guide of life.

Dear God, the All-Knowing and All-Seeing,

Your knowledge and understanding far surpass our human comprehension. You know everything, including what is hidden from our perception and what is yet to happen. We acknowledge Your omniscience and place our trust in You.

Help us to have a deep faith in Your all-encompassing knowledge. Guide us to always seek truth and justice, and to rely on Your divine wisdom that can intervene to save the innocent.

We recognize that this is the essence of our faith in Your divine wisdom and justice. Let this faith guide us in our actions and decisions, encouraging us to uphold truth and justice in our own lives.

In times of doubt and uncertainty, remind us of Your unending wisdom and love. Help us to see Your hand in all things and to trust in Your perfect plan.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

III: Appendix

SUSANNA'S VIRTUE

Daniel 13:1-62

First Reading | Daniel 13:41-62 (or Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62)

41 The assembly condemned Susanna to death. 42 But Susanna cried aloud: “O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be: 43 you know that they have testified falsely against me. Here I am about to die, though I have done none of the things with which these wicked men have charged me.” 44 The Lord heard her prayer. 45 As she was being led to execution, God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel, 46 and he cried aloud: “I will have no part in the death of this woman.” 47 All the people turned and asked him, “What is this you are saying?” 48 He stood in their midst and continued, “Are you such fools, O children of Israel! To condemn a woman of Israel without examination and without clear evidence? 49 Return to court, for they have testified falsely against her.” 50 Then all the people returned in haste. To Daniel the elders said, “Come, sit with us and inform us, since God has given you the prestige of old age.” 51 But he replied, “Separate these two far from one another that I may examine them.” 52 After they were separated one from the other, he called one of them and said: “How you have grown evil with age! Now have your past sins come to term: 53 passing unjust sentences, condemning the innocent, and freeing the guilty, although the Lord says, ‘The innocent and the just you shall not put to death.’ 54 Now, then, if you were a witness, tell me under what tree you saw them together.” 55 “Under a mastic tree,” he answered. Daniel replied, “Your fine lie has cost you your head, for the angel of God shall receive the sentence from him and split you in two.” 56 Putting him to one side, he ordered the other one to be brought. Daniel said to him, “Offspring of Canaan, not of Judah, beauty has seduced you, lust has subverted your conscience. 57 This is how you acted with the daughters of Israel, and in their fear they yielded to you; but a daughter of Judah did not tolerate your wickedness. 58 Now, then, tell me under what tree you surprised them together.” 59 “Under an oak,” he said. Daniel replied, “Your fine lie has cost you also your head, for the angel of God waits with a sword to cut you in two so as to make an end of you both.” 60 The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God who saves those that hope in him. 61 They rose up against the two elders, for by their own words Daniel had convicted them of perjury. According to the law of Moses, they inflicted on them the penalty they had plotted to impose on their neighbor: 62 they put them to death. Thus was innocent blood spared that day.

Background:

The passage you’ve shared is from the Book of Daniel in the Bible, specifically from the story of Susanna (Daniel 13:41-62). This story is considered a part of the deuterocanonical books by some Christian traditions, such as the Catholic and Orthodox churches, but is not included in the Protestant Bible.

In this story, two elders falsely accuse Susanna of adultery when she rejects their advances. They testify that they saw her committing adultery under a tree. Susanna is condemned to death based on their testimony. However, a young man named Daniel, inspired by God, intervenes. He cross-examines the elders separately, asking each one under which tree they saw Susanna committing the act. Their answers differ, proving their testimony false. The elders are then put to death, and Susanna’s innocence is affirmed.

This story is often seen as a testament to the importance of truth, justice, and the divine wisdom that can intervene to save the innocent. It also highlights Daniel’s wisdom and his role as a just judge. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Speak the Truth

Holding onto anger and seeking revenge only leads to destructive outcomes. 

We should not compromise our morals because of peer pressure. 

We should stand up for what is right, be courageous in our convictions, seek justice, and live with integrity, even in the face of danger or opposition.  

Let us be advocates for justice and righteousness, standing against wrongs even when it is difficult.

John spoke with courage, clear and bold, 

To Herod, tales of truth were told. 

"It is not lawful," John did declare, 

For Herod's sin, he could not bear.

Herodias' grudge, a burning flame, 

Sought John's life, to end his name. 

But Herod feared the holy man, 

And kept him safe within his plan.

Though in the shadows, John did stay, 

His words of truth would light the way. 

For righteousness, his heart did yearn, 

In Herod's court, his spirit burned.

Lord Jesus, 

You gave John the courage to speak the truth, even when faced with danger and opposition. Help us to stand firm in our convictions, and to trust in Your guidance and protection.

Grant us the strength to speak out against injustice, and the wisdom to do so with love and compassion. May we be righteous and holy in Your sight, and find comfort in Your presence, even in times of trial.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

HEROD'S OPINION OF JESUS / THE DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Mark 6:14-16 / 17-29

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.

Gospel | Mark 6:14-29

14 King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” 15 Others were saying, “He is Elijah;” still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” 17 Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. 18 John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 20 Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. 21 Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. 22 His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” 23 He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 26 The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. 27 So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. 28 He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Know the Truth

"If you continue 

in my word, 

you are truly 

my disciples, 

and you will 

know the truth, 

and the truth 

will make you free." 

(John 8:31)

And by this we may be sure that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He who says "I know him" but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:3-4). "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" (Luke 11:28)

"You seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God" (John 8:40).

Published:

December 30, 2010, 9:19 AM