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Showing posts from September, 2025

Walking by Faith, Not Just by Strategy

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  Walking by Faith, Not Just by Strategy “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7  Introduction: Faith vs. Human Strategy Planning and strategy are valuable—they help us steward time, resources, and opportunities wisely. But as believers, we’re called to something deeper: walking by faith. Strategy can map out the “how,” but only faith can anchor us in the “why” and the “Who.” Without faith, strategy becomes self-reliance. With faith, strategy becomes Spirit-led stewardship.  1. The Limitations of Strategy Alone Strategy relies on human wisdom, which is limited. Plans can fail, markets can shift, circumstances can change. Strategy without faith often produces anxiety, burnout, or pride.  Proverbs 19:21 — “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”  2. What Walking by Faith Looks Like Trusting God even when the path is unclear. Obeying His promptings, even when they don’t “fit” human logic. Believing His ...

Learning to Feel Without Being Led by Feelings

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  Learning to Feel Without Being Led by Feelings Introduction Feelings are a natural part of being human. God designed us with the capacity to experience joy, sadness, anger, excitement, and even fear. Emotions are not sinful in themselves; they can serve as signals—telling us when something is right, wrong, safe, or dangerous. The problem comes when we allow feelings to lead us instead of being led by God’s truth. Scripture reminds us in Jeremiah 17:9 that “the heart is deceitful above all things.” Feelings can be powerful, but they are not always reliable. Learning to feel without being ruled by those feelings is part of emotional maturity and spiritual growth. 1. The Gift and Limit of Feelings Emotions can be valuable gifts: Joy helps us celebrate God’s blessings. Sadness helps us process loss. Anger signals injustice. Fear can warn us of danger. But emotions are not infallible guides. They shift with circumstances, hormones, or even lack of sleep. That’s why Paul says in 2 Cori...

When the Word Attracts, Not Destroys: Lessons from Zechariah, Luke, and St. Jerome

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  When the Word Attracts, Not Destroys: Lessons from Zechariah, Luke, and St. Jerome Tuesday of the Twenty -Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (Year 1) First Reading - Zechariah 8:20-23 Responsorial Psalm- Psalm 87, Alleluia - Mark 10:45 Gospel- Luke 9:51-56 Saint of the Day - St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church (Memorial) Introduction  God’s Word has the power to draw hearts, transform nations, and heal divisions—but only when it is lived with mercy and humility. Today’s readings remind us that faith is not about calling down fire on those who reject us, but about living so fully in God’s presence that others are drawn to Him through us. This vision comes alive in the prophecy of Zechariah, the inclusivity of Psalm 87, and the merciful rebuke of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel. On this feast of St. Jerome, the great lover of Scripture, we are reminded that the Word must not only be read but also embodied. Jerome’s life shows us how zeal for Scripture, when purified by God’s grace, be...

Faith-Fueled Vision: Seeing Beyond What’s Visible

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  Faith-Fueled Vision: Seeing Beyond What’s Visible “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7  Introduction: The Power of Seeing Differently In life, it’s easy to get caught up in what we see—circumstances, limitations, and challenges. But God calls His people to live with a different kind of vision: faith-fueled vision. This is the ability to see beyond the visible, to trust in God’s promises, and to align our perspective with His eternal reality. Faith-fueled vision isn’t about ignoring reality; it’s about seeing reality through the lens of God’s Word and promises.  1. What Is Faith-Fueled Vision? Faith-fueled vision is seeing life the way God sees it. It means holding onto God’s promises even when circumstances seem contrary. It is both trust in God’s character and confidence in His Word. Hebrews 11:1 — “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  2. Faith-Fueled Vision Requires Spirit...

Aligning Your Daily Life with God’s Vision for You

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    Aligning Your Daily Life with God’s Vision for You “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3  Introduction: From Vision to Daily Living Hearing God’s vision for your life is powerful—but the real transformation comes when that vision is woven into your daily habits, choices, and priorities. Too often, people treat vision as a lofty, long-term dream while living day to day without alignment. But God’s vision isn’t just for someday ; it shapes how you live today . When your daily life reflects God’s vision, every routine, task, and decision carries Kingdom purpose.  1. Start Each Day by Reconnecting With God’s Vision Begin your morning with prayer, Scripture, and reflection. Remind yourself of what God has spoken over your life. Daily vision check-ins keep you focused and intentional. Habakkuk 2:2 — “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”  2. Let Vision Shape Your Pr...

Guarding Your Heart Without Hardening It (Proverbs 4:23)

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  Guarding Your Heart Without Hardening It (Proverbs 4:23) Introduction Life comes with challenges, disappointments, and even betrayals that can leave us emotionally wounded. In response, many of us swing to one of two extremes: either leaving our hearts unguarded—allowing anyone or anything to influence us—or hardening our hearts completely to avoid further pain. But Proverbs 4:23 gives us a better way: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The call is not to shut down emotionally but to protect our hearts in a way that keeps them soft, open, and aligned with God. 1. What Does It Mean to Guard Your Heart? Guarding your heart doesn’t mean building walls of fear or bitterness. It means being intentional about what you allow into your mind, emotions, and spirit. Guarding is filtering influences —media, conversations, and environments that shape you. Guarding is protecting values —making sure your decisions reflect God’s truth. Guarding...

Jesus Knew When to Withdraw—So Should You

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  Jesus Knew When to Withdraw—So Should You In a world that glorifies hustle, busyness, and constant availability, the example of Jesus gives us a refreshing reminder: even the Son of God made time to withdraw. He lived a life full of ministry demands—crowds pressing in for healing, disciples needing guidance, religious leaders confronting Him—yet He often stepped away to be alone with the Father. If Jesus, who carried the weight of the world, prioritized rest, prayer, and solitude, how much more should we? Learning to withdraw is not weakness; it’s wisdom. 1. Biblical Examples of Jesus Withdrawing To Pray: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16) To Rest: After feeding the 5,000, He dismissed the crowds and went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray (Matthew 14:23). To Grieve: When John the Baptist was killed, Jesus withdrew by boat to a solitary place (Matthew 14:13). To Refocus: Before making major decisions, like choosing His dis...

Biblical Boundaries for Emotional Peace

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  Biblical Boundaries for Emotional Peace Introduction In today’s busy and demanding world, many people live overwhelmed, stretched thin, and emotionally drained. Often, it’s not because we don’t love God or others—it’s because we don’t have healthy boundaries. Boundaries are not walls to shut people out; they are God-given guidelines that protect our hearts, minds, and emotions. Scripture shows us that setting boundaries is not selfish—it’s biblical and essential for walking in peace. 1. Why Boundaries Matter for Emotional Peace Boundaries help define what we will and will not allow in our lives. Without them, we risk overcommitting, tolerating unhealthy behaviors, or living under constant stress. Proverbs reminds us: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) Guarding your heart means setting limits so that your emotional and spiritual well-being stays aligned with God’s purpose. 2. Jesus Modeled Healthy Boundaries Jesus ...