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Thursday, December 7, 2006

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St. Ambrose


Isaiah 26:1-6
Psalm 118
Matthew 7:21, 24-27

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crash!

"The rains fell, the torrents came, the winds blew and lashed against his house. It collapsed under all this and was completely ruined." —Matthew 7:27

The stock market will tumble. Our country will destroy itself from the inside. Family life in the USA will further deteriorate. Christmas will mean little more than an empty time of self-indulgence for millions.

Are these statements the fearless forecasts for the year 2007? No, they are not predictions but logical conclusions unless Americans repent. The fact is that a house built on sand will collapse (Mt 7:26-27). A building without a strong foundation will tumble. A life without a personal relationship with Jesus is not built on the Rock (1 Cor 3:11; Is 26:4). A nation not under God will be undermined and go the way of countless crumbled kingdoms throughout history (Is 26:5). A financial system not based on Biblical principles is a time bomb. A family that does not pray together will not stay together. A Christmas without Christ is meaningless at best and potentially destructive.

Only those who do the will of the heavenly Father have a stable future (Mt 7:21).

Prayer:  Lord, during this Advent, may I let You build a firm foundation for Christmas, winter, the year 2007, and life.

Promise:  "A nation of firm purpose You keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in You." —Is 26:3

Praise:  St. Ambrose admonished an emperor for his crimes and the emperor repented and did public penance.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape on God Bless America on audio AV 62-1 or video V-62.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2006

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