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Friday, February 1, 2013

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Hebrews 10:32-39
Psalm 37:3-6, 23-24, 39-40
Mark 4:26-34

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getting a perm

"You even joined in the sufferings of those who were in prison and joyfully assented to the confiscation of your goods, knowing that you had better and more permanent possessions." —Hebrews 10:34

The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed: it begins very small (Mk 4:31). Furthermore, the kingdom of God stays small for a long time because it grows slowly (see Mk 4:27). Usually small, slow things are not successful, but the kingdom of God is and will be the most successful of all kingdoms. The secret is its permanence. It may be slow and small, but when the fast and the big pass away, God's kingdom will still be growing slowly.

As a member of God's kingdom, is your life permanently founded on the rock of obedience to God's unchanging word? (Mt 7:24; Lk 21:33) Do you have "better and more permanent possessions" than material goods? (Heb 10:34) Have you been "solicitous to make your call and election permanent?" (2 Pt 1:10)

The psalmist proclaims: "Permanence is Your word's chief trait" (Ps 119:160). It may also be the chief trait of God's kingdom. It can be a chief trait of your life. Give yourself totally to God. Become His permanent possession.

Prayer:  Father, send the Holy Spirit to renew my Confirmation.

Promise:  "Do not, then, surrender your confidence; it will have great reward." —Heb 10:35

Praise:  Len, a high school freshman, left the party when he saw beer was being served.

Reference:  (Be the good news of Jesus by reading the Bible every day. We have several tape series to help you. Overview of the Bible is six audio tapes starting with AV 10A-1 or three video tapes starting with V-10A. 15-minute Bible Teaching - New Testament is forty audio tapes starting with #700. An Introduction to each Book of the Bible is 32 audio tapes starting with AV 21-1 or 17 video tapes starting with V-21.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 13, 2012

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