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Thursday, December 10, 2015

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Isaiah 41:13-20
Psalm 145:1, 9-13
Matthew 11:11-15

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in the "i" of the storm

"I am the Lord, your God, Who grasp your right hand." —Isaiah 41:13

As long as the great I AM is Lord of your life, you have no reason to fear the storms of life (Is 41:13-14). Even if you feel as weak and worthless as a worm or maggot, the great I AM can make you so powerful that you will crush mountains (Is 41:14-15). If you submit your "I" to the I AM, He will open up rivers and springs in the desert to remove your afflictions and provide for your needs (Is 41:17-18). The desert of the "I," ego, and self will be transformed into the life-giving forest of the I AM (see Is 41:19) — if we die to "I" to live for Him (Lk 9:23).

The main problem in life is that many of us try to solve our problems ourselves. Without Jesus, the great I AM (Jn 8:24, 28, 58), we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not" (Prv 3:5). "Rely not on your wealth; say not: 'I have the power.' Rely not on your strength in following the desires of your heart" (Sir 5:1-2). "Commit to the Lord your way; trust in Him, and He will act" (Ps 37:5). The worst mistake you can make is to try to "do it yourself." The best thing you can do is to "let it be done" to you according to God's Word (Lk 1:38). The "I's have it," that is, the problems. The I AM alone has the answers. Die to "I"; live for the I AM.

Prayer:  Father, not my will but Yours be done (Mt 26:39).

Promise:  "I solemnly assure you, history has not known a man born of woman greater than John the Baptizer. Yet the least born into the kingdom of God is greater than he." —Mt 11:11

Praise:  William and Ann let God back in their troubled marriage. Jesus increased their love and joy, and gave them the grace to overcome their troubles.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Meeting the Risen Christ on audio AV 4A-1 or video V-4A or on CD 4A-1 or on DVD 4 A or listen or download at presentationministries.com.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 2015

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