Victory for the Lord

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds. His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (Psalm 98:1)

Victory in our lives comes from God and not from our own strength or effort. We should continually find new reasons to praise God and not to dwell on past victories alone. God’s faithfulness and love towards His people is unchanging. 

The universal nature of God’s salvation and righteousness extends to all nations. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Let us continually praise God for His marvelous deeds, rely on Him for victory, recognize His righteousness and salvation, trust in His faithfulness, and respond with joyful praise. 

In our lives, victory takes flight,

Not by our strength, but God's might.

New reasons to praise, we should find,

Not dwelling on past victories, left behind.

God's love and faithfulness, ever unchanging,

His care for His people, never rearranging.

His salvation and righteousness, so grand,

Extend universally, to every land.

From east to west, from pole to pole,

All the earth has seen His salvation roll.

Marvelous deeds, from God above,

Call us to praise, with hearts full of love.

Rely on Him for victory, recognize His salvation,

Trust in His faithfulness, without hesitation.

Respond with joyful praise, let it resound,

For in our God, true joy is found.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge that victory in our lives comes from You, not from our own strength or effort. Help us to continually find new reasons to praise You, and not to dwell on past victories alone.

We thank You for Your unchanging faithfulness and love towards us, your people. We recognize the universal nature of Your salvation and righteousness, which extends to all nations. All the ends of the earth have seen Your salvation, a testament to Your marvelous deeds. Help us to continually praise You for these deeds, to rely on You for victory, and to recognize Your righteousness and salvation.

We trust in Your faithfulness and respond with joyful praise. May our lives reflect Your glory, and may our hearts be filled with Your love.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope:

Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106

THE COMING OF GOD

Psalm 98:1-9

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R: The Lord has made known his salvation. 

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds. His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known; in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R) 

Background:

Psalm 98 is a song of praise for God’s salvation, justice, and faithfulness. Here’s a brief overview:

Author and Date: While the author is not explicitly mentioned, it is traditionally attributed to David. The exact date of its composition is unknown.

Purpose: Psalm 98 is a prophecy of the kingdom of the Messiah, the establishment of it in the world, and the inclusion of the Gentiles in it. It is a song of praise for God’s marvelous deeds, His victory, and His righteousness.

Themes: The psalm emphasizes the glory of the Redeemer and the joy of the redeemed. It speaks of praise to God for His work of salvation in widening circles – first Israel, then all the earth, and finally all creation.

Now, focusing on the specific verses Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, these verses discuss the marvelous things God has done, His victory, and His righteousness. The psalmist calls for a new song to be sung to the Lord, for He has done marvelous things. His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. The Lord has made known His salvation and openly shown His righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered His loving kindness and His faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

These verses underscore the continuity of God’s plan of salvation, linking the Old Testament prophecies with the New Testament believers. It also emphasizes the call to praise in light of the grace received through God’s marvelous deeds.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4 offers several important lessons for believers:

Praise for God’s Marvelous Deeds: The psalmist calls for a new song to be sung to the Lord for His marvelous deeds. This teaches us to continually find new reasons to praise God and not to dwell on past victories alone.

God’s Victory: The psalmist acknowledges that God’s right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. This reminds us that victory in our lives comes from God and not from our own strength or effort.

God’s Righteousness and Salvation: The Lord has made known His salvation and openly shown His righteousness in the sight of the nations. This underscores the universal nature of God’s salvation and righteousness, extending beyond Israel to all nations.

God’s Faithfulness: God has remembered His loving kindness and His faithfulness toward the house of Israel. This assures us of God’s unchanging faithfulness and love towards His people.

Call to Joyful Praise: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. This calls for a joyful response from all people in light of God’s salvation.

These lessons encourage us to continually praise God for His marvelous deeds, rely on Him for victory, recognize His righteousness and salvation, trust in His faithfulness, and respond with joyful praise.  (Conversation with Copilot)

Published:

May 28, 2024, 7:12 AM

Ways of God

So may Your way be known upon earth; 

among all nations, your salvation. 

PSALM 67:3

How can we know the ways of God who made the heavens and the earth, who spoke the word and all things came, who rules the world with justice and grace. 

How can we know the ways of God who loves the world and gave his Son, who died for us and rose again, who lives in us and makes us one. 

How can we know the ways of God who sends His Spirit and His gifts, who guides us into all the truth, who works in us to do His will. 

How can we know the ways of God by trusting Him and His word, by following Him and His commands, by loving Him and His people.

Pericope:

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

HARVEST THANKS AND PETITION

Psalm 67:1-8

Reflection Source

Copilot with Bing Chat

Published:

January 01, 2024, 9:29 AM

Walk the Right Way

Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked 

nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, 

but delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on His law day and night. 

PSALM 1:1-2

Father in heaven, You are truly a great and loving God! Thank You so much for all Your wondrous works done in me that truly makes me prosper. 

Today, I humbly ask and claim the abundance of your resources so that I will live in prosperity all the days of my life. Grant us the grace of Your favor to always stay healthy, at peace, and secured. Give me the wisdom and patience to always wait upon You who gives His blessings at the right time and in perfect season. May your word bring much prosperity in everything I do as I surrender my whole being to you my God, Creator and Loving Father. 

In a very special way, I humbly pray and intercede for all your people whose joy and satisfaction comes from worldly desires. May you lift us all up from the pit of sin and embrace us all with your love. 

In faith, I believed that more blessings are forthcoming that will surely lead us to continue enjoying a glorious life with You. In Christ, I rest upon your assurance that we are on the road to prosperity. All good things come in Your own perfect time. 

All these I humbly ask and pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

Published:

October 26, 2023, 8:32 AM

October 12, 2023, 8:30 AM

Prepare the Way

 

"Prepare the way for the Lord,

 make straight paths for him.

Every valley shall be filled in,

every mountain and hill made low. 

The crooked roads shall become straight, 

the rough ways smooth. 

And all people will see 

God's salvation."'

(Luke 3:4-6)

The passage references the prophecy of Isaiah, showing the fulfillment of God's promises. This teaches us about the faithfulness of God and the importance of trusting in His word. It emphasizes the importance of preparing our hearts and lives for the coming of the Lord. This involves repentance, self-examination, and making changes to align ourselves with God's will.

The imagery of valleys being filled, mountains made low, crooked roads becoming straight, and rough ways smooth symbolizes transformation. It teaches us that God's presence brings profound changes in our lives, removing obstacles and making our paths clear.

The verse "And all people will see God's salvation" highlights the universal nature of God's salvation. It reminds us that God's grace and salvation are available to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Reflecting on these verses can inspire us to prepare our hearts for the Lord, embrace transformation, recognize the inclusivity of God's salvation, and trust in His faithfulness.

Prepare the way for the Lord, 

Make straight paths for Him, 

Every valley shall be filled, 

Every mountain and hill made low.

The crooked roads shall become straight, 

The rough ways smooth and clear, 

And all people will see God's salvation, 

His glory shining near.

In the wilderness, a voice calls out, 

A herald of the King, 

To prepare our hearts and lives, 

For the hope that He will bring.

With every step, let us align, 

Our paths with His divine, 

For in His light, we find our way, 

And in His love, we shine.

Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with open hearts, seeking to prepare the way for Your coming. Help us to make straight paths for You, filling every valley and lowering every mountain.

Transform our lives, making the crooked roads straight, and smoothing the rough ways. May we be ready to receive You, and witness Your salvation in our lives.

Grant us the grace to align our hearts with Your will, and to be instruments of Your peace and love. May all people see Your glory and salvation, as we prepare the way for Your Kingdom.

Amen.

Pericope:

III: The Preparation for the Public Ministry

THE PREACHING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Luke 3:1-20

Gospel Acclamation

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Gospel | Luke 3:1-6

1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. 3 John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 5 Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

See the Victory of the Lord

 “Fear not! Stand your ground, 

and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today." 

EXODUS 14 : 13

"There is something greater here.” (Mt 12:41-42) Your right hand, O Lord, magnificent in power, Your right hand, O Lord, has shattered the enemy (Ex 15:6). 

“Fear not! Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today. The Lord Himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still.”   (Ex 14:13) 

In times of great fright, you cry out to the Lord and even complain, "Why did you do this to us? Leave us alone. Far better for us to be the slaves than to die.” (Ex 14:10-12)

The Lord said, “Why are you crying out to me? Go forward that you may pass through it on dry land. I will make them so obstinate that they will go in after you. Then I will receive glory through them and they shall know that I am the Lord. (Ex 14:15-18)

The Lord is a warrior, Lord is His name! Pharaoh’s chariots and army He hurled into the sea; the elite of his officers were submerged in the Red Sea. The flood waters covered them, they sank into the depths like a stone. (Ex 15:3-5)

I will sing to the Lord, for He is gloriously triumphant; horse and chariot he has cast into the sea. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and He has been my savior. He is my God, I praise Him; the God of my father, I extol Him. (Ex 15:1-2)

Published:

July 19, 2023, 8:15 AM

Walk in the Way of the Lord

 "Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; 
and walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you." 
JEREMIAH 7:23

Jesus said, "Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way" (Lk 10:3-4).

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are His judgments and how unsearchable His ways! (Rom 1:33).

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior (Ps 25:4-5). Turn away my eyes from seeing what is vain; by your way give me life. (Ps 119:37)

Good and upright is the Lord; thus He shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, He teaches the humble His way (Ps 25:8-9). 

Published:

May 27, 2023, 7:43 AM

Turned Aside from the Way

You have turned aside from the way, 

and have caused many to falter by your instruction; 

you have made void the covenant of Levi, 

says the Lord of hosts. 

MALACHI 2:8

A great King am I, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.

And now, O priests, this commandment is for you: If you do not listen, and if you do not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the Lord of hosts, I will send a curse upon you and of your blessing I will make a curse. 

I, therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people, since you do not keep my ways, but show partiality in your decisions. 

Have we not all the one father? Has not the one God created us? Why then do we break faith with one another, violating the covenant of our fathers?

PERICOPE:

SINS OF THE PRIESTS AND LEVITES

Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8-10