Tag Archives: Hope

Encouragement VI

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Dear Friend,

Sometimes it’s so hard not to be drawn into the troubles and drama of the world and all the daily events going on around you. Sometimes it seems things are turning against you making it harder than it should be. Sometimes it seems like our best efforts just aren’t good enough. But scripture reminds us; “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Hold on to Him, our Lord Christ Jesus in these moments of uncertainty when trials and troubles seem so over whelming. Let the power of His love and goodness bring some peace of mind to you. You know the harder life gets the more we need Christ’s blessings, all of us feel the same way. All of us depend on His goodness. As hard as it may be, all of us, need to look to our Lord so we might find the strength to help ourselves and the people around us. Today I am writing this note to you, it’s really from the priests, deacon, staff, and congregation of St. Jude Catholic Church because we want you to know you have not been forgotten. We want you to find it in your heart to carry on, to be strong in these times of troubles and find some peace of mind in this moment. We are all struggling, wondering when this pandemic will end. Know this for sure and for certain, the Lord is good, His plan is perfect. We should open our hearts and minds to Him and allow His blessings and healing to give us strength. Take a moment and pray with us, the congregation of St. Jude Catholic Church, for a renewing of body and mind, for a vision of the future, full of hope and trust in our Lord. Blessings for all of us.

Encouragement V

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Dear Friend,

We all know those first few minutes in the morning, just waking up, lying in bed our minds begin to think of all the things we need and want to do this day, the stuff of our lives. Sometimes, we begin with a little prayer; we ask for help, for guidance, for protection, for strength and courage to face difficulties. We are thankful for all the blessings and good things the Lord has put in our lives.

This morning, as you read this, let it call to mind Psalm 62:1: “My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.” What did Jesus bring first and foremost, wherever He went , wherever He preached…….His blessings!! His presence is a blessing, and our prayers bring us close to Him. So, ask our Lord and Savior for anything you want, all things great and small. Ask for His help and protection in this terrible pandemic. Ask for the strength to lean on Him and the courage to face another day of uncertainty. Most importantly, pray in thanksgiving, gratitude, and sincere love for Him just as He loves you. Psalm 37:4, tells us, “Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.” Pray with me now, and know the congregation of St. Jude Catholic Church is praying with you; the priests, deacon, and staff are praying for you. Praying for an end to this virus, praying it will end now. Psalm 27:14 says it best, “Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Blessings for all of us.

Encouragement IV

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Dear Friend,

This morning I would like to begin my prayers and my prayer with you, and for you, by calling to mind Ephesians 6:10. “Brothers and sisters: Draw your strength from the Lord and from His mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may  be able to stand firm……” What a beautiful message, the Word of the Lord, giving us strength in the face of uncertainty, mighty power in our faith, and armor for our protection in this terrible pandemic. Isn’t Jesus Christ our refuge in this storm, of course He is! Psalm 121:1-2, tells us where this help, this strength to stand firm in times of distress comes from. It reads, “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” So, turn your eyes to the Lord, raise you voice in thanksgiving and gratitude for all He has done. Let your words rise to Him like incense, soft and sweet like angels rising up to the Lord.

Remember, you are not alone. The congregation of St. Jude Catholic Church, the priest, deacon, and staff are praying for you. Like you we ask for protection, safety and health for ourselves, our families and friends, and the caregivers who attend to you night and day. Like you, we pray for communities, cities, and our nation. Like you we pray for an end to this virus and the beginning of good times again, full of hope for the future. So, let us pray together, Psalm 42:8, “The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life.” Amen. Blessings for all of us.

Encouragement III

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Dear Friend,

In Proverbs 9:10, we read, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” As Christians we know the “fear” of the Lord is to stand in awe and wonderment of His majesty. This awe and wonderment leads right to Philippians 2:1-2 where we read, “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” So, what is this one purpose, to know Him, to love Him and to be with Him now and forever more.

Today I pray with you, just as you are praying for yourself, your families, your dear friends and all the care givers who help you in so many ways. Today, I want you to know for sure and for certain that all the congregation at St. Jude Catholic Church is praying with you and for you, every day you are in our prayers. So, follow the teachings of our Savior, Lord Christ Jesus. Unite in spirit with all who are praying for an end to this horrible pandemic. Be of one mind, in fellowship, in love, and in compassion for all who are suffering. Draw strength from your prayers, draw strength from knowing you are not alone, never alone. Pray to the Lord, your prayers will bring Him closer to you as you approach Him with your love and thanksgiving for all the blessings He has given. Isaiah knew the Lord and called on Him constantly in all ways, in great joy in good times and in sad times of uncertainty. Isaiah knew that the Lord would be close to us and hear us in our prayers, so He wrote in, Isaiah 55:6, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.” Amen.

May the Lord shine His light and love on us all today, blessings for all of us.