Thoughts and experiences of what life is about

Forgive other people

Recently, a question was asked to me. The question was… why are we to forgive?

The way that I answered this question was based on the verse from Matthew 6:14 that says, ‘For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.’

This is so true, as forgiving other people will pave the way for the heavenly Father to also forgives us. Forgiving other people also brings peace between people and nations, and through the grace of the heavenly Father the process of healing also takes place.

I encourage you, to take courage, trust in Him, and forgive anyone who could have hurt you. In return, you will be blessed, as the Father will also forgive you and embrace you.

James 4:6

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Reflections:

Be honest with yourself, are you a proud person or a humble person?

When are you at peace, when being a proud person or a humble person?

If you want to love God and have a personal relationship with Him, you cannot be a proud person.

By being a humble person, God will embrace you, you will be at peace.

We have a responsibility to look after one another

Humanity, society, love, and life are deeply interconnected.

Every individual plays a vital role in shaping society through their actions. It is our obligation to love, support, and assist one another, striving to live together in peace and harmony.

As humans, it is imperative that we set aside our differences, the hatred that plagues us, and replace them with love and compassion for one another.

We must place our trust in Jesus, recommit to His teachings and follow Him, and allow Him to illuminate the path towards a more compassionate society.

1 Corinthians 10:13

'No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.' 

Reflections:

How many times have you been tempted in life?

Do you find it difficult to overcome temptation in life?

Whenever you face temptation in life, turn to God to help you overcome temptation.

Trust in God and have hope in God, for He will protect you from any temptation.

John 6:47

'Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.' 

 Reflections:

Do you believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?

Do you believe in eternal life?

Do you believe in these words of Jesus 'Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.' 

These words of Jesus 'Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.' .. are the Truth, because Jesus is the Son of God… have faith and believe in this truth.

Be in peace with your neighbour

Who is your neighbour? How do you get along with your neighbour? Are you in peace with your neighbour?

Being in peace with your neighbour is very important. Whoever your neighbour is, sharing your peace develops a healthier society.

Peace is possible through the love of Jesus. Giving Jesus to your neighbour, is giving peace.

Be in peace with your neighbour.

Salvation is for those waiting for Him

In Hebrews 9:28 we read that ‘Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.’

The love of Christ is tremendous for each person. A love that is personal and that never ends. The reason that Christ loves us is to bring us salvation… for all those waiting for Him.

Stay strong in your faith, keep your hope and trust in Him, and salvation is yours through the love of Christ. Remember that your sin has been taken away through the salvation of Christ.

When in doubt about your faith, trust more in Him

Many times, as Christians, passing through a difficult patch in life, makes us doubt our faith. Lack of trust and hope in Jesus paves the way to be in doubt in our faith.

Whenever difficult patches in life crop up, Christians are to trust more in Jesus, so that to diminish the possibility of doubting our faith.

Jesus promised to take care of all, whatever the situation in life is. So, do not doubt the promise of Jesus, but be strengthened in your faith by trusting more in Him.

At times I do face doubt in my faith, saying why God, why me, why passing through this difficult situation, where are you, God. But experience has taught me, that God was always with me, carrying me through the difficult patches I have been through in life while holding my hand to strengthen my faith.

So be encouraged, have faith in God and trust more in Him.

Luke 5:20

When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

Reflections:

Have you ever wondered, if you had to meet Jesus, what would He say about your faith?

Are you strong in your faith?

Ask Jesus to have a stronger faith in Him, and to show you how precious you are to Him.

Jesus is calling you ‘my friend’ your sins are forgiven.

I will listen to what God the Lord says

My friend, as is written in Psalm 85:8, I always try to live the following in my life…‘I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants - but let them not turn to folly.’

The Lord promises peace to all His servants, to all who love Him. Salvation is the ultimate goal for each person, Salvation that was only possible through Christ.

Listen to what the Lord says in your life, to love and not hurt other people, to live in peace with the people you meet and live with. To listen to His voice that leads you to Salvation.

Greed is killing society

Greed – the killer of society. Greed – lacks love for humanity.

Greed is one of the major problems in many countries. The roots of greed are controlled by the darkness, that separates man from God. Greed is seen through the high rents people have to pay to have a basic place to live in. Greed is seen when employers do not pay a decent salary to their workers. Greed is seen when one is rich but is not satisfied with what one has, and wants more, more and more.

Society suffers because of greed, with the consequence that society is being destroyed, and is being killed. Greed can only be overcome when one realizes the bad consequence of it and instead have faith and trust in God.

God's plan for you is to love

Have you ever wondered what God’s plan for your life is? It is a very special and personal plan. God’s plan for your life is to love.

Many people get confused about God’s plan and find it difficult to understand and implement it. The truth is, whatever God leads you to in life, whatever He guides you to do and to implement in life, love is the source of that plan.

By loving God, and having a personal relationship with Him, His love will enrich you spiritually to live up to His plan. God’s plan for your life is love, love is to embrace His plan.

                                          Your life is to reflect peace                                         

Today we are living in a very fast life. It seems like 24 hours in a day is not enough?

Many people occupy their life with different activities and have little time left or no time at all to spend some time in prayer with the Trinity. The consequence is that peace in these people’s life is very hard to achieve.

Our life is to reflect peace through our relationship with the Trinity.

Is your life reflecting such peace?

We are His (Psalm 100)

He made us. We are His.

This is what Psalm 100 is all about, that we belong to Him.

This is why we are to be glad and rejoice always, because He is always with us.

I encourage you that everyday you reflect and sing Psalm 100 to the Lord, which is as follows:

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Christian podcast by George Calleja (Christian Author): A day with Jesus (002)

Anchor link:  

https://anchor.fm/george-calleja/episodes/002---A-day-with-Jesus-e1tkib1 

Apple link:    

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/002-a-day-with-jesus/id1561049572?i=1000595078247  

Spotify Link: 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0B46aElcgEmFQUyFbs5Nbc?si=4cf1aca376bc4da8 

Latest Christian podcast by George Calleja (Christian Author): A day with Jesus (002)

This Christian podcast by the Christian Author George Calleja includes:

- A reflection titled: A day with Jesus

- Book Reading: Yes… I will follow Him (Chapter 2 - Mary’s ‘Yes’)

- Bible Study: 1 John 1:9  (If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness).

Hope you enjoy listening to this podcast and to share the link with your relatives and friends.

Christian podcast by George Calleja (Christian Author): A marriage in God's plan (001)

Anchor link:  

anchor.fm/george-calleja/episodes/001--A-marriage-in-Gods-plan-e1t07kq 

Apple link:    

https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/001-a-marriage-in-gods-plan/id1561049572?i=1000591922014 

Spotify Link:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3kCAU0jp7XypC2k2h0Q3FM?si=4dcbd248d5264e80 

This Christian podcast by the Christian Author George Calleja includes:

- A reflection titled: A marriage in God’s plan

- Book Reading: Yes… I will follow Him (Introduction & Chapter 1 - Have you said ‘Yes’ to Him?)

- Bible Study: Acts 20:35  (“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”)

Hope you enjoy listening to this podcast and to share the link with your relatives and friends.

Seek Him in your life

Seek Him in your life. This is the most important thing that one should do in life. For when we seek Jesus in our life and follow Him, our life grows in this special relationship with Jesus.

When one seeks Jesus in one’s life, one would be seeking His Kingdom. The ultimate goal in our life is to seek His Kingdom.

Short Inspirational Messages (Number 30)

·       Jesus is my everything… is my Saviour

·       Peace is possible… whenever we love our neighbor.

·       Even in sickness one can rejoice through the risen Lord

·       Your life is rich if you follow Jesus and do His will.

·       In time of darkness, His light will guide us

·       Any pain we experience, is the pain Jesus died for.

·       Love, overcomes hatred

·       Listening and living the Word of God, is very important for a Christian

·       His peace is possible, through the unity of the Holy Trinity

·       Seek His peace, live His peace and share His peace

·       Say a prayer for your neighbour and help your neighbour

·       Be a helpful person to all those in need

·       Seek Jesus in your life and let Him mould you

·       Forgiveness is possible through the love and grace of Christ

Children are to know and experience Jesus              

Knowing and experience Jesus in one’s life is of utmost importance for a person. This I have witnessed in my life, through many people of different ages and cultures, whom I have been in contact with, who are interested to know Christ in a personal way and to follow Him through one’s  life. Jesus is the source of life, who comforts, heals and above all paved the way to Salvation through dying on the cross and being resurrected.

This truth is to be known and experienced by all humanity, especially the children. Today’s children are the future adults of tomorrow’s humanity. Tomorrow’s society is based on what children learn today. Teaching children to know Jesus and experience Him in a personal way, paves the way for a better society in the future.

So presently, adults are responsible to teach children about Jesus and to help them experience Jesus. 

Society is in need of love

Day after day we get to know of different news society is going through. Most of the times these news are not pleasant at all. It is a real pity and devastating that such news refers to murders, robbery, overdose, corruption, killing of unborn babies, rape, human trafficking and other such unpleasant situations.

It really makes me wonder, why society is in such a mess. Why is society turning to such devastating outcomes in life? What can we do to make society a better place to live in?

Society is in need of love. The love of Christ needs to be lived by all, to love one another, to love one’s neighbour.

Always help your neigbbour

 In life, we are faced with different daily activities. These activities could include of going to school or going to work, visit a relative, going shopping, going for a walk or watching TV. There are many more activities that one undertakes during a day.

There is an activity which is very different from others. An activity that is based on love. Maybe this activity is better to be called ‘an act of love’.  This activity, is to help your neighbour. Think about it? When was the last time you helped your neighbour?

Helping your neighbour does not only fulfils your life with peace, joy and happiness, but also fulfills your neighbours life. So amongst the different daily activities you do, make sure to find time to always help your neighbour.

Do not fear to share the Good News

Sharing the Good News is the call of every Christian. Sharing the love of God, the Salvation that was brought through His Son Jesus and sharing about the Resurrection, is to be shared to all mankind throughout the world.

Christians are not to fear to share the Good News, for as it was promised, He will always be with us. It is the love of the Lord that will strengthen each Christian to share the Good News. Christians are to have the same zeal, same courage as the first Apostles, that after the Resurrection of the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit, the Apostles shared the Good News, with enthusiasm throughout the nations.

So, do not fear to share the Good News… He is always with you.

Short Inspirational Messages (Number 30)

·         Jesus is my everything… is my Saviour

·         Peace is possible… whenever we love our neighbor.

·         Even in sickness one can rejoice through the risen Lord

·         Your life is rich if you follow Jesus and do His will.

·         In time of darkness, His light will guide us

·         Any pain we experience, is the pain Jesus died for.

·         Love, overcomes hatred

·         Listening and living the Word of God, is very important for a Christian

·         His peace is possible, through the unity of the Holy Trinity

·         Seek His peace, live His peace and share His peace

·         Say a prayer for your neighbour and help your neighbour

·         Be a helpful person with all those in need

·         Seek Jesus in your life and let Him mould you

·         Forgiveness is possible through the love and grace of Christ

The Golden Rule

Do you know that a particular rule is found in the main religions? Do you know that through this particular rule, the world can really be in peace?

 This particular rule is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. This powerful rule, if truly lived by all the followers of the main religions, will truly bring peace to the world.

 Let us all join together, all religions, and practice this particular rule, and pray, that we all live this rule in our daily lives.

 If we “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, the world would be in peace.

The heart of Jesus

Every now and then, we need to stop for some time from our hectic life and think about something that uplifts our life. There are different ways of how one can do this experience.

Whenever I stop for some time from my daily hectic life, I always think about something special that uplifts my life. I think about the heart of Jesus.

The reason why I think and reflect about the heart of Jesus, is because Jesus knew us and loved us with a human heart. How wonderful to know and experience this.

The heart of Jesus, pierced for our salvation, is the symbol of that infinite love with which He loves the Father and each one of us. This always encourages me in my daily life and I always receive His grace to live my life through His love for me.

I hope my experience encourages you to think about the heart of Jesus.

He is peace

Many people and nations are in search of peace. Peace is searched worldwide by everyone. Peace is not easy to find and to experience it in one’s life, but it is possible for peace to be found in one’s life.

So where can peace be found? There are many ways that people try to find peace in their life, but it is not always real peace that people claim to have found and live in their life.

There is only one real Peace in life. Jesus is peace… He is peace.

Be thankful to Him

It is a very important characteristic in life to be a thankful person. How wonderful it is whenever people are thankful and appreciate the things one have, the family one lives in, the strength one has, the job one is able to do and so on.

But are we thankful to Him… the creator… the loving Father? Are we thankful to the Father for all that we have, and even for the things we do not have. Are we thankful that the Father takes care of us, giving us his grace in every moment of our life. Are we thankful to God for the many times he has been patience with us and always accepting us back to Him?

We are to be truly thankful for everything. We are to thank God in every present moment of our lives. 

 Where there is peace, there is God

‘Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.’

This is so true, as it is written in 1 John 4:8.

If one had to stop for a couple of minutes, and reflect a bit what John wrote, one for sure will realise that John is right. This situation can be seen all over the world.

For where there is hatred, there is no love, there is no God.

Where there is abortion, there is no love, there is no God.

Where there is war, there is no love, there is no God.

Where there is injustice, there is no love, there is no God.

Where there is domestic violence, there is no love, there is no God.

Where there is corruption, there is no love, there is no God.

There are many more examples, of where there is no love, there is no God.

But where there is peace, there is love, there is God.

Peace is through Jesus

Peace is through Jesus

Many people all over the world desire to live in peace. It is a desire that is not impossible to achieve.

In my opinion, peace is only possible through Jesus. Jesus gave us the peace to treasure it in our lives and to live it with others.

The peace which Jesus gave us was through the love of the Father. This is the same peace we are to share with our neighbours.  

It is this peace from Jesus that will heal the wounds in families, in relationships, between countries and wherever there is disunity.

The peace through Jesus is for all to experience.

Open up your heart

Are you finding it difficult to accept Jesus in your life? Do you feel awkward whenever someone shares an experience about God’s love? Is your heart closed to receive Jesus?

 If you are passing through a similar situation in your life, it is necessary that you open your heart to Jesus. There is nothing to be afraid of, for Jesus knows you in a personal way. There is no reason to be shy of Jesus, for He knows your character. All that Jesus wants for you is to open your heart for Him.

 Having an open heart for Jesus, is the first step you can take to let Jesus enter into your life. By having an open heart, Jesus will mould your heart in a gentle way, just like a potter making a beautiful object out of clay.

 Take this important step in your life. Open up your heart and let Him do the rest.

 Life is for everyone…

Every morning and during every moment of my life, I thank God for my life. I thank my parents for educating me and being with me in every moment of my life.

Life is a joy to live, even when one faces difficult moments in life. The joy of life only comes through God. God who created us, and loves each person in a personal way.

Life is for everyone. The joy of life is already present in the womb. For in Luke 1:44, Elizabeth upon hearing Mary’s greeting when visiting her, Elizabeth proclaimed that, ‘the baby in my womb leaped for joy….”

Let the babies in their mother’s womb live, let them experience the joy of life.

Every person in the world is called to love, to love all mankind and to love the babies in their mother’s womb. Life is for everyone… including all babies in their mother’s womb.

 Pause for a moment…

Todays life is very hectic. Everybody seems to be busy. We are hardly having any moments to rest, to be with our families, to devote time to help the people in need, to say a prayer, to pause for a moment and reflect upon life.

It is really good and encouraging, if each day we manage to pause for a moment and reflect upon life. During these moments, one might ask and reflect upon:

What have I done during the day?

Did I respect the people I have been with?

Did I love my neighbour?

Did I have time to be with my family?

Did I help the community I live in?

There are different questions one might ask when pausing for a moment and reflect upon life. One can ask many different questions to reflect upon. What is really important, is that during this moment of reflection, one turns to God and listen to His voice… in silence… and He will answer in one’s inner heart.

Have you paused for a moment today and reflected upon life?

 There is only one way… JESUS

In everyday life, everybody seeks to be happy. Everybody wants to be fulfilled and never to face hardship and disappointment. It seems that everybody is trying to find a way to be glad, rich, famous. Different people are trying different ways to find the meaning of life.

In my opinion and through my experience of life, there is only one way in life. This is JESUS. Jesus is the Way and is the only Way. All that matters in life, is to follow Jesus and to have a personal relationship with HIM.

There is only one way… JESUS.

Spiritual wounds caused through conflicts and war

Even as I write, conflicts, wars and fights are happening in various parts of the world. Some conflicts are on a large scale, involving different countries, others are on a smaller scale, within the same country. These are caused because of different ideologies, corruption, political situations, religious or cultural beliefs and as a result of other situations which do not embrace peace, but hatred and disunity.

It is a known fact that these circumstances bring about a large number of loss of lives, with many more others being injured. All this suffering cause a deep hurt to the loved ones who are left to face these situations, of seeing their parents, children, relatives, friends… killed, injured, or sustaining a permanent disability, seeing their dreams shattered, without any justice done; and all this for the sake of the individuals carrying out their evil sinful actions.

Where is God in all this? For sure this is a question asked by all those who have suffered directly or indirectly from these situations. Many families have suffered, many people are carrying this pain daily in their lives and some will continue to do so for the rest of their life.  We all witness to these tragedies that occur daily in different parts of the world.

This painful wound could also have a tremendous impact upon one’s faith. Does God really exist? How come God permits all this to happen? The spiritual wounds caused through these tragedies might lead individuals to find it difficult to relate to God, ‘a God of love’! Some people will find it difficult to forgive, forget and find peace.

These wounds have already been dealt with by Jesus on the cross. The suffering caused as a result of all these tragedies have been nailed with the crucified Lord on the cross.  In the midst of these misfortunes we are to go to Jesus with our wounds, for He is the one who can truly comfort us, can truly give us the necessarily grace to forgive, can give us the peace we require even when we cannot understand, can heal us from these spiritual wounds. Jesus Himself has sustained these wounds.

 Prayer:

Lord, I come to you and bring to you the people who have suffered because of these type of tragedies.

Give these people your blessings, your comfort, and a new heart to forgive.

I pray for all those who have died in these sad circumstances, that they may be with you in eternity.

And for those, Lord, who have been injured, and still suffer through disability and psychological pain, grant them your healing, and restore in them their spiritual life, that they may embrace you, forgive others and love their neighbour.

 Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

 (This reflection is an extract from my book ‘Heal my wounds’)

Jesus lives forever

Whatever certain people say that Jesus is dead… the truth is that Jesus lives forever.

Jesus walked on earth, healed the sick and raised the death.

Jesus preached about the love of the Father and comforted many people.

Jesus died on the Cross for our Salvation.

Jesus rose from the dead and is with the Father.

Jesus lives forever.

I respect any opinion of people about what they think about Jesus and if they believe in Him or not. I hope that you also respect my belief… Jesus lives forever.

I have and am experiencing Jesus in my life. This is a fact and this is what I want to share with you…

 Jesus is alive and He loves you in a personal way. 

His love is for you

Every person wants to be loved. Every person is in search of love.

There is only one love that is real and trustworthy. This is the love of God.

I share this short message because I want other people to know about this love. This is a personal relationship, a personal love of God.

The love of God is for you. You have to accept Him in your life, to accept that Jesus died for you, to change your life, to follow Him… and to let Him guide you in your life.

I have done all this and have seen a big difference in my life. His love comforts me, heals me, transforms me into a person able to experience His love in a personal way.

His love is for you… go to Him and accept Him in your life.

God’s love is ever lasting

God’s love for all mankind is ever lasting. God, the creator, of male and female, loves all mankind in such a deep way, in such a personal way, that it is ever lasting. The depth of His love for each and every person is so enormous, that no words exist to explain this ever lasting love, that has no beginning and no end.

Mankind have the opportunity to accept God’s love and receive it freely by loving their neighbor. Our neighbor, being a creator of God is a very treasured and precious person for God. The way and the depth of our love to our neighbor, reflects how much we truly love God.

If God’s love is ever lasting, our love to our neighbor is to aim for the highest possible level, that is to love without any condition.

 Return to Him

Over the years I have come across many people who have abandoned their Christian faith. There could be different reasons why these people go through this experience. Reasons which only these people know why, besides that it could be a very complex experience of why these people abandoned their faith.

These people together with others whom I do not know, even though they have abandoned their Christian faith, God still loves them in a very personal way. Jesus, the Son of God waits for each one of these people to return to Him. With open arms Jesus is waiting to take you all to His Father.

This is my small encouragement to all those who have abandoned their faith… be encouraged and return to Him.

 Following Christ brought me happiness

Ever since the time I decided to follow Christ in my life, I can testify that I started experiencing true happiness in my life. This happiness was only possible through having a personal relationship with Jesus.

This relationship with Jesus made me appreciate my life in a new way. I appreciated that I am in the image of God and that God loves me in a personal way.

So, whenever I face different difficulties and problems in life, I know that God still loves me. This love of God fills me with happiness which enriches my life in a tremendous way.

This is my experience of following Christ. Following Christ brought me happiness.

Return to Him

Jesus loves us in a personal way. My experience of His love is tremendous. He cares for me in every moment of my life.

I really hope and wish for all those who have walked away from Him... to return to Him. Jesus is waiting for you to experience His love in a personal way.

No matter the reason for walking away from Jesus, Jesus is always waiting for you with open arms... to embrace you, to forgive you and to take you to His loving Father.

Be encouraged and return to Him. I am praying for you.

The world needs Him

It is a really heartbreaking to listen to the daily news on TV. Most of the news are negative... wars, crimes, hatred and lack of peace seems to be everywhere.

All this happens because not everyone has accepted Jesus in one’s life. Not everyone lives according to what Jesus has preached... that is to love our neighbour. The world is in need of Jesus, is in need you live like Jesus.

It is possible to have peace within our families, with friends, in the political world... but only if we let Jesus to reign in our lives.

The world needs Him.

Life is precious to live

Life is precious to live. Life is beautiful. Life is a gift from God for all of mankind.

Life gives us an opportunity to help our neighbours. Life is a joy for all even if hardships are faced.

Everyone experiences the hardships of life. How we live these hardships makes a difference in life.

Jesus experienced hardships in life. Jesus lived the cross. Jesus life was precious.

All our hardships will pave the way to glory. Giving our hardships to Jesus on the cross will present us with the glory of the Father.

Life is precious to live... by accepting and embracing the cross.

 Tomorrow…. A day to love my neighbour

Tomorrow is another day in our lives. We go to work, to school, clean the house, play some sports, visit the doctor…

Tomorrow, is another challenge in our lives. The challenge to love my neighbour.

Tomorrow… I will love my workmates, obey my teacher, put the house in order to love my family… tomorrow is another opportunity to love every person I be with.

Hope that tomorrow turns out that I have loved every person I meet.

Tomorrow, will you love your neighbour?

 Praying for everyone

Every day of my life is a day of prayer. My life is a whole prayer.

During every moment of my life I pray for the world, for you, for all.

I pray for peace in the world, for the broken hearted, for the sick.

I pray for the broken families, for the unemployed, for the prisoners.

I pray to Jesus that God may grant me peace, to know Him more and to love my neighbour.

I hope that you join me in prayer and that you will pray for others.

Prayer draws me closer to Jesus.

Do you know Jesus?

Knowing Jesus! Do you know Jesus?

It is only by having a personal relationship with Jesus, by following Him, by spending time in prayer, will one ever come to know Jesus.

To know Jesus is the fulfillment of life, because when one really knows Jesus, the persons life is transformed to be another Jesus to his neighbours.

Since I have known Jesus, He has transformed me and moulded me into a person able to love my neighbour... as Jesus would have loved. I am glad to know Jesus.

Do you know Jesus?

 1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Reflections:-

When was the last time you went for confession?

Are you aware that sin separates you from God?

Do you know that God loves you, even though you are a sinner?

Do you go to Jesus to purify your soul?

Feeling Grateful

I have just this moment returned from visiting an old aunt who is almost 102 years old. Going there in the blazing heat of the afternoon sun I was having doubts; the car was boiling hot and I had cut short my siesta. But then it came to mind that I was visiting Jesus all lonely and forlorn in an old people’s home and that changed everything. She was so happy to see me as she feels lonely and cannot do much on her own. Now she cannot read because her eyesight is failing so it is a very lonely old age for her.

My presence with her for an hour made her feel content and seeing her so made me feel grateful for having resolved to visit her notwithstanding my initial doubts. I intend to visit her again of course.

 (Anonymous - Malta).

 Always be Jesus

How can I be of help to the poor and the needy? What should I do when I visit the sick and the prisoner?

The most important thing is to always be Jesus. Be Jesus when you want to help the poor and the needy. Be Jesus when you visit the sick and the prisoner.

To be Jesus is to give your whole life to Him… to receive Him through the Eucharist… to listen to the Word of God. To be Jesus is to always love your neighbour.

This is what is required from every Christian… to have a personal relationship with Jesus… and to be Jesus to others.

The challenge to be Jesus is there for you. The poor, the needy, the sick person, the prisoner, etc, are all waiting for you!! Will you be Jesus to them?

Jesus... the friend of all

Jesus is the friend of all. I know what a great friend He is. He is a friend that only wants good for me. He is a friend who gives me happiness even when I face problems in life. Jesus is always next to me, to comfort me and to show me the Loving Father.

Jesus also wants to be your friend. He wants to be a friend of all. Giving your life to Jesus and to trust Him in your life, will bring a new understanding of who Jesus is.

Jesus is there to be your friend and to show you the way to Salvation.

Trust Him… be His friend.

 Hebrews 13:5-6 - Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Reflections:-

Are you happy and glad with what you have?

Do you trust Jesus that he provides for you?

Do you ask God to be your helper?

Are you afraid of your future financial situation?

Are you trusting in Jesus?

Jesus loves you

Jesus loves you. He loves you in a personal way. He loves you tremendously.

His love for you never ends. His love for you is real.

Jesus is always with you. He is your best friend.

Do you love Jesus? Are you His friend?

 Short Inspirational Messages (Number 16)

•    Day by day, moment by moment, I am to share His love with others.

•    Thank you Jesus, for being the Son of God.

•    During this day, have you helped a person in need?

•    God is waiting for you, to know Him in a personal way.

•    Jesus, thank you, for every moment of my life.

•    Every day I pray for peace in the world, by praying the 'Our Father'.

•    Lord forgive me for my sins, and mold me into a righteous person.

•    When I receive the 'Eucharist', I am Jesus to others by loving my neighbour.

•    Being a follower of Jesus is to love your neighbour.

•    Live to bring peace in the world, by starting to help the needy.

•    Live to bring peace in the world, by starting to help the needy.

•    Jesus, you are everything in my life, you are the source of my life.

•    When in difficulty… go to Him, when not in difficulty… go to Him.

•    The struggles of life are there… to carry the cross with love.

Luke 7:50 - Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Reflections:-

Do you have faith in God?

Are you in peace with your life?

Have you asked Jesus to save you?

Only God can give you the peace you are searching for.

 Pray for the world

Praying for the world is something I do during each day. I feel it is my responsibility to pray for peace in the world. Praying for peace is a way to show that you care for your neighbour.

The world is eagerly waiting for your prayers. How lovely it would be that more people commit themselves to pray for the world.

 The Eucharist...

The Eucharist, oh, what a living experience it is,

Knowing of receiving Jesus,

Knowing of being Jesus.

The Eucharist, gives me the strength to share the Good News,

That Jesus loves every person,

That Jesus wants to be with and in all.

The Eucharist, gives me His peace and love,

Gives me the energy to go out,

And be Jesus to others.

 1 Timothy 1:5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Reflections:-

Am I loving the way that Jesus loved?

Am I loving the people around me with a pure heart?

When was the last time I asked Jesus to teach me how to love?

Am I loving my neighbor in every moment of my life?

 ‘Loving Others’

Loving others is by doing the small everyday things with an ever increase dosage of love.

Yesterday I released my wife had a puncture.  Unfortunately even the spare tyre was flat and being a Sunday I could not go to the garage. 

This morning I went to the garage in order to give him the tyre for repair; he replied that I could come back in two hours to pick it up again.  Great I could go and pick it up, put it back on the car and be just in time for my wife to go for her appointment.

However the tyre needed changing and he did not have a supply until the afternoon.  Therefore in order to love my wife, I went home, left the car for her and walked about 35 minutes to my office.  A small act of love which when multiplied on a daily basis becomes the basis of our marriage. 

The pomegranate fruit is made from very small grains bonded together with such perfection and beauty that when you open it one marvels at how nature can produce such beauty.  Many such small acts of love to those around us will produce many “pomegranates” in our lives; many groups of people to whom we show our love and who then return it back.  

Even if others do not return our love back, we would still have given it and God will reward us, because love is like the gentle rain; once it falls it does good even when the surface is concrete and not receptive.

(Paul Borg – Malta [February 2015])

Love… brings peace to life

Many people talk about the importance of having peace in life. Peace is not just of not having wars… of not arguing in families… peace is the result of love between nations… between people.

Love… brings peace to life. Love is what Jesus practiced, preached, lived. The love that Jesus gave us, is the love we are to give to others.

Do you want to bring peace to life? Do you want to see the world living in peace?

Give the love of Jesus to others, and where this love is lived, there will be peace in life.

I am to love every person

I am to love every person. This is what Jesus asks from me. This is what Jesus did and preach.

In every person I am to give His love. Who is this person whom I am to love?

My neighbour, whom I meet during every moment of my life.

My neighbour, is the person whom I am to love.

Jesus loves this person.

 You… Jesus

You

Jesus

The Saviour of my life

The One whom I trust my life to

The giver of my life

You

Jesus

The Healer of my life

The One who loves me dearly

The helper of my life

Oh Jesus

I thank you for everything

For you show me the way

How to love my neighbor

To help them, to feed them, to hear them,

To bring them to You

You

Jesus

You are my everything

You are the source of life

And I will do your will

Short Inspirational Messages (Number 11)

 •  Helping your neighbour is a way to spread God’s love.

•    Love your neighbour….whoever your neighbour is.

•    Pray for peace in the world and start by loving your neighbour.

•    Reading the Bible is a way to know Jesus, and loving your neighbour helps you to know Jesus in a personal way.

•    Be glad with what you have, and thank Him for your life.

•    If you are in peace with your neighbour, there is a chance for the world to change.

•    Jesus is the source of our lives. Jesus is the one to trust.

•    Mary…thank you for being the Mother of Jesus.

•    My guardian angel, a gift from God to me, to protect and help me in my life.

•    If I love every person I meet during the day, I am God’s instrument for peace.

•    Seek His love, seek His peace, and share it with your neighbour.

•    Every moment of your life is a gift from God.

Jesus is everything

When I reflect about my life, upon the years that passed by, I come to a conclusion that Jesus is everything in my life. The forgiveness I received from Him, His constant love to me, His daily

grace and care to me, made me truly believe that He loves me dearly.

Now I understand the reason why He died on the cross. He died for me, for you, to have this

relationship with Him.

My prayer is that to know Jesus more in our lives... and to follow Him everywhere.

You are everything for Jesus... is He everything for you?

Being in peace with my neighbour

Being in peace with my neighbor….oh, how wonderful it is.

Being in peace with my neighbour, is an opportunity to increase the love in the world. If all the people had to really live in peace with their neighbour, the world would be different.

Let us change the world, let us bring peace in the world…by first being in peace with my neighbour.

John 6:20   But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

Reflections:-

Are you afraid of knowing Jesus?

Have you ever tried to know Jesus in a personal way?

Do you know that Jesus is calling you by your name?

Do you know that you do not need to be afraid of Him.....as He loves you?

 Believe in Him

Believe in Him brings the fullness of life to all. Having faith and believing in Jesus, the Son of God, brings richness to life.

Many people doubt in Jesus or do not believe at all in Him. There are many other people who do not doubt in Jesus and totally believe in Him.

The difference between these people of how they view life is totaly different. The difference of how they view life can be seen when they face illness, death of a relative, family problems, broken relationships, etc.

Believing in Him and having faith in Jesus helps you to overcome these difficulties, to be able to live them through His love, and always to love your neighbour. 

 Mary...

When Mary was under the cross and she heard Jesus say his last words: “God why have you forsaken me?”; could it be that she also said them herself. She could have; she certainly was entitled to do so; she must have felt the same, seeing her son, whom she knew was God leaving her on her own. BUT SHE SUFFERED IN SILENCE.

Silence is a virtue which few appreciate in today’s world. Mary was the silence behind Jesus’s words throughout his life. She was also the silence at the very end of His life. Maybe she knew and believe that Jesus will raise again.

She heard Him say it, but did she understand Him until it actually happened? Today, we know what happened so we know the historical part, at least. If I really believe that Jesus rose from the dead, that I am able to suffer like Mary did IN SILENCE.

Silence is stronger than words. May Mary be our guide whenever we are suffering and let us offer this suffering such that we give value to it.

(Paul Borg – Malta [June 2014])

Short Inspirational Messages (Number 9)

·       Lord, teach me how to love, to forgive, and to be your disciple.

·       Love of neighbour, is the mission for each person.

·       Jesus, thanks for your love to all human kind.

·       Reading the Bible, helps us to know how to love and to know Jesus.

·       It is a blessing that through the Eucharist I can receive Jesus.

·       Everyday, every moment, I am to share the love of Christ with others.

·       Today can be a lovely day, if I love the person I meet during each moment.

·       Follow Jesus, get to know Him, and He will show you the Way.

·       Trust always in Jesus, for He knows you in a personal way.

·       Mary....Joseph....the parents of Jesus....the blessed family....an example to all.

·       In the Chapel, a place I meet Jesus to pray, to be with, and to share.

 His Peace

Peace.  His Peace.

The world yearns for such a Peace.

Peace in countries, in families....Peace throughout the world.

Peace  is only possible by knowing Him.....Jesus the Son of God.....He will show us the Father.

The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit....the Peace of the Trinity....the Peace for this World.

Pray to the Trinity for this Peace to reign.

 Jesus... is the way

Jesus is the way. In Him I trust my life.

Jesus is the way. He fulfils my life at all times.

Jesus is the way. Come, join me and follow Him.

Jesus, the Son of God, loves me in a personal way.

Jesus, the Lord of my life.

Thank you Jesus, for you have showed me the way.

 He Heals A Broken Heart

I am here

All alone.....

My heart is broken

As it has been stolen

By someone who no longer cares!

What do I do now?

I listen to the silence around me

And shake hands with loneliness!

She introduces herself as "Aloneness"

And is ready to teach me

How to enjoy my very own company!

I close my eyes,

Take a deep breath

And imagine Jesus healing my broken heart!

I put my hand on my heart

And realize the broken pieces are being mended!

I smile to myself

As I realize I am no longer alone

Jesus is here with me.

He accepts me as I am.

He loves me unconditionally!

He is a faithful friend, a life-time companion ;

The Only one who can heal a broken heart....

Jesabelle Azzopardi - Malta.  (Copyright 2014)

James 3:17

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Reflections:-

Have you ever asked God for pure wisdom?

Have you ever asked God to be a peaceful person and full of mercy?

Or, you think that you can do it all on your own?

Just think, how blessed you can be by asking God for the wisdom from heaven.

 The family......a lovely gift from God

The family is a lovely gift from God. Through the grace of God the family radiates the same love as shown by 'Mary and Joseph'.

Families are to have the peace and unity as lived by 'Mary and Joseph'. The holy family of 'Mary and Joseph' is an example to all.

May we follow their example, may we radiate their love, may our families live through the grace of God and accept His personal love for us.

 In the Chapel

There in the Chapel, the place to be gathered with Him and pray.

There in the Chapel, the precious time to be with Him.

There in the Chapel, in silence and listen to Him.

There in the Chapel, I go to visit Him.

There in the Chapel, He comforts and heals me.

There in the Chapel, a place for you and me.

Look forward in life

Look forward in life, never look back.

The past is the past, as it will never change.

Look forward in life, and be encouraged.

The secret is to live the fullness of the present moment.

Living the present moment through God's love,

Will give you the grace to look forward in life.

 The Cross

The Cross, the way Jesus had to go through.

The place your sins were nailed.

Through the Cross, Jesus brought you Salvation.

The Cross, a sign of Jesus's love for you.

In your life what meaning does the Cross have?

Do you believe in the Cross?

 Looking forward to Christmas

We all look forward to Christmas, young and old.  There is a feeling a well being and everyone shakes hands and offers you his/her good wishes.  That is a good thing; a very good thing.  This is not just a religious feeling but even people who do not believe in God portray this sense of wellbeing towards others.  The lights, the colourful shops, the songs in the streets, the offers to help others – all these help us to remember that we live with other people and if we help them then we are giving them part of our love.

Imagine if this feeling was carried on throughout the year.  Why should I not continue to salute my neighbour every morning or the guy with whom I share the lift.  Why should I not continue to do small, simple gestures of love towards others which cost me nothing but which may make some body feel good today – I may just allow some one to come out from a difficult side street to pass in front of me; I may just smile at an elderly couple and say “Good morning”; I may just look up from my computer to help a colleague at work who is trying to finish within a deadline.

All are simple things which we may do every day of our lives and which spread love towards others; thus multiplying God’s love for us. In every individual I meet there is God’s spirit in him/her.  When I help some one I am doing it to God.  He told us that “Whatever you do for any one of these little ones, you are doing it to Me.” Madre Theresa said (not in quote): It is best to do many small things but with a lot of love.

(this thought has been written by Paul Borg – Malta)

 The simplicity of life

Life seems that it has become complicated, hectic and problematic to live. Many people pass through this experience, and makes life difficult to live.

But at times I wonder, and ask, but way is life so difficult to live? Many answers will immediately come to mind....because of sin, because of wars, because of family problems. All these answers are real and true.

But have you ever wondered, that most people have lost and forgot about what it means to live a simple life.

The simplicity of life.....oh how wonderful it is ......how peaceful it can be......if only we are glad with what we have and not wanting more than we require.

The simplicity of life.....is possible if we trust in Him that He provides and that He cares for us.

By being closer to Jesus, the simplicity of life is a way of living through His love, experiencing His continuous grace.

His Love is great

Have you ever wondered how much His Love is great. Have you ever thought that when Jesus died on the cross, He died for you, because He Loves you. For sure His Love is great.

And through this love of His, Jesus is asking you to love in a continual way, to love everyone. To love through the Love He gave you, the Love by dying on the cross.

This is the love you are to give to others, that of dying for others.

 The Journey

Life is a journey. It faces good and difficult moments.

The way we live these experiences during a journey will lead us to our final destination.

The choice of this destination depends on our decisions and how we live our life.

Jesus can help us with these decisions and how we live.

He can show us the way to Salvation.

This destination is there for you.

 Short Inspirational Messages (Number 2)

• Christ died on the cross.....a clear sign of love to you.

• The most valuable treasure to have in life, is accepting the Love of Jesus Christ.

• Your example of real love as taught by Jesus, is the way to spread the Good News.

• Whatever the country you are born in, know that HE loves you.

 Spreading the Good News

Every moment is an occasion to spread the Good News. Every moment brings the opportunity to love other people by different good deeds. This is what everyone is challenged to do, that through the good deeds we spread the Good News.

The Good News is that Jesus died on the cross for everyone. He died for you and me, and for all.

If the good deeds are done through His love, that brings the Good News to the people, that Jesus loves us all.

1 John 5:14

 'This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.'

Reflections:-

Are you afraid to approach God in prayer?

Do you feel worthy to be in the presence of God?

Know that God loves you in a personal way.

Know that He always hears and answers your prayers.

A day with Jesus

How would you imagine yourself of spending a day with Jesus?  Well, I think that it would be a very hectic day of loving the people around Him and of preaching the Good News of Salvation. 

Do you know that this is possible, through your daily life by loving the people around you, you will be doing what Jesus did, that is of bringing peace to the world!

This gives you the opportunity not only to spend a day with Jesus but your whole life, a rewarding life of peace and fullness through your relationship with Him.

Enjoy your days with Jesus.

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Reflections:-

Are you clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience?

Have you ever thought what a difference your life would be if you were clothed with these?

Have you ever thought that you are worthy to be clothed with these?

Know that you are loved by God and through His Love you can be clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…….by Loving Him.

Timothy 1:5

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Reflections:-

Do you have a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith?

Have you ever prayed to God to help you through His grace to receive these?

Trust Him for all these….you are worthy to receive them.

Through them, to love is possible through the fullness of God’s Love, as you be an instrument in his hands.

He is my power

I come from a Christian family, but my parents do not practise it and they never go to church. They only go to church in a very special occasion.

Still, Jesus has always put His Love in my heart. When I was a little girl, I remember that I prayed to Jesus, this was before I knew the Charismatic Renewal. Then, I was studing in a religious school and when I was 15 years old I start attending a prayer group.

This was the time when through this group I met the Charismatic Renewal. I only can say that the love of Jesus was and it is the principal love in my live. I can do nothing without Him.

My life is not all beautiful, there are storms, but I can say that He is my power when I can do nothing. Some years ago I felt that I have to give more to Him, by surrendering myself to Him and to live for Him and for the others.

(Anonymous - Spain)

Being in the image of God

Have you ever realised that you are not just something?  You are someone – a person.  Youare in the image of God.

Have you ever realised by being in the image of God, you are freely capable of entering into communion with other persons, and have this grace to be in a relationship with your Creator?

Have you ever realised that as a person, you are to offer your Creator a response of faith and love?

God really loves you in a personal way......after all you are the image of God.  Be glad and rejoice for this gift of life.

Hebrews 12:14 

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 

Reflections:-

Reflect in silence about being in peace.

Are you in peace with everyone?

Do you love all the people you meet with?

Through peace and love, are you being a more holy person?

The Lord Jesus Christ desires and wishes that you be in peace and that you love your neighbor.

By loving and being in peace, through Jesus love, you be a holy person…aim to be a holy person.

Doing your little part....

Have you ever wondered, what you can do to bring peace to the world?  Maybe we think it is impossible or beyond us.

 Well for sure it is difficult, but not impossible!

But, have you ever wondered, if you do your little part, that is, by loving your neighbour, this will eventually bring peace to the world!

Matthew 9:22 

Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. 

Reflections:-

These words are the same words that Jesus says to each and everyone of us, each and everday of our life. 

Have faith in Him, to be healed, to be set free, to be comforted, to know God in a more personal way.

Through your relationship with Jesus, you increase your faith in  Him, who will always be by your side.

Love, Love, Love.....

The word ‘Love‘ is the most precious and important word in any language.  This is the way that all of us are to live, by ‘Loving’ the people around us in each moment of our life.

The word ‘Love’ is full of wonderful treasures, a way of how to really live in fullness. 

To understand the depth of ‘Love’ is important for our life.  This is possible through knowing Jesus who is ‘Love’, who will help us to understand ‘Love’, and who will guide us to live by ‘Loving’ the people around us.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Reflections:-

Do you trust God in your life?  Have you ever realized that on trusting Him, God fills you with joy and peace?

Also, upon trusting God, He overflows you with hope!

You really need a lot of hope to face the challenges in life.  So trust in Him.

‘Play your part to bring peace to the world’

Peace in the world!  Is that possible?  Is that beyond us?

Have you ever thought that you can play your part to bring peace to the world?  If only each person really loves and cares for the person next to him in each present moment of life, it will bring peace to the world!

If only we really had to love our neighbor as Jesus thought us, yes, it is possible to have peace in the world.  You can make the difference in the ‘little’ world you belong to, at work, at school, with your friend!  Other people are responsible to make the difference in their ‘little’ world they belong to, in parliament, in politics, with world leaders! 

If all of us, in whatever ‘little’ world we belong to, we really love our neighbor through the love of Christ……..yes, there will be peace in the world.

The important thing is that you decide to take up this challenge to love your neighbor.  Ask God for His Grace, His Comfort, and His Love, to make you an instrument of peace!

Forgiving makes me feel better.

Nearly every day I get hurt by someone.  The hurt could be received from my workmates, close friends, relatives, the shopkeeper………well the list is long!

Every time I get hurt I feel that I need to love that person more.  I know that Jesus loves that person, even though that person hurts me.  Through this love of His, I immediately forgive that person for any hurt caused towards me.

When I forgive it makes me feel better………as through love, peace will reign.

We can also become Saints

When in each moment of our life we live by embracing the love of God, and giving this love to the people we meet during the day, it is a way that would lead us to Sainthood.

Loving, loving, loving our neighbour is the way to become a Saint.  Through our love which we receive from the Love of God, the people that we meet will also receive this love, and they will also pass on this love to others.

Through loving our neighbour we can change the world. Be encouraged, we can be Saints in our daily life.

Go and Evangelise

Go and Evangelise, so the world may know more about Christ.

This is every person responsibility, to bring Jesus in the life of our neighbours.

We are to have courage, be witnesses and preach the Good News to all.

Changing the world society, and yearning for more peace in the world, depends a lot if we evangelise.

 Luke 6:19

...and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

Reflections:-

You might ask, how lucky were those people who met Jesus and got healed?

If only you and I were there…..we might have also been healed.

But today, now, Jesus is also here.  Through the Holy Spirit, just believe, have faith and pray.

Jesus will also heal you and me!

Do you find time?

During the day, do you find time to eat and drink?  Do you find time to chat with friends and relatives?  Do you find time to watch your favourite TV programme?

Most probably you do, and by the end of the day, you would have done more different things, like going out with friends.

But during the day, did you find some time in silence, without anybody disturbing you, and spent the time chatting with God?  Did you listen to His voice?

Most probably during the day, God wanted to chat with you.

So tomorrow, try and find some time chatting with God, find a quite place, and discover His love and peace for you.

A precious person

Wherever you are in the moment,

Whoever is next to you in the moment,

Is a precious person whom God Loves.

During Christmas day I received many messages through sms wishing me and my family a Happy Christmas. One of these messages was from a friend of mine who lives in Syria. He expressed himself of being very sad and having problems due that his mother had passed away.

Upon receiving this message I replied to him sending an sms message writing some encouraging and comforting words. But still, I felt that I needed to do something else!

So besides sending him an sms message, I phoned him up! We spent a couple of minutes on the phone talking about his situation. He appreciated that I had phoned him up and that he is in my prayers. 

Give me the grace!

I come to you Lord,

With all the burdens of my life.

All I pray for,

Is to give me the grace I require.

As through your grace,

I may live the burdens,

Through your peace and unity of the Trinity.

These are Jesus words to each and every one of us, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

Why at times are we afraid of Jesus?  Maybe, He challenges us to change our lives!!

Maybe, we are afraid to be different from others!!

There is no need to be afraid of Jesus. 

With His tender loving care, He forgives us, and accepts us back to receive His love, in an intimate personal way.