Tag: fear

Jesus Christ Is My Lord and I Belong to Him
Walking in Faith, Protection, and Victory

In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and confusion, believers in Jesus Christ have a powerful source of peace and strength. When we declare, “Jesus Christ is my Lord and I belong to Him,” we are making more than a statement. We are proclaiming our identity, our protection, and our faith in the King of Kings.

To belong to Jesus means we are no longer alone. We are loved, forgiven, guided, and protected by the Savior who gave His life for us. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we have been redeemed and brought into the family of God.

The Bible reminds us in Romans 10:9 that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved. Salvation is not earned by human effort. It is a gift purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Covered by the Blood of Jesus

The blood of Jesus is powerful. It cleanses us from sin, breaks chains of bondage, and gives believers spiritual protection. When we pray and declare that “The blood of Jesus completely covers me and my family,” we are placing our trust in God’s promises.

Throughout Scripture, the blood represented covenant, protection, and deliverance. Just as the Israelites were protected during Passover, believers today trust in the finished work of Christ for spiritual covering and peace.

No matter what challenges arise, God remains faithful. He watches over His children and walks with them through every storm, every battle, and every difficult season.

Fear Has No Power Over Us

Fear is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons, but faith in Christ destroys fear. The Word of God tells us in 1 John 4:4:

“Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

This powerful truth reminds believers that God’s Spirit lives within them. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to strengthen, comfort, and guide us every day.

Because of this, we do not have to live in fear. We can face life with confidence, courage, and hope. Jesus is greater than sickness, greater than anxiety, greater than darkness, and greater than every obstacle we face.

A Daily Declaration of Faith

Every day is an opportunity to boldly declare:
- Jesus Christ is my Lord.
- I belong to Him.
- The blood of Jesus covers me and my family.
- I will not fear.
- Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.
When we speak God’s promises over our lives, we strengthen our faith and remind ourselves of His truth.

Today, choose faith over fear. Choose hope over despair. Choose to walk in the confidence that Jesus Christ is Lord, Savior, Protector, and King forever.
May 25, 2026
My Life is My Message

When Mahatma Gandhi was asked what his message to the world was, he answered simply:

“My life is my message.”

Few words have ever carried such depth.

Gandhi understood something many of us spend our entire lives trying to learn: our true message is not found in what we say, but in how we live. Our actions speak louder than our intentions, louder than our opinions, and often louder than our prayers.

Whether we realize it or not, every one of us is sending a message to the world every single day.

The question is: how happy are you with your message?

Not the message you post online.
Not the image you try to project.
But the message your daily life reveals.

What does your life say about what you truly value?

Does it say kindness matters?
Does it say people matter?
Does it say faith, honesty, compassion, and love are worth living for?

Or does it reveal something else entirely — fear, anger, selfishness, pride, or indifference?

These are uncomfortable questions because they force us to look honestly at ourselves. It is far easier to talk about goodness than it is to live it consistently.

Most people want to be remembered well. They want their lives to mean something. Yet meaning is not created in grand moments alone. It is built quietly in everyday choices.

In how we treat the waiter.
In how we speak to family.
In whether we forgive.
In whether we help someone who cannot repay us.
In whether we choose bitterness or grace.

A life becomes a message one decision at a time.

The beautiful thing is this: no matter what your message has been up to now, you can begin changing it today.

A harsh person can become gentle.
A selfish person can become generous.
A lonely person can become a source of encouragement.
A wounded person can become a healer.

Every sunrise offers another opportunity to live differently.

Saint Francis of Assisi is believed to have said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

The world does not only need more opinions. It needs more living examples. More people whose lives quietly radiate peace, integrity, humility, and love.

Your life may never be written about in history books. Most of ours will not be. But every life leaves fingerprints on other people. Every conversation, every kindness, every act of patience or cruelty echoes farther than we imagine.

Someone is learning from your life right now.

A child.
A friend.
A stranger.
A neighbor.
Perhaps even someone silently struggling.

What message are they receiving?

At the end of our lives, people will not remember most of the words we said. They will remember how we made them feel. They will remember whether our presence brought light or darkness, hope or discouragement, peace or conflict.

“My life is my message.”

Perhaps the real challenge is not admiring Gandhi for saying it, but asking ourselves if we are willing to say the same.

And if not today, what must change so that one day we can?

Click Here is a way to make the message of your life truly dianamic and change the world begining with you.

Rick

thmjmj@gmail.com

May 8, 2026
Lead Me in the Way You Desire
Trusting God When We Do Not Understand

There is a prayer so simple, so humble, and so powerful that it can change a life:

“Lord, if this is not Your will, take it from me. Lead me in the way You desire.”

Those words are not words of defeat. They are words of surrender. They are words of trust.

In a world that teaches us to cling, control, and chase our own plans, this prayer invites us to open our hands and let God lead.

When Our Plans Are Not God’s Plans

We often pray for what we want:
- A door to open
- A relationship to work
- A dream to come true
- A burden to be lifted
Yet sometimes God whispers, “I have something better.”

Scripture reminds us:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord…
— Book of Jeremiah 29:11

And in Book of Proverbs we are told:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Faith is not always knowing where the road leads.

Faith is trusting the One who leads.

The Courage of “Take It From Me”

Sometimes we hold onto things God wants us to release:
- Worry
- Pride
- Old wounds
- Fear
- Even dreams that are not His will
To pray “take it from me” is brave.

It echoes the prayer of Jesus of Nazareth in Gethsemane:

“Not my will, but Yours be done.”

That is not weakness.

That is holiness.

God Leads Through Closed Doors Too

Some of God’s greatest mercies come disguised as unanswered prayers.

A closed door may be protection.

A delay may be preparation.

A “no” may be guidance.

Many times we understand only later that what we asked God to remove… He removed out of love.

And what He asked us to surrender… He replaced with grace.

Following the Way He Desires

When we ask God to lead us, He often guides in gentle ways:
- Through prayer
- Through Scripture
- Through silence
- Through wise friends
- Through unexpected opportunities
- Through peace in the heart
Often His leading is not dramatic.

It is daily.

One faithful step at a time.

As Book of Psalms says:

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet…”

Notice—a lamp, not a floodlight.

Enough light for the next step.

That is usually how God leads.

A Prayer for Today

You may want to pray this slowly:

Lord,
If this is not Your will, take it from me.
Remove what keeps me from You.
Close doors I should not walk through.
Open the ones You desire.
Lead me in Your way,
Shape me by Your wisdom,
And help me trust even when I do not understand.
Not my will, Lord—
Yours be done.
Amen.

Final Thought

Surrender is not losing your way.

It is finding God’s way.

And there is no safer place than being led by Him.

When life feels uncertain, pray simply:

“Lord, if this is not Your will, take it from me. Lead me in the way You desire.”

That prayer can change everything.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share it with others.

Rick Herring
April 27, 2026
Spy Wednesday: A Sacred Day of Reflection in the Catholic Faith
The Betrayal of Jesus

In the rhythm of the Catholic liturgical year, Wednesday of Holy Week carries a unique and somber title: Spy Wednesday. Though less widely discussed than Good Friday or Easter Sunday, this day holds deep spiritual significance rooted in betrayal, reflection, and preparation for the Paschal Mystery.

Why Is It Called “Spy Wednesday”?

The name “Spy Wednesday” comes from the Gospel accounts describing Judas Iscariot’s decision to betray Jesus. On this day, Judas secretly meets with the chief priests and agrees to hand Jesus over in exchange for thirty pieces of silver.

The term “spy” refers to Judas acting in secrecy—watching, waiting, and looking for the right moment to betray Christ.

“What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” — Matthew 26:15

This moment marks a turning point in Holy Week, setting into motion the events that lead to the Passion and Crucifixion.

Spiritual Meaning of Spy Wednesday

Spy Wednesday invites Catholics into a deeper examination of the heart. It is a day that asks difficult but necessary questions:
- Where have I been unfaithful in my relationship with God?
- Have I chosen convenience, fear, or selfishness over truth?
- How can I return to Christ with sincerity?
Rather than focusing only on Judas’ betrayal, the Church encourages believers to see themselves in the story—recognizing human weakness, but also the opportunity for repentance and grace.

Themes of the Day

1. Betrayal and Sin

Judas’ actions remind us that even those closest to Jesus can fall. Sin often begins quietly, in hidden choices that grow over time.

2. God’s Mercy

Unlike Judas, who despaired, Catholics are reminded that God’s mercy is always available. No betrayal is beyond redemption when met with true repentance.

3. Preparation for the Triduum

Spy Wednesday serves as a spiritual bridge leading into:
- Holy Thursday (The Last Supper)
- Good Friday (The Passion)
- Easter Sunday (The Resurrection)
Traditional Practices

While not a holy day of obligation, many Catholics observe Spy Wednesday in meaningful ways:
- Attending Tenebrae services (a solemn liturgy of shadows and extinguished candles)
- Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Fasting or simplifying meals
- Reading the Passion narratives from the Gospels
- Spending time in quiet prayer and reflection
A Message for Today

In a fast-paced world filled with distractions, Spy Wednesday offers a moment to pause and confront the reality of our choices. It reminds us that betrayal is not just a historical event—it is something that can happen in subtle ways in our daily lives.

But more importantly, it points us toward hope.

Even in the shadow of betrayal, God’s plan for salvation continues. Spy Wednesday prepares our hearts to enter the Sacred Triduum with humility, awareness, and renewed faith.

Conclusion

Spy Wednesday is not merely about Judas—it is about the human condition, the reality of sin, and the boundless mercy of God. As we reflect on this day, we are invited to turn back to Christ, not with fear, but with trust.

In doing so, we prepare ourselves to fully experience the sorrow of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday.

May this Spy Wednesday be a time of honest reflection and a step closer to grace.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 2, 2026