Tag: Jesus Christ

America Consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A Historic Moment of Faith, Hope, and Unity

On June 11, 2026, a remarkable event took place in the life of the Catholic Church in the United States. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops officially consecrated and dedicated our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

This historic act occurred during the bishops’ Spring Assembly in Orlando, Florida, as our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. While many events marking the Semiquincentennial focus on the history and achievements of America, this consecration pointed to something even more important: our need for God’s grace, mercy, and guidance.

The consecration was not a political statement. Rather, it was a profound spiritual act of trust. The bishops entrusted the United States to the loving Heart of Jesus, acknowledging that true healing, unity, and peace come from God.

Why the Sacred Heart?

The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has deep roots in Catholic tradition. The Sacred Heart symbolizes the infinite love that Christ has for humanity. It reminds us that God does not love us from a distance. He enters into our struggles, our suffering, and our daily lives.

Throughout history, countless Catholics have turned to the Sacred Heart during times of uncertainty, war, division, and hardship. They found comfort in knowing that Christ’s Heart remains open to all people.

Today, America faces many challenges. Political disagreements, cultural divisions, economic concerns, family struggles, and spiritual confusion often dominate the headlines. In the midst of these difficulties, the bishops have invited the nation to look toward the Heart of Jesus as the source of healing and reconciliation.

A Call to Unity

One of the most beautiful aspects of this consecration is its focus on unity.

Our nation is composed of people from many backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Yet every person is created in the image and likeness of God and is deeply loved by Him.

The Sacred Heart reminds us that Christ came for everyone. His love crosses political parties, social classes, ethnic backgrounds, and national boundaries.

By consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart, the bishops are inviting all Americans to rediscover the values of compassion, forgiveness, service, and love of neighbor.

A Time for Personal Consecration

While the bishops made this dedication on behalf of the nation, every Catholic can participate personally.

We can consecrate our own hearts, our families, our homes, and our communities to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We can spend time in prayer, attend Mass faithfully, receive the Sacraments, and seek to love others as Christ loves us.

The renewal of a nation begins with the renewal of individual hearts.

When hearts change, families change.

When families change, communities change.

When communities change, nations change.

Looking Forward

As America approaches its 250th birthday, this consecration offers a powerful reminder that our greatest strength has never been found solely in political institutions, military power, or economic success.

Our greatest hope is found in God.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus stands as a symbol of mercy, compassion, sacrifice, and unconditional love. In dedicating our nation to that Heart, the bishops have invited all Americans to seek a future rooted not in fear or division, but in faith and charity.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus watch over our nation, guide our leaders, strengthen our families, protect the vulnerable, and lead all people closer to His eternal love.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, guide our nation.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, reign in our hearts forever.

What are your thoughts on this historic consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?

Share your reflections in the comments below. Let us pray together for our nation, our families, and our communities as we seek God’s mercy, healing, and peace.

Thank You for reading this blog. Please like, subscribe, and share with others,

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail

June 14, 2026
The Holy Trinity: Not a Puzzle to Solve, but Three Divine Persons to Love

The Holy Trinity: A Relationship of Love

Many people spend their lives trying to figure out the mystery of the Holy Trinity. While there is certainly much to learn about this great mystery of faith, the Holy Trinity is not primarily something to figure out. The Trinity is Someone to know, Someone to love, and Someone with whom we are called to have a personal relationship.

The mission of every Christian is to enter into an intimate relationship with each Person of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

God the Father: Our Loving Creator

The first Person of the Trinity is God the Father. He is our Creator and the source of all life. Out of infinite love, He created each one of us with a purpose.

God made us to know Him, love Him, and serve Him in this world so that we may be happy with Him forever in Heaven. Every blessing we enjoy, every breath we take, and every opportunity we receive comes from His loving hand.

The Father is not distant or indifferent. He knows us personally. He knows our joys, our struggles, our hopes, and our fears. Like the loving father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, He constantly waits for us to return to Him and experience His mercy and love.

Jesus Christ: The Greatest Act of Love in History

The second Person of the Trinity is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Jesus is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. He is God made man, the perfect revelation of the Father’s love. Out of endless mercy and infinite grace, He chose to enter into the brokenness of our world.

He did not have to do this. Yet He willingly stepped into our suffering, our pain, and our sin. It is the most magnificent and majestic act of love in human history.

Through His death on the Cross, Jesus paid the price for our salvation. Through His Resurrection, He conquered sin and death. He opened the gates of Heaven and invited all humanity into the family of God.

Eternal life is now available to every person who chooses to accept His gift of salvation and follow Him.

When we look upon the Cross, we do not merely see suffering. We see love. We see sacrifice. We see the heart of God reaching out to humanity.

As Jesus Himself said:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

The Holy Spirit: The Spirit of Love, Wisdom, and Power

The third Person of the Trinity is the Holy Spirit, often called the Paraclete, the Advocate, and the Spirit of Truth.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Love, Wisdom, Joy, and Power.

Before Pentecost, the Apostles often struggled to understand the mission Jesus had entrusted to them. They were fearful, uncertain, and confused.

Then everything changed.

When the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost, they were transformed. The timid became courageous. The confused gained wisdom. The fearful became bold witnesses for Christ.

The Holy Spirit empowered the Apostles to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world. In many ways, Pentecost was the birth of Christianity as a worldwide mission.

The same Holy Spirit who transformed the Apostles is available to us today. He guides us, teaches us, strengthens us, comforts us, and fills us with the gifts necessary to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

When we invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts, He helps us grow in holiness and draws us closer to both the Father and the Son.

Living in Relationship with the Trinity

The Christian life is not merely about following rules or understanding doctrines. It is about living in a loving relationship with God.

We pray to the Father.

We follow Jesus Christ.

We are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The Father loves us into existence.

The Son redeems us through His sacrifice.

The Holy Spirit transforms us from within.

Every Mass, every prayer, every act of love, and every moment of faith brings us deeper into the life of the Holy Trinity.

The mystery of the Trinity will always be greater than our understanding. Yet God does not ask us to fully comprehend Him. He invites us to know Him, trust Him, and love Him.

May we grow each day in our relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, until the day we see God face to face and experience the fullness of His love forever in Heaven.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Than you for reading this blog. Please share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

May 31, 2026
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
This Sunday We Celebrate Penecost
Pentecost: The Birth of Christianity

The Day the World Changed Forever

Fifty days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, a fearful group of believers gathered together in an Upper Room in Jerusalem. This moment, known as Pentecost, would become the birth of Christianity and the beginning of the Church that would spread throughout the entire world.

The setting was the same Upper Room where Jesus had celebrated the Last Supper with His Apostles before His crucifixion. Present were the Apostles, disciples, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus. The doors were locked tight because they were afraid. The Pharisees and Sadducees, who had demanded the death of Jesus, still held power and influence. The followers of Christ feared persecution, imprisonment, and even death.

Yet Jesus had promised them something extraordinary. Before ascending into Heaven, He told them to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They prayed together faithfully, waiting for the fulfillment of Christ’s promise.

Then suddenly, everything changed.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Without warning, a mighty sound like a rushing wind filled the entire house. It was loud enough to draw attention throughout the city. Then appeared what Scripture describes as tongues of fire resting upon each person gathered in the room.

The Holy Spirit descended upon them with power.

Fear disappeared instantly. The timid followers of Christ were transformed into bold witnesses of the Gospel. The Apostles began speaking in different languages they had never learned, empowered by the Holy Spirit so that people from every nation could understand the message of God.

Jerusalem was overflowing with visitors at that time. Jewish pilgrims from across the known world had gathered for the City. Many heard the sound and rushed toward the Upper Room to discover what was happening.

A great crowd gathered in amazement. They could not understand how these ordinary Galileans were suddenly speaking in the languages of many different nations. Some were astonished, while others mocked and accused them of being drunk.

But this was not confusion. This was the power of God.

Peter’s Powerful Sermon

Then Peter, once the fisherman who had denied Jesus three times, stood boldly before the crowd filled with the Holy Spirit. No longer afraid, he proclaimed the truth about Jesus Christ with courage and authority.

Peter explained that Jesus was the promised Messiah foretold by the prophets. He preached about Christ’s crucifixion, Resurrection, and victory over death. He called the people to repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.

His words pierced the hearts of the listeners.

That very day, about 3,000 people were baptized and added to the community of believers. What began as a frightened group hiding behind locked doors became the living Church of Jesus Christ.

Pentecost marks the birth of Christianity because it was the moment the Gospel began spreading openly to the world. The Holy Spirit empowered ordinary men and women to accomplish extraordinary things for God.

The Meaning of Pentecost Today

Pentecost is not merely an event from ancient history. It remains a living reminder that God still fills His people with power, courage, wisdom, and love through the Holy Spirit.

The same Holy Spirit who transformed the Apostles can transform us today. Fear can become courage. Weakness can become strength. Division can become unity. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are called to carry the light of Christ into the world.

Just as the Apostles emerged from the Upper Room to proclaim the Good News, Christians today are called to step out in faith and share the love of Jesus Christ with others.

Pentecost reminds us that Christianity was never meant to remain hidden behind locked doors. It was born to change the world.

Scripture References
- Acts 2:1-41
- John 14:16-17
- Luke 24:49
Suggested Closing Prayer

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Give us courage to proclaim the Gospel and strength to live according to Your will. Amen.”

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj @thmjmj8875

To learn about the one-time investment that can save rural hospitals, small businesses, small towns an potentially increase your income Click Here.
May 23, 2026
You Are Redeemed — But Salvation Requires Faithful Perseverance
Introduction

Many people today believe that salvation is automatic. They say, “Jesus died for my sins, so I am

You Are Redeemed — But Salvation Requires Faithful Perseveranc

Introduction

Many people today believe that salvation is automatic. They say, “Jesus died for my sins, so I am saved no matter how I live.” Yet Sacred Scripture teaches something deeper and more demanding.

Yes, by the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, humanity has been redeemed. The price has been paid. The door to eternal life has been opened. But salvation is not a one-time declaration spoken with the lips while the heart remains unchanged.

Saint Paul writes:

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” — Philippians 2:12

These words remind us that salvation is not something to take lightly. Redemption was purchased by Christ, but salvation requires cooperation with God’s grace.

The Difference Between Redemption and Salvation

Redemption Is the Gift

When Jesus suffered during His Passion and died upon the Cross, He redeemed mankind. He paid the debt of sin that humanity could never repay.

Scripture says:

“You were bought with a price.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20

That price was the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

Through redemption:
- Sin no longer has absolute power over humanity.
- The gates of Heaven were opened.
- Grace became available to all.
- Forgiveness became possible.
Redemption is God’s great gift to the world.

Salvation Is the Response

Salvation, however, is our response to that gift.

God does not force anyone into Heaven. He calls us into a living relationship with Him. We must walk with Christ daily, repent of sin, seek holiness, and persevere faithfully until the end.

Jesus Himself said:

“He who endures to the end will be saved.” — Matthew 24:13

Notice the words “will be saved.” Salvation involves endurance, faithfulness, and perseverance.

Faith Must Become Action

Christianity Is Not Passive

Many people want the comfort of faith without the sacrifice of discipleship. Yet Jesus said:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23

The Christian life is active.

It means:
- Loving difficult people.
- Forgiving those who hurt us.
- Resisting temptation.
- Feeding the hungry.
- Helping the poor.
- Remaining faithful in suffering.
- Living in prayer.
Faith that never changes our life is not living faith.

Saint James teaches:

“Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:26

Works do not earn salvation apart from God’s grace, but authentic faith produces obedience, love, and transformation.

Fear and Trembling Before God

Holy Reverence

When Saint Paul says to work out salvation with “fear and trembling,” he does not mean terror without hope. He means holy reverence before Almighty God.

Modern society often treats God casually. Yet Scripture repeatedly teaches reverence.

The fear of the Lord means:
- Respect for God’s holiness.
- Awareness of our weakness.
- Humility before divine judgment.
- Gratitude for mercy.
- A sincere desire not to offend God.
This holy fear protects us from pride and spiritual laziness.

The Danger of Spiritual Complacency

Do Not Drift Away

One of the greatest spiritual dangers is complacency.

A person may say:
- “I was baptized, so I’m fine.”
- “I believe in Jesus, so nothing else matters.”
- “God understands, so sin is no big deal.”
But Scripture warns believers repeatedly not to fall away.

Saint Paul wrote:

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” — 1 Corinthians 10:12

Even after redemption, we must continue to seek God daily.

Prayer, repentance, worship, charity, and obedience are not optional parts of Christianity. They are the fruit of a living relationship with Christ.

The Cross Changes Everything

Jesus Calls Us Into Transformation

The Passion of Jesus was not merely an emotional event. It was the greatest act of sacrificial love in human history.

When we truly meditate upon the suffering of Christ:
- Pride begins to die.
- Selfishness is exposed.
- Gratitude grows.
- Mercy becomes possible.
- Love deepens.
The Cross is not simply something we admire. It is something we enter.

Jesus invites every believer to unite their suffering, struggles, and sacrifices with Him.

Living Redemption Daily

How We Cooperate With Grace

We live out redemption through daily faithfulness.

Some practical ways include:
1. Daily prayer.
2. Reading Scripture.
3. Frequent repentance.
4. Worship and participation in church.
5. Serving the poor and forgotten.
6. Forgiving others.
7. Rejecting habitual sin.
8. Seeking peace and holiness.
Every day becomes an opportunity to draw closer to Christ.

Conclusion

Yes, you are redeemed.

Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose again for you. His mercy is beyond human understanding. His love opened the way to eternal life.

But salvation is not something to treat casually.

We are called to walk faithfully with Christ every day of our lives.

As Saint Paul reminds us:

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” — Philippians 2:12

May we never waste the grace purchased by the Blood of Christ.

May we live with humility, repentance, perseverance, and love.

And may we one day hear the words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

P.S. Click Here to check out the Kind Virus.
May 10, 2026
One Hour With Christ
One Hour That Can Change the World

A Call to Christ’s Prayer-Force for the Unevangelized

“Please… if you are honestly concerned about making Christ known to literally every creature—give God one hour every day.”

Those words are not merely a request. They are a summons.

Across mountains and deserts, hidden villages and crowded cities, billions have never heard the name of Jesus Christ proclaimed in truth. Entire peoples remain unreached. Souls are born, live, and die without ever hearing the Gospel.

And yet heaven has not left them without hope.

God has called a prayer-force.

Not everyone can cross oceans.
Not everyone can preach in hostile lands.
Not everyone can translate Scripture or plant churches.

But every believer can pray.

The Forgotten Frontline

Prayer is not preparation for the battle.

Prayer is the battle.

Before every great movement of God, there was intercession.

Before revival—prayer.
Before missions breakthroughs—prayer.
Before strongholds fell—prayer.

The unreached fields of the world are not opened first by strategy, but by spiritual warfare.

As the Lord asked His disciples in Bible:

“What, could you not watch with me one hour?”
— Matthew 26:40

That question still echoes.

Can we not give one hour?

One Hour Daily for the Nations

Imagine if believers everywhere covenanted to offer one focused hour each day for:
- The totally unevangelized peoples
- Protection and boldness for missionaries
- Bible translation among hidden language groups
- Open doors in closed nations
- Revival in resistant regions
- Laborers sent into the harvest
One hour.

Not spare time.
Not leftovers.

Consecrated time.

An offering.

A sacrifice.

A weapon.

Do You Love Them Enough to Pray?

There are mothers who have never heard of Christ.

Children growing up without the Gospel.

Villages untouched by the cross.

People for whom no one may be praying.

Unless you do.

Love is proven in sacrifice.

Do we love the unreached enough to carry them before God?

Do we “pay the price” of hidden spiritual battle?

Because prayer costs something:
- Time
- Discipline
- Perseverance
- Self-denial
But what is one hour compared to eternity?

The Hour That Moves Heaven

One praying saint can shake nations.

Prayer opens prison doors.
Prayer breaks demonic resistance.
Prayer prepares hearts before missionaries arrive.

History proves it.

The great missionary awakenings were birthed on praying knees.

And perhaps the final great harvest before Christ’s return will be also.

Could your one hour help open a tribe in the mountains of Asia?
Could your intercession protect a worker in Africa?
Could your hidden prayers help bring the Gospel where no witness yet stands?

Yes.

Because God works through praying people.

How to Give God One Hour

Bishop Fulton J Sheen

Fulton J. Sheen teaches that meditation is not mainly about asking God for things, but about surrendering ourselves to God so He can shape us.

Summary:

According to Bishop Sheen, meditation is:
- Entering God’s presence by quieting distractions and shutting out the noise of the world.
- Surrendering our will to God’s will, letting Him guide our thoughts, words, and actions.
- Seeing ourselves truthfully, allowing Divine truth to expose self-deception, pride, and selfishness.
- Silencing the ego so we can hear the desires of God’s heart rather than our own restless demands.
- Training the soul, using our mind and faculties not for idle speculation but to conform more fully to God.
- Purifying our perspective, freeing us from bias, wishful thinking, and attachments that hinder union with God.
- Remembering our dependence on God, recognizing Him as the source of our existence and salvation.
- Offering ourselves to God, not primarily petitioning Him to serve our wishes, but asking Him to use us for His glory.
Core idea:

For Sheen, meditation is a loving act of self-surrender and transformation, where we move from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. It is less “Lord, give me what I want,” and more “Lord, make me what You want.”

A beautiful line that captures his meaning might be: Meditation is not using God, but allowing God to use us.

Faithful.

Powerful.

Join God’s Prayer-Force

The world does not need more spectators.

It needs intercessors.

Hidden warriors.

Watchmen on the walls.

Those willing to answer Christ:

Yes, Lord—
I will watch with You one hour.

One hour a day.

For souls.

For nations.

For the glory of God among every people.

Will you give Him that hour?

Will you love them enough to pray?

Prayer Commitment

Lord Jesus, enlist me in Your prayer-force. Teach me to watch with You one hour each day. Burden my heart for those who have never heard. Use my prayers to prepare the nations for Your Gospel and Your glory. Amen.

“Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations…” — Psalm 2:8

Thank You for Reading this article. PLease share it with others,

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 27, 2026
1. Miracles and Testimonies of Divine Mercy
Real Stories of Grace, Conversion, and Hope

🌿 Mercy in Action

Since the revelations to Saint Faustina Kowalska, countless souls have experienced powerful graces through the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

These are not always dramatic miracles—but often quiet transformations of the heart.

💖 Conversions of the Heart

Many who felt far from Jesus Christ have returned through this prayer.
- A man away from the Church for 40 years begins praying the chaplet—and returns to confession
- A woman burdened by guilt finds peace after praying daily
- A family reconciles after years of division
These are miracles of the soul—often the greatest kind.

✨ Healing and Peace

Some testimonies include physical and emotional healing:
- Recovery after serious illness following persistent prayer
- Relief from anxiety and depression
- Strength to endure suffering with peace
While not every prayer results in physical healing, many report a deep interior peace beyond understanding.

🕊️ The Hour of Death

Perhaps the most powerful testimonies come from those who prayed the chaplet for the dying.

Priests and families have shared stories of:
- Peaceful deaths after a lifetime away from faith
- Sudden repentance in final moments
- A visible calm entering the room during prayer
Jesus promised mercy at that hour—and many believe they have witnessed it.

✝️ Reflection

Miracles of Divine Mercy are not always loud.
They are often quiet, hidden, and deeply personal.

But each one whispers the same truth:

God never stops reaching for us.

📖 2. The Meaning Behind Each Line of the Chaplet

Understanding the Depth of the Prayer

🌿 “Eternal Father, I offer You…”

This line is an offering.

We present to God the Father the sacrifice of His Son—
the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus.

It unites our prayer with the Cross.

✨ “In atonement for our sins…”

We acknowledge:
- Our need for mercy
- The reality of sin
- The gift of redemption
This is not a prayer of fear—but of trust in forgiveness.

💖 “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion…”

We appeal not to our own goodness—but to Christ’s suffering.

His Passion becomes our hope.

We are saying:

“Because of what You endured, have mercy.”

🌍 “Have mercy on us and on the whole world”

This is where the chaplet becomes universal.

We pray for:
- Ourselves
- Our loved ones
- Strangers
- Even those who oppose us
It is a prayer that expands the heart.

🕊️ “Holy God, Holy Mighty One…”

This ancient prayer reminds us of God’s:
- Holiness
- Power
- Eternal nature
And yet—we ask Him for mercy.

✝️ Reflection

Every line of the chaplet is a movement:
- From sin → to mercy
- From fear → to trust
- From self → to the whole world
”Click Here to view the Promises attached to The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Rick Herring
thmjmjQ@gmail.com
April 11, 2026
The More We Become Like Christ, the Happier We Are
Why Christlike Living Brings Happiness

In a world constantly chasing happiness through success, possessions, and fleeting pleasures, many find themselves still searching—still unsatisfied. Yet, the message at the heart of Christianity offers a radically different path: true and lasting joy is found in becoming more like Jesus Christ.

This idea may sound simple, even familiar. But its depth is life-changing. The more our thoughts, actions, and hearts align with Christ, the more we experience a profound, unshakable happiness that the world cannot give—or take away.

What Does It Mean to Become Like Christ?

Becoming like Christ doesn’t mean perfection—it means transformation. It is a daily process of growing in qualities that Jesus embodied:
- Love – showing genuine care for others, even when it’s difficult
- Compassion – reaching out to those in need
- Humility – putting others before ourselves
- Forgiveness – letting go of bitterness and extending grace
- Faith – trusting God even when life is uncertain
These traits are not just moral ideals; they are the building blocks of a joyful life.

Why Christlike Living Brings Happiness

1. It Aligns Us with Our True Purpose

We are created with a spiritual purpose. When we live in harmony with Christ’s teachings, we step into that purpose—and purpose brings deep satisfaction.

2. It Frees Us from Destructive Emotions

Anger, envy, pride, and resentment weigh heavily on the soul. Christlike attributes—especially forgiveness and humility—release us from these burdens, making room for peace.

3. It Strengthens Relationships

Love and compassion transform how we interact with others. As we become more Christlike, our relationships become healthier, deeper, and more meaningful.

4. It Brings Inner Peace

Even in trials, those who follow Christ often experience a quiet confidence and calm. This peace is not dependent on circumstances—it is rooted in faith.

The Journey, Not Perfection

It’s important to remember: becoming like Christ is a journey, not a destination achieved overnight. There will be setbacks, doubts, and struggles. But every small step—every act of kindness, every moment of patience—moves us closer.

God does not expect perfection; He invites progress.

How to Grow Closer to Christ Daily

Here are simple, practical ways to grow:
- Pray daily – Speak honestly with God and listen in stillness
- Study scripture – Learn from Christ’s words and example
- Serve others – Look for opportunities to help, even in small ways
- Reflect regularly – Ask yourself how you can improve and grow
- Practice gratitude – Recognize blessings and cultivate joy
These habits gradually shape the heart and bring us closer to Christ’s character.

A Joy That Lasts

Happiness that depends on circumstances is temporary. But the joy that comes from becoming more like Christ is enduring. It grows deeper over time, rooted in love, faith, and eternal perspective.

As we strive to follow His example, we don’t just become better people—we become happier people.happiness,

And in that transformation, we discover a truth both simple and profound:

The closer we come to Christ, the closer we come to true joy.

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 9, 2026
Holy Saturday: The Quiet Between Death and Resurrection
Holy Saturday: The Time of Waiting on the Lord

Introduction

Holy Saturday is one of the most mysterious and often overlooked days in the Christian calendar. Falling between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, it is a day of silence, waiting, and deep reflection. While the world moves quickly toward celebration, Holy Saturday invites believers to pause in the stillness—the moment when hope seems hidden, yet is quietly unfolding.

What Is Holy Saturday?

Holy Saturday commemorates the day when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after His crucifixion. According to Christian tradition, it is a time when the earth itself seemed to hold its breath.

Unlike the sorrow of Good Friday or the joy of Easter Sunday, Holy Saturday exists in between—a sacred pause. It reflects a powerful spiritual truth: even when nothing appears to be happening, transformation may already be underway.

The Meaning of the Silence

Holy Saturday is marked by silence. Churches are often dim, altars are bare, and there are no major daytime liturgies. This absence is intentional.

It represents:
- Grief and mourning of Jesus’ death
- Uncertainty and waiting experienced by His followers
- Trust in God’s promise, even without visible evidence
For many, this day mirrors personal seasons of waiting—times when answers are not immediate and faith must endure in the quiet.

The Easter Vigil: Light in the Darkness

After sunset, Holy Saturday transitions into one of the most beautiful traditions in Christianity: the Easter Vigil.

During this service:
- A new fire is kindled in darkness
- The Paschal candle is lit, symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World
- Scripture readings recount God’s saving acts throughout history
- The celebration of resurrection begins
The vigil moves from darkness to light, capturing the journey from despair to hope—a central theme of the Christian faith.

Why Holy Saturday Still Matters Today

In a fast-paced world, Holy Saturday offers a rare and meaningful invitation: to wait.

It reminds us that:
- Not all answers come immediately
- Growth often happens unseen
- Faith is sometimes strongest in silence
Whether one observes it through prayer, reflection, or quiet time, Holy Saturday speaks to anyone who has ever felt “in between”—between loss and healing, doubt and belief, endings and new beginnings.

Conclusion

Holy Saturday may be quiet, but it is far from empty. It is a sacred space where grief meets hope, and where stillness prepares the way for joy. As the darkness gives way to the light of Easter Sunday, believers are reminded that even in the silence, God is at work.

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj
April 4, 2026
Refined By Fire
🔥 Forged Through Fire: How Trials Shape Our Faith

We read in First Epistle of Peter 1:6–7:

“Now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith… may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

These words are both comforting and confronting. They remind us that suffering is not meaningless—it is purposeful. When surrendered to God, our pain becomes a forge, shaping us into something refined, resilient, and radiant with faith.

🔄 A Shift in Perspective

Our natural response to hardship is often to ask:
“Why is this happening to me?”

But Scripture invites us into a deeper, more transformative question:
“How is God at work here?”

This shift is subtle, yet powerful. The first question centers on confusion and often leads to frustration. The second opens our hearts to purpose and invites trust. It moves us from resistance to surrender.

🔥 The Refining Fire of Faith

Peter compares our faith to gold refined in fire. Gold, though precious, must endure intense heat to remove impurities. In the same way, our faith is purified through trials.
- Trials reveal what we truly believe
- Hardships strip away self-reliance
- Suffering draws us closer to God
What emerges is a faith that is not fragile or conditional, but steady and genuine.

🙏 Living It Out Daily

4

Living this truth is not theoretical—it is deeply practical. Here are a few ways to embody this perspective:

1. Pause and Pray

Instead of reacting immediately, bring your situation before God. Ask for clarity, strength, and trust.

2. Seek God’s Purpose

Look for what God might be teaching you. Growth often hides within discomfort.

3. Stay Rooted in Scripture

Verses like 1 Peter 1:6–7 anchor us when emotions fluctuate.

4. Encourage Others

Your testimony in hardship can become someone else’s hope.

🌅 From Trial to Testimony

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Trials are never easy. But they are never wasted when placed in God’s hands.

What feels like breaking may actually be refining.
What feels like loss may be transformation.

And what feels like the end may be the beginning of a deeper, stronger, more authentic faith.

✨ Final Reflection

The next time you face hardship, resist the urge to ask only “Why?”

Instead, lean into the question:
“God, what are You doing in me through this?”

Because in His hands, even suffering becomes sacred—
a fire that does not destroy, but purifies.

Thank youfor reading this article. Please comment and share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
March 26, 2026