Tag: prayer

  • God Owns Everything—We Are Stewarts

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    God’s Gifts Are Meant for Eternity

    “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
    — Matthew 6:19–20

    Every good thing we possess is a gift from God.

    Our health, our strength, our talents, our homes, our families, our friendships, and even the opportunities placed before us each day come from His loving hand. We often speak about what we have “earned,” but behind every accomplishment stands the God who gave us life, the ability to work, and the blessings that made success possible.

    The Book of James reminds us:

    “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”
    — James 1:17

    Because everything belongs to God, we are not owners—we are stewards.

    God entrusts us with His gifts for a time. He asks us to use them wisely, to care for our families, to strengthen our communities, to help those in need, and above all, to glorify Him.

    When success comes, thank Him.

    When prosperity comes, thank Him.

    When health is strong, thank Him.

    And if one day He chooses to take those blessings back, thank Him again for allowing you to enjoy them for however long He saw fit.

    Job understood this profound truth after losing nearly everything he possessed:

    “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
    — Job 1:21

    Those words are not easy to live, but they reveal a heart that trusted God more than possessions.

    Keep Your Eyes on Eternity

    Life moves quickly.

    The house we build will someday belong to someone else.

    The car we proudly drive will eventually wear out.

    Money comes and goes.

    Even our earthly bodies grow older.

    Everything around us is temporary.

    Only one thing lasts forever—our eternal soul.

    That is why Jesus continually reminded His followers to keep their hearts fixed on Heaven.

    Every decision we make should be measured against one simple question:

    Will this help bring me closer to God and prepare me for eternity?

    When we keep our eyes on Heaven, disappointments lose much of their sting, and successes become opportunities to praise God rather than ourselves.

    Living for the Eternal Reward

    It is interesting how faithfully we obey the rules of our employer.

    We arrive at work on time.

    We follow company policies.

    We complete assignments.

    We strive to do our best because, at the end of the week, we expect a paycheck.

    Yet that paycheck may be spent before the day is over. Bills are paid, groceries are bought, expenses arise, and the money is gone.

    How strange it is that many people work so diligently for rewards that disappear, while giving so little attention to the reward that never fades.

    God has already shown us the path to eternal life.

    He calls us to:

    • Keep His Commandments.
    • Love God with all our heart.
    • Love our neighbor as ourselves.
    • Practice humility, charity, patience, honesty, forgiveness, and purity.
    • Receive His grace through prayer and the sacraments.
    • Live lives that reflect Christ.

    Unlike an earthly employer, God does not ask us to earn His love. He freely offers it. But He does ask us to respond with faithful, obedient hearts.

    The Virtues Build the Road to Heaven

    The saints remind us that holiness is not usually found in dramatic moments but in ordinary faithfulness.

    Each act of kindness…

    Each quiet prayer…

    Each sacrifice made for another…

    Each temptation resisted…

    Each word of forgiveness…

    These become stepping stones leading toward Heaven.

    Virtue shapes our character until we begin to resemble Christ Himself.

    The more we practice love, humility, generosity, courage, patience, and faith, the more prepared our souls become for eternal life.

    Our Greatest Investment

    Wise investors look for what will produce lasting returns.

    Jesus tells us that the greatest investment we can ever make is not in the stock market, real estate, or a retirement account.

    Our greatest investment is in eternity.

    Every prayer offered with love…

    Every act of mercy…

    Every soul encouraged…

    Every sacrifice made for God…

    These are treasures that can never be lost.

    They accompany us beyond the grave.

    A Final Thought

    God has blessed each of us in different ways.

    Cherish those blessings.

    Use them for His glory.

    Love your family.

    Serve your community.

    Help those who cannot repay you.

    And if life changes tomorrow, remember to thank God for every blessing He allowed you to enjoy.

    Above all, keep your eyes, your mind, and your soul fixed on Heaven.

    Everything else will one day pass away.

    But eternal life with God will never end.

    “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”
    — Mark 8:36

    May we spend our lives not merely earning a paycheck that lasts a day, but pursuing the Kingdom that lasts forever.

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

    Rick Herring
    thmjmj@gmail.com

    P.S. Please Click Here to learn about the THM mission and join us in building a loving, carying, sharing community.

  • The Freedom of Forgiveness

    “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”Luke 23:34

    Someone once said, “Not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” That simple statement contains a profound truth.

    When we refuse to forgive, the person we are angry with may continue living life without ever thinking about us. Meanwhile, bitterness quietly takes root in our own hearts. Anger grows. Peace disappears. Joy fades. Our relationship with God can suffer because our hearts become occupied with yesterday’s wounds instead of today’s blessings.

    Unforgiveness is a prison whose door can only be unlocked from the inside.

    The Greatest Act of Forgiveness Ever Given

    The greatest example of forgiveness the world has ever witnessed came from God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

    Out of infinite love, the Father sent His only Son into the world to redeem us.

    How did humanity respond?

    We rejected Him.

    We mocked Him.

    We humiliated Him.

    We scourged Him until His body was torn.

    We pressed a crown of thorns upon His sacred head.

    We forced Him to carry the heavy Cross through the streets to Calvary.

    Then we nailed Him to that Cross and lifted Him high before the crowds so they could continue to mock and ridicule Him.

    Yet in the midst of unimaginable suffering, Jesus spoke words that continue to echo through history:

    “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

    Those words were not spoken only for the Roman soldiers.

    They were spoken for every sinner who has ever lived—including you and me.

    Every sin, from the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden until the last person born before the end of time, was present before Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He willingly accepted the weight of our sins because of His immeasurable love for us.

    He chose forgiveness instead of revenge.

    He chose mercy instead of condemnation.

    He chose love instead of hatred.

    Why Is Forgiveness So Difficult?

    Often, we struggle to forgive because we continue living in yesterday.

    We replay the hurt.

    We replay the conversation.

    We replay the betrayal.

    The past becomes our home.

    But God is always inviting us into the present moment.

    Yesterday cannot be changed.

    Tomorrow has not yet arrived.

    Grace is found today.

    Peace is found today.

    God meets us today.

    When we constantly live in the past, we keep reopening wounds that Christ wants to heal.

    Forgiveness does not mean pretending the hurt never happened.

    It does not mean saying that evil was acceptable.

    It does not always mean trusting the person again.

    Forgiveness means placing the hurt into God’s hands instead of carrying it ourselves.

    It means refusing to let bitterness control our hearts any longer.

    The Father Is Waiting

    Jesus beautifully illustrated God’s love in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

    The father never stopped watching the road.

    He never stopped hoping.

    The moment his son returned, he ran to embrace him.

    He clothed him.

    He restored him.

    Then he celebrated with a great feast.

    That is our Heavenly Father.

    Every one of us has wandered away from Him at one time or another.

    Every one of us has needed mercy.

    Every one of us has depended upon God’s forgiveness.

    If God has forgiven us so generously, how can we refuse to forgive others?

    A Prayer for the Grace to Forgive

    If there is someone you have struggled to forgive, begin with a simple prayer.

    “Lord Jesus, I cannot do this by myself. The hurt is real, and You know my heart. Give me the grace to forgive as You forgave me. Heal what is broken within me. Replace anger with peace, bitterness with love, and resentment with mercy. Help me to live in Your presence today rather than in yesterday’s pain. Amen.”

    The Choice That Brings Freedom

    Forgiveness is not weakness.

    It is strength.

    It is not surrendering to evil.

    It is surrendering to God.

    The Cross reminds us that love is stronger than hatred, mercy is greater than revenge, and forgiveness always has the final word.

    Today, let us place our hurts at the foot of the Cross.

    Let us leave behind the poison of resentment.

    Let us receive the mercy Christ purchased for us.

    And let us walk forward with peaceful hearts, knowing that our loving Father is waiting with open arms, ready to welcome every one of His sons and daughters home to the everlasting feast of Heaven.

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

    Rick Herring
    thmjmj@gmail.com

    P.S. Click Here to learn more about the THM mission and join us in building a loving, caring, sharing community.

  • This is How it is

    The Little Pencil in God’s Hand

    Inspired by the words of Saint Mother Teresa

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    There are times when people tell me how much they enjoy one of my articles, videos, or blogs. They say the words encouraged them, strengthened their faith, or simply made them smile. Those comments are always appreciated, but they also remind me of a beautiful truth that keeps my feet firmly on the ground.

    In one of my books containing daily devotional readings drawn from the writings of Mother Teresa, I came across a quotation that perfectly expresses how I feel whenever I sit down to write.

    “I don’t claim anything of the work. It is His work. I’m like a little pencil in His Hand. That’s all. He does the thinking. He does the writing. The pencil has only to be allowed to be used.”
    — Saint Mother Teresa

    Those simple words contain a profound lesson for every Christian.

    God Is the Author

    When we surrender ourselves to God, He can accomplish far more through us than we could ever accomplish by ourselves.

    The temptation is always to think that success comes from our own intelligence, education, talent, or experience. While God certainly gives us those gifts, they become truly fruitful only when they are placed back into His hands.

    Just as a pencil cannot write a single word by itself, neither can we bear lasting spiritual fruit apart from God.

    Jesus reminded us:

    “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

    That verse has become increasingly meaningful to me over the years.


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    Every Article Begins with Prayer

    Before I begin writing, I try to remember that these words are not ultimately for me.

    Whether I am writing:

    • a spiritual reflection,
    • a World of Dogs story,
    • The Good News Newsletter,
    • or simply sharing the highlights of the week,

    my prayer is always the same:

    “Lord, if this can help even one person come a little closer to You, then use me.”

    That changes everything.

    Instead of worrying about finding the perfect words, I simply try to remain open to wherever God wishes to lead.

    The Holy Spirit Is the Best Editor

    Many people have asked how so many articles, videos, and stories seem to come together.

    The answer is really very simple.

    The Holy Spirit has an unlimited vocabulary.

    He knows exactly what someone needs to hear today.

    He knows which Bible verse will touch a hurting heart.

    He knows which story will encourage someone who feels like giving up.

    When we allow Him to guide our thoughts, remarkable things begin to happen—not because of us, but because of Him.

    A Pencil Is Useless Until Someone Picks It Up

    A pencil has no power of its own.

    It doesn’t decide what to write.

    It doesn’t choose the message.

    It simply allows itself to be used.

    That is a wonderful picture of the Christian life.

    God is not looking for the most talented people.

    He is looking for willing hearts.

    He can take ordinary people and do extraordinary things through them.

    History is filled with saints who were not famous because of their own abilities but because they allowed God to work through them.

    We Can All Be God’s Pencil

    You don’t have to write articles or produce videos to become God’s pencil.

    You may be:

    • encouraging a lonely neighbor,
    • praying for someone in need,
    • preparing a meal with love,
    • smiling at a stranger,
    • volunteering at church,
    • or quietly living your faith every day.

    Each small act becomes part of God’s beautiful story.

    Sometimes the smallest pencil writes the most important message.

    A Prayer

    Lord,

    Thank You for allowing ordinary people to participate in Your extraordinary work.

    Keep me humble.

    Never let me seek recognition for what belongs to You.

    Make me, like Saint Mother Teresa, only a little pencil in Your hands.

    Think through me.

    Write through me.

    Love through me.

    And may everything I do bring glory to You alone.

    Amen.


    Final Thought

    If anything I write encourages someone, strengthens a family, inspires a reader, or brings one soul a little closer to Christ, then all praise belongs to God.

    I am simply grateful that, despite all my imperfections, He is still willing to pick up this little pencil and write.

    As Saint Mother Teresa so beautifully said:

    “He does the thinking. He does the writing. The pencil has only to be allowed to be used.”

    May each of us become that little pencil in the loving hands of God.

    I Thak you for reading this. Please share with others.

    Rick Herring
    thmjmj@gmail.com

    P.S. Before you go…

    If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who loves dogs and uplifting stories.

    Then visit thm34.shop and subscribe FREE to The Good News Newsletter.

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  • “Do Whatever He Tells You” — Mary”s Eternal Message to the World

    The Last Recorded Words of Mary in Scripture

    Throughout the Bible, many great men and women speak words that have echoed through history. Yet it is remarkable that the Blessed Virgin Mary’s final recorded words in Sacred Scripture are not about herself. They are not a request for honor or recognition. Instead, they point every soul directly to Jesus Christ.

    At the wedding feast in Cana, the wine had run out. Mary, always attentive to the needs of others, quietly brought the problem before her Son.

    “They have no wine.”

    Jesus replied,

    “Woman, what is that to me? My hour has not yet come.” (John 2:4)

    Mary did not argue. She did not question Him. She simply turned to the servants and spoke words that have become her timeless message to every generation:

    “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5)

    Those five simple words summarize Mary’s entire mission.

    She never points to herself.

    She always points to Jesus.


    Mary’s Mission Has Never Changed

    From the moment she said “Yes” to God’s plan at the Annunciation until she stood faithfully beneath the Cross, Mary’s life was one continuous act of leading people to her Son.

    Throughout Christian history, millions have testified that Mary’s intercession has strengthened their faith and brought them closer to Christ.

    Whether through her appearances at:

    • Lourdes
    • Fatima
    • Guadalupe
    • and many other places recognized by the Church,

    her message has remained remarkably consistent.

    She calls people to:

    • Prayer
    • Repentance
    • Trust in God
    • Conversion of heart
    • Love for Jesus Christ

    Her purpose has never been to replace Jesus, but to lead us more deeply into a relationship with Him.


    The Gift of the Rosary

    According to long-standing Catholic tradition, Mary gave the Rosary to Saint Dominic as a powerful spiritual weapon during a difficult time in the Church.

    The Rosary is far more than the repetition of prayers.

    It is a meditation on the life of Christ.

    As we pray the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries, we walk with Jesus from His birth to His Resurrection and His glory in Heaven.

    Mary accompanies us, gently helping us keep our eyes fixed on her Son.

    Every Hail Mary leads us closer to Jesus.

    Every mystery teaches us something about His love.

    Every decade invites us to become more like Him.


    Cana Is Our Story

    The miracle at Cana is not simply an event that happened two thousand years ago.

    It is our story.

    Like the wedding guests, we often discover that our own “wine” has run out.

    We run out of hope.

    We run out of strength.

    We run out of peace.

    We run out of patience.

    Mary still notices.

    She still brings our needs before Jesus.

    And she still whispers the same instruction she gave the servants:

    “Do whatever He tells you.”

    When the servants obeyed Christ’s command to fill the jars with water, they could not have imagined what would happen next.

    Their simple act of obedience became the setting for Jesus’ first public miracle.

    Likewise, our own acts of obedience often become the beginning of miracles God desires to work in our lives.


    The Surest Path to Jesus

    Some people mistakenly believe that devotion to Mary distracts from Jesus.

    The opposite is true.

    Authentic Marian devotion always leads directly to Christ.

    Mary never asks us to stop with her.

    She asks us to walk with her—to Jesus.

    She teaches us to trust Him.

    To love Him.

    To obey Him.

    To follow Him.

    Her life is a living arrow pointing toward her Son.


    Mary’s Message for Today

    In a world filled with confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty, Mary’s words are as relevant today as they were at Cana.

    They offer a simple roadmap for every Christian:

    Listen to Jesus.

    Trust Jesus.

    Follow Jesus.

    Do whatever He tells you.

    If we embrace that message, we will discover what countless saints have experienced throughout history—that the closer we draw to Mary, the closer she leads us to her Son.

    And that has always been her greatest joy.

    “Do whatever He tells you.”

    May those words echo in our hearts every day of our lives.

    Prayer

    Blessed Mother, thank you for always leading us to your Son. Help us to listen to His voice with open hearts and willing spirits. Teach us to trust Him more each day and to live by your eternal counsel: “Do whatever He tells you.” Through your loving intercession, may we grow ever closer to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

    P.S. Before you go…

    If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who loves dogs and uplifting stories.

    Then visit thm34.shop and subscribe FREE to The Good News Newsletter.

    Each week you’ll receive inspiring stories, faith-filled encouragement, World of Dogs videos, weekly highlights, and delicious budget recipes—all delivered straight to your inbox.

    Visit today: thm34.shop

  • The Holy Trinity: Not a Puzzle to Solve, but Three Divine Persons to Love

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    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

  • Go Make a Difference in the World

    Let the Light of God Shine Through You

    In a world filled with noise, confusion, and struggle, there is still one force powerful enough to change hearts, restore hope, and transform lives — the love of God working through His people.

    God did not create us to simply exist. He created us to shine. Every smile, every encouraging word, every act of kindness, and every prayer can become a reflection of His presence in the world.

    When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we begin to see others differently. We become more patient, more compassionate, more forgiving, and more willing to serve. The Holy Spirit guides us to become light in dark places, life where there is discouragement, and love where there is pain.

    “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/br56epzlfb4UpCnvUZeDFlT4BqybZupy_0aJeyXlFPcSWETfvmh6b-X4Mg0KyJePXcWMGmUs_Rlem9gMoi6-HdWrv4EawKk4WCHBmQ8WbjqrjegEvD3UVxQnZwAxuTHGrecOc2mh8_N3Sal4qda4mCn60xGx5H31NGwokph4LdwAWmqShdGPL306JR2Oy317?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/ja7OhVkU2zcrt4PBCh2JUGOyEvAgMTQF1QRWEB7j23ByX3bqoyF3OsxV9rSoqx2l_Vf2bBVsVHhWtIXpI7LwMsw1H4SWrfFATmLHIJL9CnLVsGZqOYWKi5OGXwZOE_B7xxH88QLBx01eteFN5Y50yCk5raUzOi2YDaCpVJjkPPY-V-psE1fcvS91S4IK0HQS?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/uR3ntcPsjmtrKoDijEAoHByFNx90KFSPpSkrVnFsFGf1RTiEx1_dq5AH9ZNUs5l1VituU2Fn737N0yvCgwJQ0XSLWxPPrDfVbq1ZPg9AhVyRgDtZ7vdUfYpMX-tF-d4GpVnKnYrinOA0R4m3R8MzskHvwUvSfuA0RYEAYcD19FXRECezhMD8IEovJ-uvkN8E?purpose=fullsize

    God Dwells Within Us

    One of the greatest truths in the Christian faith is that God desires to dwell within us. Through faith, prayer, and surrender, our hearts become a place where His Spirit lives and moves.

    Sometimes people search everywhere for peace, purpose, and joy, not realizing that God is already calling them from within. When we open our hearts to Him, He renews our minds, strengthens our spirits, and teaches us how to love others more deeply.

    Our souls become a living testimony of God’s grace.

    We are not meant to walk alone. God’s Spirit gives us courage when we are afraid, wisdom when we are uncertain, and hope when life feels difficult.

    “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

    Respond to God’s Creative Work in Your Life

    God is continually working within each of us. He plants dreams, purpose, creativity, and compassion into our hearts. The question is not whether God is calling us — the question is whether we are willing to respond.

    You do not have to be famous to make a difference.
    You do not need wealth or status to change someone’s life.

    A simple act of love can become a miracle for someone else.

    • Encourage someone who feels discouraged
    • Pray for someone in need
    • Help a neighbor
    • Share God’s love with kindness and humility
    • Be a voice of peace in a divided world

    These small acts become seeds of hope that God can multiply beyond what we can imagine.

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/SqSZlYy5mtyl3FGoP42Ga6bySFSw5ewnotXIA8_Nq_XrxPGtsGczH8vxCi2SdhnxPKS8bf6UGFNnoEtGPQb2996e18U1bCD825pP2Acl0Q8gPi-wUO1Z3ddmJCRWeU8aidI16RjRFKJMDgQv31EZFSUAS--KUwt0h-7mc03_ImC0HUotAgLwwsPXrbc0nm66?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/CBRCkwNxXu7tmv9vBlPvNU28oYDZOwCYouYbn9frIGSHa_IZnsL7xC1ChC99EP8YWKw27DZEyUMhf8_1gnnIVRfNMi2ghxqV35Loq4OuTYyfnkMR6hTfndywrG5WCHomyct-nWhIdlZJShzqq801BMo_a-RKEBqMnuoGYdhaoLHIQWNQwRwFt20_A1ohIZVi?purpose=fullsize
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    Be Light, Life, and Love

    The world needs more than opinions and arguments. It needs people who carry the Spirit of God with gentleness, truth, and compassion.

    Today is a new opportunity to make a difference.

    Let your life reflect God’s glory.
    Let your words bring healing.
    Let your actions reveal His love.

    And wherever you go, may others see the light of Christ shining through you.

    Final Prayer

    Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Help us become vessels of Your love, peace, and truth. Give us the grace and faith to believe that You truly dwell within us. May our hearts become a reflection of heaven, and may our lives inspire others to seek You. Teach us to respond to Your creative work within us and to boldly make a difference in the world through Your love. Amen.

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/YeqA-gRHWQHkd-NUGgC57Jr7U1WDVqZ2svgdUl7fE4as0nDiaTAfqhZk3m2qibxS_t-6pAX4RTF5s-9YECANfcr_fgj1oAdZU439xRljg_9TqpT-zhKXxPmzXbmjY8hvM4ZGlRSk-P-Z1WKiyzwvKJjrmxdHR7MxL1fiRIzjrwbwvoegYIlBc7GXe1BWkamx?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/g7tDihf2AvwoCGI7BcRP8BdwtE8InRSZe9vuqQ-pGSKjm9BUd2BgYn7piiiIKentO-KAlnECe3uLje-W8iVCMj3-bP28wowu2GDxn2sx7SrmUgJ0roXbeB58UOvCP8y0d8kjCK-pNpNwG9ZntQuQW07KHnvTCDysUEMgCsHb7zIhDHbn_0Y2HlMV4LEY0b8P?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/Rf8lyDJO7R0H9vI9hB83810hL0F3NxBYUvYXRVZK2PjTLpzHmwqK_LFCq5BjcOBaGjhId-4dItCeSxVkBmxdOoaHlekmGYDBdOxQyVfWz8gXO8ddrlK49pwXosKkUhiVQq3q7Sec3hat5XcSWYzrczKEBye9hqRmJdHLOTJlOjybKLuqrDy-eq7HC6JbV1TI?purpose=fullsize

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

    Rick Herring
    thmjmj@gmail.com

  • Is God the CEO of your Business

    Running a business is more than making profits, building teams, or reaching goals. For many entrepreneurs and leaders, business is also a spiritual assignment. The question every business owner should ask is this: Who is really leading the company? Is it driven only by human wisdom and ambition, or is God the true CEO?

    God Gave Us Authority — But the Power Belongs to Him

    From the beginning, God gave mankind authority over the earth, the animals, and the plants. He entrusted humanity with stewardship and responsibility. Yet while we have authority, the ultimate power still belongs to God.

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/uuW2xVWMBw8VoWn8qUY5TRd_qQlH95_8ERDCDhNrEaeENB3xQBpDztZh2cmiFFivs-iezSmC1hNOKcQRSEsFGf4CR-P3xHQ4MN2rFTzTJg1rMIEV8_4oOdv8XVy9uFRkf9MtslG5-5yVENFxuqOyvIZXxkbvCkfgvMq1x1MBmQCZl_suW-Fwbw_tt7zNcR6v?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/EL8YgScLPX0GKsIrookw139uB0A8-7mqGOkCTuvxFwpW-f33idNtz19wJa00vMfesA77O6B3SKT_56EX5ZeGq4yeZ69KvP_YI96nrNreTywGj8pIPz3pbTTQYhN-maCn-Q-kaH2-DGwdq0devOptG1tKai2lXHki2xyEnmpUviSwdx3_2r3Vvw6rI30js4P0?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/1Rkr_ee54m9L2ksJO3qW4TT4wCoEcaJ5GbMjpavGLM08pkUsOcKCnhcbXn-WgBOKCoI4mjvLzYhomaRRxLisJPMte5vV0ILFfofP2yJGk1JkmH2jrz0SY4beoT0fqI6Dnl-l9zycSAXG-_2Afl6aBoXAGOf9z980vqjwXy0_Ej_ugh9BvjhUNU5UuAWh_oM-?purpose=fullsize

    Many business owners work tirelessly trying to carry every burden alone. They make decisions based only on trends, emotions, or financial pressure. But true success comes when we surrender our business plans to God and recognize Him as the Senior Partner.

    A successful business is not built merely on strategy — it is built on obedience, wisdom, integrity, and faith.

    God as the Senior Partner

    When we invite God to be the CEO of our business, we acknowledge that He leads and we follow. We stop asking God to bless our plans and begin asking Him to reveal His plans.

    Jesus demonstrated this perfectly during His ministry on earth. He continually submitted Himself to the Father’s will. Jesus said He only did what the Father showed Him to do. His ministry was powerful because it operated in complete partnership with God.

    Jesus Christ showed us that surrender is not weakness — it is the pathway to divine power and direction.

    What Happens When God Leads Your Business?

    When God becomes the CEO of your business:

    • Decisions are guided by wisdom instead of fear.
    • Integrity becomes more important than shortcuts.
    • Employees and customers are treated with love and respect.
    • Peace replaces constant anxiety.
    • Purpose becomes greater than profits alone.
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/AN5_A_7zzgo-fNufnI31drstNSP0pBaxdY4KOaFA0TdDCptmFf9M-VXYWl7ScMUsOWx4WytjreHWtPUeIcAHSG677YCO9aKplIxwoGWqepA6CGRV_7YDzYluaIyXLaR7nVUlLhLxc2l_Vi6YN7C9Pu3BD4W1hkL8NhBjm7epchff7zo_A3n5-w7Fi1FnocTv?purpose=fullsize
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    This does not mean there will never be challenges. Every business faces obstacles. But when God is leading, you are no longer carrying the vision alone. You are operating under divine guidance and authority.

    Surrender Brings Strength

    Many people want God to be their helper, but not their leader. Yet partnership with God requires surrender. A CEO has the final authority. If God is truly the CEO of your business, then His values, His timing, and His direction must come first.

    That may mean walking away from dishonest opportunities, treating people fairly even when it costs more, or waiting patiently for God’s timing instead of forcing open doors.

    Real faith in business is trusting that God’s way produces lasting success.

    Final Thoughts

    Your business can become more than a source of income — it can become a ministry, a testimony, and a tool for God’s purpose. When you surrender your plans and allow God to lead as the CEO, you position your business for spiritual and practical success.

    The world teaches self-reliance, but God teaches partnership.

    The authority may be in our hands, but the power still belongs to Him.

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/KFMWMQPIsBfr9ZNPEeuJjNhjwEDlrE_YtSXJ94EvwlLw2nbsrM9FhUsl0MnS2ie71DrPSEP5U7KP3BKHaEJqf3xn5-0v6amJq0mrRKrweMuuRqMyX1pyuR4YsOiPMfhHtar3b-1H4eoOvBIyXVU93NO6mwd36MZVlRnruClL5e7otfRXF9ob-vLBYnEh0R37?purpose=fullsize
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    Please bring God into your business as the CEO. The Senior and desiding partner for every decision. Every indeaver. Make your business, your life a ministry to bring people closer to God.

    Rick
    thmjmj@gmail.com

  • One Hour With Christ

    One Hour That Can Change the World

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

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/GMzJqbZyJhQrUpFKRWsyCQCGE8s1dfVcamq_kldKEthIWF8nGW2BVep9QcXrMNqyBs0IOuA_cW15rzwWESBhNgBBXzptIbGVUqout27vUrsseV1i7h3HJRPtmhezrexUY9VQcyOwn105EfvclizLJ76hFYtEmvlpUN7pki90Zld9Wvv7XyKNGp1Zidp5pyJW?purpose=fullsize
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    “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

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/GMzJqbZyJhQrUpFKRWsyCQCGE8s1dfVcamq_kldKEthIWF8nGW2BVep9QcXrMNqyBs0IOuA_cW15rzwWESBhNgBBXzptIbGVUqout27vUrsseV1i7h3HJRPtmhezrexUY9VQcyOwn105EfvclizLJ76hFYtEmvlpUN7pki90Zld9Wvv7XyKNGp1Zidp5pyJW?purpose=fullsize
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    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

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/xWJrmwgk0B9nGfTi8R0dbGxIOySAoAeRwHFYwGTDTuW7piZIdvGUcXqwq1KIwDmgRONtmISMCBwss2VeRnAf86qIM1yGWMFfjd9mJeeEG_BxHkvEjaextWRU6P1CfrD856m_2chBSOuOQMizVS0UudBS41xkfxXIUPfCgm3aQoW519CeFmDKeqHAsFb5YSKg?purpose=fullsize
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    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


  • Lead Me in the Way You Desire

    Trusting God When We Do Not Understand

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    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”

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/5x3PCaNqus2ERoJDTK4dUYtZ3wVVbuLHKxB6XbfVwHpev_g8L4cwC8TIs3YPf0boOWN3vkaU8AnsxOa4mkJjGHEw9h31ntrApt8aDBkXtb1Cu0urSJ_bPLPhKQnh7ZDmV1CE-OOb-MuCJCW_LJMiSmD__8vyi0jwVJG6Ax6FNJWzhOaNTpX3zfhOgQpLzpHn?purpose=fullsize
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    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

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/tcl8kFdWxwZCm--26VfFGggOj2kNxWH0DsKKqlV2QgeLo3kJVRXu-mgCbedutCOuKEPAhVvGUjiF5aD7whQ5vlFBeY1Q8B66c9wiaIhJ1O_ssPWPC7LdigrmjAEJVP0DQWTD-Zvn9zWJmrwRde5cHvxpGL0pkJSh1PeE-MV36dMCU73nB-wLIoslYZgmTuYE?purpose=fullsize
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    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

  • Promises Attached to the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

    A Fountain of Grace for the World


    🌿 A Promise Born from Mercy

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    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/u1JAKrrVtoXxapgvFXLL47cRAHsFeZOaMDSpUim4G83E1ISiWAeIvium5dbfKVktrmtnWwv3gFJtIsI-NSlAokVL-Y2RFO2kS9X3EN3zb0fkZtP99lK-Uw57PSFso3AtXeGRNHUp1j7R3qQ4XtF9jeiokOCdqTsNvKpL-m7tJCWjV3OodErN3P_YVmGWgNjf?purpose=fullsize

    The Chaplet of Divine Mercy, revealed to Saint Faustina Kowalska by Jesus Christ, is not only a prayer—it is a channel of extraordinary promises.

    Recorded in Faustina’s diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, these promises were spoken by Jesus Himself, offering hope and grace to a world in need.

    This chaplet is rooted in one simple truth:

    God’s mercy is infinite—and He desires to pour it out upon us.


    ✨ The Promise of Mercy at the Hour of Death

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    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/2SgM6LIheHDDTu8YsDkp3kYlznzq069_hQVhsC-Gv01HtB8MLfce8QGipdElDMQnPhbYG3CyBotyCyZBzEz9IzD796I2z7n7E0tYdL0GaafTAb6iR-fnZvVOL6mQ5VIOlHFX6HnzBhCFjl5p12yc5mPBLAodo_rrBHDrlMWe4CcLXavnStLBqwa7wIGzicop?purpose=fullsize

    One of the most powerful promises associated with the chaplet concerns the moment we all must face—the hour of death.

    Jesus said:

    “Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death.”

    Even more astonishing:

    “When they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person… as the merciful Savior.”

    This promise brings profound comfort. Whether prayed for oneself or for another, the chaplet becomes a shield of mercy at life’s final moment.


    💖 The Promise for Sinners

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    The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is especially offered for sinners—indeed, for all of us.

    Jesus declared:

    “The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy.”

    And further:

    “Though your sins be as scarlet… they will become white as snow.”

    No soul is beyond hope. The chaplet is a lifeline for those who feel lost, burdened, or far from God.


    🌍 The Promise for the Whole World

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/V9iyiUAvGGnYJtbfookWPZoEABzP2jjB2Pb2eueE567uCI92QqpsdONUdjF9L0nfoMllg2UzGpYECf8clEP3aYasepsIBEIuzqqyZnGYpXch3GsSWR2IAzhGju112ygFk9a-ChS2BPZtynCSVd2yzvfpYFAQsd9wVlqm4K8PNjS2WXNiPhgY9fIXSkCz2pzf?purpose=fullsize
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    Unlike many personal devotions, the Chaplet extends beyond the individual—it embraces all humanity.

    Each time we pray:

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

    we intercede for everyone—family, strangers, even those we may never meet.

    Jesus promised that through this prayer:

    • Souls will receive unimaginable graces
    • God’s mercy will be poured out upon the world
    • Hearts will be transformed

    🕊️ The Promise of Peace

    In a restless and anxious world, the Chaplet brings interior peace.

    Those who pray it regularly often experience:

    • A deeper trust in God
    • Calm in times of suffering
    • Strength during trials
    • A sense of God’s presence

    Jesus encouraged persistent prayer, reminding us that His mercy is always available—especially when we turn to Him with trust.


    🙏 The Hour of Great Mercy

    Jesus also emphasized a special time: 3:00 PM, the Hour of Mercy—the moment of His death on the Cross.

    He said:

    “At three o’clock, implore My mercy… In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me.”

    Praying the chaplet at this hour carries special significance, uniting us spiritually with Christ’s sacrifice.


    ✝️ Final Reflection

    The promises attached to the Chaplet of Divine Mercy are not just words—they are an invitation.

    An invitation to trust.
    An invitation to return.
    An invitation to receive a love that never fails.

    In a world searching for hope, this prayer stands as a quiet but powerful assurance:

    Mercy is always greater than sin.



    📣 Call to Action

    Have you experienced peace or grace through the Chaplet of Divine Mercy?
    Share your story or prayer intentions in the comments below. Let us pray for one another 🙏

    Click Here for Miracles attached to The Divine Mercy Chaplet and much more