Tag: truth

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
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

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.

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.

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
May 17, 2026
We all Live in the Disgration of God

In the Discretion of God

Last night, I was speaking with my sister about a priest who had planned to retire at the age of seventy-five. He had given years of faithful service and, by all expectations, was ready to step away from ministry. Yet, because he served at the discretion of his bishop, his plans changed. Instead of retiring, he was assigned to pastor a startup church—beginning again when he thought he was finished.

That conversation stayed with me.

This morning, I woke up with a deeper realization: we all serve at the discretion of God. Not at our own timing, not according to our own carefully arranged plans, but according to His will. And if we are honest, that truth is both humbling and unsettling.

Scripture reminds us of this reality in powerful ways. When Judas left the Last Supper, it is written that the devil had already entered him as he went out to betray the Lord. Even in that moment—dark, painful, and seemingly out of control—God’s greater purpose was unfolding. Nothing was outside His authority.

This truth became even more personal this week.

My sister had planned to retire after thirty-six years of banking. It was meant to be a joyful milestone. After decades of working alongside the same people, there were surely plans for celebration, reflection, and closure. But life had other plans.

Her husband suffered a heart attack.

Instead of enjoying her final days at work, she spent her next-to-last day driving to Oklahoma City and sitting in a hospital room through the night. He received a stent, and by April 2nd, they returned home to Atoka, Oklahoma. What was supposed to be a week of celebration became a week of crisis, care, and uncertainty.

And yet, in that disruption, there was a greater truth revealed: no matter how much we plan, God is in charge.

We map out our lives with timelines and expectations. We anticipate milestones and transitions. But in a moment, everything can shift. Not because God has lost control—but because He never relinquished it in the first place.

Even Jesus Christ Himself lived in complete submission to the Father’s will. He did not act independently of God’s purpose. He walked a path that led through suffering—His Passion, His crucifixion, and ultimately His resurrection. From a human perspective, it may have looked like tragedy or defeat. But in God’s plan, it was redemption.

If Jesus, the Son, lived and served according to the Father’s will, how much more must we?

We may not always understand why our plans are interrupted. We may not see the purpose behind sudden changes or painful circumstances. But we can trust that nothing is wasted in God’s hands.

The priest who thought he was retiring found himself beginning anew. My sister who expected celebration found herself in a hospital. And in both stories, there is a common thread: God’s authority overrides our expectations.

We do not serve at our own discretion.

We serve at His.

And in that truth, there is both surrender—and peace.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

April 3, 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