Fr. Mike Schmitz
Appearances
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
You do it with gentleness and reverence, not with a sledgehammer, not with any power tools, not with just this kind of club that you want to beat people over the head with, but do it with gentleness and reverence and keep your conscience clear so that when you're abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. That's so important.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Now, next is in the same chapter three, just a couple lines down, Peter talks about the days of Noah, right? And how God saved the people of Noah, eight people in all, through water. In verse 21, he says, baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you. And this is one of the places where we get the doctrine that baptism does something. Baptism actually saves us.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And you are now her children if you do right and let nothing terrify you. Likewise, you husbands. Live considerately with your wives, bestowing honor on the woman as the weaker sex, since you are joint heirs of the grace of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered. Suffering for doing right.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
It's not simply a sign of a preexisting condition. It actually does something. In fact, all the sacraments, we believe, All the sacraments do something. And here is Peter making it absolutely clear that baptism saves you. That isn't just a kind of a sign of your salvation, but it actually does save you. Just like living in an ark in the middle of a flood isn't a sign of your salvation.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
It's actually what's saving you. So that's kind of a kind of slightly important little piece there, both explaining the faith and be able to defend it in gentleness and reverence. as well as the fact that baptism saves us now. Peter is incredibly, incredibly eager to remind Christians that we have to, absolutely have to be on guard.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
He talks about in chapter four, verse seven, he says, "'The end of all things is at hand. "'Therefore keep sane and sober for your prayers. "'Above all, hold unfailing your love for one another, "'since love covers a multitude of sins. "'Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another.'" As each has received a gift, employ it for one another as good stewards of God's very grace.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And then he goes on to talk about the different gifts people can have, whether they're speaking or having strength to serve or whatever it is, that do everything so that God may be glorified. But he does talk about how we have to be prepared. And he does make it absolutely clear that our battle is not with flesh and blood, just like St. Paul had said. He says, ah, this is so important.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Chapter five, verse six, humble yourselves. Therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that in due time, he may exalt you. Verse seven, cast all your anxieties on him for he cares about you. Another translation is cast all your cares on him for he cares for you. I like that one too, because you know. Care and care. Verse eight, be sober, be watchful.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Your adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Resist him firm in your faith. This is so incredibly important for every one of us to acknowledge, to understand and to engage and to accept is that yes, our battle, once again, not with principalities and powers, but with the evil one. or sorry, I battle is with principalities and powers with the evil one.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And we have to be sober. We have to be alert. We have to resist him firm in our faith, but also knowing you're not alone. St. Peter says, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the whole world. And that suffering is not to an empty end. It's to a very powerful end.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Verse 10, and after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be dominion forever and ever. It's so good. Wow. That's the conclusion of St. Peter's first letter. Tomorrow, we're going to be able to hear a second letter.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And I'm just, I'm so grateful because it's, we're actually going to hear the entire second letter tomorrow. It's just three chapters, one through three. Today, we're also introduced to the Thessalonians and Paul. And one thing to know about the Thessalonians, Paul loves them. You're talking about someone's favorites? Okay, I think the Thessalonians might be Paul's favorites.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Using the Great Adventure Bible timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story today. It is day 353, once again, a palindrome day. I don't know why I have to point that out every time, but we are reading the second half of 1 Peter 3, 4, and 5. We're also starting St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not return evil for evil, or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless. For to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing. For he that would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
He's just talking about, I love you, I love you, you're great, you encourage me. In fact, with all the struggles he had with the Corinthians, I mean, gosh, think about that, or the Galatians, or even the Ephesians. The Thessalonians, he is just, I can't wait to see you. You're my favorites. Why? Because you received God's word. You're saying yes to it.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Now, I know so many of us, we might be God's favorites because we need his love more than anyone else does. We might be God's favorites because he pours his love on us because we need it more. But in this case, St. Paul, he is just so encouraged. He is so encouraged by the faith of the Thessalonians that it just, you can't walk away from this reading without kind of a smile on your face.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
One of the pieces that marks St. Paul's letter here that we just heard is he says, you know, you know that when we came among you, we were not only willing to share with you the gospel of God, but also our very selves. This is chapter two, verse eight. He says, so being affectionately desirous of you, we're ready to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also our very selves.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And that is, you know, we have missionaries on our campus. They're focused missionaries. It stands for Fellowship of Catholic University Students. And That is how they live. It is incredible. They not only run Bible studies, they don't just do like discipleship. They don't just put on events. They truly get into the lives of our college students and they just, yeah, they share themselves.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
They don't just share the gospel. They share their very lives. and share their very selves. And this is the way in which every single missionary has to live. And the fact that if you're a baptized Christian, that means you're a missionary. You're a missionary disciple.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And we are called to follow Jesus and then to bring as many people to him as we possibly can, which means that the way we do that is the way that St. Paul describes how he was among the Thessalonians. To not just share the gospel of God, not just share the teaching, but also to share our very lives.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
One of the things I've said and I will say again and again is I believe that the gospel in our culture, that Christ in our culture, the gospel will not be advanced from a stage or from necessarily a podcast or from anyone on any kind of screen or any kind of internet platform. but the gospel will be truly advanced through families and through friendships. I just, I'm so convinced of this.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
The gospel will advance, yeah, in some other ways, because these tools are awesome. Like this podcast, I'm so grateful to be part of this community. But truly, the way in which this is spread is through families and through friendships. That's why so many of you, I know, when you listen to this podcast, you then talk about it with your family or you talk about it with your friends.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And it's like, I just think right now on day 353, all of the ways, all the friendships over the last 353 days that have been strengthened, all the family members who I just, I can't, I hear about this again and again, that, um, They say, yeah, I text my brother about the Bible reading for today, or I text this group of friends I have about the reading for this week.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And I just think that is remarkable. That's incredible. That is the way the gospel will advance, not just sharing the gospel of God, but also sharing our very selves. And I'm so proud of so many of you. I just get to stand here and I get to read the word of God. But you get to share it with the people in your lives. And you do share it. And you get to share your lives with them too.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And you do share that. And that's incredible. And I'm so grateful. And I'm so proud of you. And I'm so proud to belong to this community of people and this Bible in the air. And please, please know this. Please believe me. I am praying for you. And please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Let him turn away from evil and do right. Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those that do evil. Now, who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is right? But even if you do suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you. Yet do it with gentleness and reverence, and keep your conscience clear so that when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
For it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God's will, than for doing wrong.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and preached to the spirits in prison who formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons were saved through water.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him. Chapter 4 Good Stewards of God's Grace
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same thought. For whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer by human passions, but by the will of God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Let the time that is past suffice for doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry. They are surprised that you do not now join them in the same wild debauchery, and they abuse you. but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
For this is why the gospel was preached even to the dead, that though judged in the flesh like men, they might live in the spirit like God. The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, keep sane and sober for your prayers. Above all, hold unfailing to your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians chapters 1, 2, and 3. So six chapters today, including Proverbs chapter 30, verses 15 and 16. As always, the Bible translation I'm reading from is the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition. I'm using the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. Whoever speaks as one who utters oracles of God, whoever renders service as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies, in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Suffering as a Christian
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a wrongdoer or a mischief-maker. Yet, if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but under that name, let him glorify God. For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. And if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And if the righteous man is scarcely saved, where will the impious and sinner appear? Therefore, let those who suffer according to God's will do right and entrust their souls to a faithful creator. Chapter 5. Tending the Flock of Christ.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed, tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint, but willingly, not for shameful gain, but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And when the chief shepherd is manifested, you will obtain the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you that are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another. For God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Hi, my name is Father Mike Schmitz, and you're listening to the Bible in a Year podcast, where we encounter God's voice and live life through the lens of scripture. The Bible in a Year podcast is brought to you by Ascension.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
If you want to download your own Bible in a Year reading plan, you can visit ascensionpress.com slash Bible in a Year. You can also subscribe to this podcast for these last couple weeks. Receive daily episodes and daily updates, and you won't have to go hunting and pecking for each episode every single day.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Final greeting and benediction. By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Stand fast in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with the kiss of love.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians and God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, grace to you and peace. The Thessalonians, faith and example. We give thanks to God always for you all, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
For we know, brethren, beloved by God, that he has chosen you. For our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia." For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
For they themselves report concerning us what a welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come. Chapter 2 Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica For you yourselves know, brethren, that our visit to you was not in vain.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
You know, because today is day 353, and we're reading 1 Peter 3, 4, and 5, 1 Thessalonians 1, 2, and 3, as well as Proverbs 30, verses 15 and 16. The first letter of Peter, chapter 3, Wives and Husbands.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the face of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from error or uncleanness, nor is it made with guile. Thank you for watching. but we were gentle among you, like a nurse taking care of her children.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
So being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember our labor and toil, brethren. We worked night and day that we might not burden any of you while we preached to you the gospel of God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our behavior to you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judea.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displeased God and opposed all men by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But God's wrath has come upon them at last.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Paul's desire to visit the Thessalonians again. But since we were deprived of you, brethren, for a short time, in person, not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you, I, Paul, again and again, but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
For you are our glory and joy. Chapter three. Therefore, when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone. And we sent Timothy, our brother and God's servant in the gospel of Christ to establish you in your faith and to exhort you that no one be moved by these afflictions.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Likewise, you wives, be submissive to your husbands, so that some, though they do not obey the word, may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives when they see irreverent and chaste behavior.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
you yourselves know that this is to be our lot for when we were with you we told you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction just as it has come to pass and as you know for this reason when i could bear it no longer i sent that i might know your faith for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor would be in vain Timothy's good report.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
But now that Timothy has come to us from you and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us as we long to see you. For this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction, we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live if you stand fast in the Lord.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
For what thanksgiving can we render to God for you, for all the joy which we feel for your sake before our God, praying earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now, may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all men as we do to you, so that he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
The leech has two daughters. Give, give, they cry. Three things are never satisfied. Four never say enough. Sheol, the barren womb, the earth ever thirsty for water, and the fire which never says enough.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Let not yours be the outward adorning with braiding of hair, decoration of gold, and wearing of robes, but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. So once the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves and were submissive to their husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Thank you for Peter once again today. Thank you for Paul. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that has reached out to us and continues to speak to us through your word that you have given to us for so many years. Lord God, we ask you to please continue to shape our hearts, continue to change our hearts, make them more like you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Help us to imitate Jesus Christ, whose spirit you have given to us to give us wisdom, to give us strength, to give us courage. And in this moment right now, Lord, to give us hope, especially in the midst of suffering. for doing what's right also, Lord God. We know that many of us not only suffer for doing what's right.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
We also, many of us suffer because of the consequences of our own actions that we've chosen wrong in our day. We've chosen wrong at some points in our lives. And now we're experiencing the burden of that choice. We're experiencing the reality of that choice. And we ask you, Lord God, come and meet us in our need. Come and meet us in our weakness. Come and meet us in our brokenness.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Without you, we can do nothing. Whether this is our own making or whether this was a trouble that has come upon us, even in the midst of virtue. Regardless, Lord, we ask you to be with us because we need you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. So I had that prayer because, you know, St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Peter in 1 Peter chapter 3, he says, talks about suffering for doing what's right. And he says, basically, there's some words that he has that are, you know, If you're suffering for doing what's wrong, that's fine, whatever. But he says, ah, you want to suffer for doing what's right. That's actually a good thing. And I find myself saying, well, sometimes I suffer for doing what's right.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
Also, I find myself suffering the consequences of my own choices too often. I said that thing I shouldn't have said. I didn't do the thing I should have done. You know what I'm saying? And so I just need the Lord's grace to meet me in all situations and in all times. One of the things that is so important and powerful for me personally in 1 Peter 3 is beginning with verse 15.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
This is a verse that defined and charted the course of much of my life. I mean, truly, Peter says, always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is within you. Yet do it with gentleness and reverence and keep your conscience clear. There's something about that that just, so always be ready to give a reason for the faith that's within you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
I mean, different translations word it slightly differently. Here in the RSV, Second Catholic Edition says, always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you. I've heard years ago, it was always ready to give a reason for the hope or reason for the faith that's within you. When I was in high school, this line just struck me so powerfully.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
In fact, it's the reason why when I went to college, I studied theology. I said, that's what I want to do. I want to be able to study scripture. I want to be able to study God's word. I want to be able to study philosophy. I want to know. I want to be able to give a reason for why I believe what I believe. It was, as I said, it was the guiding principle, the guiding scripture.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
for so much of my life. And I'm so grateful to the Lord that he has allowed me to proclaim that word today. And I'm so grateful to the Lord that he's allowed us all to hear that word today. Always be ready, always prepared to give a reason for the faith that's within you. But also I like how Peter says it. He says, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Paul concludes this letter in the end of chapter 5, at least, is the works of flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. And it's really interesting to take a moment really and recognize St. Paul has a list. And sometimes when we have these lists, they're just words that go in one ear and out the other. Lists of immorality, right?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
And when he had come, the Jews who had gone down from Jerusalem stood about him, bringing against him many serious charges which they could not prove. Paul said in his defense, Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended at all.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Or lists of works of the flesh are immorality and impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit. That's the divisions they had amongst them. Like I belong to Apollos. I belong to Paul. Envy, drunkenness, carousing and the like. All of those things.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
All of those things are things that separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Every single one of them take away our heart. They're the works of the flesh that destroy us and keep us slaves. But he also says, but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Okay, let's highlight this.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
This will be the last thing we say, maybe. These are the fruits of the Spirit. What that means is this is the fruit of a life lived in God. They are a byproduct, you might say. They're an outgrowth of walking with God, walking in the Holy Spirit, walking in Christ, remaining, living, growing in God's will automatically will come about.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
If you're an orange tree, you don't have to really work to grow oranges. You just grow oranges. If you're an apple tree, you don't have to work to grow apples. You just grow apples. So here, the fruits of the spirit, if you're living in the spirit, here's what's going to happen. These are the fruits, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
These are the fruits of a life lived in the spirit. So if I have them in my life, okay, good. That's a good indication. That's a good sign that you are walking in the spirit. And if they're not in my life, that's a good sign that I might not quite be walking in the spirit. In chapter 6, verse 7, St. Paul makes a very big point, and that is, do not be deceived. God is not mocked.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Basically, if you plant corn, you're going to get corn. If you plant orange trees, you're going to get orange trees. What is it you want to get? Do I want to get love and peace and patience and kindness and gentleness and goodness and faithfulness and self-control? If I do, then I need to... plant those seeds. I need to actually invest those things.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem, and there be tried in these charges before me? But Paul said, I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer, and I have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
It doesn't make any sense to plant rice and then be surprised that rice is growing. It doesn't make any sense to say, I want potatoes, but instead I'm going to plant beans. Does that make sense? I'm mixing my metaphors here, but it's so important. St. Paul says at the very end here, well, close to the very end, he says, Let us not grow weary in well-doing.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
For in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart. So my brothers and sisters, my friends, in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart. So don't lose heart. Praying for you. He says, far be it from me to glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. The last words of St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Paul in this letter, he says, henceforth, let no man trouble me, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. that's led some people to wonder if St. Paul had the stigmata, right? The actual wounds of Jesus and his hands on his feet and his sides, like St. Padre Pio did, and some others have had this, but St. Francis of Assisi had that.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But it's possible that he would bear for the rest of his life on his body, the marks of Jesus, that stigmata, it's possible. But do not lose heart. Even if we find ourselves full of fruits of licentiousness and fruits of the works of the flesh, begin planting the works of the Spirit. Begin planting love and peace and joy and patience and kindness and gentleness and self-control.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
And by God's grace, we'll be given those fruits of the Spirit. I'm praying for you. Please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But if there is nothing in their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar. Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go. Festus consults King Agrippa. Now, when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, There is a man left prisoner by Felix. And when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews gave information about him, asking for sentence against him.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Discovering how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story today. It is day 346. We're reading Acts of the Apostles, chapter 25. Only four chapters to go, including chapter 25, as well as Galatians, St. Paul's letter to the Galatians, chapters 4, 5, and 6. The conclusion only in two parts. So we get Galatians 1 through 3 yesterday and 4, 5, and 6 today.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face, and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charges laid against him. When therefore they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed, but they had certain points of dispute with him about their own superstition and about one Jesus who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive." Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be held until I could send him to Caesar. And Agrippa said to Festus, I should like to hear the man myself. Tomorrow, said he, you shall hear him. Paul is brought before Agrippa.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
So the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then by command of Festus, Paul was brought in.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. But I found that he had done nothing deserving death, and as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him. But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Therefore, I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that after we have examined him, I may have something to write. For it seems to me unreasonable in sending a prisoner not to indicate the charges against him.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
The Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 4
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
i mean that the heir as long as he is a child is no better than a slave though he is the owner of all the estate but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father so with us when we were children we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who are under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. So, through God, you are no longer a slave, but a son. And if a son, then an heir. Paul reproves the Galatians.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were in bondage to beings that by nature are no gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to those weak and beggarly elemental spirits whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid I have labored over you in vain.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
And we're also reading Proverbs chapter 29, verses 15 through 17. As always, the Bible translation I'm reading from is the Revised Standard Version, the Second Catholic Edition. I'm using the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension. If you want to download your own Bible in a year reading plan for this home stretch, you can visit ascensionpress.com slash Bible in a Year.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Brethren, I beg you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are." You did me no wrong. You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What has become of the satisfaction you felt?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out that you may make much of them. For a good purpose, it is always good to be made much of, and not only when I am present with you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
My little children, with whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you, I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. the allegory of Hagar and Sarah. Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one by a free woman.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Hi, my name is Father Mike Schmitz, and you're listening to the Bible in a Year podcast, where we encounter God's voice and live life through the lens of Scripture. The Bible in a Year podcast is brought to you by Ascension. Using the Great Adventure Bible timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, the son of the free woman through the promise. Now this is an allegory. These women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery. She is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia. She corresponds to the present Jerusalem for she is in slavery with her children.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But the Jerusalem above is free and she is our mother. For it is written, Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear. Break forth and shout, you who are not with labor pains. For the desolate has more children than she who has a husband. Now we, brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But as at the time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the spirit, so it is now. But what does the scripture say? Cast out the slave and her son, for the son of the slave shall not inherit with the son of the free woman. So, brethren, we are not children of the slave, but of the free woman. Chapter 5 Christian Freedom for freedom Christ has set us free.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Stand fast, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Now I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is bound to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
You can also subscribe to this podcast and receive daily episodes and daily updates. That is today, day 346, Acts 25, Galatians 4, 5, and 6, and Proverbs chapter 29, verses 15 through 17. The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 25. Paul appeals to Caesar. Now, when Festus had come into his province, after three days, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love. You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who called you. A little leaven leavens all the dough.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine. And he who is troubling you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. But if I, brethren, still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case, the stumbling block of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would mutilate themselves. For you are called to freedom, brethren.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another. The works of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh. For these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you would. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Now, the works of the flesh are plain, immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Chapter 6.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Bear One Another's Burdens Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each man will have to bear his own load. Let him who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived. God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But he who sows to the spirit will from the spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Final Admonitions and Benediction See with what large letters I am writing to you in my own hand.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul, and they urged him, asking as a favor, to have the man sent to Jerusalem, planning an ambush to kill him on the way. Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth, let no man trouble me, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Amen. The book of Proverbs chapter 29 verses 15 through 17.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall. Discipline your son and he will give you rest.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
He will give delight to your heart. Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory. We thank you for this day.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
We thank you for the gift of all that St. Paul went through, his imprisonment and persecution, his afflictions, not only his afflictions and doing this out of love for you and in service to the gospel so that we can have him as an example, but also, Father, Thank you for giving him a spirit of joy in the midst of all this. Joy in the midst of affliction.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
We ask you to please give us joy in the midst of affliction. Abba, Father, Dad in heaven, give us joy in the midst of affliction. In the midst of persecution, help us to trust in you more than anything else. When we cannot trust in ourselves or even in the people who love us and claim to love us, help us to always trust in you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. So here we are in Acts of the Apostles, chapter 25. We have Paul appealing to Caesar. He already kind of threw that out there that he was going to, you know, he's a Roman citizen and he was going to appeal to Caesar. So he does this and he's brought before the king, King Agrippa. And tomorrow we're going to hear about how St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Paul testified and gave his witness, his testimony to King Agrippa and Bernice and was able to basically tell the truth, tell the gospel, share the gospel with the King Agrippa. But when it comes to St. Paul's letter to the Galatians, the second half, right? Yesterday we read chapters 1, 2, and 3. Today is chapters 4, 5, and 6. And we concluded the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
We remember the context for his letter. The context is the Judaizers, right? Those people who came in and were basically telling the Christians, the new Christians that... Yeah, you need to be circumcised. You need to follow the law in order to have the fullness of God's spirit, the fullness of the new covenant. And here's Paul and he is ticked off. St. Paul is, he is upset.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
So said he, Let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them accuse him. When he had stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
I love this in chapter 24. He makes very, very clear. He says, when the time had fully come, God sent forth his son, born of woman, born under the law to redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because your sons, God has sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. So through God, you are no longer a slave, but a son.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
And if a son, then an heir. Basically back in the day, before all of this stuff, before Jesus, those under the law, right? The Jewish people were unable to keep the law. We heard this in Romans. We heard this in Corinthians. And then before this too, you Gentiles, you never even knew that there was a God who loved you. And so you failed to keep the law.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
But now, but now you've been made into God's sons and daughters. Why would you want to go back? Why? Why would you, that's what he even asked in verse nine. He says, how can you turn back again to those weak and beggarly elemental spirits whose slaves you want to be once more?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
And this is the truth for how many of us, every single one of us, we're tempted to go back to our former bosses, our former little tiny tyrants, those little lords, those idols that take and take and take and never give anything back. And yet here is St. Paul who reminds us, you have a father who loves you, who just wants to give. So what is going on? And so St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Paul goes on to talk about the allegory of Hagar and Sarah. Hagar, the concubine, essentially the servant of Sarah and Abraham had relations with her and they had conceived a son, Ishmael. That was the child of slavery, essentially. And then Sarah, who had the freeborn child, who is Isaac, that through that child is the blessing. And here is St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Paul making this allegory here, saying that you're of the free. You are set free by God in Christ Jesus. And then the first line of chapter five, for freedom, Christ has set us free. Stand fast, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. I would tell you, I probably highlighted a couple all-time verses, all-time favorite verses.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
One of them is this verse, chapter 5 of Galatians, verse 1. Also, Romans chapter 12, verse 1. Some of those later on, Revelation chapter 12, verse 1, or Hebrews chapter 12, verse 1. There's a lot of good verses in there. But for freedom, Christ has set us free. Stand fast, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. One of the things that St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
What I mean by that is it is pressing play on day 352 when Oh yeah. Day one, day two, day 10. That was maybe kind of fun. Maybe got a lot out of it, but here's day 352 and you press play and say, okay, God speak, Lord speak. Your servant is listening. And it's like, well, this is dry. I didn't get a lot out of this. I was distracted by this.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And sometimes when we show up for prayer, it's, that's all it is. It's just dry prayer. God is doing something in that maybe more than any other time. In fact, desolation and prayer can be used by the Lord God, maybe even more powerfully than consolation and prayer.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Because what's happening in that desolation where we just show up and I get nothing out of this, what God is doing there is he is purifying our love for him. He is allowing us to go through this time of dry prayer, distracted prayer, and even desolate prayer so that we can have the kind of hearts that love him for his own sake.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
They don't just love the gifts, don't just love the consolations, don't just love those insights and blessings, but we love him. And here Peter is talking about this, you know, rejoice in this, rejoice in the various trials.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Now, again, those are dramatic trials that many of them went through, but every Christian has to go through the normal trials of life so that our hearts and our love and our faith can be purified. He goes on to say, without having seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And this is what we do as we do as well, is that we love the Lord God and he loves us. But that love gets purified through times of dryness, times of distraction, and times of desolation where we keep showing up. And that is so, so important. And of course, Peter goes on to talk about how we're called to live holy lives, that there's a way that we live life without Jesus.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And there's a way that we have to live life with Christ, that he gave himself up for us. And so our call is to be holy as the Lord God is holy. And he goes on to talk about how we are not only a new people, the living stones, chosen people, but he emphasizes in chapter two, verse nine, he says, you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Once you were no people, but now you are God's people. Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. And that reality, of course, from all nations, from all races, from all ethnicities, from all backgrounds, we are now gathered into one.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And that's one of the reasons why as Christians, we, gosh, the reality of coming from different countries, speaking different languages, belonging to different races, all of those things are essentially nullified. Actually, I would say this, all of those are unified. Maybe a better way to say it. All of those are unified.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
in the lord jesus our most important identity peter is saying here most important identity is that we are god's children therefore our ethnicity yeah sure that might be important but not as important as being an adopted son or daughter of god our race sure that might be important but not anywhere close to as important as being an adopted son or daughter of god that that
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith, you obtain the salvation of your souls. The prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired about this salvation.
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Where our background as sinners, in whatever way that we have sinned or continue to sin, whatever we struggle with, those things can be important. But they're nowhere near as important as the fact that you and I are now adopted sons and daughters of God the Father. So important. Made into a royal priesthood. Remember that Jesus Christ is the high priest.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And he has made us into a nation of priests, able to offer the sacrifice to the Father, which is just amazing. Absolutely incredible. Last little note on St. Peter.
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
When talking about being subject to every human institution, he's basically saying, live as great citizens, live as good citizens, and have that sense of order that's given to the world, whether that be to the emperor, to the governor, whoever that is. In families, husbands and wives have an obligation to each other Parents and children have an obligation to each other.
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And even those slaves and masters have an obligation to each other. Again, maybe someone can distort this and say, no, no, no, the men are over the women and the parents are over the kids and masters are over slaves. But that is not what St. Peter is saying. He is saying you have an obligation to each other. And that is absolutely, go back, please reread or re-listen to the end of chapter two.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Saint Peter is making a very, very clear point that all of us have an obligation to each other. That's one of the key pieces where Saint Peter talks, in fact, where Paul talks about this as well. And it's so interesting how in Colossians chapter three, Saint Paul is making kind of some of the similar points. Wives, be subject to your husbands as is fitting to the Lord.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. This is the key. I remember hearing this in mass when I was a kid growing up. The next line, which is chapter three, verse 20 of St. Paul's letter to the Colossians. Children, obey your parents in everything for this pleases the Lord. And I remember being next to my dad and him looking over kind of a thing.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And the next line is, fathers, do not provoke your children lest they become discouraged. Like, yes, okay, there we go. I like that, Paul. I appreciate that. The fact is not only did I feel myself justified in that moment in mass, but also what is Paul's point? Paul's point is you have an obligation to each other. You belong to each other.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
I think Mother Teresa once said, if we have no peace, it's because we've forgotten that we belong to each other. That the wife, she belongs to her husband and the husband, he belongs to his wife. that the children, they belong to the parents and the parents, they belong to the children and we belong to each other. That is so critically important that we continue this way.
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
They inquired what person or time was indicated by the Spirit of Christ within them when predicting the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glory. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things which have now been announced to you by those who preached the good news to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And last little note, chapter four, as St. Paul leaves the Colossians here with his further instructions, chapter four, verse two, he says, continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving, And pray for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word to declare the mystery of Christ. And this is so important, to pray for each other.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. So important. Everything that Paul and Peter have written that we've heard declared today are absolutely critical for Christian living. And so that's why we have to keep coming back to the word because it just goes sometimes in one ear and out the other. Sometimes it just washes over our heart and we just want to remember it.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
We want to store it up in our hearts. We want to have it carved into our hearts. And it's so easy to forget. It's one of the reasons why it's so good to write these things down, whether that be in the Insight Journal or anywhere that you collect information these gems, these pearls, these rules for living that we heard today from St. Peter and from St. Paul. It's a good day.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Remember one of those last rules for living is to pray steadfastly and to pray for each other. I am praying for you. Please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
A Call to Holy Living Therefore, gird up your minds, be sober, set your hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct. Since it is written, you shall be holy for I am holy.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Discovering how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story today, it is day 352. We are reading from the first letter of St. Peter, chapters 1 and 2, as well as the conclusion of St. Paul's letter to the Colossians, chapters 3 and 4. We're also reading from Proverbs chapter 30 verses 10 through 14.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And if you invoke as father him who judges each one impartially according to his deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest at the end of the times for your sake. Through him, you have confidence in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
You have been born anew, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God, for all flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord abides forever. That word is the good news which was preached to you. Chapter two, the living stone and a chosen people.
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
So put away all malice and all guile and insincerity and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants long for the pure spiritual milk that by it you may grow up to salvation for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Come to him, that living stone, rejected by men, but in God's sight chosen and precious.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And like living stones, be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture, Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame. To you, therefore, who believe, he is precious.
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
But for those who do not believe, the very stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, and a stone that will make men stumble, a rock that will make them fall. For they stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were no people, but now you are God's people. Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Live as servants of God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
As always, the Bible translation I'm reading from is the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition. I'm using the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension. If you want to download your own Bible in a year reading plan, you can visit ascensionpress.com slash Bible in a year.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Beloved, I beg you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against your soul. Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing right, you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. Live as free men, yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but live as servants of God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. The example of Christ's suffering. Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to the kind and gentle, but also to the overbearing. For one is approved if, mindful of God, he endures pain while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if when you do wrong and are beaten for it, you take it patiently?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
But if, when you do right and suffer for it, you take it patiently, you have God's approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin. No guile was found on his lips. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return.
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Hi, my name is Father Mike Schmitz, and you're listening to the Bible in a Year podcast, where we encounter God's voice and live life through the lens of Scripture. The Bible in a Year podcast is brought to you by Ascension. Using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
When he suffered, he did not threaten, but he trusted to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
You can also subscribe to this podcast by clicking on subscribe and receiving daily episodes and daily updates because today is day 352. We are reading 1 Peter chapters 1 and 2, Colossians chapter 3 and 4, as well as Proverbs chapter 30 verses 10 through 14. The first letter of Peter, chapter one, salutation.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Put to death, therefore, what is earthly in you, immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these, the wrath of God is coming.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
in these you once walked when you lived in them but now put them all away anger wrath malice slander and foul talk from your mouth do not lie to one another seeing that you have put off the old man with his practices and have put on the new man who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his creator
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all and in all. Put on then as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another, and if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other. As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And over all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you are called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Rules for Christian households. Wives, be subject to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything for this pleases the Lord.
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Fathers, do not provoke your children lest they become discouraged. Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not with eye service as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart fearing the Lord. Whatever your task, work heartily as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Chapter 4 Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a master in heaven. Further Instructions Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
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Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood, may grace and peace be multiplied to you. A Living Hope Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And pray for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, that I may make it clear as I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Final greetings and benediction.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Tychicus will tell you all about my affairs. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts and with him Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother who is one of yourselves. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions, if he comes to you, receive him. And Jesus, who is called Justice. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always remembering you earnestly in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. for I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Heropolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Dimas greet you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans. And see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, see that you fulfill the ministry which you have received in the Lord. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you and you be held guilty. There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers. There are those who are pure in their own eyes, but are not cleansed of their filth. There are those, how lofty are their eyes, how high their eyelids lift.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
There are those whose teeth are swords, whose teeth are knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, the needy from among men.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Thank you so much for Paul. Thank you for Peter. Thank you for the gift of your son and the gift of your Holy Spirit that has guided the letters of these men as they give encouragement, so much encouragement to us as modern day Christians, just like they gave that word of encouragement to Christians of eras past and bygone years. Gosh, Lord, we think about this. We think about how
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
For 2,000 years, Christians have read these words of St. Peter, these words of St. Paul, and have found in them not only guidance and truth, but also just a word of encouragement and a word that just speaks into our pain and fills us with the capacity and that will to continue on.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
That will to endure and that will not to merely endure, but the will to rejoice in the midst of suffering, in the midst of tribulation. Because we know, Lord God, that it is only through the suffering that we can reach the kingdom of God. And so we ask you, please help us. Help us to say yes to you this day and every day. In Jesus' name we pray.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. So we have the first letter of St. Peter, which is just... ah, so grateful. Um, so some context for Peter's letter, he's writing to who he's writing to exiles. Remember that there were a lot of Christians, Jewish Christians who were exiled from Jerusalem during the persecution.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
By his great mercy, we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And so it could be to them, but also could be to any Christians who find themselves in exile. And he says to the exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia, um, that he's writing to them. They've experienced persecution. And this is so incredible because St. Peter jumps right in and he says, in this, you rejoice. What is in this? Well, in this, you've been born again.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
So chapter one, verse three, he says, blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ. By his great mercy, we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are guarded through faith for a salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. So that's just this summary. I just invite you to go back to chapter one, verses three, four, and five. This is the inheritance that's been given to us.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
This is the gift that Peter is reminding these Christians. This is what you've been given. This is what the Lord God has done for you. Even in the midst of pain, even in the midst of suffering, this is what the Lord God has done for you. Because then he goes on to say in verse six, In this, you rejoice.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Though now for a little while, you may have to suffer various trials so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold, which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. This is so important because he reminds them first of the gift they've been given.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And then he tells them that what's gonna happen is through this persecution, through this tribulation, through this trial, through this trouble, This is not God abandoning you. This is God doing something in you that he could not do without this trial, that he could not do without this tribulation, that he could not do without these various trials.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Because what's happening is the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold, which though perishable, tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. One of the things that we know about the spiritual life is that a lot of times when people begin following the Lord, they can have this crisis. And the crisis is,
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
Um, many crises, of course, obviously all of us have to have them, but one of the crises can be that we know our hearts and we know that we have a mercenary heart. We know that I, Lord, am I only coming to you because you promised me eternal life? Am I only coming to you because of the graces that you give me in prayer? Am I only coming to you because of the gifts? I want to love you, the giver.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
But I know this about myself. I know that I love the gifts, maybe sometimes more than the giver. And so we have this mixed up motivation, right? We have this mercenary heart that, you know, as C.S. Lewis has said, I think we've said this before. C.S. Lewis has noted, I have a mercenary heart willing to give myself to the highest bidder, willing to give my heart to the highest bidder.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
And the question is, gosh, Lord, help me. How do I become the kind of person who can love you for your own sake? The answer is through trials and tribulations. And sometimes those trials and tribulations are like Peter's describing that would might end in martyrdom. But a lot of times those trials and tribulations are simply showing up when showing up is not glamorous.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold, which, though perishable, is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Without having seen him, you love him.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
then the Holy Spirit of God is united to you in a unique way that you share in the divine nature. Now, as a human being, as made in God's image and likeness, you are a beloved creature of God, of course. But as one who's been baptized, you've been transformed, and you actually don't just have a human nature. Yes, it's basically God gives you a share in his divine nature.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
we're not like Jesus in the sense that Jesus is one divine person with a human and divine nature, but we get to participate, get to share in the divine nature. The example I always like to give is the example of Pinocchio and Geppetto. I'm not sure if I used this this year. Shoot, it's been 353 days, 354 days, crying out loud. But here is Geppetto, right? He's the marionette maker.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
He's the creator and he loves Pinocchio. He makes Pinocchio in his image and likeness. He Gives him arms and legs like Geppetto. He can talk like Geppetto and walk like Geppetto, but he's not Geppetto's son. He's Geppetto's beloved creature. He's Geppetto's beloved creation.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Now, Geppetto loves him, of course, but in order for Pinocchio to be able to look at Geppetto and say, not just my maker, but my father, what has to happen? In order for Geppetto to look at Pinocchio and not just say my creation, but my son, what has to happen is that Pinocchio has to have the same nature as Geppetto. And so what happens? He becomes a real boy, right? In the course of the story.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
And this is the same thing with us. Any unbaptized person can look at God and say, that's my creator who loves me. I'm a beloved creation of the incredible creator. But only when you're baptized, do you become a partaker in the divine nature that you're, in some ways, what you are changes, right? So that God can truly look at you and say, this is my son. This is my daughter.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
And we can truly look at God the Father and say, he is our dad. He's truly our father. And that's something so, so important here in 2 Peter. It's just, again, bonkers to realize this. Now, Peter is writing to people who are saying, how come there's such a delay in God coming to us? Jesus said he'd come back, but I haven't seen him. Um, where is he?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue and virtue with knowledge and knowledge with self-control and self-control with steadfastness and steadfastness with godliness and godliness with brotherly affection and brotherly affection with love. Amen. Amen. Amen.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
And Peter says, essentially, don't consider this delay. This is the final chapter, chapter three. Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord, one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years are as one day. God's not slow about his promises, but he's forbearing, meaning he's not, he doesn't wish that anyone should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
The idea is that God is giving us more time so more people can repent. But he says the day of the Lord will come like a thief. So we have to be prepared. We have to be ready for that day that's coming upon us. In fact, there was something similar happening in St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Paul's letter to the Thessalonians because what's happened for them is that they were concerned because people were dying and the Christians were dying and they thought, wait, shoot, does this mean that they won't be able to receive salvation? the fullness of God's glory, because they're already dead. We're waiting. We're expecting Jesus to come back in our lifetimes. But here is St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Paul in chapter four, who's able to say, we would not have you ignorant brethren concerning those who are asleep. Again, those who have died, that you may not grieve as others who do not have hope. This is so incredible. We do grieve. As Christians, we grieve, but we don't grieve as those who have no hope. We don't grieve as those who think that death is the end. Death is this place of transition.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
It's this passage into eternal life for those who are to be saved. And so we do grieve, but we don't grieve as those who have no hope. We don't grieve like the rest. But St. Paul goes on to say, for this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
For when the Lord comes, the dead will rise. The dead in Christ will rise. And then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
And that's incredible, incredible word of comfort for all of us, is that those who have died, those who have passed on, We'll meet them again. Those who are passed on in Christ, we'll meet them again, is the hope we have. St. Paul concludes this first letter with these words of exhortation, which are so great.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I love this line, this last thing here. He says, do not quench the spirit, do not despise prophesying, but test everything, hold fast to what is good. There's that piece of, yep, people have a word from the Lord. Okay, great. Let's test it.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
That's so important for us to do because too many people can be too easily misled if they just say, oh, that's from God. I guess I'll believe it. Nope. If someone is given a word, given a word of prophecy, we've read the entire Bible, you false prophecy. And so what we need to do is test everything and retain what is good. Ah, so good.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
What an incredible, incredible gift today has been concluding that second letter of St. Peter and concluding the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. Tomorrow we have 1 John and we have 2 Thessalonians and we're on our way. What a gift. What a gift it's been to be part of this community and what a gift it is to be able to pray for you. I am praying for you. Please pray for me.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Using the Great Adventure Bible timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story today. It is day 354. Day 354, we're all reading the entire second letter of St. Peter, chapters 1 and 2 and 3, as well as the conclusion of the first letter of St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Therefore, I intend always to remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to arouse you by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. And I will see to it that after my departure, you may be able at any time to recall these things. Eyewitnesses of Christ's glory.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father and the voice was born to him by the majestic glory, this is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
We heard this voice born from heaven for we were with him on the holy mountain and we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
First of all, you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. Chapter two, false prophets and their punishment.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their licentiousness. And because of them, the way of truth will be reviled. And in their greed, they will exploit you with false words.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
From of old, their condemnation has not been idle and their destruction has not been asleep. For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of deepest darkness to be kept until the judgment.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
If he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven other persons, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly. If by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes, he condemned them to extinction and made them an example to those who were to be ungodly.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
And if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the licentiousness of the wicked. For by what the righteous man saw and heard as he lived among them, he was vexed in his righteous soul day after day with their lawless deeds.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Paul to the Thessalonians, chapters 4 and 5, as well as Proverbs chapter 30, verses 17 through 19. As always, the Bible translation I'm reading from is the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition. I'm using the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension. If you want to download your own Bible in a year reading plan, you can visit ascensionpress.com slash Bible in a year.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. Bold and willful, they are not afraid to revile the glorious ones, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a reviling judgment upon them before the Lord.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and killed, reviling in matters of which they are ignorant, will be destroyed in the same destruction with them, suffering wrong for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their dissipation, carousing with you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed, accursed children. Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Baor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression. A speechless donkey spoke with the human voice and restrained the prophet's madness.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
these are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm for them the deepest gloom of darkness has been reserved for uttering loud boasts of folly they entice with licentious passions of the flesh men who have barely escaped from those who live in error They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a man, to that he is enslaved.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Hi, my name is Father Mike Schmitz, and you're listening to the Bible in a Year podcast, where we encounter God's voice and live life through the lens of Scripture. The Bible in a Year podcast is brought to you by Ascension.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
It has happened to them, according to the true proverb, the dog turns back to his own vomit, and the sow is washed, only to wallow in the mire. Chapter 3 The Promise of the Lord's Coming This is now the second letter that I have written to you, beloved.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
And in both of them, I have aroused your sincere mind by way of reminder that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles. First of all, you must understand this, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own passions and saying, where is the promise of his coming?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
You can also subscribe in your podcast app to this podcast because why not keep making this announcement here in the final days leading up to our conclusion of our scripture and our second trip around the sun and second trip around through the Bible. It is day 354. We're reading 2 Peter chapters 1, 2, and 3, 1 Thessalonians chapters 4 and 5, and Proverbs chapter 30 verses 17 through 19.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things have continued as they were from the beginning of creation. They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God, heavens existed long ago, and an earth formed out of water and by means of water, through which the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
But by the same word, the heavens and earth that now exist have been stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing towards you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up."
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be kindled and dissolved and the elements will melt with fire? But according to his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Final Exhortation and Doxology Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace, and count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation. So also, our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, speaking of this as he does in all his letters.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
there are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction as they do the other scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, beware, lest you be carried away with the error of lawless men and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Chapter four, a life pleasing to God. Finally, brethren, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that as you learn from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are now doing, you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that you abstain from immorality, that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like heathens who do not know God, that no man transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things as we solemnly forewarned you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
For God has not called us for uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore, whoever disregards this disregards not man, but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. But concerning love of the brethren, you have no need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. And indeed, you do love all the brethren throughout Macedonia.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
But we exhort you, brethren, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands as we charged you, so that you may command the respect of outsiders and be dependent on nobody. the coming of the Lord. But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 5.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
The second letter of Peter, chapter one, salutation. Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ, may grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. the Christian's call and election.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
But as to the times and seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When people say, There is peace and security, then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a woman with child, and there will be no escape.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
But you are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 6. For you are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. So then, let us not sleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation." For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we wake or sleep, we might live with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up just as you are doing.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Final exhortations, greetings, and benediction. But we beg you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the idle, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always. Pray constantly. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophesying, but test everything. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful and he will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures. Three things are too wonderful for me, for I do not understand. The way of the eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
We ask you to please come and meet us with your grace because you are good. You are God. We love you. We belong to you. You've rescued us from death and you brought us into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You brought us into your kingdom. You brought us into your family. Help us to live as your beloved children. Help us to live with you as our father.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Help us to live as good citizens of your kingdom, taking care of one another, being responsible for each other, enjoying all of the rights of a true adopted son or daughter of you, God, our father. May we be praised and glorified. We thank you so much. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, amen. So, gosh, here we are, second letter of St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion and become partakers of the divine nature.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
Peter. Chapter one, there's a line in here that is, well, the whole thing, obviously, is very important. But here is St. Peter. At one point in verse one, sorry, chapter one, in verse four, I think it is here, Peter says this. He says,
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
by which God has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and here's the line, and become partakers of the divine nature. This line is absolutely critical. It is also incredible. It is absolutely incredible. What is Peter talking about? He's talking about the fact that
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
When we are baptized, when we are made into God's adopted sons and daughters, we become partakers of the divine nature, basically become a new creation. And I mean, we've all heard that we become temples of the Holy Spirit, right? Of course, we've heard that. One of the things that means, of course, is that God abides because God's presence abides in his temple.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
another thing it means is that uh what was the temple for it wasn't just for the presence of god to be there it was for the place of worship right so if we're temples of the holy spirit also means that we're meant to be a place of worship that's why i believe saint paul had said offer your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and beloved your spiritual worship right so your body's a temple not only god's presence also worship there but also if you have the holy spirit of god
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
the church is not the first line of defense against poverty. The church isn't the first line of defense against someone living a life of desolation, that it's actually the family. And so if you're going to be a Christian and you're not taking care of your own family, then you're failing in religion. In fact, he says you're worse than an unbeliever.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children following the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. And now I beg you, lady, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we follow his commandments. This is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that you follow love."
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
A Christian who doesn't take care of their own family when they can is worse than an unbeliever, which is convicting for so many of us who might be separated from our families and might be distant from our families and say, okay, how can I do that now in this life, in this day, and in this age will be a call for all of us. I love the fact that St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Paul writes to Timothy in chapter four and he says, train yourself in godliness. For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is a value in every way. And I like it because I find myself going for a run, doing some workouts, exercising this. And Paul says bodily training is of some value. So he doesn't denigrate it. But then he highlights the fact that
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
But at the same time, godliness, right? Training in the spirit is a value in every way as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. And that is a good reminder that we just are called to not just have fitness in our lives, are called to have wealth in our lives, success in our lives, but to be the kind of men and women that God has created and redeemed us to be.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
The last thing here is the good fight of faith. And here is Paul exhorting Timothy you know, who is young, who is comparatively young, this young Bishop essentially of Ephesus. As for you, man of God, shun all of this, which all of what? Well, love of money, which is the root of all evil. Remember that money is not the root of all evil, but the love of money is the root of all evil.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
And through this craving, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. I've seen this so many times. I maybe haven't seen it in older people. It's probably present, but I work with college students and I see this desire to be successful.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
I see this desire to accumulate wealth, be the thing that just drives so many of our students from a life of prayer and from a life of service. to becoming distant and cold to the Lord because they're like, I'm gonna go, I'm gonna get after it, I'm gonna crush the day.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
And instead of giving God their first fruits and pursuing that training and godliness is this pursuit after wealth, this pursuit after money, the love of money, the root of all evils. And some by craving this have wandered away from the faith. But then that's when Paul says, but you men of God shun all this aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
And then bam, here's the line. Fight the good fight of the faith and take hold of the eternal life to which you were called. And this is so important. Take hold of the eternal life. to which you are called. My brothers and sisters, you and I have been called to the eternal life. So why not fight for it? I mean, truly, here we are on day 357. You've been fighting for 357 days.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
You've been listening to the Lord's word for 357 days. Take hold of the eternal life that God has in store for you, that he wants for you, that he wills for you, that he's given you in Christ Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Fight for it. This is the most precious gift
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
And by doing so, to follow the commandments, to love one another as God has loved us, and to be worthy of the gift.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward. Anyone who goes ahead and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Thank you so much for being on this journey together with me, with each other. Let's keep fighting. I'm praying for you. Please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
He who abides in the doctrine has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house or give him any greeting, for he who greets him shares his wicked work.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Final Greetings Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink, but I hope to come and see you and talk with you face to face that our joy may be complete. The children of your elect sister greet you. The Third Letter of John Salutation The Elder, to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Gaius commended for his service.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
And while we fit into that story today, it is day 357. We're reading 2 John and 3 John. the entirety of both of those letters of St. John, as well as the conclusion of the first letter of Paul to Timothy, reading chapters 4, 5, and 6. Also, we are reading Proverbs chapter 30, verses 29 through 33.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you, and that you may be in health. For I know that it is well with your soul. For I greatly rejoiced when some of the brethren arrived and testified to the truth of your life, as indeed you do follow the truth. No greater joy can I have than this, to hear that my children follow the truth.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Beloved, it is a loyal thing you do when you render any service to the brethren, especially to strangers who have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey as befits God's service, for they have set out for his sake and have accepted nothing from the heathen. So we ought to support such men that we may be fellow workers in the truth.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Diotrephes and Demetrius. I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge my authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, accusing me falsely with evil words. And not content with that, he refuses himself to welcome the brethren and also stops those who want to welcome them and puts them out of the church.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Beloved, do not imitate evil, but imitate good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has testimony from everyone and from the truth itself. I testify to him too, and you know my testimony is true. Final greetings. I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk together face to face.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Peace be to you. The friends greet you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
False Asceticism Now, the Spirit expressly says that in later times, some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, though the pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. For then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. a good minister of Jesus Christ. If you put these instructions before the brethren, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have followed.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Have nothing to do with godless and silly myths. Train yourself in godliness. For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
As always, the Bible translation I'm reading from is the Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition. I'm using the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension. If you want to download your own Bible in the Year reading plan for this last week and a half, you can visit ascensionpress.com slash Bible in the Year. You can also subscribe to this podcast by clicking on subscribe and... Or you know what?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance for to this end we toil and strive because we have our hope set on the living god who is the savior of all men especially of those who believe command and teach these things Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Till I come, attend to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given to you by prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Take heed to yourself and to your teaching.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as you would a father. Treat younger men like brothers, older women like mothers, younger women like sisters, in all purity. Honor widows who are real widows.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Hi, my name is Father Mike Schmitz, and you're listening to the Bible in a Year podcast, where we encounter God's voice and live life through the lens of Scripture. The Bible in a Year podcast is brought to you by Ascension. Using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how the story of salvation unfolds.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
If a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn their religious duty to their own family and make some return to their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God. She who is a real widow and is left all alone has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, whereas she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Command this, so that they may be without reproach. If anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for his own family, he has disowned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age having been the wife of one husband and she must be well attested for her good deeds as one who has brought up children shown hospitality washed the feet of saints relieved the afflicted and devoted herself to doing good in every way
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
but refuse to enroll younger widows, for when they grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, and so they incur condemnation for having violated their first pledge. Besides that, they learn to be idlers, gadding about from house to house, and not only idlers, but gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, rule their households, and give the enemy no occasion to revile us. For some have already strayed after Satan. If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her assist them. Let the church not be burdened so that it may assist those who are real widows.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the scripture says, you shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain, and the laborer deserves his wages. Never admit any charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Actually, hold out. Hold out. You don't want to give in now. It's been 357 days. You do not want to crack at the last minute. So just please don't subscribe. Don't be part of this. Just kidding. You are part of this. And we are so grateful. It is day 357. We are reading 2 John, 3 John, 1 Timothy chapters 4, 5, and 6, and Proverbs chapter 30, verses 29 through 33.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all so that the rest may stand in fear. No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. Men's Deeds, False Teaching, and True Riches The sins of some men are conspicuous, pointing to judgment, but the sins of others appear later.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
So also, good deeds are conspicuous, and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden. Chapter 6. Let all who are under the yoke of slavery regard their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be defamed. Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brethren.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Rather, they must serve all the better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these duties. If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching which accords with godliness, He is puffed up with conceit. He knows nothing.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
He has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words which produce envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions, and wrangling among men who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. There is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
the good fight of faith. But as for you, man of God, shun all this. Aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
In the presence of God who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
And this will be made manifest at the proper time by the blessed and only sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, who richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous, thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Personal Instructions and Benediction O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the godless chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge. For by professing it, some have missed the mark as regards the faith.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Three things are stately in their tread, four are stately in their stride. The lion, which is mightiest among beasts, and does not turn back before any, the striding cock, the he-goat, and a king striding before his people. If you have been foolish exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
The second letter of John, salutation. The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever. Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, in truth and love. truth and love.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Thank you for your word. Thank you for calling us your children and making us into your children and your beloved son, Jesus Christ. We ask you to please help us to walk in faith, help us to walk in hope, and help us to walk in love in all things, in all ways. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
So as we noted before, the second letter and third letter of John are quite short. And yet the same themes apply where John is saying, okay, this is the key. This is the key. Love. That's it. And not only love in this idea of affective love, like affection. Affection is fine. Affection is good.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
But John is talking about effective love in the same way that Jesus, when he preached love, he's talking about effective love, love that actually clothes the naked, love that actually does something. That's effective, right? Not just affection, which is a feeling, which is great. Love is felt, but it's more than a feeling. We recognize that love to truly be the love that God has must be effective.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
And that's one of the reasons why, as John reminds us, this is love, that we follow his commandments. So important. This is love that we follow God's commandments. And that's not only is it love, but also it is doctrine. It's truth. And so John talks about this truth and love. And that's these are two things that must go together. Truth without love is a hammer, right?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
Truth without love is just a sledgehammer. But love without truth is ineffectual. Love without truth is syrup, essentially. And neither of those actually does a lot of good. Neither of those build up. And what we're called to do is belong to the Lord and help in building up the people around us. Anyways, that's John.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
And the next time we see John, we're going to be hitting the book of Revelation, which is basically the day after tomorrow, which is kind of awesome. But we also have the conclusion of the first letter of St. Paul to Timothy. Now, remember, writing to Timothy, Timothy's living in Ephesus. And so the Ephesian Christians have got a number of things wrong.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
And one of the things that they had gotten wrong is they started to have this, as the header of chapter four says, have a false asceticism. They were denying certain things. They were forbidding marriage. They were enjoining abstinence from some foods. And Paul is writing to Timothy saying, no, no, no, remember, Marriage is good. Marriage is a gift from God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
And also, remember, in the new covenant, you can eat all foods. Whatever food you have, you can eat those foods. It says, nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. There are also, this is the thing, there's also some people who were not living very noble lives.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
In fact, there's groups of older men who were, the stories are that they might have been walking around drunk all the time. There were older women who were widows, but they were wealthy widows. And so they're basically kind of living off of the generosity of the church. And they were giving the church a bad name. Not only were they giving a bad name, they were also gossiping.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
And that is, as we know, gossip is deadly to community. Gossip is deadly to relationships. And so here's Paul writing to Timothy saying, listen, those men, correct them, but correct them as you would correct a father, right? So you're not just lambasting them in front of everybody. And these women, remember, we need to give our support to true widows, those who actually are in need.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
And those who are willing to take the gifts that we're giving them and not just live idly, but live nobly. And that's this key. It's really hard. It's one of those calls that we have, which is not simply to kind of throw charity wherever, but to apply it where it's needed. In fact, the reminder that St. Paul gives to Timothy to pass on to everyone in Ephesus is this.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
He says, if anyone thinks he's religious and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, the man's religion is vain. I think that's fascinating, isn't it? Where we think, what does our speech have to do anything to do with belonging to true religion? belonging to the Lord for real in the depths of our heart. Well, St. James will go on tomorrow. We're going to hear about this more.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
He'll go on to talk a little bit more about how our speech reveals the truth of our heart and how we will be reliable for every word that is uttered. And I think it's really remarkable. If anyone thinks he's religious, does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, that man's religion is vain. And again, I can go back to this because how often do we say words that ought not to be said?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
oh my gosh we just we just say stuff say things of gossip we say things of detraction we say things again we take the lord's name in vain all these pieces and we realize that when we do that we are demonstrating that we don't belong to the lord this is just bonkers
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting. For he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Again, taking care of those that no one else is taking care of. That is what true religion is all about. And then we have, of course, we have this big teaching in James, which is faith without works is dead.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
And this is really interesting. I don't want to be polemical about this, but it is really important. When St. Paul is writing about works, he's talking about works of the law. Remember that whenever St. Paul is writing and he's saying, you're not justified by works, you're justified by faith. Yes, he's talking about works of the law. He's talking about Old Testament covenant.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
The Old Testament covenant does not justify anyone. The New Testament covenant is what justifies. Jesus does justify us, right? Again, through grace, we're justified. We're saved by grace through faith. Working itself out in love is the full formulation of the Catholic vision of what salvation really is. Saved by grace, God's gift through faith. Yes, that response to God's gift.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
working itself out in love, because as scripture makes it absolutely clear today, faith without works is dead. And that faith cannot save us. In verse 24, you see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. You know, I know, and I don't mean to make this into an argument. But one of the principles of the Protestant Reformation was faith alone, sola fide.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
And the hard thing, this kind of a challenging thing here, is the only time those words, faith and alone, are put together in the scriptures are right here in chapter two of James, verse 24, when James says, you can see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. And so it's worth highlighting, again, what I'm trying to do here is, like I said a couple days ago,
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
I'm not trying to make a case. I'm not trying to convince anyone. Actually, I kind of am. I really believe that Jesus founded the Catholic Church. And so, of course, I am. And I believe that every person will find the fullness of faith in the Catholic Church. And so, but all my Protestant brothers and sisters, all of our friends who are separated brethren in Christ,
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Basically, I'm not trying to beat you over the head about this. I do, I do believe that the Lord Jesus is calling you to become Catholic, but that's not the point. The point right now is just to explain a little bit about, wait a second, we've heard in Galatians, we've heard in Corinthians, we've heard these other places where St. Paul is saying that it's all about faith and not about works.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
And yet my story is that I hear you Catholics talking about works all the time. Well, this is one of the places where if you want to know where do Catholics get the truth that we need both faith and works. We're not saved by works. We're not saved by works. That's important. But where is the place that Catholics get the idea that we need faith and works? Well, here we are.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
This is one of the many places in James chapter two that comes from. Again, not trying to cause an argument, not trying to beat anyone about the head by this, but just trying to show here's where we get that from. And as I said, I love the Lord Jesus and I love our brothers and sisters who are Catholic, those who are not Catholic.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
But I do think, I think that everybody in the world should be Catholic. That's all I, That's all I'm saying. St. Paul's letter to the Philippians. Ah, just consider, consider how St. Paul makes it so clear that everything else in life is worthless when compared to Jesus.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
In fact, he says, whatever gain I had, this is chapter three, verse seven, whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. And he goes on to make it even more intense. He says,
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as refuse in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him. This is so important. Why? Because that word refuse is actually the word for, we'll say dung, we'll say dung.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
I count everything, every gift in the world, every good thing I can do in the world, every possession I could possibly have, every accomplishment I could possibly have, I count that all to be fertilizer, we'll say, compared to knowing Jesus Christ.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
not having a righteousness on my own based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith, that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and may share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible, I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Ah, so, so important. So good.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Using the Great Adventure Bible timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how the story of salvation unfolds, and I'll weave it into that story today. It is day 350. You know what that means. You can do math. There's only 365 days in the year. And so that means we're a few days away from the conclusion of this.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation and the rich in his humiliation, because like the flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass, its flower falls and its beauty perishes. So will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Trial and Temptation Blessed is the man who endures trial.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Again, we're not saying one or the other, not saying faith or works. We're saying faith and works are so, so incredibly important. But also I love this, St. Paul's last exhortation. This is chapter four, verse four. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The last words that St. Paul has for us today in his letter to the Philippians are also just so good about what we feed ourselves with.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
He says, finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there's any excellence. anything worthy of praise, think about these things. There's this thing called the law of exposure. It's a psychological principle.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
The law of exposure is those things that you think about, those things you expose yourself to, those are the things that shape your heart and they shape your mind. That's one of the reasons why for the last 350 days, we've been listening to God's word.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
The law of exposure is that if we think about things that are pure and good and beautiful and excellent, then those things take root in our lives and we become like them. And that's what we've been striving after. Again, not just to learn more about God, although that's so important, but to be transformed, to be like him, because that's what he desires. He desires us to have hearts like him.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
And so that's what I'm praying for. I'm praying to all of us separated brethren and those who are not even Christian yet, maybe those who are on their way in RCIA to get baptized. that all of us one day may be united in Christ Jesus our Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit in one body, giving glory to the Father. I'm praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
For when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God. For God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Then desire, when it is conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Of his own will, he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Know this, my beloved brethren, that every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Therefore, put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to save your souls." Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror, for he observes himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets, but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Chapter two, warning against partiality. My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
For if a man with gold rings and in fine clothing comes into your assembly and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in and you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, have a seat here please, while you say to the poor man, stand there or sit at my feet, have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
We're actually, we've departed from the historical books. Now we've concluded the Acts of the Apostles yesterday. And today we're starting exclusively, essentially letters and then the book of Revelation at the end in a little over a week from now. But today we're reading James chapter one and two, as well as Philippians chapters three and four. That's the conclusion of the letter of St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Listen, my beloved brethren, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? Is it not they who blaspheme that honorable name by which you are called?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, you shall love your neighbor as yourself, you do well. But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, do not commit adultery, also said, do not kill.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
If you do not commit adultery but do kill, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty." For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Yet mercy triumphs over judgment. Faith without works is dead. What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. But someone will say, You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
You believe that God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe and shudder. Do you want to be shown, you foolish fellow, that faith apart from works is barren? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works and faith was completed by works.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
And the scripture was fulfilled, which says, Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. And he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way, was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Hi, my name is Father Mike Schmitz, and you're listening to the Bible in a Year podcast, where we encounter God's voice and live life through the lens of scripture. The Bible in a Year podcast is brought to you by Ascension.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same thing to you is not irksome to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs. Look out for the evil workers. Look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the true circumcision who worship God in spirit and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Paul to the Philippians. and Proverbs chapter 30, verses one through six. As always, the Bible translation I'm reading from is the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition. I'm using the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension. If you want to download your own Bible in a year reading plan, you can visit ascensionpress.com slash Bible in a year.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also, if any other man thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more. Circumcised on the eighth day of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews, as to the law, a Pharisee, as to zeal, a persecutor of the church, as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as refuse in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness on my own based on law,
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith, that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible, I may attain the resurrection from the dead. pressing toward the goal.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own, but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Let those of us who are mature be thus minded, and if in anything you are otherwise minded, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so walk as you have an example in us. For many of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Their end is destruction. Their God is the belly and they glory in their shame with minds set on earthly things. But our commonwealth is in heaven and from it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself. Chapter 4. Exhortations.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
You can also subscribe to this podcast and receive daily episodes and daily updates for the last 15 days of this podcast. You can do it if you like. If you don't, that is just fine. You need to stay 350. We're reading from James chapter one and two, Philippians chapters three and four, and Proverbs chapter 30, verses one through six.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Therefore, my brethren, whom I love and long for, my joy and my crown, stand firm in this way in the Lord, my beloved. I entreat Iodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. And I also ask you, who are a true co-worker, help these women, for they have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do, and the God of peace will be with you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Acknowledgement of the Philippians Gifts I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I complain of want, for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving except you only.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
For even in Thessalonica, you sent me help once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit which increases to your credit. I have received full payment and more. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Final greetings and benediction. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Sayings of Agur. The words of Agur, son of Jaca of Massa. The man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ukal, surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name and what is his son's name? Surely you know. Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
The Letter of James Chapter 1 Salutation James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the dispersion, greeting. Faith and Wisdom Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials. For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Another day. Thank you, Lord, for another day, for this next step, for the letter of James, for the conclusion of St. Paul's letter to the Philippians. We thank you, God. We ask you to please help us to put these into practice. Help us to put this instruction into action in our lives. Help us to be not only hearers of the word, but also doers of your word.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Lord God, let this time we've spent listening to your word, not simply wash over us and we just forget it and are unchanged by it, but help us to put this into practice, to put the love in our hearts into action in our lives and help us to do all of this in the name of Jesus and for the glory of God, the Father.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
In the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Well, praise God. Oh my gosh. So we left behind, as we said yesterday, Acts chapter 28. And today we're starting the letter of James, very short letter, only two days, chapters one and two, and tomorrow will be chapters three, four, and five. But James, who is James?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
James is, as he says, servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. James is most likely, according to St. Jerome, James was the son of Clopas and Mary, the wife of Clopas. It says very clearly in scripture that Mary, the wife of Clopas, was the mother of James and Joses.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
And so there is a, I'd say a more recent tradition that, well, we could go through this whole thing, but we would say this, that the ancient tradition of the church has always been that Mary was a virgin, that she had no other children other than Jesus. We talked about this a couple of the times when we hit the gospels.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
And how it said the brothers of Jesus is actually the Greek word adelphoi, which means, could mean brothers, means relatives, could mean cousins. So the earliest tradition of the church was that Jesus had no other brothers. And that here again, even St. Jerome in third and fourth century was like, no, no, James is a cousin of Jesus. He's an adelphoi of Jesus.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
And he is the son of Mary, wife of Clopas, who is already indicated in scripture. So that's who James is. James is the Bishop of Jerusalem. We got that going. Okay. Okay. So, he's writing in Jerusalem to the tribes of the dispersion, basically to all those Jewish Christians who are outside Palestine, outside that region. And this is, I love how Jeff talks about the letter of James.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
He has a Bible study in it. I think it's called Pearls of Wisdom or something like this. And it is so good because James is so good. And the Bible study is great because Jeff's great. But The Bible study is really great because the letter of St. James is just phenomenal. Where, oh my gosh, he begins by saying, count it all joy when you meet various trials.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
For the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And this is so, so incredible. I don't know what even to highlight because St. James talks about So many things in these first two chapters that are worth reflecting on and praying for.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
It's almost like the New Testament version of the book of Proverbs, where almost every line is another little gem, another little, as Jeff talks about it, another pearl where we can take and just apply to our lives. For example, we would say this.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
We would say in verse 12, blessed is the man who endures the trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he's tempted, I'm tempted by God for God cannot be tempted with evil. And he himself tempts no one. And then it's just really important for us to recognize this. It's so important.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
Another one, verse 19, know this, my beloved brethren, that every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger for the anger of man does not work for the righteousness of God. Just another gem. And what a gift we recognize also. that St. James talks about true religion and false religion.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Here's the big thing. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Just give me what's ever needful for me. Feed me with the food that's needful for me. Lest I be full and deny you and say, who is the Lord? And that happens to us, right? We get so full, we're confident in ourselves. Like, oh no, I don't need God because I'm taken care of. Or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Basically, here's the author here of wisdom. Saying, I know myself, I can't be trusted. I cannot be trusted. You give me excessive wealth and I will do something foolish with it, like denying the Lord. You give me a dire situation or circumstance and I will steal and I will not be a just person. And that's something, man, so much wisdom there, isn't that?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Isn't that so much wisdom, not only for ourselves, but also we look around and look at people that we might be quick to judge. Maybe celebrities or famous people or wealthy people and say, I can't believe that they're living such shallow lives. Well, that would be me if I was that wealthy.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Or we see people who are committing crimes and stealing or turning to a life of crime and say, God, if you didn't protect me from that, I would probably do the same thing. It doesn't make those things right, but it does make them understandable. Again, that doesn't make wrong right understandable.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
but it does hopefully make it so that our hearts and our minds, our understanding can be patient, right? Can offer grace because we know that there but for the grace of God, go I. Go we, I go. Here we are in James chapter four and five. So incredible. Again, once again, the wisdom of James. I love a couple pieces here.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the cycle of nature and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, a reptile and sea creature can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no human being can tame the tongue, a restless evil full of deadly poison.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
One is this in chapter four, verse seven, submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. That is such incredible advice and counsel for all of us because we have to, we have to submit ourselves to God. We surrender to God and resist the devil. The recognition is we're going to hear St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Peter talk about this in a couple of days, that he'll say the devil's prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him solid in your faith, that this is the battle.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
And every Christian realizes, as we heard the other day, that our battle is not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers, with the rulers, elemental forces of this world, with demons, with the evil one. And so we resist the devil and draw near to God. He goes on to say, cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your heart, you men of double mind.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Basically, he says you backsliders in another translation. That sense that, remember when Elijah asked the people on Mount Carmel during the battle with the prophets of the priests of Baal, he said, how long will you be of two minds? Like how long will you straddle the fence? If the Lord God is God, then serve him. And if Baal is God, then serve him. But just stop being of two minds.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
And here is James saying the exact same thing because this is the human condition. He says, cleanse your hands, you sinners, purify your hearts, you men of double mind. Stop being a person of two minds. Goes on. And one thing I want to highlight is I love the fact that I had this priest when I was a missionary right after college on the border of Belize and Guatemala.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
His name was Father John McHugh. And Father John McHugh is one of the co-founders of a religious community called the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. And Father John was this, by the time I met him, he was an old priest, a wise priest, such a holy man. And he had just given, he poured his life out for the Lord and for the people of the village in which I was living. And
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
and father john was from oklahoma so he had a little bit of an oklahoma accent and man this man he incredible he was a prisoner of war in world war ii uh his plane was shot down and it's just incredible story but he would always say lord willing that's what they always say you know god will lord you need to say god willing he said lord willing lord willing he never said father john i'll see you tomorrow lord willing father john are we gonna go into town tomorrow
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Lord willing, that was it. And he just took exactly what James said. Don't say, tomorrow I'm going to go do such and such. He says, no, no, no. Always say, if the Lord wills, we shall live and we shall do this or that. Because we have no idea what tomorrow holds. And so Father John always reminds me, when I think of this, when I think of plans, I'm always reminded of Father John.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
And then because of Father John, the letter of James here. One thing also James is warning people, James is warning those who are rich, not only warning to those who have wealth. And again, if you're living in the United States of America, you are worldwide most likely top 1% when it comes to those who are wealth holders, even if by American standards, you might not have a lot.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Just the fact is the standard of living in America is so high that we worldwide are wealthy. And so we just have to always allow God's words when he speaks about wealth to convict us. Also to use let God's words when he speaks about wealth that's built off of oppression to convict us.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
I think of this every time I have products that are made in another country where I am not sure about the practices they have in assembling these products or of stitching together these shirts or making these shoes. I always wonder and I realize that I need to figure this out because St. James, the Lord's word does convict those who, he says, you've lived on earth in luxury and in pleasure.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not to be so." Does a spring put forth from the same opening fresh water and brackish? Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh. Two kinds of wisdom.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
You've fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. You've condemned, you've killed the righteous man. Have I inadvertently, by buying certain products, have I withheld the wages of those who made those products? And I don't know, I have to find that out because if I don't, I'm liable for not finding that out.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
The last thing I wanna highlight is the fact that we have seven sacraments in the Catholic Church and in the Orthodox Church, and one of those sacraments is a sacrament of healing, and that's the sacrament of anointing of the sick. I'm also of confession and of the sacrament of healing. And where do you get that? Well, we get that here from the letter of James. He says, is anyone among you sick?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Let him call for the elders. The word there is presbyteroi, for as we get priests from, call the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise him up. If he's committed any sins, he'll be forgiven. So that's the kind of the origin of the sacrament of anointing of the sick.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
But also it's also connected to the sacrament of confession. Because it says that the priests will pray over them and they will be forgiven of all their sins. And then the next line is, therefore, confess your sins to one another. Now, some Christians would say that, oh, yeah, we just confess your sins to each other.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
You know, brother Christian, brother Christian, sister Christian, sister Christian. But we also see that there is a word at the beginning of verse 16.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Therefore, and so as James is writing about calling the presbytery, calling the priests of the church to anoint this man with oil and that his sin is going to be forgiven and says, therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. So this is all in the context.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
That confession is in the context of the anointing or in the context of healing through the hands of the priests or the elders of the church. Now, again, not making a point, just making a point. Lastly, here's St. Paul's letter to the Colossians. And there is a piece in St. Paul's letter to the Colossians that is just incredible. I mean, obviously, St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Paul is manifestly pointing out the fact that Jesus Christ is preeminent, that he is the one through whom and for whom everything is made. And it's just so powerful. And we can't dwell on that too much because it's just, it's the key. Jesus is the one through whom and for whom all things are made. But in his letter to the Colossians chapter one, verse 24, St.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Paul says these words that are very intriguing, mysterious. He says, now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. And in my flesh, I complete what is lacking in Christ's affliction for the sake of his body, that is the church. We have to ask the question, okay, what is lacking in Christ's suffering? What's lacking in Christ's afflictions? And the answer is nothing.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
They are sufficient for our redemption. John Paul II, he talked about this and he said, no, no, there's nothing lacking in the sufferings of Christ, but that you and I might be able to participate in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ in this world. Christ extends to us a particle of his cross that we might bear it with him. And that's what Paul is writing about here.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake and in my flesh, I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is the church. And that's one of the points of suffering that has been redeemed. It's been transformed that when we suffer in Christ, we participate in the redemption of the world. Again, not because his suffering was insufficient. It was completely sufficient.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Jesus Christ suffered once for all. but that you and I might have the honor, the dignity, the privilege of participating in his redeeming work. Jesus Christ offers us, he gives us a share, a particle of his cross that we might participate in his work of redemption, which is just incredible.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
And that's the truth that we just need to recognize, especially for those of us who suffer, for those of us who find ourselves in places of deep and profound suffering. We might not know why this is happening, but we do know what to do with it. to unite it to Christ's suffering and say, Lord God, use this.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Jesus, use this for the salvation of the world, for the Father's glory, and that this world may be transformed into the kingdom of God among us. That's what we're praying for. And I know that so many of you right now are in a place of suffering. And so I am praying for you. Please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Who is wise in understanding among you? By his good life let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits without uncertainty or insincerity. And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Chapter 4 Friendship with the World What causes wars and what causes fightings among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
It is day 351, and we are reading the conclusion of James, which is actually three chapters. James 3, 4, and 5. We're also reading the beginning of St. Paul's letter to the Colossians, chapters 1 and 2, and the book of Proverbs, chapter 30, verses 7 through 9. As always, the Bible translation I'm reading from is the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
You desire and do not have, so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly to spend it on your passions. Unfaithful creatures, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Or do you suppose it is in vain that the scripture says, he yearns jealously over the spirit which he has made to dwell in us. But he gives more grace, therefore it says, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you men of double mind. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you. Warning against judging another. Do not speak evil against one another, brethren.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
He that speaks evil against a brother or judges his brother speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you that you judge your neighbor? Boasting About Tomorrow
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Come now, you who say, today or tomorrow, we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and get gain. Whereas you do not know about tomorrow. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, if the Lord wills, we shall live and we shall do this or that. As it is, you boast in your arrogance.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
All such boasting is evil. Whoever knows what is right to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. Chapter 5 Warning to Rich Oppressors Come now, you rich. Weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted and their rust will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
You have laid up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned. You have killed the righteous man.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
I'm using the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension. If you want to download your own Bible in-ear reading plan, as I said, I think yesterday, to tick off those last few days, you can visit ascensionpress.com slash Bible in-ear. You can also subscribe to this podcast, or you can stick to your guns and stay unsubscribed.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
He does not resist you. patience in suffering. Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it until it receives the early and the late rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble, brethren, against one another, that you may not be judged.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Behold, the judge is standing at the doors. As an example of suffering and patience, brethren, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we call those happy who are steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Hi, my name is Father Mike Schmitz, and you're listening to the Bible in a Year podcast, where we encounter God's voice and live life through the lens of Scripture. The Bible in a Year podcast is brought to you by Ascension. Using the graded intro Bible timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story today.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, that you may not fall under condemnation. The Prayer of Faith Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is any among you sick?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man and the Lord will raise him up. and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
My brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God and Timothy, our brother, to the saints and the faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae, grace to you and peace from God our Father. Gratitude for the Colossians faith.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
and say i made it through the entire year and didn't subscribe once i don't care what father mike asked me to do i don't care a bit just kidding it is day 351 and we're reading james chapters 3 4 and 5 colossians letter of saint paul to colossians chapters 1 and 2 as well as the book of proverbs chapter 30 verses 7 through 9 The letter of James chapter three, taming the tongue.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel which has come to you as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
So among yourselves, from the day you heard and understood the grace of God in truth, as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, he is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
And so, from the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
May you be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Supremacy of Christ
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
And you, who once were estranged and hostile in mind doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
provided that you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Paul's sufferings and ministry Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
And in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the divine office, which was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations, but now made manifest to his saints.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man mature in Christ. For this I toil, striving with all the energy which he mightily inspires within me.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
chapter two for i want you to know how greatly i strive for you and for those at laodicea and for all who have not seen my face that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in love to have all the riches of assured understanding and the knowledge of god's mystery of christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge FULNESS OF LIFE IN CHRIST
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
"'Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness. For we all make many mistakes, and if anyone makes no mistakes in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. If we put bits into the mouths of horses that they may obey us, we guide their whole bodies.' Look at the ships also.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Warnings against false teachers. See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness of life in him who is the head of all rule and authority.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of flesh in the circumcision of Christ. And you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
And you, who were dead in trespass and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, having canceled the bond which stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in him.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Therefore, let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink or with regard to festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
let no one disqualify you insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels taking a stand on visions puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind and not holding fast to the head from whom the whole body nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments grows with a growth that is from god
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations, do not handle, do not taste, do not touch, referring to things which all perish as they are used, according to human precepts and doctrines?
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting rigor of devotion and self-abasement and severity to the body, but they are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die. Remove far from me falsehood and lying. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Oh, Lord God. Oh, just what a gift of a day. What a gift it is to not only hear the letter of James and not only to hear the beginning of Colossians, but also this wisdom that you impart to us in the book of Proverbs. Thank you for journeying with us all of these. Our entire life, Lord God, you never abandon us. You're always with us. You're always completely present to us.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
In this moment, Lord God, we trust you. And in this moment, we recognize your presence. Wherever we are listening to these words, Lord God, you are with us. You are nearer to us than we are to ourselves and our thoughts are to ourselves. You're nearer to us than our very heart is in our chest. And we thank you. Thank you for being near to us. Thank you for being with us.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Lord God, even when we do not recognize you, you're there. You're here. You're active. Help us to never lose sight of the fact that you're present with us right now. For with you, every moment is right now. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, amen. This reading from Proverbs chapter 30, it always gets me.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
Though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So the tongue is a little member and boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire. And the tongue is a fire.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
I just, I don't know how many times I've said this is my favorite. This is one of my favorites because it's just so wise. It has a knowledge. You know, one of the things when we come to know Jesus, I remember someone telling me this, that first two movements of conversion are a distrust of self and a trust in the Lord. And I think that's so wise. A distrust of self meaning, no, I know I'm broken.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
I know that I, man, gosh, Lord, you give me a chance and I will turn on you. In fact, there was a man named St. Philip Neary. I think he's the patron saint of Rome, but he's also, he was a joyful saint. And he's one of those situations where he did a lot of goofy things just to either to get people's attention, to get a laugh, to kind of humble himself.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
But at one point, I remember hearing that every morning he would wake up and he'd pray and he'd say something along the lines of, watch out for Philip today, Lord, because if you give him the chance, he will betray you. And there's something about that that's so clear here in Proverbs chapter 30. Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die. Remove far from me falsehood and lying.