Growing Closer to God

Matthew 16:13-19
New King James Version (NKJV)


Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed[a] in heaven.”

Colossians 3:1-4
New King James Version (NKJV)


Colossians 3
Not Carnality but Christ
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Have a good day!

Italia

the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us[a] with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified

Hi, I am Italia from south east England UK. I have been reading another passage from my Bible this morning is in the Book of Roman chapter 8 : 18-30. I read and meditate the Word of God every day it is my daily bread. Have a look to this passage.

Romans 8:18-30 (New King James Version)
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New King James Version (NKJV)


From Suffering to Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us[a] with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that

Hi, I was reading a passage in my bible yesterday in James chapeter 2: 14-26 Title Faith without works is dead. My name is Italia and I am new to your group. Read this passage and tell me what you think.

James 2:14-26 (New King James Version)

Faith Without Works Is Dead

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your[a] works, and I will show you my faith by my[b] works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?[c] 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”[d] And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.


Footnotes:
a.James 2:18 NU-Text omits your.
b.James 2:18 NU-Text omits my.
c.James 2:20 NU-Text reads useless.
d.James 2:23 Genesis 15:6

Need to just get disciplined about regular prayer once and for all. I used to be a few years ago, don't know how things got so sloppy and piecemeal. Resolving to do better!

I'm not sure how my relationship with God is these days. I've been under stress, and flitting here and there. I want to settle down and have a disciplined prayer life. It's quite possible I may be in a period of dryness, too, so I will not expect consolation - though will be quite happy if it does come

It's harder right now to pray spontaneously because my mind is wandering onto all the major life upheavals I'm going through. But formal prayer, though it works better, is something I procrastinate on.

I'm doing one thing right now starting today, and I invite others to join, in the READ THE BIBLE AND CATECHISM IN A YEAR group. There's a thread link that will take you to a website where the guide is. Anyway, the reason I think this will help me and maybe some of you is, the Catechism has a lot in it about prayer, and of course reading the Bible is something we all need to do.

And reading the Bible is a form of prayer. So I'm going to try this.

i'm just wondering if this group is active. this is exactly what I need. or can you recommend another that is? thank you and God bless you!!!

Hi, I'm Flippymom, 40 year old divorced mom of 3 girls. I'm having a terrible time right now. I love going to Mass. I used to go every week, sing in choir, lecture, teach CCD and VBS. Then after I divorced and moved, I can count on one hand how many times I've been to Mass during these past two years. I've always had a problem with feeling worthy of God's love and blessings even the miracles God has given to me. So I'm struggling with knowing that God is here, helping me, loving me. I know He loves everyone and is with everyone, but me, specifically. Really sounds horribly one sided doesn't it? I was born and raised Catholic and will continue to be Catholic until I can sing with the choirs of angels! But for now, and hopefully with finding this group, not for long, I'm struggling.

thank you for accepting me into your group!

Flippy Mom