Sunday, January 29, 2017

Psalm 9 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

I present here a new perspective on the psalms. I have rewritten them from a New
Testament Christ-centered point of view. I did not try to capture the poetry of the
psalms – I leave that to more gifted writers – but I attempted to capture their message
with a more modern interpretation.

God bless,

John

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Psalm 9

ord, if I could, I would boast of all your blessings, but there are just too many to list! You protected me so many times when I was growing up, and I am sure there are many of which I am not even aware. There is evil in the world, but we know that in the end good will prevail. Jesus, you will one day judge the nations, but you are merciful and compassionate, so I know you will judge us fairly. Until that day arrives, when times get rough, I will trust in you, my shelter and my refuge.

Throughout history, Lord, you have been our constant companion, saving us when all seemed lost. Obviously, you have a soft spot for the needy, poor and oppressed. As for those who persist in doing evil, we will look for them one day, and they will be gone. Yet the thought of one lost soul saddens me. I beg you, Jesus, to make me a fisher of men so that I may save at least one lost soul before the final curtain is drawn. Amen.

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Cover image: Christ the Saviour (Pantokrator)." Web. 25 Sept 2016.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spas_vsederzhitel_sinay.jpg
"Creative Commons License." Web. 18 May 2016.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Psalm 8 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

God bless,

John

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Psalm 8

verywhere I look, Lord, I see you reflected in the wonder of the universe. The wise and proud often do not understand you, but the humble, childlike, and pure of heart grasp your ways easily. As I gaze at the work of your hands, I ask myself why you bother with us mortals. Yet you have placed us in charge of this planet and its creatures. Unfortunately, our stewardship often leaves much to be desired. You must really be disappointed with us at times, but you knew we would fail you often when you formed us in our mother’s womb. I thank you, Father, for being so patient with me and for the countless times you have forgiven my sins. Lord, I stand amazed that you, who created the universe, will stoop down and pick me up when I fall. Thank you, Father, for loving me so much. Amen.

____________________

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Encounter with an angel?

A friend - I'll call him Phillip - was getting gas the other night

and a man was filling up the gas tanks in the ground from his

18-wheeler. When Phillip looked at the driver, he noticed that

the driver was looking at him. So Phillip said hi to him. The

driver began to say how happy he was that Trump had become

president and that he was looking forward to great things for

America. He finished by telling Phillip to be careful driving

home (the fog was thick that night.)

Phillip finished filling his tank and turned around to say good-

bye to the driver, but he and his truck had vanished! A man
pumping gas at the next pump asked Phillip to whom he was
talking since no one else was there! Phillip could not believe
his eyes. The driver still had his hose in the ground when he
turned around to finish filling up his tank, but now he was gone!

Phillip noticed that a worker at the gas station's store had
been standing outside smoking a cigarette. She noticed the
quizzical look on Phillip's face and approached him to say that
she had seen the truck, too, but suddenly it had disappeared!

So what are we to make of Phillip's story? Surely the driver
could not have removed his hose, replaced it on the truck,
dropped the metal lid on the fuel tank, climbed into his truck,
shut his door, started the engine, put it in gear, and exited the
station without Phillip and the worker hearing or seeing him.

Phillip said that he had met an angel from heaven. This was not
the first time he had encountered an angel - I'll save that story for
another time - but what was the reason for his visit? We know the
fog was thick. Was he warning Phillip to be extra careful driving?
Did he just choose Phillip to share a message from God that
heaven was happy that Trump had won?

And what was the message for the worker? Did the angel
strengthen her faltering faith by demonstrating that the spiritual
world was just as real as the physical world? Or was it so that I
could share Phillip's story with you and strengthen your faith?

We who believe in angels know that God sends them as
messengers to help and protect us. We may never grasp in
this world the reason for the fleeting appearance of the truck
driver, but one day when we see God face to face, we will
understand. In the meantime, let us thank God for this kindly
reminder that He is very much aware of our life here on earth,
and that he will make his presence known unexpectedly at times
to make sure things go according to His plan.

And let us thank our guardian angel for watching over us and
protecting us, and for having to witness some of the sinful
and even crazy things we do when we think no one is looking!
Amen.

Psalm 7 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

God bless,

John

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Psalm 7

elp me, Father, for I am in distress. Fears and anxieties rise up within me and threaten my peace. I sometimes feel so alone, so weak against those who do evil. Perhaps my deepest fear is that I will become like them and ignore your precepts. Temptations abound. Yet I know that your justice will prevail, if not in this world, then in the next. Let me not be found wanting, Jesus, when I appear before your judgment seat. Let your gaze pierce my very soul to see that, although I am a weak, wounded creature, I still strive every day to do what is pleasing to the Father.

Lord, you are not surprised when I fall, but you are very pleased when I get back up. You are a just and righteous God who disciplines me when necessary, just as a father corrects his child’s improper behavior. I have free will to ignore your direction, but you love me too much to leave me to my own devices. You are not above nudging me in the right direction. Sometimes your nudges hurt – sometimes they hurt a lot – but I know you have my best interests at heart. I will always praise you for all that you have done for me. Amen.

____________________

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Psalm 6 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

God bless,

John

____________________

Psalm 6

ord, I am sorry that I have disappointed you again. As St. Paul said, “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing.” Romans 7:19 (NLT) Yet you know that I am a weak creature, and you take pity on me. Jesus, you came to heal the sick and the sinner. Come then and heal me in body and soul so that I may once again shine in your presence. I am heartsick for having offended you and I fear at times that evil will drive me away from you completely. Yet my soul reminds me constantly that you love me, even when I fail. Upon my request, you are ever ready to help me get back on the path that leads to you. For that I will be eternally grateful. Amen.

____________________

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Psalm 5 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

God bless,

John

____________________

Psalm 5

ord, hear my prayer because I am suffering. Others can put their trust in riches and fame, but you are my true treasure, the source of my joy. I know that sin offends you, so not only will I strive to be as perfect as you are, Father, but I will also pray for those who prefer to follow their own path, a path that leads to disappointment and sadness. As for me, I will tread the path that leads to eternal joy in heaven. I expect to meet challenges along the way, but Jesus will be there to lighten my burden. Lord, you really only ask two things of me: to love you with all my heart, soul and mind; and to love others as you have loved me. Forgive those who ignore you, Father, “for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 (NLT) May I be a beacon in the darkness to guide them back to you. Lord, you are my comforter and my rock, and that fills me with joy. In gratitude I will praise you forever. Amen.

____________________

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Psalms 3 and 4 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

God bless,

John

____________________

Psalm 3

ather, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the evil that surrounds me. Yet I am grateful for the countless times you have come to my assistance. Even when I sleep, you watch over me. Evil covers the land, yet I know that the righteous will prevail, for you have promised that good will triumph over evil in the end, and all your promises are true. Amen.

Psalm 4

am in trouble, Father. I feel overwhelmed by insecurity and worry. Take away my distress. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. You have promised to help all those who call on you. However, I know that I must also do my part: control my evil inclinations, avoid temptation, foster humility, and trust in you. The only reward I seek is to one day see your face in heaven. Until then I will seek comfort in knowing that you will keep me safe. Amen.

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This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

I love the psalms, but they were written at a time when revenge was acceptable as a

punishment for sin and the people had no concept of an afterlife. Jesus changed all of

that. He taught us to forgive our enemies and to pray for their conversion. Moreover,

he taught repentance and salvation: we needed to change our sinful ways if we were

to enjoy heaven with him eternally.

With that in mind, I present here a new perspective on the psalms. I have rewritten

them from a New Testament point of view. I did not try to capture the poetry of the

psalms – I leave that to more gifted writers – but I attempted to capture their message

with a more modern interpretation.

They say that God wrote the psalms so we could use them to pray to him. I certainly

have found them to be some of the most beautiful prayers ever written. However, God

inspired the psalmists to write them, not because he likes to hear himself talk, but rather

because he wanted us to follow their advice to become a righteous man or woman, or

as I would say in modern language, attain sanctity.

I hope that this modern presentation of the psalms will in some small way find a

favorable reception among those who have loved the psalms as much as I have. May

they serve to draw you and me closer to God.

God bless…

John

Dedicated to Jesus, the fulfillment of the Scriptures.

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Luke 18:38 (NLT)

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Psalm 1

less me, Father, and give me the joy that comes from avoiding evil; from not associating with sinners or those of little faith; from seeking to do your will in all things by following your precepts; from spreading the gospel and working for the salvation of souls. Amen.

Psalm 2

ather, I see what happens to those who rebel against you: they will be tested by life’s challenges until they acknowledge the error of their ways; accept that certain outcomes can only be achieved with your help; and return to you. None of us can expect to get out of this world alive, and suffering at times in inevitable. However, suffering is not a punishment, but rather a means of purifying the ego, for we are all to be tested in the fire. Yet it is through such tests that we become more humble and cognizant of our shortcomings and failings. It is then that we turn to you for help, rather than trying to rely only on our own resources, which are woefully lacking.

But what about the innocent, Lord? Even great saints and children suffer and die, although they have done nothing wrong. Perhaps the suffering of others may cause us to become more introspective and spiritual as we seek to understand the event. Certainly, many will seek comfort in you when all else fails to heal their broken heat.

Wise men have taught us that you, Lord, have a master plan, and we each must play our part in it. Unfortunately, your plan and the reason behind such tragedies must remain a mystery until we see you face to face. Then all will be made clear. In the meantime, we must keep the faith and trust that you always have our best interests at heart.

Father, even Jesus, your Divine Son, suffered and died at thirty-three years of age, not because he had sins to atone for or possessed an ego to be made pure – Jesus was humility personified and as God, sinless – but because others considered him a threat to their power and beliefs. We now know that Jesus’ death was part of your grand design to save the world from eternal damnation. Thank you, Father, for loving me so much. Thank you, Jesus, for being willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save me. I trust in you. Amen.

____________________

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

This is the last excerpt from my book, "Praying the Psalms for the Unborn Child."

Beginning Sunday, January 8, I will post excerpts from my newest book, "A New Look at the Old Psalms: Praying the Psalms - A Modern Interpretation."

Psalm 41
Prayer of Christ after His betrayal by Judas⁷³.

1 Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!
The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble.
2 The Lord protects them
and keeps them alive.
He gives them prosperity in the land
and rescues them from their enemies.
3 The Lord nurses them when they are sick
and restores them to health.

4 “O Lord,” I prayed, “have mercy on me.
Heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
5 But my enemies say nothing but evil about me.
“How soon will he die and be forgotten?” they ask.
6 They visit me as if they were my friends,
but all the while they gather gossip,
and when they leave, they spread it everywhere.
7 All who hate me whisper about me,
imagining the worst.
8 “He has some fatal disease,” they say.
“He will never get out of that bed!”
9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely,
the one who shared my food, has turned against me.

10 Lord, have mercy on me.
Make me well again, so I can pay them back!
11 I know you are pleased with me,
for you have not let my enemies triumph over me.
12 You have preserved my life because I am innocent;
you have brought me into your presence forever.

13 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
who lives from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and amen!

Jesus, who was so compassionate to the sick and the poor⁷⁴ (41:1-30), takes on the sins of the world and begs the Father to have mercy on Him (us). Under attack from His enemies (41:4-8), even Judas, a trusted friend, betrays Him (41:9). Ultimately, God will defeat Christ's enemies and raise Him from the dead (41:10-12). Thanks be to God (41:13)!

Prayer for life: My Lord, You suffered so much to save me. Yet, You were betrayed by a friend. How You must feel even more betrayed today because those for whom You died are offending You so through the act of abortion! Still, You beg the Father to forgive them. You are so merciful to us! Yet we know that justice must also be served. Be patient with us, Lord, for our hearts are changing. Fill us with the spirit of conversion so that we will soon repent and acknowledge the sanctity of all life. Amen.

END OF BOOK ONE

Have a blessed day!
John

⁷³Reardon, Patrick. Christ in the Psalms. Ben Lomond, CA: Conciliar Press, 2000. 82. Print.
⁷⁴Reardon 81.

Scripture quotations (Psalms 37-41) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

Blessings, Gifts and Graces

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Psalm 9 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

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Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Psalm 8 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Psalm 6 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Psalm 5 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

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Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Psalms 3 and 4 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

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Sunday, January 8, 2017

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Blog Archive

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Psalm 9 from my new book: A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation ____________________

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Psalm 8 from my new book: A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation ____________________

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Psalm 6 from my new book: A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation ____________________

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Psalm 5 from my new book: A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation ____________________

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Psalms 3 and 4 from my new book: A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation ____________________

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Psalm 9 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

Psalm 8 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

Psalm 6 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

Psalm 5 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

Psalms 3 and 4 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

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